Fast-paced cooking with a casual twist
Cooking Fever by Nordcurrent is a time-management game that turns the kitchen into a race against the clock. Players take on the role of a restaurant chef, preparing meals and serving customers as quickly as possible while upgrading appliances, décor, and ingredients along the way. Its easy-to-grasp gameplay and colorful presentation make it accessible, though the Windows version shows some limitations compared to its mobile counterpart.
Cooking Fever offers hundreds of levels across dozens of themed restaurants, from fast-food diners to sushi houses. Each stage challenges players to juggle orders, cook multiple dishes, and keep customers satisfied. Success unlocks coins and gems, which are used to upgrade kitchen gear and unlock new locations. The game’s variety of recipes and restaurant types adds longevity, while leaderboards and achievements keep players chasing high scores. However, gems — the premium currency — are scarce without in-app purchases, which slows down progression over time.
Gameplay and progression
Performance and accessibility
On Windows, Cooking Fever features bright visuals and responsive controls that suit quick decision-making. The straightforward interface ensures players can dive right in without tutorials dragging the pace. Still, performance issues like freezing or long load times occasionally disrupt the experience, and updates often lag behind the mobile version. The requirement for an internet connection, even for core features, may also frustrate players who want an offline option. Despite these drawbacks, the game remains enjoyable in short bursts, especially for those who appreciate fast, arcade-style challenges.
Final thoughts
Cooking Fever stands out as a light yet addictive cooking simulator with a broad mix of restaurants and upgrades to explore. While the Windows version suffers from slower updates, technical hiccups, and a reliance on in-app purchases, its approachable design and variety keep it appealing for casual players who enjoy quick gameplay sessions.
Pros
- Wide variety of restaurants and recipes
- Fun, fast-paced time-management gameplay
- Upgrades for kitchen and décor keep progression engaging
Cons
- Premium currency limits progress without purchases
- Occasional freezes and performance issues on Windows
- Internet connection required for many features
- Windows version lags behind mobile updates
