During the 2020 COVID pandemic, many people sought ways to stay connected with friends. Since they couldn’t hang out in person, they resorted to movies, YouTube videos, text, video games, and video calls. Released on August 7, 2018, Overcooked! 2, gained popularity during the pandemic, and was loved by anyone who tried it out. Overcooked! 2 is a multiplayer-driven video game created by Team17 and Ghost Town Games. Even though the pandemic has passed, Overcooked! 2 is still played worldwide. Its missions, multiplayer aspect, and fun elements make it an unforgettable experience for many. The missions are seen as fairly simple, but they can become very stressful and competitive.
Overcooked! 2 has multiple modes, however, all of these modes feature one significant aspect, which is cooking. Overcooked! 2 is a cooking game where players have to complete orders that come in before the timer runs out. In addition to the overall timer, there is also a timer for each order placed. To finish an order, players have to grab the ingredients, cut them, cook them, and then serve them at a dropoff location. The more orders a player completes, the more points they win, which are used to unlock new levels, similar to how the game, Angry Birds, works. These orders feature many types of food, including sushi, salads, and pizza. Multiple foods allow unique orders that the players must make and complete. Each level only focuses on one or two types of food which then switches to a different type of food in the next level. The game can get even more fun, as players notice they aren’t the only ones playing it.
The game is multiplayer-driven, meaning it requires at least two players to play, with a maximum of four players. This aspect causes Overcooked! 2 to get chaotic. For example, food can be accidentally thrown, the level’s walkways move on occasion, and players alone may fall off the platform. While playing, each player has to find out which role they are best at doing, whether that be cooking the meat, or delivering the finished orders. It’s very similar to working in a kitchen in real life but with added elements, including moving walkways. Communication is very important for the players, as they have to rely on each other to complete the level. Arguments can happen due to the stress Overcooked! 2 puts players under, but most let it drop, once the players remember the game is just for fun. Plenty of mistakes also happen, likely due to pressure under a timer, which causes players to have to find solutions to their mistakes. The game doesn’t just offer multiplayer to players, but also fun elements.
A few examples of characters that players can play as in Overcooked! 2 are a rat, turtle, pirate, and a grandma. Each character has their own cute features that make them unique from one another, such as hats, clothing, and physical traits. Overcooked! 2’s aesthetic is very bright and lovely, due to its bright colors, and charming graphics. From a tiny car the players drive to move between levels, to a king that is an onion whom the players meet in story mode. Each level also has different locations, such as a cave with minecarts in an attempt to keep players interested. Regardless of the level changes, and the unique orders, the game may feel repetitive at times. It’s why the game has other fun elements.
Surviving the pandemic for many included finding entertaining video games to play with their friends online. Although Overcooked! 2’s popularity was due to the pandemic, it lasted much longer and its popularity still stands today. The game’s missions, multiplayer aspect, and fun elements are just a few reasons why it’s a beloved game. Overcooked! 2 itself is fun and stressful. It’s a game that allows people to connect with friends and family and create many new memories. All they have to do is pick up a controller or a mouse, and press “play.”