TasteMaker: Restaurant Simulator

We have all done it. We have all cooked a stunning dish in the confines of our own home and muttered to ourselves “I should open a restaurant.” However, due to a lack of opportunity or lack of capital, we have never been able to mould this unwarranted confidence into a booming business. Well, thanks to Tastemaker: Restaurant Simulator, we now have all the tools we need to create a restaurant in our own image and promptly realise just how tricky running a humble diner can be.

This game plays rather like cooking simulator titles such as Cook, Serve, Delicious and Restaurant Story. However, thanks to the restaurant building mechanics present, the game also has similarities to The Sims. However, we are wondering if this game is a meal fit for a king, or an undercooked and over salted mess. We find out in our review of Tastemaker: Restaurant Simulator.

A Fine Dining Experience

The unique selling point of this restaurant simulation is that the game aims for authenticity above all else. Whereas games such as Overcooked or Cooking Mama take a much more gimmicky and wacky approach to the culinary arts. Players will have the opportunity to build their own restaurant from just a plot of land into the dream dining emporium that you dream of running. Although, you’ll need to work your way to the top through being fiscally responsible and running a successful and popular restaurant.

You do this by creating a menu that will cater to all types of customers that come through your door, ensuring the vegans leave just as satisfied as the carnivores. You’ll also have to decorate to make the place look appealing to your clientele, not to mention maintaining excellent levels of hygiene. If you don’t, the rats will set up shop in your kitchen, you’ll have the stinkiest bathrooms on the high street and overall, you won’t be getting any Michelin stars unless you impress your customers.

From Rags To Ramsey

One of the most captivating aspects of this game is the progression. The game has a format akin to the Zoo Tycoon or Planet Coaster series. You’ll start with a measly sum of cash and with that, you’ll form your culinary empire. It’s very satisfying to watch your business grow at an exponential speed. As you add second floors or additional extras like casino halls and the like. You’ll begin to feel that you have the diners wrapped around your finger and we have to say, it was all very enjoyable.

We think the area that the game lets itself down the most is in its presentation. We can see that it’s going for a Sims style aesthetic. However, unless it actually is a Sims branded title, no other game would get away with the simplistic and plain designs on show. The animations are strong but the overall detail of the models and assets are poor. Plus, the audio quality is nothing to write home about either. In short, it’s serviceable but we feel that with its own unique style, this game could have enjoyed more success.

The Verdict

Overall, Tastemaker: Restaurant Simulator does a fantastic job of letting budding entrepreneurs take a stab at running a restaurant. The mechanics in place allow for an authentic experience as a restaurant owner and every aspect of your business will need to be perfect if you aim to succeed in this field, much like in reality. The building mechanics are satisfying and the progression system is equally rewarding.

Pros:

• Progression is rewarding throughout
• Gameplay mimics The Sims in all the best ways

Cons:

• Art style mimics The Sims in all the worst ways.
• The initial stages of the game can be quite slow and repetitive