Cooking Mama

 DS
Metascore
67

Mixed or average reviews - based on 35 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 35
  2. Mixed: 25 out of 35
  3. Negative: 2 out of 35
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  1. AtomicGamer
    90
    Overall, Cooking Mama is an oddly entertaining game.
  2. Worth Playing
    84
    It’s a fantastic appetizer or after-dinner mint, however - if you need a game for those five-minute playing sessions in the bathroom or if you’re looking to get a gift for someone who has less time in their life to play, Cooking Mama could just be the Chef’s Special.
  3. GamePro
    80
    Its smart design takes full advantage of the DS' strengths and is put together in a delicious, ready-to-eat package that's sure to delight.
  5. Electric Playground
    80
    A lot of fun, with many different kinds of activities, with an immediate sense of accomplishment. It also has copious amount of practise modes.
  6. GameBrink
    78
    The dishes and ingredients are all very detailed and look just like they should and Mama comes across as the tough extremist she is. She exudes her “Cook or die” mentality in every scene she graces. [JPN Import]
  7. Official Nintendo Magazine UK
    77
    At its best, Cooking Mama is one of the best touch-screen games around, but some unnecessarily fiddly moments mean that it doesn't quite hit the heights of "Trauma Center" or "WarioWare." [Christmas 2006, p.66]
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  8. VGPub
    75
    The thing about "Let’s Cook" that seemed bizarre to me is there was no real story to it: you don’t know why you’re cooking, your relation to Mama, who you’re cooking for, etc.
  9. Detroit Free Press
    75
    This is a game best played in small bursts. It's perfect for waiting in line or during road trips.

Awards & Rankings

43
#43 Best DS Game of 2006
25
#25 Most Discussed DS Game of 2006
36
#36 Most Shared DS Game of 2006

User Reviews

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User Score
7.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 36 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 36
  2. Mixed: 19 out of 36
  3. Negative: 2 out of 36
  1. COOKINGMAMA2222
    Jan 24, 2018
    10
    This game changed my life. I was once sad, I was once alone. But nay, no longer, Mama is here. She is here for me and she is here for you. SheThis game changed my life. I was once sad, I was once alone. But nay, no longer, Mama is here. She is here for me and she is here for you. She will not abandon you at age 14, she is a true mother. Cooking Mama stimulates the way you think about food. For example, I would describe the food as interesting and a journey to another world, another time. Much more peaceful and serene. But nothing compares to the kind and gentle words that Mama says to you as she whispers to you, "Even better than Mama." This type of encouragement is the first I've seen in many years. I wish she existed in real life but in a way, she does. One criticism I would make is I think that she should leave her husband, Papa. He does not treat her the way she deserves. As she is my mama, I would treat as a goddess, a true queen of cooking. To quote a great philosopher, "It is not what you cook which makes the dish, it is with who you cook which makes the dish." I am not one to be sentimental or cry over things such as video games but this came to me in a time of difficulties. Where I did not even know how to bake a cupcake? But cooking mama taught me, nay, influenced me to strive better when I cook. I owe them my livelihood. This is the game that will change your life. This is the game that will lift you out of your depression and teach you how to love and how it is to be loved.Bob Marley once said, "she will be loved." When I heard that, I did not know how I would be loved. But this game showed me that. I will be loved. By Mama. In conclusion, great game, taught me a world about values, morals and cooking. Thank you, Majesco Games and thank you, Mama.… Full Review »
  2. Yojimbo2015
    Jun 2, 2023
    3
    Copy actions on the touch screen when prompted, kind of like a kitchen-bound version of Simon Says. About as much fun as it sounds.
  3. Jell0oPudd1n
    May 30, 2023
    10
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    **** off
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