Overcooked 2 (stylized as Overcooked! 2) is a cooperative cooking simulation video game developed by Team17 alongside Ghost Town Games, and published by Team17. The sequel to Overcooked!, it was released for Linux, macOS, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Windows, and Xbox One on August 7, 2018. The game was released for Amazon Luna on October 20, 2020.[1] Overcooked: All You Can Eat, a compilation game that includes both Overcooked and Overcooked 2, was released for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S on November 12, 2020.[2] The compilation came to Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Windows, and Xbox One on March 23, 2021, and on Google Stadia on May 5, 2022.[3]
| Overcooked 2 | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Developer(s) |
|
| Publisher(s) | Team17 |
| Engine | Unity |
| Platform(s) | |
| Release | Linux, macOS, NS, PS4, Windows, Xbox One
|
| Genre(s) | Simulation |
| Mode(s) | Single-player, multiplayer |
Gameplay
edit
In the cooking simulator game Overcooked 2, teams of up to four players cooperatively prepare and cook orders in absurd restaurants.[4] Players gather, chop, cook ingredients, combine them on plates, serve dishes, and wash dishes. Between coordinating short orders and bumping into each other's characters, the game tends to overwhelm.[5] The sequel builds atop the original game, which was released in 2016,[6] with new interactive levels, restaurant themes, chef costumes, and recipes. Some levels have moving floors and other obstacles that complicate the cooking process, including portals, moving walkways,[4] and impassable fires.[5] Other levels transition between settings and recipes, such as one that begins with preparing salads in a hot air balloon and ends crash-landed in a sushi kitchen.[7] The sequel introduces ingredient tossing, such that players can throw uncooked items to another chef or pot from far away, and online multiplayer,[4] in which teams can connect either across a local wireless network or through online matchmaking.[6]
Development
editOvercooked 2 was released on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Windows, and Xbox One platforms on August 7, 2018. It was developed by Team17 alongside Ghost Town Games, and published by Team17.[6] It was announced a month prior, at E3 2018. Atop the base game, the developers created cosmetic add-on content, such as a platypus character costume exclusive to the Nintendo Switch release and a pack of other character costumes as pre-order bonus.[8]
Reception
edit| Aggregator | Score |
|---|---|
| Metacritic | PC: 81/100[9] NS: 81/100[10] PS4: 81/100[11] XONE: 83/100[12] |
| Publication | Score |
|---|---|
| Destructoid | 9/10[15] |
| Eurogamer | Recommended[18] |
| Game Informer | 8/10[20] |
| GameRevolution |   [23] |
| GameSpot | 8/10[17] |
| GamesRadar+ |   [13] |
| Hardcore Gamer | 3/5[24] |
| Nintendo Life | [14] |
| PC Gamer (US) | 78/100[16] |
| Push Square | [19] |
| USgamer | 3.5/5[22] |
| VentureBeat | 85/100[21] |
| VideoGamer.com | 8/10[25] |
Overcooked 2 received "generally positive" reviews, according to review aggregator Metacritic. Several reviewers noted that while it did not feel like a significant evolution of the formula established by Overcooked!, it was a strong sequel.
Jordan Devore of Destructoid called Overcooked 2 "one of the best co-op titles around" while praising the dynamic level design and frantic gameplay while taking minor issue with the basic recipes and a lack of snappy feel in the Nintendo Switch port.[15] Johnny Chiodini of Eurogamer recommended the title, writing, "Overcooked 2 may be more of an improved recipe than a completely new menu, but it remains an excellent sequel and a delightful co-op experience", and praised the increased difficulty.[18] In comparing the title with its predecessor, Andrew Reiner of Game Informer praised the title for its online play and for being less frustrating due to more forgiving scoring and level gating. Mitch Vogel of Nintendo Life and Stephen Tailby of Push Square praised the improvements in presentation and performance the game made over its predecessor.[14][19]
Michael Leri of GameRevolution gave the game a 9 out of 10 and praised the game's ability to consistently remain fresh with teamwork-rewarding cooperative gameplay, dynamic level mechanics, and soundtrack.[23] Kallie Plagge of GameSpot praised the throwing mechanic, writing, "The new throwing mechanic, too, adds a new dimension to both strategy and the inevitable chaos without overcomplicating things."[17]
Sam Loveridge of GamesRadar+ criticized the lack of visual clarity during chaotic bouts of gameplay and the sluggish controls while stating, "...when you're in the midst of a level, all of the frustrations melt away, because after all this is really an experience that you aim to have with friends."[13] Chris Schilling of PC Gamer also criticized the chaotic interface and inconsistent level gimmicks while saying that the game felt more like an expansion than a sequel.[16]
Accolades
edit| Year | Award | Category | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Game Critics Awards | Best Family/Social Game | Won | [26] |
| Best Independent Game | Nominated | |||
| Golden Joystick Awards | Best Co-operative Game | Nominated | [27][28] | |
| The Game Awards 2018 | Best Family Game | Won | [29][30] | |
| Gamers' Choice Awards | Fan Favorite Family-Friendly Multiplayer Game | Nominated | [31] | |
| Australian Games Awards | Family/Kids Title of the Year | Nominated | [32] | |
| 2019 | National Academy of Video Game Trade Reviewers Awards | Control Design, 2D or Limited 3D | Nominated | [33] |
| Game, Franchise Family | Nominated | |||
| SXSW Gaming Awards | Excellence in Multiplayer | Nominated | [34] | |
| 15th British Academy Games Awards | British Game | Nominated | [35] | |
| Family | Nominated | |||
| Multiplayer | Nominated | |||
| Italian Video Game Awards | Best Family Game | Nominated | [36] | |
| Develop:Star Awards | Game of the Year | Won | [37][38] | |
| The Independent Game Developers' Association Awards | Best Social Game | Nominated | [39] | |
| British Academy Children's Awards | Game | Nominated | [40] |
References
edit- ^ Gartenberg, Chaim (October 20, 2020). "Hands-on with Amazon's Luna game streaming service". The Verge. Archived from the original on December 18, 2022. Retrieved December 19, 2022.
- ^ "Overcooked! All You Can Eat - Available Now On PS5 & Xbox Series X". Team17 Digital LTD - The Spirit Of Independent Games. November 12, 2020. Archived from the original on December 18, 2021. Retrieved December 18, 2021.
- ^ Peters, Jay (February 15, 2021). "Overcooked All You Can Eat is coming to more platforms, with expanded crossplay on the way". The Verge. Archived from the original on December 18, 2021. Retrieved December 18, 2021.
- ^ a b c Crecente, Brian (June 12, 2018). "Overcooked 2 Coming to Nintendo Switch, PC, PS4, Xbox One". Variety. Archived from the original on July 9, 2019. Retrieved July 22, 2018.
- ^ a b Mejia, Ozzie (July 19, 2018). "Overcooked 2: San Diego Comic-Con 2018 Hands-on Preview". Shacknews. Archived from the original on October 28, 2020. Retrieved July 22, 2018.
- ^ a b c McWhertor, Michael (June 12, 2018). "Overcooked 2 announced, coming this August". Polygon. Archived from the original on July 8, 2019. Retrieved July 22, 2018.
- ^ Gilbert, Brian (June 18, 2018). "Overcooked 2 is just as hectic as ever". Polygon. Archived from the original on November 9, 2020. Retrieved July 22, 2018.
- ^ Soto, Fran (June 12, 2018). "E3 2018: Overcooked 2 Fresh Hot Announcement". Hardcore Gamer. Archived from the original on July 8, 2019. Retrieved July 22, 2018.
- ^ "Overcooked! 2 for PC Reviews". Metacritic. Red Ventures. Archived from the original on January 30, 2021. Retrieved June 12, 2021.
- ^ "Overcooked! 2 for Switch Reviews". Metacritic. Red Ventures. Archived from the original on November 23, 2019. Retrieved July 1, 2019.
- ^ "Overcooked! 2 for PlayStation 4 Reviews". Metacritic. Red Ventures. Archived from the original on October 26, 2020. Retrieved September 6, 2018.
- ^ "Overcooked! 2 for Xbox One Reviews". Metacritic. Red Ventures. Archived from the original on July 25, 2020. Retrieved September 6, 2018.
- ^ a b Loveridge, Sam (August 7, 2018). "Overcooked 2 review: "Mad, manic, and utterly hilarious"". GamesRadar. Archived from the original on May 14, 2022. Retrieved May 14, 2022.
- ^ a b Vogel, Mitch (August 7, 2018). "Overcooked 2 Review (Switch)". Nintendo Life. Archived from the original on July 6, 2022. Retrieved May 14, 2022.
- ^ a b Devore, Jordan (August 7, 2018). "Review: Overcooked 2". Destructoid. Archived from the original on May 14, 2022. Retrieved May 14, 2022.
- ^ a b Schilling, Chris (August 7, 2018). "Overcooked 2 review". PC Gamer. Archived from the original on May 14, 2022. Retrieved May 14, 2022.
- ^ a b Plagge, Kallie (August 7, 2018). "Overcooked 2 Review - A Great Second Course". GameSpot. Archived from the original on May 14, 2022. Retrieved May 14, 2022.
- ^ a b Chiodini, Johnny (August 9, 2018). "Overcooked 2 review - a new and improved recipe". Eurogamer. Archived from the original on May 14, 2022. Retrieved May 14, 2022.
- ^ a b Tailby, Stephen (August 7, 2018). "Overcooked 2 Review (PS4)". Push Square. Archived from the original on May 28, 2022. Retrieved May 14, 2022.
- ^ Reiner, Andrew (August 7, 2018). "Overcooked 2 Review - Another Tasty Bite That's Easier To Chew". Game Informer. Archived from the original on August 9, 2018. Retrieved May 14, 2022.
- ^ Chan, Stephanie (August 7, 2018). "Overcooked 2 review — No party is complete without a food fight". VentureBeat. Archived from the original on May 14, 2022. Retrieved May 14, 2022.
- ^ McCarthy, Caty (August 7, 2018). "Overcooked 2 Review". USgamer. Archived from the original on May 14, 2022. Retrieved May 14, 2022.
- ^ a b Leri, Michael (August 7, 2018). "Overcooked 2 Review - Cooking With Gas". GameRevolution. Archived from the original on May 14, 2022. Retrieved May 14, 2022.
- ^ Helm, Jordan (August 7, 2018). "Review: Overcooked 2". Hardcore Gamer. Archived from the original on May 14, 2022. Retrieved May 14, 2022.
- ^ Harradence, Mike (August 7, 2018). "Overcooked 2 review". VideoGamer.com. Archived from the original on May 14, 2022. Retrieved May 14, 2022.
- ^ Watts, Steve (July 5, 2018). "Resident Evil 2 Wins Top Honor In E3 Game Critics Awards". GameSpot. Archived from the original on March 8, 2021. Retrieved November 20, 2018.
- ^ Hoggins, Tom (September 24, 2018). "Golden Joysticks 2018 nominees announced, voting open now". The Daily Telegraph. Archived from the original on October 11, 2018. Retrieved November 20, 2018.
- ^ Sheridan, Connor (November 16, 2018). "Golden Joystick Awards 2018 winners: God of War wins big but Fortnite gets Victory Royale". GamesRadar+. Archived from the original on November 16, 2018. Retrieved November 20, 2018.
- ^ McWhertor, Michael (November 13, 2018). "The Game Awards 2018 nominees led by God of War, Red Dead Redemption 2". Polygon. Archived from the original on November 18, 2018. Retrieved November 20, 2018.
- ^ Grant, Christopher (December 6, 2018). "The Game Awards 2018: Here are all the winners". Polygon. Archived from the original on December 7, 2018. Retrieved December 7, 2018.
- ^ Glyer, Mike (November 19, 2018). "2018 Gamers' Choice Awards Nominees". File 770. Archived from the original on January 12, 2019. Retrieved January 15, 2019.
- ^ "Your 2018 Winners". Australian Games Awards. December 19, 2018. Archived from the original on February 4, 2019. Retrieved January 15, 2019.
- ^ "Nominee List for 2018". National Academy of Video Game Trade Reviewers. February 11, 2019. Archived from the original on February 13, 2019. Retrieved February 14, 2019.
- ^ Trent, Logan (February 11, 2019). "Here Are Your 2019 SXSW Gaming Awards Finalists!". South by Southwest. Archived from the original on February 15, 2019. Retrieved February 15, 2019.
- ^ Fogel, Stefanie (March 14, 2019). "'God of War,' 'Red Dead 2' Lead BAFTA Game Awards Nominations". Variety. Archived from the original on March 15, 2019. Retrieved March 14, 2019.
- ^ "Italian Video Game Awards Nominees and Winners". Italian Video Game Awards. April 11, 2019. Archived from the original on March 21, 2018. Retrieved May 25, 2019.
- ^ Blake, Vikki (May 16, 2019). "Shortlist for Develop:Star Awards 2019 revealed". MCV. Archived from the original on June 19, 2019. Retrieved June 20, 2019.
- ^ Blake, Vikki (July 11, 2019). "Here are this year's Develop:Star winners". MCV. Archived from the original on July 13, 2019. Retrieved July 11, 2019.
- ^ Stephenson, Suzi (September 19, 2019). "TIGA Announces Games Industry Awards 2019 Finalists". The Independent Game Developers' Association. Archived from the original on September 24, 2019. Retrieved September 25, 2019.
- ^ Wiseman, Andrea (December 1, 2019). "BAFTA Children's Winners Include Emily Burnett, Bella Ramsay, CBeebies, 'Horrible Histories' & 'Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse'". Deadline. Archived from the original on December 2, 2019. Retrieved February 19, 2019.
