Score: 5

"Very pretty, equally dull"

submission: Family Restaurant

date: March 15, 2008

The polish on this is its only positive aspect, in my opinion. If I wanted to do the same eight puzzles over and over again I'd hit a garage sale and spend a lot less than a twenty. I mean it's incredibly pretty, but what fun is to be had filling a precisely determined formula time and time again, actively being punished for any speck of flair or creativity? Yes, even when you created the formula.

Seems to me anyone who enjoys "playing" this would have a blast filling out paperwork with a deadline. And you get PAID for that.

All I can really suggest is check out Drunken Masters (also on NG) and do the next cooking game in a japanese restaurant. You know the type I mean, with chefs at the table doing cool flip tricks and whatnot. THAT I'd play, and maybe even buy.

You get the 5 purely on beauty of presentation. I mean your technical skills are obviously beyond reproach, and your choices in music fit quite well. But I definitely think the playability angle here demands a new approach.

Score: 10

"Digital Crack"

submission: Smokin Barrels

date: March 13, 2008

Yeah, I only just created a profile last night, but I've been playing this on and off for weeks. In terms of playability and addictive quality this thing should get an 11.

Only thing I can say that even remotely counts as criticism is this; the music made my ears bleed after a few hours. Or it would have, if you hadn't given me the option to turn it off. In your debt yet again. :)

Oh, and Heston as your "glass joe"? I giggle every time I shoot him. THANK you.

Score: 9

"Wow."

submission: Drunken Masters

date: March 13, 2008

Kudos, man. Despite hating the soundtrack, despite disliking bar culture in general, even despite being sworn off the sauce for life, I can NOT stop playing this game. Only problem I have is trying to do one special move and getting a different one; any chance of making each pattern a bit more distinctive?