Wonderful, better than Mama~
Cooking Mama is actually pretty fun and has addictive game play; utilizing the Wiimote, you're able to take the game solo or play along with a friend in an Iron Chefs sort of challenge, minus the running around and the nosy camera men. Playing by yourself has its merits and it's a really fun way to pass time, just don't ask for it to be highly challenging. You're just basically supposed to cook and enjoy your ending result, which is graded by how well you do in each preparation stage, mini-games that you must do well in to get a good score, which can range from shredding cheese to cutting up tomatoes, which are all accomplished by certain motions with the Wiimote, they are explained clearly before hand so there's not much guess work here; though some people might have a difficult time getting the Wiimote to respond to certain commands.
There's no real story here, really, it's a game that you can pick up at any time and is fun for your friends to entertain themselves whilst you laugh at their expense as they make wild swinging motions in the air. Personally it's a bit of a friend favorite and its fun watching face offs and the suggestive way that you can catch the meat of a hotdog in a bun (rated E; OR IS IT?)
Kicking it to the masses,
Cooking mama was pretty successful on the Nintendo DS, utilizing the touch screen quite well, translating these touches into movements was a bit of a leap and was pulled off pretty well; there are moments where it feels like the game isn't responding to your movements as instant as they should but doesn't really hamper the enjoyment. Except for peeling carrots, oh God how I hate carrots.
Graphics: Cooking Mama is cutesy and seems to be aimed toward the younger audience, but is enjoyable by both children and adults alike, the food looks pretty accurate but doesn't really step into more than a semi-realistic boundary.
Sound: Mildly enjoyable, at times it feels repetitive but goes mostly unnoticed as your concentration will probably lie more in timing your motions just right while still making good progress.
Playability: At times the Wiimote does not feel as responsive as it should, but trying different methods to the way you're supposed to move may make it easier, other than that the controls were handled pretty well, sometimes it really feels like you're really dicing that tomato up, well, almost.
Entertainment: Pick up and go any time, this game has its moments especially with the animations of Mama when you mess up in certain occasions or when she appears to be aflame. It doesn't require much thought into it so at times its stress relieving.
Replay: There are a lot of recipes and you can get higher medal scores on them if you try again, playing head to head is a good way to entertain any company you may have but its charm only lasts so long before you get bored and press for something a bit more adventurous.
All in all: Cooking Mama is pretty underrated, but it makes a good cooking simulation game, if you're into the culinary art you have to take a bite out of this game, though for the rest, you may just want through a few recipes and call it quits.
-Ri