When I reviewed the initial launch of Cook, Serve, Delicious! 2!! by Vertigo Gaming Inc., I swore that I would never again underestimate the workload of being a short order cook. Now the game has updated with a massive increase in free content, and my new proclamation is that I will never underappreciate the baristas at Starbucks again. With 36 new shifts, 24 new foods, and 3 new restaurants, The Barista Update refreshes your thirst for new challenges, specifically with drinks. Revisting this game, I am once again thoroughly impressed by the fast pace and stimulating creativity of this dazzling restaurant simulation.
First of all, the update gives you the opportunity to expand upon existing experiences by adding new shifts to old restaurants and increasing the level cap to 125. In doing so, Cook, Serve, Delicious 2!! addresses the hardest challenge faced by most games: retaining and increasing gamers’ motivation. After an extended period of playing, everyone gets tired of the same old premise and setting, no matter how good the game is. It simply becomes too monotonous, too easy, too predictable. Some novelty is needed to sustain a gamer’s attention. Therefore, the huge increase in shifts and level-ups is the perfect boost to an already-entertaining game. Even though I was nowhere near the initial level cap, I was suddenly driven to complete shift after shift and level up as much as possible. Just knowing that I could level up more than I was able to before spurred me on, and psychologically I was once again in the mood to play. Creating and marketing this massive update is a smart move by developers, because it acquires new gamers while also reinvigorating the energy of old-time veterans.
Secondly, The Barista Update also comes with the addition of three brand new restaurants: Contrast Coffee, Burrito Time, and Planet BLUE. I tried out Contrast Coffee and fell in love—but also got really stressed out. The menu showcases an impressive array of espressos, lattes, and coffees, and each order is completely customizable. There is whole milk, skim milk, 2% milk, FF milk, chocolate, caramel, whip, no whip—everything under the sun. It takes a lot of laser trained focus to complete every order correctly, and of course speed is imperative, especially during rush hour. It was during this time that I gained my newfound appreciation for every barista working at Starbucks or Peet’s Coffee in real life. But it was also extremely stimulating and gratifying at the same time, having to think quickly and act decisively and receive glowing reviews as a reward (I almost forgot, there are also 119 new objects that you can earn as achievements). I have not even tried out the other two new restaurants, but if they are anything like Contrast Coffee, I will be hooked on this game twice as long!
Whether you love coffee or just wanted to virtually work at Starbucks for the day, The Barista Update on Cook, Serve, Delicious! 2!! is the perfect treat. By constantly innovating and adding to the playing experience, this game promises to entertain for a very long time.
Here is the Cook, Serve, Delicious! 2!! Trailer:
Cook, Serve, Delicious! 2!! The Barista Update is available on Steam, GOG.com, and Humble Store!
Related: Cook, Serve, Delicious! 2!! Review for PC
PC Review
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Overall Score - 10/1010/10
From the moment I first played Lego Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy on the original Xbox, I have always had an avid curiosity and enthusiasm for video games. I admire their ability to immerse us in completely different worlds, and I am always eager to see how they integrate the newest breakthroughs in digital technology to make virtual reality feel real. I am currently a senior at UC Berkeley, but when I'm not studying I always make time to play Xbox One with my younger brother.
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