PC Review: Restaurant Rush

Restaurant Rush is a slightly different type of 'dash' game than the typical ones we've all grown so accustomed to at this point. Assuming it was going to be something along the lines of Diner Dash, I downloaded it on a whim, even though I'd never heard of this particular title before. I was pleasantly surprised to find out that it was actually a different type of gameplay altogether from what I'd assumed!

I think it's fairly safe to say that anyone reading this has to be familiar with the game Bejeweled, correct? (If not, go search it and play it online. Right now. This is the modern equivalent of Tetris; EVERYONE has played this game. If somehow you haven't, stop reading this review right now and correct this problem straight away. ;)) For the rest of us, continue reading.

The gameplay in this game is very much like that of Bejeweled, except with food. Well alright, there's tons of Bejeweled knockoffs out there, what makes this one any different? Let me tell you. Just like with the dash games, down one side of your screen, you have a line of customers who keep making their food orders. On the opposite side of the screen, you see what ingredients you need to make these meals, plus how many of each item (something akin to Burger Island). Now, in the center of the screen you have the actual gameplay board, and THIS is the part that's like Bejeweled. The ingredients you need are the pieces on the board, and you have to match them up in rows of three (or more) to collect said ingredients. Don't take too long though, or your customers will get mad and leave.

There's upgrades of course, par usual. Ingredient upgrades to buy, new recipes, new songs to play on your jukebox, upgrades to your additional equipment for keeping customers happy, etc. There's also several maps that you'll play through that focus on different world cuisines from all over the globe - it's educational as well as fun!

The one gripe I have about this game is that unless you buy things in a very specific order, it is IMPOSSIBLE to actually win this game. I know, I know. This is the same girl who complains about other games being too easy, but it's not fair when it's in this genre and they set you up for failure unless you know specific knowledge of what you have to buy, in what order, to win. Still, overall, even if you don't win, it IS pretty fun... I'm going to rate it 8 out of 10 sliced and diced carrots.