Burgertime Party! | A Retro Based Remake Done Justice

Do you like burgers? Do you like the cartoony Cuphead character style art? Do you like puzzle platformers? Do you like it all with a side order of local multiplayer? If you do chances are you'll like this re-imagining of Data East's retro Burgertime experience. Complete with four fully fledged modes of play that are playable solo, and with up to three other players you'll be tasked as Pepper Pete to take on the Food Foes as well as both of said characters as they clash in the ultimate food fight party extravaganza. You'll find that along with the new art direction, new modes of play, and new challenges comes a Solo, Main, Challenge, and Battle Burger option where perfecting your playthrough is the key to a high score. Whether you are trying to earn the gold star ranking, the trophies for feats accomplished, or are going classic with higher tiers of difficulty for that global leaderboard position you'll need to master your maneuvers across obstacle laden ladder accessible towers as you use pepper to fend of fiendish Food Foes in an attempt to make burgers layer by layer. It is not an easy undertaking as this time around pepper is somewhat limited, and the environmental hazards to overcome while you dodge Mr. Hotdog, Mr. Pickle, Mr. Egg, and Mr. Donut are aplenty.

The gameplay in "Burgertime Party" is as it mostly has been over the years, and retains it's base level user experience with some modern tweaks to the formula. Those familiar with the original will understand the concept behind most of the modes of play. Those of you who don't will find that this particular version starts you off with 20 hands-on tutorial stages in Solo Burger mode where you can familiarize yourself with the in-game mechanics, and features as well as the alternate mode explanations for all the other modes within said modes before entering into the main portion of each mode. The beginning mechanics tutorials in Solo Burger, for example, includes everything from the main goal that is walking across ingredient layers to drop them down for burger completion to how to use Food Foes on said layers for bonus point opportunities, and to fast track the dropping of multiple ingredient layers. That, and how to ward of Food Foes with pepper as well as the various hazards, and features that will be placed between you, and the given objectives. All of that along with the added explanation of pepper refills over time, and pepper refills by scoring points or power-ups in the Challenge and Main Burger mode. Of course it goes without saying that Battle Burger mode, being the new mode that it is, also has it's new rules where four Pepper Petes, and four Food Foes must mind their gauges for abilities, and pick up special power-ups to add an edge to said experience.

The Modes ...

Initially only Solo Burger mode will be available upon startup, and until you complete your tutorial training you will not get to experience the game in full as it is intended. Solo Burger, as the title suggests, is a single player mode where you'll need to perfect your playthrough according to a themed goal. The main goal being to complete the burgers by dropping down their layers, and the subsequent goals involving capturing the various Food Foes in said dropping layers to get the highest star rating possible. This is only doable if you learn to mind switches, features, and environmental hazards while you set the Food Foes up for the trap by peppering them on top of layers, and walking across said layers with them still on it in order to make them fall. The more Food Foes that are on the layer the more layers it will fall through. Ultimately gifting you more points for the added effort. The catch in this mode is that you have three lives, and three peppers that refill over time. Getting hit will cost you a life, but temporary invincibility on revival. Lose all three lives, and you have to start the stage over. Learning when to use the peppers, how each Food Foe type acts, and how to properly lure them or even avoid them will be how you master each three star inclusive stage goal. The star ratings are set according to predetermined point limits, and will require you meet them to earn either a bronze, silver, or golden star, respectfully. Gold being the highest you can get.

Main Burger is the second mode you'll unlock after having progressed to a point into Solo Burger. It is a 1 -4 player co-op mode with slightly larger stages. This particular mode harkens back to the arcade style experience of the original, and beefs things up by including new hazards, and new power-ups that can be used to maximize your score. The same base rules apply as do the Solo Burger star rankings, and include themed puzzles with complimentary features to ramp up the challenge. You will find power-ups that appear randomly which will offer brief alternatives in dispatching the Food Foes as well as in completing the layers. There's also 1up power-ups, and pepper refills as well as french fries, and nuggets. Each with their own limited time/use bonus effects. Challenge Burger plays out in a similar fashion, and on an even larger stage, but on an endless scale where you can play as long as you can stay alive. The catch being Challenge Burger comes in four difficulty tiers including Classic, Easy, Normal, and Hard. Each with their own global leaderboards for bragging rights.

Lastly, Battle Burger is the 2- 4 player brawler hybrid mode that was least expected. In it players can play as Pepper Pete, or one of the four different Food Foes. Each has their own unique ability that can be activated when a gauge above the character fills up. Pepper Pete will get peppers, and the Food Foes the ability to withstand pepper attacks. Along with that there are power-ups that effect gauge refills, range, and other things that are the key to winning the fight. All of this takes place in the usual burger stacking setup, but in a versus presentation. One other thing to note is that the Main and Battle modes are the only two modes that be played with up to 4 players in total. The difference between the two modes is that Main is a co-op effort, and that lives are shared. Thus forcing teamwork to make it far. The opposite goes for Battle where it's a versus only scenario in the team sense.

The Verdict ...

I love "Burgertime Party!" like I love burgers and I LOVE burgers!!! Everything from the retro cartoon art style to the upbeat soundtrack, and the gameplay comes together perfectly in a truly complimentary package. Like a full meal deal from your favorite restaurant. The game has challenges. It has plenty of replay value, and it has multiplayer to boot. While I'm not really into the party thing it's still a plus for those looking for a fun party style game. Even if you want to go solo there's plenty to enjoy, and it warrants the asking price for the experience. This gem of a game is one not to pass up this October. It comes out on the 8th, and is worth every penny ... or whatever!!! Don't miss out! Burgertime Party FTW!!!