Cooking Simulator 2: Better Together

Cooking Simulator 2: Better Together is the hotly anticipated sequel to 2019’s sleeper hit cooking simulation game. Developed once again by Big Cheese Studio and published by PlayWay S.A., Cooking Simulator 2 aims to build on the solid foundations of the original by providing an even more immersive and customizable cooking experience.

Greater Control in the Kitchen

One of the most immediately noticeable improvements in Cooking Simulator 2 is the new control scheme. From slicing and dicing to mixing and frying, all of the vital cooking actions have been overhauled to give the player unparalleled control and precision. Chopping onions, for example, now feels snappy and responsive, allowing you to finally achieve that perfect brunoise dice. Complimenting this is a wider variety of kitchen implements, appliances, and ingredients. From blenders to bratt pans, the tools at your disposal have been significantly expanded.

Giving the player more creative freedom was clearly a priority for the developers. The addition of a sandbox mode is the most obvious manifestation of this design goal. Here you are free to combine ingredients and cooking methods to your heart’s content, concocting your own unique recipes from scratch.

For those seeking more structure, the career mode provides a directed progression from fast food flunky to celebrated chef. Much like in the original Cooking Simulator, you slowly work your way up the restaurant ranks, unlocking new ingredients and recipes as you advance to more prestigious establishments.

A Team effort to success

One of the most exciting new features in Cooking Simulator 2 is the introduction of online multiplayer. Either cooperatively or competitively, you can now cook alongside friends and other players. Prepare a cozy meal together in your apartment, collaborate to run the kitchen of a popular bistro, or challenge a rival chef to a cook-off. This injects new life into the series, turning the normally solitary experience of cooking into a social activity.

For truly dedicated cooks, the ultimate goal is impressing the four esteemed food critics and earning their seals of approval. A feat no chef has managed in years, winning over these discerning palates will cement your status as the preeminent chef in town. It’s a challenging objective, but the risk has its own appeal. Succeed, and you will have demonstrated complete mastery of Cooking Simulator 2’s diverse ingredients and exacting kitchen techniques.

Review: 8/10

With Cooking Simulator 2: Better Together, Big Cheese Studio has meaningfully iterated on every aspect of the original game. Controls are tighter, customization options run deeper, and multiplayer integration makes collaboration possible. Although still in playtest, the current build demonstrates the title's enormous potential. If these promising foundations are paired with thorough bug fixing and polish, Cooking Simulator 2 may very well establish itself as the new standard for culinarily-focused simulation games.

Pros:

• Satisfyingly realistic cooking mechanics
• Deep career mode with clear progression
• Custom recipe and restaurant design
• Optional multiplayer integration

Cons:

• Currently some performance issues
• Need more tutorials for newcomers
• Potentially overwhelming number of ingredients