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Review of Diner Dash on PS3

by Hemal Harris Hemal Harris photo Nov 2009
Cover image of Diner Dash on PS3
Gamefings Score: 8.5
Platform: PS3 PS3 logo
Released: 12 Nov 2009
Genre: Strategy, Time Management
Developer: Gamelab
Publisher: PlayFirst

Introduction

Oh, Diner Dash! The game that taught us that being a waiter is more challenging than it looks. If you've ever thought serving food was as easy as carrying a few plates and asking 'What's your poison?' then prepare to have your mind (and your patience) thoroughly tested. Jump on in as Flo, the erstwhile office worker turned culinary superhero, battles against customer impatience and the ticking clock, all while trying to make her eatery the hottest spot in Dinertown!

Gameplay

Gameplay revolves around the manic art of multitasking. You're not just serving food; you're basically running a tiny nation inside your diner, where customer happiness is king and the frying pans are weapons of mass annoyance! Customers are a fickle bunch-one minute they're all hearts and smiles, and the next, they're storming out like they just caught their date eating the last slice of pizza. Your job? Keep them happy and their stomachs full, which involves seating them, taking orders, delivering food, and, yes, clearing tables with the finesse of a ballet dancer (while dodging the occasional flying soup bowl). You'll start with a rickety diner and build it up into a five-star establishment. As you progress, each successful level unlocks new restaurants, which means fresh challenges and even crankier customers. The general flow of gameplay is simple enough: drag and drop customers to their tables, serve food, clear dishes, and pray to the gods of tips that your patrons leave you some cash. Points are awarded for quick service, and the more you chain together actions, the more cash you make-think of it like a combo system for waitstaff. Of course, not all customers are created equal. You've got your chill dudes who couldn't be bothered by a 30-second wait, and then you have the high-strung folks who will glance at their watches as if they're about to miss their flight. This introduces an element of strategy: balance speed with service quality to manage guest moods. If a customer leaves before paying, it's not just bad for business; it feels like losing a boss fight in your favorite RPG. You also get to upgrade your diner, which is basically like giving your establishment a makeover to boost its appeal. All the while, you'll find two main modes: Career, which tells Flo's rising star story (and is more plot-driven), and Endless Shift, where you can tear up as long as your sanity lasts. It's a fun distraction, but let's be real, that clock won't stop ticking-even if it is just food on the line!

Graphics

Graphically, Diner Dash might not win awards for realism anytime soon, but that doesn't mean Flo's world isn't colorful and charming. The visuals are vibrant with a cartoonish flair, perfectly suited for a game where you'll see more food than your average Thanksgiving dinner. Each restaurant has its own theme, welcoming warm colors and lively animations that bring the chaos of restaurant service to life. While they may not push the PS3 to its limits, they serve their purpose perfectly, immersing you in a whimsical dining experience that's as engaging as it is entertaining. You'll be hooked, even if it is partially because of just how adorably animated Flo is as she bolts around your little diner!

Conclusion

Diner Dash on the PS3 offers a charmingly frenetic mix of time management and strategy that delights as much as it frustrates. If you think you're ready to tackle irritable customers and tight deadlines without losing your mind, step right up! For casual gaming at its best, complete with a hefty dose of humor and some genuine challenges, Diner Dash proves it's not just about filling stomachs but also about keeping smiles on faces. So grab your apron, channel your inner Flo, and prepare to manage the diner of your dreams-just don't expect any tips from the pixelated patrons! This title certainly earns a commendable score of 8.5 out of 10; however, be forewarned: your tendency to yell at your TV when things go south might just raise a few eyebrows if you have roommates!

See Latest Prices for Diner Dash on PS3 on Amazon

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