Enjoyable for kids of all ages!
Cooking Mama's recipes are divided into numerous tasks, just as you'd find in a recipe. Each task requires a movement of the Wiimote, a test of memory, a test of timing, or some combination of the three. This seems very basic, but can result in a hectic experience one moment and one that requires precision another moment. Do not worry if you fail, Cooking Mama will be there with some of her quirky encouragement! Based on how well you do the recipe, you can receive a bronze, silver or gold medal. With around 40 tasks and over 50 recipes, there is a lot of cooking variety available and a lot of gold medals to earn.
There are two notable problems with Cooking Mama. First, there isn't a lot of depth beyond the main formula. You can try to perfect certain dishes, or do them competitively against the computer or a friend. After you've completed all the dishes, there isn't much to bring the player back for more. Second, the controls struggle with a few of the tasks. It is a rare occurrence and does not ruin the game, but it is an annoyance that can prevent you from getting a well-deserved gold medal.
Gamers expecting a meaningful experience that will actually teach you to cook are looking in the wrong place. Those that are looking for an easy and fun Wii experience, however, should find a sweet spot in Cooking Mama. It is worth a rental or a purchase from the bargain bin.