Previewed: May 5, 2008
Previewed by: Jason Flick

Publisher
Majesco Entertainment

Developer
Digital Embryo

Release Date: June 2008
Genre: Simulation
Players: 1
ESRB: Everyone

Features:

• The sequel to the award-winning online PC hit Cake Mania from Sandlot Games that has been downloaded 70 million times worldwide and sold more than 300,000 units worldwide on the DS!
• Includes more than 200 levels of baking and frosting madness
• Brand new branching, non-linear storyline, lets you decide which path Jill will take. Includes 6 possible endings!
• Customize Jill’s bakeries with 50 unique kitchen upgrades: Ovens, Shoes, Frosters, Display Stands, Microwaves, TVs, Toppers and Frosterators.
• 18 all-new demanding customers. Ranging from Federal agents to mysterious Aliens, keep jill on her toes
• 10 deliciously different cake styles with 6 fabulous frostings.
• 8 wild cake toppers for earning extra cash
• See how you measure up in a new Endless Baking mode

Going in I didn’t know quite what to expect but I was quickly put at ease with the title’s carefree tutorial. This is a cool feature for those like me who have not played the original and opens up this genre to new players. This time around Jill must make her way through over 200 missions in some very interesting locations. You end up traveling to an underwater theme park, Japan a space ship and even a futuristic looking city.

Cake Mania’s interface is amazingly easy to use with the stylus. I actually prefer it over the point and click method used in the PC version. It‘s gives a much more interactive feel and that’s the way it should be. Players will notice this time around that there are a lot more additions to the kitchen than in the previous titles. More noticeably, there is the Frosterators, a device that will frost and decorate a cake at the same time. While I will not go into too much detail on all the unique upgrades, there are 50 of them this time around including the all-new TVs and Display Stands. One of the upgrades I do like is the option to make cookies and cupcakes for the less than patient customers. I mean who’s gonna turn down free sweets.

I will say that Cake Mania is actually quite addicting and will have you playing for hours, or at least until the battery goes dead. Just like other simulation titles like Cake Mania 2, the difficulty eventually gets harder and if you are feeling particularly energetic you can help both friends out during your adventure in one shot. That way you are not constricted to helping only one friend at a time, thus forcing you to play the game all the way through twice.

Cake Mania 2 also features a brand new Endless Baking mode which allows the players to jump right in on the baking fun without having to worry about the storyline. But just like the story mode you start out with only the basic tools. This is the true test of Cake Mania 2 will more than likely keep people playing until their hands fall off. Well not, really but you get the point. I actually liked this mode over the story one. Not that this mode is any better, as they are the same sans the story part. Do you have what it takes to take your baking skills to the max?

Visually, Cake Mania 2 looks pretty good for a DS title. It’s not as gorgeous as some games I’ve played but it is still well done. The characters this time around are also all new ones so no pink bunny man. You are however treated to penguin man, some wicked looking aliens and a guy that apparently needs to be kept an eye on at all times. That’s right; I’m talking about you, Mr. Cake Maniac.

From what I’ve played in this preview of Cake Mania 2, I found it highly enjoyable. I can’t wait to play the finished game when it comes out and that’s saying something since I don’t usually play these titles. I look forward to seeing the finished product when it releases in June 2008.