Not that easy to play. But it teaches you cooking skills and recipes. When you fail something,flames come out of Mama's eyes. But it just looks silly, that's all.
Tools for this page
Cooking Mama
-
Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings(Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)
Not age appropriate for kids under 7, age appropriate for kids over 8; suggested age 8. -
Is it any good?
-
Common Sense says
200 crazy DS Mini games with cooking theme.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 8 and Up
The good stuff
-
Educational value:
What to watch out for
-
Violence & scariness:
-
Language:
-
Consumerism:
What Parents Need to Know
This review of Cooking Mama was written by Jinny Gudmundsen
Parents need to know that this video game is simply a series of Mini games that have a cooking theme. Kids don't have to know anything about cooking to play. This game is best played in small bursts – like on the way to soccer practice or while waiting for an appointment.
Families Can Talk About
Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
- Families can talk about how quirky gameplay in a video game frequently makes the game a hit. Is that because people are looking for originality in video games and are getting tired of games that mimic others? Which of the Mini games was your favorite? Would you want to learn to cook any of the foods you made in the game? Did you miss having a storyline?
More on Cooking Mama
What’s the Story?
In COOKING MAMA, you "cook" recipes by playing Mini games -- to chop ingredients, for example, use your DS stylus as a knife and tap the screen to chop objects. The fun comes in perfecting them in a timed environment that requires execution at very specific times. Mentoring you through this cooking marathon of 76 recipes is the doe-eyed, anime-looking Cooking Mama. But don't be fooled by her sweet appearance; she turns into a flaming-eyed taskmaster when you fail -- and fail you will, unless you take the time to "practice" a recipe before you attempt to "cook" it for a score.
Close
Is It Any Good?
Original, fast-paced Nintendo DS game Cooking Mama makes excellent use of the DS' touch-sensitive screen capabilities in its 200-plus timed, cooking-themed Mini games. While things like chopping are easy, peeling a carrot using the DS stylus is a challenge, and probably more so because the controls aren't responsive enough. Some of the Mini games can get quite demanding, as you are required to add ingredients, stir, and adjust the heat either up or down at just the right time as indicated on a scrolling timeline. And some of the Mini games don't come with enough instructions, which forces you to experiment.
The newness of this gameplay will sustain players through preparing many feasts -- but eventually the novelty wears off. This game is best played in small bursts -- a recipe or two at a time. This game succeeds because it's wacky -- too bad cooking a real dinner isn't this entertaining.
ClosePublisher’s Details
Released on 9/13/2006, price $20, not online enabled
ESRB rating: E
ESRB rating: E
Our Members Say
See all 19 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
- I rate this title on for age 4 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Educational
- Good role models
- Safety isn't an issue
All Ages over 4
- I rate this title on for age 8 and give it
the greatest game!
it was very neat!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
- I rate this title on for age 6 and give it
Great game!
I really love this game because you don't need to be a cook to play this! I am 11 and love this game. Take it on the road or anywhere with you! I give it *****!
- I rate this title on for age 6 and give it
i like this game
this game is pretty cool can get a bit boring after a while though ummm.....you dont need to know a thing about cooking to play it. recomend for ages 6+
- I rate this title on for age 5 and give it
Cool!
I have the game and I personally think it is a really fun game!
Give Recommendations, Get Them, Too!
Become a member and get recommendations from other parents based on your child's age.Tell us your child's age:
Already a member? Log inOur Members Rate It
Do you play it? 
For Your Family
Get age-based recommendations for your kids:
Customize based on your child's age
