TAITO, a Japanese company famous for numerous arcade classics, has finally ported one of their most successful games to the iPhone – Cooking Mama

Don’t know how to cook? Don’t worry! Mama will teach you – and it’s easy as 1-2-3!
Based on the Nintendo DS version of the game, the iPhone app version of Cooking Mama is skimmed and trimmed down. Instead of using a stylus, Cooking Mama makes the most of the iPhone’s features – the touch screen and the accelerometer. Some cooking techniques/instructions have been altered or removed completely (like blowing a pot) to accommodate iPod Touch users.

Each new player starts off with a handful of recipes to try and make with Mama’s help. Each recipe is then broken down into smaller “skills” that need to be mastered to successfully complete a full recipe. Mama offers an unlimited practice round where you can learn how to do each task. Think of them as tutorials – some are easy, some take some finesse and timing to master.

The neat thing about Cooking Mama is that each task and recipe is loosely based on real cooking technique and recipes. Although you may not necessarily learn to cook, you’ll come away from each game with a little more culinary knowledge than you started with!

When you are ready, you can start the recipe and Mama will guide you through each skill task. If you complete the task flawlessly, you will receive a gold medal. If you make some minor mistakes, you will receive a silver medal. If you fail a task, you will receive a bronze medal and a fiery Mama who vows to fix your errors.

Regardless of if you pass or fail, you will move to the next task and receive a cumulative score and corresponding medal (gold, silver, bronze) at the end. For scores less than 60, no medals are given – but aim for the medals! They help to unlock new recipes and additional side games!

Overall, the feel of the game is quite true to the DS versions in style and function. However, I feel there is yet some room for the game to grow.

First of all, there are only 15 recipes available in this version and one side game to test your skill mastery called the “Cooking Contest”, which can make gameplay relatively short. However, if skill and recipe mastery is your goal, it will definitely lend for many hours of gameplay. Hopefully with future updates, there will be additional recipes to unlock.

Second, instructions for tasks aren’t always crystal clear and are often confusing on the first couple run-thrus. Also, the touch screen isn’t as responsive as a stylus which can make for some frustrating failures. (See images above – I had some serious beefs with the stewing tasks and mixing…) Accuracy is usually a little bit off and there is noticeable loading time from one task to the next. Thankfully, the tutorials/practice rounds allow for as much trial and error as anyone may need to perfect their skills, given you have the patience!

At $6.99, the price is reasonable compared to full versions of the game on the DS and Wii, although it may seem steep to the casual App buyer.

For fans of the game (like myself), this is a faithful adaption for the iPhone/iPod touch and a likely “must-have” to complete the collection. For newcomers, Cooking Mama is a fun and enjoyable game for both young and old, lads and ladies alike! Available at the iTunes App Store for $6.99.