Pretty fun as a short-form experiment in video game absurdism. Solid vibes, doesn't overstay its welcome (prison bullshit gets close though). Writing is entertaining, but definitely skews just a bit too terminally online - the sort of unfiltered logged on internet writing that treads a fine line of occasionally feeling like we're recycling discarded drafts of a gimmick account's tweets. If we had at least a tiny bit of down to earth stuff, if only to counterbalance the rest and not feel like a one-trick pony, I think it would've gone a long way here.

It's a Vibes™ game for sure. It absolutely accomplishes what it wants to do but unfortunately it didn't resonate with me the same way it'll resonate with others. Mostly because of the dialogue, which has the 'written for and by the terminally online' thing going for it that does nothing for me, and considering most of the game is being subjected to psycho physics chicanery (FUCK the Prison area, there's a reason you only need to feed one of its denizens to complete the game) in order to read more dialogue, I found it to be a largely grating but ultimately adequate experience. Shoutouts to the funny difficulties in the pause menu, feeding the final amigo on the hard difficulty is still more palatable than Normal Prison bug bullet bullshit.

Simultaneously relaxed yet tense atmosphere. Fresh but easy to understand mechanics that are explored well but don't wear out their welcome. Very unique and easy to recommend to anyone.
Funny and often interesting writing that alludes to a larger story with most conversations, though I personally found it hard to discern a narrative that lives up to the complexity implied by the abstract dialogue. Regardless, still can't fault the worldbuilding even if it's not building up to much other than setting the scene and providing an excuse for the bizarre cast of characters and designs to exist, which are all excellent.

Can you fry eggs ontop of Mount Everest?

I am still not sure, but what I am sure about is that Arctic Eggs is a fantastic experience. The style is immaculate, the music is chill, and the atmosphere is surreal.

The gameplay itself is split into two parts: Walking around talking to people, who say random one liners similarly to games like Sludge Life, you'll either find it hilarious or cringe depending on who you are, the second part is cooking (mostly) eggs. Both sides, as always.

Despite the simple idea, the game is great at throwing fun and unique obstacles your way, such as adding still alive fish to your pan, or having you dodge bullets (don't worry about it). Both of these gameplay segments make for a super fun and enjoyable experience that also doesn't overstay its welcome (3-4 hours average playtime). I would recommend this to everyone looking for something out of the ordinary that's also fun.

This is the best cooking game since Steven's Sausage Roll.

Seriously though, Arctic Eggs is great. The cooking gameplay is incredibly intuitive, but tricky to master. It's simply incredibly satisfying.

Arctic Eggs does a great job with its writing. Each person is a vignette, a small snapshot into this strange world. Some horrify, some make me laugh, but everyone has a place. The game hints at broader implications without spelling out all of the details, and the end result is an excellent bit of science fiction.

Fry some eggs.

EDIT May 17th, 2024: This is for the original itch.io release of the game back in January. I've yet to play the full release, and my work week just started. Give me a week or two and I'll update this accordingly.

A super simple concept supported by great aesthetic direction, and gameplay full of depth. It carries the same energy as the many experimental titles you'd see on PS1 and PS2. The dystopian backdrop, accented by its quirky script, had me completely engrossed. The grimy art direction, which manages to feel like a less restrained MGS1, complement this nicely. I also have to mention the soundtrack, mostly relaxing, and a nice compliment to the challenge of completing a meal.

Though despite the challenge, there is something mesmerizing about the gameplay loop. Mastering the flip is difficult, but when you get to the point where you're flawlessly juggling food on a stuffed pan, it is extremely satisfying. There's a method to the madness. Initial food placement is vital to finishing a dish. Also, the sensitivity adjustment, with the scroll wheel, is a great QOL addition (though to be honest, I ramp it up all the way). Food also doesn't cook when your pan isn't moving, which is super helpful when positioning for a flip.

Arctic Eggs is something special. After completing a couple of requests, I was compelled to see this one to the end. I clocked out at about an hour, and I was totally satisfied giving it my time of day. Not too short, but not too long, and I feel like it wraps itself up nicely. There is a more expanded version on its way; maybe hold off for that one, but this is definitely a game worth experiencing.

sometimes the dialogue feels too “randum XD” but sometimes its really funny and/or thought provoking? i love having my thoughts provoked because i’m kind of just mindlessly drifting the rest of the time, so then a funny thing happens in game and 1 or 2 neurons will fire off as i go “heh.”

This may be the most perfect length game i’ve played. Not in the way that I think more games should be movie length (or maybe yes actually) but moreso that this game is the exact right length for what the game needs. I did every cook request and talked to every npc (i think) and I felt so content. One more egg would’ve ruined the whole meal, One less egg would’ve left me hungry.

"Can you fry eggs ontop of Mount Everest?"
idk, probably after some of the shit I pulled off in this game.

The vibes are immaculate and the at first simple cooking mechanic, has enough twists to keep it both engaging and super annoying (fun way... but also holy shit the prison area).

Great way to spent ~2hrs. I can't think of a better non-spoiler way to describe the game than the current "most helpful" Steam review:

"Cooking Mama for chain smokers"

If that peaks your interest, highly recommend!

I wasn't sure if I was going to rate this game 5 stars at first, but after sitting and thinking about it I really see no reason not to. I love the atmosphere, the music, the game play, there's not a single negative thing I have to say about the game. Near the beginning, around the 20 minute mark, I had decided "Man I really suck at this game. I probably won't make it to the end." At the time, the controls felt unreliable and I felt like I had no control on what I was doing with the pan. The first area I visited was the dock section, where you cook a lot of fish. That section really put me through the wringer, especially those damn puffer fish. However, I came out the other side of it with a really good understanding of how to work the pan and after that I rarely struggled with any of the rest of the games challenges. So much so that I even switched to the hard mode pan for a few cooks. I was learning techniques like how to reliably flip certain items, bounce bullets in the air before they explode, I even balanced two beer bottles on top of each other AND flipped an egg at the same time. The game had given me something that I was struggling and frustrated with and forced me to get better at it, and get better at it I did! Arctic Eggs gave me the same satisfactory of mastering a new skill all in the span of 2 hours, and I think that counts for something.

Oh yeah the game's also just really fun idk