I sometimes feel like an idiot sandwich while playing CSD
While you may not have heard of it until now, the restaurant simulation series Cook, Serve, Delicious has been out there quietly building an empire. The first two cooking games have sold a combined one million units, according to Vertigo Gaming, and now it’s time for the next step: Cook, Serve, Delicious 3. The new game – out first on Steam Early Access in January 2020 – is leaning hard into food trucks.
How does it play? Unlike, say, Overcooked, the steps needed to complete each recipe are more realistic and in-depth. It can be tricky! There are far more variables to keep track of, from sauces to toppings to the specific order in which you need to assemble the dish. Cook, Serve, Delicious has a steeper learning curve than first impressions might imply, but once you have the muscle memory and rhythm down, it’s super satisfying. For me, it’s like trying to rub my stomach and pat my head at the same time.
Cook, Serve, Delicious 3 is following that same proven formula, for the most part, but there are a few head-turning details. For instance: the story – it takes place in the “radically-changed war-torn America of 2042.” They’re really going for it. You’ll travel the country with robot helpers and strive to clear “hundreds of levels” on a journey through the Iron Cook National Foodtruck Championships.
As before, there’s a form of progression (you can upgrade your food truck with modules) and local co-op support (choose your partner wisely). Vertigo is also promising a “Zen Campaign” toggle that sounds sorely needed. I’ve found that with Cook, Serve, Delicious 2, I have to be in the right mood.
On that note, there is plenty of time to dip into this series before the next game. The current timeline puts Cook, Serve, Delicious 3 in the “late 2020” window for Nintendo Switch, PC, PS4, and Xbox One.
