BattleCakes

Turn-based RPGs have a reputation for being kid-friendly, but not necessarily cute. Just about all gamers born in the 90s played games like this, and while there were cute things about them, the overall experience isn’t what we would describe as “cute”. It’s time for that to change, and BattleCakes is going to make that happen.

Developed and published by Volcano Bean, BattleCakes is a positively adorable RPG that puts you in the cup of a colorful cupcake who is on a quest to save the realm of Pasteleria. You’ll meet other cupcakes and either conquer your enemies with force or friendship depending on what kind of cupcake you are deep inside. If you can’t wait to see what Pasteleria has in store, here is everything you need to know about BattleCakes.

Frosted Friends

When you begin BattleCakes, you’ll get to customize Birthday Sprinkle, the hero of the game. Choose from many cake colors as well as frosting styles to form a cupcake that is uniquely you. With your hero baked and prepped, you’ll set out into Pasteleria to meet its inhabitants and set out on your quest. Other cupcakes like Midnite Truffle, Red Velvet, and others can join your party and help you progress through the game, conquering enemies and solving puzzles.

The game is presented and plays like your typical isometric RPG like Pokemon and similar games, but these friends add an extra layer of fun to the overworld and strategy to the combat encounters. And, again, you’ll decide whether you want to battle or befriend the enemies you encounter. Destroying your opponents is fine and viable, but everyone could use more friends, right?

A Wide World to Explore

Pasteleria isn’t just one massive overworld. It is a sprawling place broken up into several different, unique locations. You’ll hobble through interesting places like Nougat Hollow and Vanilla Hill with your band of confectionary companions. These different places will also present their own challenges in the form of area-specific enemies and puzzles that you’ll need to overcome.

Be sure to have your wits about you, because as cute as everything is in BattleCakes, there are things that can also bring your journey to a swift end if you are caught off guard. And, the path you choose will inform how the rest of the game plays out. This combined with the level of choice throughout the game can result in wildly different playthroughs!

Cat Cakes

BattleCakes is a game about choice, friendship, and baked goods. Whether you decide to fight or make new friends, you will constantly be forming your cupcake’s personality on the fly. However, there is one thing that just about every player won’t be able to resist, even the most bitter of cupcakes: the cats.

Pros

• Adorable art and characters
• Tons of player choice *Interesting combat mechanics

Cons

• Can be completed in a few hours