2007 · MTO · Simulation

Imagine: Master Chef

Nintendo exclusive

Imagine Master Chef allows players to create recipes from all over the world using the stylus to prepare, stir and cook ingredients. Players can customize their kitchens with utensils and appliances. Fun mini-games include cooking quizzes and kitchen challenges. Bon appetit!

Released: 23 October 2007
Platforms: Nintendo DS
Genres: Simulation
Developers: MTO
Publishers: MTO Ubisoft Entertainment
Modes: Single-player
Perspective: First person
Themes: Action Educational
Age ratings: ESRB E PEGI 3 CERO A USK 0 ACB G
Languages: Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Spanish (Spain)

About

Imagine is a series of simulation video games primarily for the Nintendo DS, Nintendo 3DS, Microsoft Windows, and Wii game consoles, released from October 2007 to February 2013. Imagine video games are aimed primarily at girls aged six to fourteen and are published by Ubisoft.

Keywords

minigames
cooking
chef
box art - real photos
chef's hat
games for girls

Media

The articlegameplay, story, development, reception

Reception

IGN stated that Imagine games vary wildly in quality, describing some games as "boring and soulless cash-ins that serves no purpose other than to financially take advantage of uninformed teenage girls" and others as "surprise hits [that] turned out pretty darn well." Likewise, a 2008 feature in Game Developer opined that Ubisoft's "casual titles"—specifically mentioning the Imagine and Petz series—had distinguished themselves by being "well-made non-shovelware" that didn't try to "take advantage of the innocence of the target market."

On the other hand, social researcher Laura Fantone, thought the series reiterated "dated ideas about female achievement" in which beauty—"followed by virtue and exceptional luck"—is foremost in attaining improvement of status.