I stole my son’s DSi to play Cooking Mama 3

Yes, its true. Guilty as charged. But I’ve had a copy of Cooking Mama 3: Shop & Chopsitting in my gift closet for months, waiting to be played. And while Big found opportunities to play his favorites (which include Petz Dolphinz Encounter, New Super Mario Bros. Lego Star Wars: The Complete Saga), Cooking Mama 3 remained contained in plastic wrap, though, knowing Mama, anxious to get out.

I’ve never tried Cooking Mama 1 or 2, or the wii version, but I’ve always heard great things. So, like most people, I was expecting a three-quel to be not so hot. But its really fun! I love manipulating controls to quickly create a meal. Its hugely addicting, a great time waster, of course. But totally something that I need when I need to destress and get away from real life. And, because I do love cooking, this is really, really fun for me.

The game has recipes and lots of mini games. My favorite is when you mix it up and create your own recipes, because that’s what I like to do in the kitchen, and this one makes you actually win. Which is a lot better than the kids reactions. Its also really fun to the do the shopping. Seriously, you’re having fun in the grocery store. Against a clock you have to race to shop, but if you bump into another person in the store, you have to do a mini game. Which hurts your time but is so fun its totally worth it.

Now here’s my problem: Big saw me playing Cooking Mama 3. And he’s already better at it than me.

I received a copy of Cooking Mama 3 as a sample, as well as Petz Dolphinz Encounter.