Act: Superstar Chefs [by Arcade Lab]

For those who truly miss games from the late 80s and wish that someone would redo those games and release them today, I've got a treat for you.  Superstar Chefs serves up all the great action that you used to enjoy as a kid. 

This is really a nice little game for those who are nostalgic.  The play is something in-between Mario Bros. and Wonder Kid.  On each level you move about trying to get all of the fruit that is scattered about the board.  This is complicated by things such as moving platforms, spring-boards, spikes and a variety of enemies that all seem bent on your destruction.  The board is set-up on a single screen.  However this is a world like no other.  Not only do your chefs not have arms, the board itself is connected from left to right and also from bottom to top.  If your character falls through a hole at the bottom of the world, they'll magically appear at the top of the screen.  In fact the levels are created in such a way that creatively controlling your character as it falls is very important to passing any one level.

The graphics are very nicely presented, with a very professional and polished 3D look (even though the game is actually 2D) that seems to capture some of the feel of the old classic Burgertime, but looks much much better.  The graphics look good, but still deliver on a slower system, which makes this a game that just about anyone can try out.   Overall from start to finish, Superstar Chefs is very well put together and it has plenty of polish to make it feel as professionally created as any title out there.

Perhaps the highest point of the game is the 2-Player mode.  Few games have 2-Player mode any more, and it is certainly a nice addition here.  The interaction between you and your wife, or whoever you play with, as you play through the levels, makes the game even more enjoyable. 

Arcade Lab hasn't skimped at all on the game either.  Each level is quite singular, providing a challenge that is similar, but distinctly different then you find on any other level.  All in all there are 64 levels that will likely take you more than a few hours to play through.  For those seeking a Retro challenge that is as fun to play as the memories it will hold for many, Superstar Chefs serves up a dinner that hits the spot!

Added: January 21st 2004
Reviewer: Russell Carroll
Score:
Hits: 2291
Language: english   

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