PlateUp!
- February 15, 2024
- It's happening
- 13h median play time
In "PlateUp!", up to four players work together to build and manage a restaurant, cooking meals, serving customers, and expanding the kitchen. The game features chaotic kitchen action, strategic planning, and roguelite elements, with progression unlocking new dishes, appliances, and challenges. The goal is to successfully run the restaurant for 15 days and unlock a new franchise.
Reviews
- gameplay379 mentions
- 35 % positive mentions
- 62 % neutral mentions
- 3 % negative mentions
The gameplay of "PlateUp!" is widely praised for its engaging blend of cooperative cooking mechanics and roguelike elements, offering a fun and chaotic experience, especially when played with friends. Players appreciate the strategic depth, customization options, and the ability to manage a restaurant while facing increasing challenges, although some mechanics can feel finicky or unoptimized. Overall, the game is noted for its addictive gameplay loop, charming visuals, and the balance between simplicity and complexity, making it accessible yet rewarding for both solo and multiplayer sessions.
“Great gameplay, even greater with friends.”
“The gameplay loop is amazing.”
“The combination of simplistic controls with detailed routines and considered mechanics makes the game both fun to play in its frantic daily restaurant running and engaging when managing your restaurant in between days.”
“Unoptimized gameplay and mechanics with recurring server lag and issues.”
“The gameplay loop is the same every time, but changes depending on the map type, food type, and any extra cards you choose.”
“It's hard to figure out on your own but the mechanics are easy.”
- replayability185 mentions
- 63 % positive mentions
- 35 % neutral mentions
- 2 % negative mentions
The game boasts exceptional replayability, largely due to its roguelike elements, which ensure that each playthrough offers a unique experience with varied challenges, strategies, and customization options. Players appreciate the depth and flexibility that allow for different restaurant setups and gameplay styles, making it enjoyable both solo and in multiplayer. Overall, it is frequently described as infinitely replayable, surpassing similar titles like Overcooked in terms of variety and engagement.
“Replayability: the roguelike elements make every run different.”
“If you’re looking for a game that’s endlessly replayable and always a good time, PlateUp!”
“The roguelike elements set this one apart for me, and add a lot of replayability.”
“The roguelike element of this game really isn't all that great and the replayability is lacking.”
“Game has 0 replay value.”
“We usually play games like overcooked together, but the set levels really take away any replay value.”
- humor123 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in this game is a standout feature, with players frequently describing it as chaotic, hilarious, and filled with moments of both laughter and frustration. The frantic pace of cooperative gameplay leads to amusing kitchen disasters and comical interactions among friends, making it a perfect choice for group play. Overall, the game's blend of stress and humor creates a uniquely entertaining experience that keeps players engaged and laughing.
“The chaos that slowly builds up throughout the run, by the end you'll either be screaming obscenities at each other or you'll be laughing so hard you can't even see the screen anymore through the tears.”
“The frantic coordination and teamwork required often lead to hilarious moments of both success and failure.”
“It's a hilarious riot when the pace and size picks up, and the avatars, shops, dress up and cosmetics and layout piece is a hoot!”
- graphics109 mentions
- 37 % positive mentions
- 58 % neutral mentions
- 6 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are characterized by a charming and colorful art style, featuring cute animations that enhance its personality and appeal. While some players appreciate the vibrant visuals and whimsical character designs, others note that the graphics can be simplistic and occasionally lack clarity, particularly for certain gameplay elements. Overall, the aesthetic is generally well-received for its fun and engaging nature, though some players express a desire for more variety and polish in the visuals.
“The colorful and vibrant graphics, combined with whimsical character designs, create an inviting and enjoyable atmosphere.”
“The game's art style is a vibrant and engaging feast for the eyes, capturing the frenetic energy of a bustling kitchen and the variety of dishes with a clear and appealing aesthetic.”
“With its charming graphics and catchy soundtrack, this game is a feast for the eyes and ears.”
“Vastly superior to Overcooked 2 in every way except graphics.”
“Would love to see better visuals - even with the color blind assist, some dishes are not clear, and I am forced to sit quite close to the screen to see.”
“The graphics are very basic, but that is exactly the style you’d want for a game like this; it is funny and quirky.”
- music49 mentions
- 29 % positive mentions
- 63 % neutral mentions
- 8 % negative mentions
The music in the game is generally well-received, with many players appreciating its catchy and charming qualities that enhance the gameplay experience. However, several reviews note that the soundtrack is limited, leading to repetitiveness over time, which can detract from the overall enjoyment. Despite these criticisms, the music effectively complements the game's atmosphere, making it a pleasant backdrop for both solo and co-op play.
“Its soundtrack, a lively ensemble of tunes, complements the bustling kitchen atmosphere perfectly, enveloping you in the game’s world.”
“The vibrant and colorful visuals are a treat for the eyes, and the delightful background music complements the gameplay perfectly.”
“The music is amazing and will stay with you after you close the game, which by the way is not easy, because you want to keep trying and trying.”
“Music: only 2 or 3 tracks for the entirety of the game, they sort of feel like songs you'd hear in a commercial or company PSA video.”
“The only downside I found yet is the music that gets repetitive quite quickly.”
“Last, the sound effects and music are very underwhelming.”
- story39 mentions
- 13 % positive mentions
- 69 % neutral mentions
- 18 % negative mentions
The game's story aspect is largely absent, with many users noting that there is no overarching narrative or dedicated story mode. Instead, players engage in diverse levels and challenges that focus on gameplay mechanics rather than storytelling, leading to a more casual and open-ended experience. While some appreciate the lack of a rigid story structure, others express a desire for a more structured narrative or single-player experience.
“Its features a story mode with diverse levels that present a different and unique challenge.”
“At first glance, it may seem like Overcooked without its overarching storyline and Onion King, but it's definitely a cooking-based party game with its own charm!”
“Has an arcady style with the map and cute story.”
“There's no story; no rigidity to the system.”
“Story: none which is fine.”
“There is no dedicated singleplayer experience/story mode to be had.”
- optimization35 mentions
- 20 % positive mentions
- 71 % neutral mentions
- 9 % negative mentions
The game's optimization aspect is a central theme, emphasizing the importance of layout and efficiency in both solo and multiplayer modes. Players appreciate the depth of customization and strategic planning required to create an optimized kitchen, although some report issues with server lag and bugs that can hinder the experience. Overall, the game is praised for its engaging blend of cooking chaos and optimization challenges, making it appealing to fans of the genre.
“This 'cooking' game is a ridiculously fun puzzle optimization game.”
“The restaurant customization aspect of the game makes for a very fun experience as you experiment and alter the layout to get your restaurant as optimized as you can.”
“The game rewards this and gives a wonderful mix of challenge and a healthy requirement for optimization.”
“Unoptimized gameplay and mechanics with recurring server lag and issues.”
“I seriously am raging at this game because it's so badly optimized and it's so hard to move around and pick things up.”
“You can't make a single mistake, so it's all about efficiency and optimization.”
- stability30 mentions
- 13 % positive mentions
- 3 % neutral mentions
- 83 % negative mentions
The game's stability has received mixed reviews, with many players reporting various bugs and glitches, particularly when playing online or with friends. While some users have experienced significant issues that affect gameplay, others found the game relatively stable and enjoyable, noting that most glitches are minor and do not severely impact the overall experience. Overall, while the game shows promise and fun mechanics, it still requires further polish to address the reported stability concerns.
“Pretty bug-free gameplay, at least in my experience. :D”
“Plate Up is well-made and runs great; I bought 4 copies for my friends based on the strength of the first few runs.”
“Clean, bug-free, no glitches or pre-release shenanigans; it's just a really, really great game.”
“The new update glitches a lot; if you plan to play with friends.”
“Game is buggy, and when playing with others, the lag is unbearable, even with gaming PCs and high-speed internet.”
“My only complaint is that on a couple of occasions, we've lost runs to some devastating glitches.”
- grinding30 mentions
- 10 % positive mentions
- 17 % neutral mentions
- 73 % negative mentions
Reviews highlight that the grinding aspect of the game can be both rewarding and frustrating. While some players appreciate the satisfaction of unlocking new content through grinding, many find the repetitive nature of the gameplay tedious and exhausting, particularly in co-op settings. The balance between enjoyable grinding and overwhelming tedium seems to vary, with some players enjoying the challenge while others feel it detracts from the overall experience.
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
“Grindy.”
“A tad bit grindy.”
“The level progression in this game is slow and grindy.”
“The game manages to be both tedious and tense in a way that just felt awful to play.”
“Making single player people give up since the content begins grindy and repetitive as hell.”
- emotional13 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players highlight the game's emotional depth, noting its ability to evoke strong feelings, including joy and sadness, often leading to tears. The wholesome and whimsical atmosphere, combined with engaging gameplay, fosters a sense of connection and nostalgia, making it a memorable experience. However, the game's competitive nature can also heighten stress, emphasizing the emotional rollercoaster it provides.
“To the developers, I extend my heartfelt appreciation for crafting a game that stands tall in the pantheon of my gaming experiences.”
“This is the only game that has ever made me cry.”
“But from just an 'emotional' standpoint, this has been one of my favorite games of all time.”
- atmosphere9 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is characterized by colorful graphics, whimsical character designs, and a lively soundtrack that enhances the bustling kitchen environment. Players can experience both a frenetic and a calming atmosphere, depending on their approach, while the ability to customize restaurant decor adds further depth to the overall ambiance. Overall, the atmosphere is highly praised, contributing significantly to the game's enjoyment.
“The colorful and vibrant graphics, combined with whimsical character designs, create an inviting and enjoyable atmosphere.”
“Its soundtrack, a lively ensemble of tunes, complements the bustling kitchen atmosphere perfectly, enveloping you in the game’s world.”
“It's keeps you on your toes at all times while still having an incredibly calming atmosphere.”
“Either of these might interfere with the frenetic atmosphere the game cultivates, though, so I am not so certain on those points.”
“Nothing like trying to serve food in a sea of trash in a sedated atmosphere that makes you wish you could move.”
“Through the campaign, you could gain upgrades, new menu items, and decorations which choose the types of atmosphere of the restaurants.”
- character development4 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- -25 % neutral mentions
- 75 % negative mentions
Character development in the game is met with mixed reviews; while the vibrant graphics and whimsical designs contribute to an enjoyable atmosphere, some players feel that the character design lacks depth and could benefit from more effort. Overall, the quirky aesthetics are appreciated, but they may not fully satisfy those seeking more substantial character development.
“I don't like the character design.”
“The character development feels shallow and lacks depth.”
“The quirky character designs and silly sound effects detract from the overall experience.”
- monetization4 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 75 % negative mentions
The monetization model of the game is criticized for being underwhelming, as it lacks intrusive ads and in-app purchases, which some players feel would be more appropriate given the game's price point. Additionally, there is a call for remote play features in co-op modes, as they could enhance the game's appeal and serve as effective marketing.
“It's too expensive for a game you could run for free on your phone; in-game purchases and ads would make more sense these days.”
“Despite advertising a single-player mode, the solo experience is rather disappointing.”
“There is a lack of intrusive ads and in-app purchases.”