Recent reviews by CartoonElixir

absolute cinema

I know game reviews are supposed to communicate proper criteria to evaluate a game’s value or worth. I also know I’m feeling emotional on a Monday at 10pm. So, if you don’t want to read an older sibling’s ode to their younger sibling, be warned.

This game healed something in me that I didn’t know needed fixing. In less than 15 hours.

I played Stray with my sibling who now lives across the country from me, a little over 17 hours away. We’ve both always been super close, we’re both cat lovers, and we love a good story! So, understandably so, we loved Stray.

Though, I don’t think I understood how much we got from playing this game together until recently.

Companionship, persistence, love, and loss. A lot of my adolescence I only really ever had my sibling. Obviously, a lot of tumultuous stuff I experienced as a kid would only be understood by the only other person present for it. I think a lot about how B-12 was found among a civilization long gone, almost like a beacon of hope for our protag in the game. I also think about how civilization persisted in the robots, despite everything being bleak.
There’s a lot of metaphors and connections I could draw here between the game and my life. I think there’s a really niche aspect of society this game could heal. I not only suggest playing the game in general, but if you’ve been through some stuff with a sibling, call them up and play it with them. I mean, I’m sitting here thinking about it fondly, like, 3 years later almost.
I guess what I’m trying to get across here is that you should play the game with someone you love while you have the chance. Companionship, persistence, love, and loss. Despite the horrors, we persist. We love, even when we lose. Dat just life bb

TLDR: game good but especially with siblings. Play it.

!! Hot Take: This game is going to be among one of the bests of all time. !!

Now, if you're not in agreement, hear me out!

As someone who has been somewhat following the development of Chef RPG for almost 2 years now (both on Twitter, Youtube, and glancing through the Discord), I can only imagine what this game is going to become. It has grown so much, it WILL grow so much, and I personally will be along for the ride.


I'm going to preface this review by acknowledging that releasing a game in Early Access is, in fact, a funding model and considered a preview of a game most times. Generally, people should be considering the fact that this game is in early access currently and far from complete.

At the time of writing this review, Chef RPG has received 105 Negative reviews and 655 Positive reviews (+1 Positive including me). After reading through some of the negative reviews, I'm here to bat for the beautiful creation that is Chef RPG.

NEGATIVES FROM REVIEWS:

- EMPTY WORLD/NOT COZY: Some people have stated that the world feels "empty" and "lacks" a cozy vibe that was previously conveyed. Aside from the fact that I believe there's already at least 24 NPCs that you're able to become friends with, the world is crawling with minor npcs that have funny dialogue and work and walk as well! I've probably spent a majority of the time I've played talking to Thelio and Prisca, both NPCs. I've learned lots about them and the world lore just from meandering around.
As for the cozy aspect of the game, it's subjective to whoever's playing. Though, if you found Stardew Valley cozy, I'm astounded if you don't find this game cozy as well. The color palettes aren't hard on the eyes, the cooking mini games and hunting are just enough to keep me on my toes, and the atmosphere in both art style and music is so nice.

- REPETITIVE GAMEPLAY: If you're not into gameplay loops at all, this game just isn't for you. I've found so many ways to make money through the hunt/gather/cook gameplay and I'm actively enjoying it still. There's quests you can take to break up the monotony if you're feeling haggard, and there's plenty of perks that continually add to the gameplay. I don't really understand where people are coming from with this type of review unless they've never really been invested in a game like this and dove in.

- NPCS ARE MEAN: Did you.. talk to them more than once? I quickly became close friends with about 4 of the NPCS in White Ash Harbor, and they're sweeter than pie. I don't think I would be very warm to a stranger greeting me while I'm in the middle of working, lol. The gradual strangers to acquaintances to friends to maybe something more is supposed to feel gradual and rewarding. Why would you want to instantly befriend them?

- BUGGY/GLITCHES: I mean, yeah. It released 12 days ago in early access and I believe 3 people are working on it total, with only 1 of those being a programmer. I've effortlessly enjoyed 9 hours in-game regardless. I don't know what to say here other than let them cook. At the time of writing this, it's already received 8 patches/minor updates. And I know some of you reading this are saying "then why not just work on it longer and THEN release it??"
They've probably discovered a lot of the known bugs thanks to the early access players. Again, I've not even run into anything playing passively.

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THINGS I LOVE ABOUT CHEF RPG:

- ART STYLE: This is a given. Anyone who has seen the creator's YT knows this person is incredibly talented. As an artist, looking at the in-game assets is literally a delight. Don't even get me started on the NPC portrait art. Ridiculously good.

- DIVERSE NPCS: I didn't think I'd ever love again after Shane and Harvey in Stardew Valley, but here I am loving everyone in Chef RPG. The diversity, the hobbies, the fun quips, the LOOKS??? These NPCs are heart-warming, tragic at times, and pure talent.

- GAMEPLAY: cooking minigames and hunting scary elk AND romancing hot people?? sign me up

- SKILL TREE: Literally just continually adds to your gameplay. Leveling comes fast in the beginning, so I spent my points recklessly. Now I'm working for my levels to upgrade, and it's fun!

- HASEL: boba android that has a frog on her head


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WHY I THINK THIS GAME WILL BE AMONG THE BEST:

- Time and Vision.

Pixel Architect has already created a large map with diverse NPC's, quests, minigames, and more over the past years.

With everything they've put on their socials about what they've been creating or envisioning, I'm just stoked to see it come to light. When they have put everything they've planned in this game, I dont think I personally will ever stop playing it.

Give it time, this game is already good and is only getting better. Sticking with a project this long is not only something to marvel at, it's also something to get inspired by.

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Thanks for reading!!!

TLDR: Game good and only getting better very pretty pretty

Where has this game been all my life, coddammit??

love it