Burgertime Party looks a bit lifeless, but its core gameplay is the same simple fun that makes the arcade classic so addictive to play. There are lots of levels to play, multiplayer is an enjoyable addition, and the trophy mechanic is a nice touch. Though $20 is a bit expensive for what’s offered, Burgertime Party provides some decent arcade fun for you, whether you play alone or with friends.
Burgertime Party
Developer: G-Mode
Price: $20
Platform: Nintendo Switch (reviewed)
MonsterVine was supplied with a Switch code for review.
Burgertime is one of the arcade titles that most people, young and old, could probably recognize. It’s a simple game, but the simplicity of its concept (making burgers by platforming and avoiding angry ingredients) is what makes it so easy for anyone to jump into. The idea of a new Burgertime for the Switch seems pretty natural, so I figured Burgertime Party would be a basic and fun time.
The gameplay of Burgertime Party will be familiar to anyone who’s played the original Burgertime before. As Peter Pepper, you run around a vertical stage to step on burger ingredients, which drops them onto a plate below the level. You have to avoid angry ingredients that chase you in different patterns, though you can temporarily stun them with your limited pepper-shaker uses. It’s straightforward and a lot of fun, as racking up combos and crushing your foes with fast-food items is a rather satisfying feeling. Performing certain tasks (defeat x Pickles, make x burgers, etc.) earns you little trophies that are displayed in the restaurant on the main menu, which is a nice small touch that makes every round feel more rewarding.
There are quite a few different types of gameplay modes, though they’re largely quite similar. There are plenty of single-player stages, multi-player oriented stages (which can still be played solo), and a classic Burgertime-based challenge mode that pits your best scores against those of other players online. Jumping between modes is fun, but the $20 price point does feel just a bit expensive for such a simple title. There’s simply not much variety outside of what I’ve described, which makes it hard to recommend for its price.
The visuals seem to be inspired by classic Fleischer-era cartoons, and contemporary adaptations of this style such as Cuphead. There’s a somewhat lifeless feeling to it all, however, as the tweened digital animations feel somewhat static and robotic. The designs themselves are fine, it’s just the way they move and emote that feels hollow.
The Final Word
Burgertime Party is a pretty basic but fun title for individuals and groups alike, though its somewhat lifeless animation and lack of variety make it hard to recommend for its current price-point. Still, what’s included is a lot of fun, so I’d definitely recommend keeping an eye out for a sale.
MonsterVine Rating: 3 out of 5 – Average
