Masterchef: Learn to Cook Review

Masterchef: Learn to Cook

Release: December 9, 2024
Publisher: QubicGames
Developer: QubicGames
Genre: PlayStation 5 Reviews, PS5 Reviews, Switch ReviewsXbox Series X Reviews
PEGI: 7
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So, you’re into cooking shows, maybe you secretly dream of rocking a chef’s hat and whipping up culinary masterpieces under pressure, just like on MasterChef. Well, “MasterChef: Learn to Cook” on Xbox tries to bring that TV kitchen drama right into your living room, and for the most part, it’s a pretty entertaining experience.

The core idea is simple: you’re a contestant on a virtual MasterChef competition. You get recipes, you gotta cook them, and then the judges (who are a huge part of what makes the show so watchable) give you their verdict. It sounds straightforward, but there’s more to it than just reading instructions off a screen.

Getting into the Kitchen (with your Controller)

You use your Xbox controller to simulate all the cooking actions. You’ll be “chopping” veggies by moving the analog stick, “stirring” sauces with circular motions, and carefully “plating” your dishes using the face buttons. It’s all designed to feel like you’re actually doing the work, even though you’re just using a controller.

From Kitchen Newbie to MasterChef Material

The game features a career mode where you begin as a complete beginner and gradually climb the culinary ladder. You’ll face different challenges, learn new recipes, and hopefully impress the judges enough to avoid getting eliminated. It’s a good way to get a feel for the game’s mechanics and experience the progression of a MasterChef contestant.

Mini-Games to Keep Things Spicy

To make things more engaging and less like just following a recipe book, a lot of the cooking actions are turned into little mini-games. This is where the game really leans into its “game” side. You might have to tap a button rapidly to chop onions quickly and finely, or carefully rotate the stick to stir a delicate sauce without burning it. These mini-games can be genuinely fun and add a bit of challenge, but they can also get a bit repetitive after playing for a while.

The All-Important Judging Panel

Of course, it wouldn’t be MasterChef without the judges and their often-colorful commentary. While they aren’t perfect digital replicas of the real-life personalities, they definitely capture the same vibe. They’ll give you feedback on your dishes, praising a perfectly seared piece of meat or critiquing a soggy pie crust. This adds a lot of personality to the game and makes it feel more like you’re actually in the competition.

A Few Minor Kitchen Mishaps

Now, it’s not all five-star dining. The game has some minor issues. While there’s a decent selection of recipes, things can start to feel a bit repetitive after a while. And if you’re looking for a super in-depth, educational cooking experience, this isn’t quite it. It’s more focused on providing a fun and engaging experience of the MasterChef kitchen.

The Final Dish

Overall, “MasterChef: Learn to Cook” is a pretty enjoyable game, especially if you’re a fan of the TV show. It’s not going to turn you into a professional chef overnight, but it offers a fun and engaging way to experience the world of competitive cooking from the comfort of your own home. It’s a good game to pick up for a casual gaming session, particularly if you have friends or family to play with. Just don’t expect a hyper-realistic cooking simulation, and you’ll likely have a good time, and sadly no Gordon Ramsey.

So, if you’re looking for a lighthearted cooking game with a bit of competitive flair, “MasterChef: Learn to Cook” is worth considering. Just remember to take the judges’ critiques with a grain of salt (unless they’re telling you your dish is under-seasoned – then you should probably listen).

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