[b]Note:[/b] A copy of this game was gifted to me by a wonderful friend. ^^
[h1]Creating the perfect pastry. XD[/h1]
[h2]Introduction[/h2]
[i]Travel Cuisine 2: Sweet Life[/i] is a time management game developed by GameOn Production and published by 8floor ltd. As the name states, it is the second game in the [i]Travel Cuisine[/i] series. (For my review of the first game, please click [url=https://steamcommunity.com/id/skyeraye/recommended/2322110?snr=1_5_9__402]here[/url].) After the events of the first game, Tammy and Matthew are now successful restaurateurs and are happily running their business. However, just before they're set to go on vacation, Tammy tries a cupcake from a local shop. She finds the treat to be bland (to say the least), so getting an idea, Tammy suggests to Matthew that they work at various confectioneries and learn from different confectioners on how to make the best cupcakes and all around sweets. Matthew agrees, so the pair set off on their latest adventure.
With the gameplay, you can choose between timed and relaxed mode. There are a total of 60 levels (despite that the store page says that there are 45 levels) with a total of 4 different confectioneries. In each level, you have to serve customers, each of whom have differing temperaments in regards to patience, with food and/or drink orders, and depending on how quickly you serve all of them (or run out of time, if you're playing on timed mode, how much time remains), you can earn up to 3 stars. Before the start of a level, you have access to a shop in which you can upgrade the equipment, such as speeding up baking time or increasing the number of plates (so you don't have to worry about getting to the food before it burns). A few levels have hidden sticky notes in which there's a tidbit about how to cook certain foods. A trophy room is available although no Steam achievements are available at the time of this review. However, the game itself does count towards a user's global total.
[h2]Review[/h2]
Time management games, especially the cooking ones, are among my all-time favorite genre even though they can be a bit niche since they appeal to a particular audience. Still, when I first saw this game, I was happy since I enjoyed the first one.
With that said, let's go into the story. I like how it begins, and it's great that the narrative isn't bogged down with details from the first game since it can be confusing for those who didn't play the first one. All we need to know is that Tammy and Matthew are now successfully running their business and they're going on vacation. Of course, it's not going to be all relaxation. Tammy clearly wants to get to work to make the perfect sweet, and Matthew happily agrees. I like this team. They complement each other well. While Tammy handles most of the baking and delivering customers' orders, Matthew handles certain prep, like cutting up pastry ingredients. The story is very light-hearted, so I think a good guess can be made on how successful this duo becomes. XD
Of course, the main focus is the gameplay. It's lots of fun, but it can be challenging if you're not used to time management games. Early levels in a confectionery are pretty easy to earn 3 stars since very few customers enter. However, later levels can feel quite frenetic since the customers may come in waves and it might be too overwhelming to complete all their orders. However, power-ups are available that can help, such as a temporary time freeze and instantly delivering one order to a customer. Also, items, like the record player, can increase customers' patience. Now, I only played on timed mode since I enjoy a challenge in TMs, but I have heard that in relaxed mode, there's a timer, too. I'm not sure what to make of that although relaxed mode is supposed to be easier. Anyway, I was able to earn the maximum number of stars on all levels and had no issues with purchasing all the equipment upgrades. Also, I got all the in-game trophies even though it would have been nice if corresponding Steam achievements were available. Still, this isn't a deal breaker for me since I enjoy these more old school games.
As for the art, it has this colorful, cartoony style. I find it to be very fitting for TMs, and the sprites and backgrounds give off enough detail. I will say that for one of the confectioneries, the colors felt a little too bright for my liking, but I think it comes down to personal preference.
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3570129505
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3570129399
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3570129294
With the music, the tracks are very delightful to listen to, each one reflecting the confectionery's theme. The confectioneries range from a typical bakery to a Turkish pastry shop. Except for the track which is played from the record player to increase customers' patience, the music is all new, and the tracks are all instrumental.
[h2]Conclusion[/h2]
Would I recommend [i]Travel Cuisine 2: Sweet Life[/i]? If you enjoy time management games, are a fan of the first game, and/or don't mind the lack of Steam achievements, then this is worth trying out. I did enjoy the story and the gameplay, and I especially found the latter to have a bit of challenge at times. However, on the price point, it might be a bit steep for those who are veterans of the genre. The game might feel too easy to complete, as it took me a little over 4 hours to 100% complete. Of course, you can choose to play the game 2 times, both in relaxed and timed modes. I didn't find this to be relevant for me, though, since I can complete a TM in timed mode fairly well. Still, on a sale and especially in a bundle, it's worth getting, and I'll definitely make it a point to play and review the third game in the series. ^^
[quote]For more detailed, fully complete, high quality reviews like this, please follow [url=https://store.steampowered.com/curator/44702020/]The Introverted Gamer[/url], prioritizing heart and soul always. ^^[/quote]
