plateup!
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7.3/10
TLDR: PlateUp! is a fun and re-playable co-op game with great teamwork mechanics and customization options, but it falls short on accessibility and visuals, and has some clunky gameplay features.
Listen to our full review on YouTube
Reviewed by: đŻ Alokin (Advanced Gamer) & đş Oceanwolv (Casual Gamer)
OVERVIEW
Price: $20
Our playtime: 40+ hours
Coop style: Couch, Local, Online
Where to buy: Steam
About: PlateUp! is a rogue-lite restaurant sim, where up to four players build and run a restaurant from scratch as back-of-house and front-of-house ops, cooking meals, buying and placing appliances, and serving food.
â pros
ALOKIN
Very easy to learn and get started
Lots of content to keep you hooked
Active online community
OCEANWOLV
Ability to customize every level
Unlimited character outfit combos
Varied gameplay strengths required
â cons
ALOKIN
No accessibility options
No crossplay
Rogue-lite game structure
OCEANWOLV
Only written instructions, no visuals
Wish there were drinks, not just food
Mechanics are sometimes clunky
đ¤źđ˝ co-op ability: 9/10
(how well the game supports teamwork and collaboration between players)
ALOKINâS RATING: 8/10
What I love about this game is you can have a lot of fun and advance in the game whether youâre playing with two players or four. Adding players enhances the game but doesnât require it. You also need to rely on each otherâs unique skills to keep the kitchen afloat!
OCEANWOLVâS RATING: 10/10
PlateUp! has easily become one of my favorite games because of its co-op ability. This game is meant for multiple players because everyoneâs skillset and strengths are necessary to advance. Like being in the kitchen in real life, you need to constantly communicate, have designated roles, and strategize together to win.
đ¨ production quality: 6/10
(the design, artwork, components, and overall craft of the game's materials)
ALOKINâS RATING: 5/10
Average. The game doesnât rely on any fancy frills or visuals to make it really enjoyable. The soundtrack is also pretty minimal. Couldâve been fun to have thematic music per location setting or different elements to enrich the experience a bit more. Otherwise, basic.
OCEANWOLVâS RATING: 7/10
While the character design is a bit boring, the world design of PlateUp! makes up for it. There are many outfits, kitchen layouts, appliances, terrains, and foods to mix-and-match so you can fully customize your experience! A cute bonus is you have two cats âat homeâ who help as restaurant guests in practice mode.
đŽ gameplay mechanics: 5.5/10
(the game's rules, flow, balance, and how engaging and intuitive the gameplay feels)
ALOKINâS RATING: 7/10
Simple which makes the game simple to learn. I enjoy the ability to upgrade appliances to make levels more in depth. The automation is when it starts getting very fun! Sometimes itâs clunky when trying to maneuver around corners. Wouldâve loved to see a one-hand option.
OCEANWOLVâS RATING: 4/10
The gameplay is intuitive (just cook or serve), but navigating the game was tough with limited instructions. For example, no guidance on using or upgrading appliances, which is essential to keep playing. A unique but annoying feature is the required confirmation click from all players to progress. Itâs meant for team-building, but Iâm just lazy lol.
𤊠overall fun: 9/10
(how enjoyable and entertaining the game is for immediate play and long-term re-playability)
ALOKINâS RATING: 9/10
Fun-factor and re-playability is extremely high. As the recipes progress in difficulty itâs challenging but allows the players to control their own destiny with how they plan and organize the new dishes. This game is seriously so freaking fun once you get in the groove.
OCEANWOLVâS RATING: 9/10
If you enjoy Overcooked but donât want that constant anxiety and pressure, PlateUp! is the perfect game for you! With plenty of mix-and-match options, you shape your own gameplay. However, adding more variety, like drinks and kitchen wall demolishing, would make it more fun and less repetitive.
TIPS TO START
(helpful insights as you begin the game)
ALOKINâS
Use the Fast-Building mode to set up your restaurants, using your character can be clunky to navigate and slow.
There are no instructions on Upgrading in the game, so youâll need to do your own online search for help. Donât worry there is a lot on Reddit and YouTube!
If you approach this game with just wanting to have fun, it will be such a joy to play. Donât hop in expecting to be the most efficient and automated, that comes later.
OCEANWOLVâS
Designate roles: cook/prep and dishes/serve.
Always use the âBooking Deskâ starter appliance in the first 5-7 rounds to consistently call customers to maximize income. Early customers are patient, so donât worry about the line buildup.
Find the âPrep Stationâ and/or âFrozen Prep Stationâ blueprints to use as food storage and to get more counter space!
