Baking Time review

If you love mindless mobile games but prefer playing on your console, Baking Time will be the game for you. This simple but addictive affair is easy to understand and straightforward to master. Additionally, there is a complete edition or DLC if you wish to expand your content.

QubicGames has developed this solo or split-screen experience. It uses an isometric viewpoint and has basic but colourful graphics. Moreover, the action is extremely repetitive as you follow a rinse-and-repeat pattern and grind your way to the top.

Become a champion chef in Baking Time.

Baking Time is inspired by the mobile gaming industry. Therefore, I wasn’t surprised by the lack of depth and the non-existent plot. Instead, you’re left to your own devices and imagination as you run the world’s most strange bakery.

First, you endure a simple cookie cooking machine. As you collect each baked treat, you must deliver it to the display and assist customers. However, as the game evolves, you’ll unlock workers, a cashier, teleporters, pets, and a cookie monster for each area.

Upgrades = cash.

As you progress, things become more expensive. Yet, your baked treats make more profit, and your cookie monster generates more funds. Consequently, it pays to upgrade everything, even though it is a grind. As new areas are unlocked, you’ll purchase a new pet. In the base game, this creature earns you a slight cash boost. However, if you own the DLC, it can make you faster or stronger.

Once you gain enough XP, you can opt to carry more treats or move faster. It doesn’t matter which one you select, as levelling up is easy. Subsequently, Baking Time won’t punish you or test your skills.

Baking Time won’t blow you away.

Like the core mechanics, visually, Baking Time will not blow you away. The simple stage design, vibrant but basic colours, and rudimentary character models are suitable but underwhelming. The audio follows suit with its relaxed but forgettable approach. Aesthetically, I wasn’t disappointed or shocked. Instead, things just happened, and I accepted it.

The controls are semi-automated. This straightforward design was well-received, and my kids loved running around to collect and deliver baked goods. Baking Time is a grind. If you wish to maximise your potential, you need to upgrade everything. Thankfully, a second person makes this much more bearable. If you love achievements, you’ll need to invest plenty of time to complete the game.

Baking Time is good for the price.

If Baking Time had cost over £5, I’d say to forget it. After all, it is too simple and repetitive for a serious investment. However, the price point is just right, and I got enough enjoyment to justify playing it. Therefore, I recommend getting a copy from the Xbox store!