In a world ravaged by an undefined catastrophe, civilization has crumbled, and the landscape is a desolate, irradiated wasteland. Yet, even in such dire circumstances, the denizens of this new world—shambling mutants, monstrous creatures, and even occasional extraterrestrial visitors—still possess a fundamental need: sustenance. This is the premise of "Wasteland Bites," a novel food truck simulator that immerses players in the grim yet darkly humorous reality of post-apocalyptic gastronomy.
Scheduled for release in April, with a playable demo currently accessible on Steam, "Wasteland Bites" positions players as a short-order cook operating a mobile kitchen in this fractured reality. The game, drawing comparisons to the Fallout series, challenges players to concoct and serve unusual meals to a clientele that is anything but ordinary. Your food truck, though seemingly rudimentary, is equipped with the essentials for survival and culinary creation in the End Times, including raw ingredients, canned goods, and even some unexpected necessities like a shotgun for defense and a few less-than-sanitary rodent companions.
Operating this unique establishment requires quick thinking and adaptability. Customers, despite their often grotesque appearances, are impatient. You'll need to use your truck's horn to deter aggressive packs of canines and casually sweep away the ever-present rats from your food preparation areas. The shotgun, prominently displayed, serves as a constant reminder that some patrons are more dangerous than others. Orders can be surprisingly simple, such as a single raw egg and a clove of garlic on a stick, or a quickly toasted turnip and potato sandwich. The game embraces the bizarre, emphasizing that in this world, the customer's desires, no matter how strange, must be met.
However, the culinary challenges extend beyond just odd orders and impatient clients. True horrors lurk in the wasteland, and they aren't always looking for a meal you can prepare. During gameplay, spectral apparitions might creep towards the truck, necessitating quick defensive actions like aiming a flashlight. Poltergeists could suddenly appear, plunging the kitchen into darkness and violently shaking the vehicle. Even alien spacecraft have been observed descending from the skies for a closer inspection of your mobile eatery. Dealing with these supernatural and extraterrestrial threats often involves unconventional methods, such as turning off the lights or simply averting your gaze, hoping they lose interest. In a particularly bizarre encounter, the game might even require you to engage with a "dirty clown" by honking its nose, a testament to the game's unique blend of horror and absurdity.
The emergence of "Wasteland Bites" highlights a growing trend in the gaming industry towards unconventional cooking simulators. Following the recent departure of "Omelet You Cook" from early access and the debut of "Creature Kitchen" just last week, "Wasteland Bites" is poised to join a lineup of titles that push the boundaries of the genre, offering players fresh and imaginative culinary experiences beyond traditional kitchen settings.
This innovative simulator offers a compelling blend of resource management, quick reflexes, and an engaging narrative set against a backdrop of societal collapse. Players must navigate the challenges of running a business in a hostile environment, providing sustenance to a diverse and often dangerous clientele. The game's unique approach to customer service, where survival often hinges on satisfying grotesque beings and fending off otherworldly threats, creates a dynamic and unpredictable gameplay experience.