UMAMI- PC Review

The background of the image shows various different anthropomorphic animals preparing various giants stacks of food, such as pancakes and sandwiches. The foreground is a pink cat head wearing a chefs head, with the text UMAMI infront of it.

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Christmas is creeping closer each day, and nothing beats wrapping up warm and relaxing with a new cosy game. For me, this comes with Mimmox’s, newly released puzzle game called UMAMI. Where you will solve 3D puzzled food served up by some adorable chefs. UMAMI is out now on Steam for £11.99.

Make sure to play while eating something.

A festive Christmas desert in the shape of a tree. Around it are other items of food and drink, each matching the festive theme. — It looks like a lot.

Gameplay

UMAMI’s gameplay is basically a jigsaw, but 3D. You pick up pieces that you are able to rotate. When finding the correct slot, the piece will become locked in. Which is great because I’d sometimes think the piece was in the correct spot only for it to pop off. Each level follows the theme of an adorable chef with their own little box, saying what is in the food. There are some cute little secrets to find by interacting with the various other foods. In the setting, you are able to see the best times for each puzzle if you wish to get a little more competitive in UMAMI.

An unfinished puzzle which is themed around bumblebees, there are also bees themed food scattered around the main dessert. Loads of pieces are around the base of the puzzle. — Stay, admire the food, and hope you don’t get hungry.

Graphics & Audio

Umami is a treat in every sense, with bright, charming visuals and love seen everywhere in the design. The theme of each puzzle expands to the entire table, giving it a sense of fun and life. I love that there’s clutter and food surrounding the puzzle, and even more so that you can click on each one and get a fun, small sound effect and animation. Especially the little effect with the cute animal featured on every level. On top of that, I couldn’t help but love the satisfying snaps when you correctly place a piece. I also feel that lo-fi music is very suitable for this game. Overall, the designs are adorable and delicious, and the music and sound soothing and satisfying, more than likely leaving you relaxed but maybe a little peckish.

A well decorated page in a book, that displays the levels' chef, and theme. This one's theme is based on space, with the chef being a fox, called Flambé. — This one was my partner’s favourite puzzle to do.

Longevity

So far, UMAMI offers 15 levels for players. I wouldn’t say the game gets harder, but I did enjoy taking my time with the game. There are 6 achievements to unlock, with none of them being hidden. I’m not sure if there will be more levels added, but I would love some more.

Final Thoughts

Each level is a visual feast for the eyes, game-play is simple and what you would expect of a jigsaw in real life. If you do so happen to get stuck, then a hint system is available. Personally, the asking price seems fair for how detailed the designs are, and I’d happily return to this game if they add additional levels in the future. My biggest issue with the game… it made me hungry for something sweet. UMAMI offers a fun time with cute levels, that you will probably finish in an afternoon, like I did.

Congrats UMAMI, on earning the Thumb Culture Gold Award!

Disclaimer: A code was received in order to write this review.

About Author

Kyle McGrath

I’ve enjoyed video games for as long as I remember and I don’t think there isn’t a game I wouldn’t play. For reviews, I try my best to make them simple and easy to understand. With so many games released daily, I attempt to play them all.

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