Joystiq

'Cooking Mama Seasons' goes free to play on iOS

JC Fletcher — Thu, 20 Dec 2012 12:30:00 EST

If you've never tried the touchscreen culinary minigames of one of the Cooking Mama games before, now you can sample her recipes for free. Cooking Mama Seasons is now on the App Store, replacing the previous iOS version, with new Retina graphics, "Food Art" decoration, and, of course, a free-to-play model that allows you to buy new recipes to try. A version with more recipes pre-loaded is also available for $6.99.

It's worth a download for free, in our opinion, just to have some heavily-accented encouragement from Mama any time we need it.

'Cooking Mama Seasons' goes free to play on iOS originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 20 Dec 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cooking Mama: Breaking Bad is the good stuff

Jessica Conditt — Thu, 02 Aug 2012 19:30:00 EST

Sure, Breaking Bad is a show about the crippling stress and fractured interpersonal relationships of running a high-stakes meth-cooking operation, but it's a show that makes us want to experience that kind of mind-melting trauma firsthand. And now we can, thanks to Cooking Mama: Breaking Bad.

Developed by Juan David Gómez, Cooking Mama: Breaking Bad lets players partake in the joy of mixing dangerous chemicals into grade-a meth, without all the hassle of killing your rivals, evading the authorities and losing the love of everyone you ever cared about. Play a few rounds in your browser right here.

Cooking Mama: Breaking Bad is the good stuff originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Aug 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Majesco cooking up Cooking Mama combo packs for Wii and DS

Richard Mitchell — Tue, 24 Jul 2012 18:30:00 EST

Starting next month, it'll be a little cheaper to spend some time with your multi-talented Cooking Mama. Majesco is bundling together six different Cooking Mama games across three different packages: Mama's Combo Pack Volume 1 and 2 on the DS and Mama's 2-pack on the Wii.

Mama's Combo Pack Volume 1 includes the original Cooking Mama as well as Camping Mama: Outdoor Adventures, and Volume 2 features Cooking Mama 2: Dinner with Friends and Crafting Mama. Mama's 2-pack, meanwhile, includes Cooking Mama Cook Off and Cooking Mama World Kitchen. The bundles will be available August 14 for $30 each.

Now, if you'll excuse us, writing this post made us very hungry.

Gallery: Cooking Mama Combo Pack 1 and 2

Continue reading Majesco cooking up Cooking Mama combo packs for Wii and DS

Majesco cooking up Cooking Mama combo packs for Wii and DS originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Jul 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hark, the herald Groove Coasters sing

JC Fletcher — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 23:30:00 EST

It's a Christmas miracle! Taito Claus has bestowed five new downloadable Groove Coaster songs upon all the good little vector dots and Invader icons of the world -- including a techno-y Christmas tune. We're not going to be listening for the tapping of reindeer feet this Christmas because we're going to be tapping out music.

Even better, the game is on sale right now for .99 -- joining other seasonally discounted Taito games including Cooking Mama and Space Invaders: Infinity Gene.

Hark, the herald Groove Coasters sing originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Dec 2011 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cooking Mama 4's plush pre-order bonus

Alexander Sliwinski — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 19:30:00 EST

How can one learn to cook properly without Mama watching, judging your every move? Pre-order Cooking Mama 4: Kitchen Magic for 3DS from GameStop and you can take a Mama doll home with you. Just place her atop the refrigerator and feel her disappointment magically turn you into a better cook. It's the ultimate tool in negative reinforcement.

Don't let the soft demeanor fool you, there is darkness in Mama that dwarfs that of domestic diva Martha Stewart. One doesn't reach 12 million global sales without being a "Business Mama" as well. Cooking Mama 4: Kitchen Magic will pull a dinner out of its hat this October.

Continue reading Cooking Mama 4's plush pre-order bonus

Cooking Mama 4's plush pre-order bonus originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Jul 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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'Mama' franchise reaches 12 million sales worldwide, 8.5 million in NA

Alexander Sliwinski — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 01:30:00 EST

Majesco had a timeline at its E3 booth showing all of Mama's jobs over the past five years. The poster stated that the franchise had reached 12 million sales globally, with a rep telling us that the sales in North America represented 8.5 million of the total.

Mama is currently planning a return to the kitchen and the series that gave the gal her big break, after she does a little camping in September, in Cooking Mama 4: Kitchen Magic this October.

'Mama' franchise reaches 12 million sales worldwide, 8.5 million in NA originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Jun 2011 01:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cooking Mama 4 goes to 3DS, Camping Mama goes to DS this fall

JC Fletcher — Tue, 24 May 2011 16:25:00 EST

Mama has a very busy couple of months ahead of her. Majesco's patron matron has 60 more recipes to make with your help in Cooking Mama 4: Kitchen Magic! For the first time, her culinary creations will be three-dimensional, because Cooking Mama 4 is headed to 3DS. The minigames in this new version will use both the touchscreen and the 3DS's gyroscopic tilt controls.

Also this fall, Mama will return to her roots on the regular DS to take a hard-earned vacation in Camping Mama: Outdoor Adventures, where she'll get a break from all those cooking minigames with ... 100 new outdoor minigames, set in "38 different levels that span forests, mountains and seas."

Cooking Mama 4 goes to 3DS, Camping Mama goes to DS this fall originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 May 2011 16:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GameStop lists Cooking Mama 4 for 3DS

JC Fletcher — Sat, 09 Apr 2011 05:00:00 EST

According to a new GameStop listing, Mama is going to start making recipes with more depth of flavor. Or at least more illusion of depth. The retailer has listed Cooking Mama 4 for 3DS, with a release date in October.

It's perfectly plausible for there to be a new Cooking Mama game coming out in the fall, of course, as that's the cornerstone of Majesco's business. The publisher has recently begun moving toward more 3DS games, with announcements of The Hidden, Face Kart: Photo Finish, and Pet Zombies in 3D.

Meanwhile, if you want Cooking Mama on your 3DS ahead of time, you can scan the Cooking Mama Mii prepared by Majesco.

GameStop lists Cooking Mama 4 for 3DS originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 09 Apr 2011 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cooking Mama franchise stirs up Facebook with 'Friends Cafe'

Griffin McElroy — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 18:00:00 EST

We've already seen the meteoric rise of a social networking blockbuster in which the player cultivates and harvests rich acres of fresh produce -- it makes sense that we'd also witness the arrival of a social networking game in which that produce is prepared for human consumption. That's a niche which the Cooking Mama franchise will attempt to fill with its new Facebook iteration, Friends Cafe.

The Majesco-published game features the same food preparation gameplay the series is known for, as well as unlockable (or purchasable!) upgrades for your own personal kitchen or restaurant. Of course, such entrepreneurship requires persistence, as players who neglect their cafes will see them shut down. You can learn more about this heartbreaking process in Majesco's next Facebook-enabled title, Bank Foreclosing Mama.

Cooking Mama franchise stirs up Facebook with 'Friends Cafe' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 Jan 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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'Camping Mama' trademark filed by Cooking Mama Ltd.

Griffin McElroy — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 18:00:00 EST

Mama has proven her prowess at Cooking, Gardening and, soon, Babysitting -- but it seems she could be showing off her remarkable outdoorsmanship in the franchise's next outing. Cooking Mama Ltd., the series' developer, has filed a U.S. trademark for "Camping Mama," which has, in turn, sent our heads reeling over the possible gameplay implications therein. Just imagine the activities Mama could practice in a wilderness setting:

Tent pitching
Campfire making
Marshmallow roasting
Mosquito swatting
Killing a bear with her own hands and turning its pelt into a victory coat, The Edge-style

'Camping Mama' trademark filed by Cooking Mama Ltd. originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Oct 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cribs: Babysitting Mama Edition

JC Fletcher — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 03:00:00 EST

Majesco has released images of the final doll design and packaging for Babysitting Mama. Cleverly, the box for the minigame collection is shaped like a crib, featuring a phrase we didn't ever think we'd see on a game box: "Wii Game Disc Included (Look Under Baby!)"

Continue reading Cribs: Babysitting Mama Edition

Cribs: Babysitting Mama Edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 31 Aug 2010 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Here it is: the Babysitting Mama controller

JC Fletcher — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 23:00:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

You know you wanted to see the plush baby that Majesco is including with Babysitting Mama -- the one that, when the Wiimote is tucked inside, functions as the interface for the game. We wanted to see it. We were curious.

And here it is -- well, here's a pretty close representation of that baby controller. Majesco was sure to tell us that the design of the doll, and the design of the packaging, had yet to be finalized. The baby controller hasn't reached maturity, essentially.

Here it is: the Babysitting Mama controller originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 Jun 2010 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Majesco's Babysitting Mama includes your very own baby

JC Fletcher — Mon, 24 May 2010 16:30:00 EST

The "WiiWaa" doll introduced us to the concept of cramming a Wiimote into a doll's mouth and using that to interact with a game. Majesco is bringing that same idea to a much more mainstream game: the previously trademarked Babysitting Mama.

Using a plush baby into which you have tucked a Wiimote -- and also using the Nunchuk that is somehow hanging out of this plush baby or something -- you play 40 minigames in the usual Cooking Mama style; representing tasks like feeding and changing a baby, or rocking it to sleep. The game will feature six different virtual babies with unique personalities, though you'll be using the same proxy doll to manipulate all the e-babies.

Babysitting Mama is due out this holiday. Unfortunately, Majesco has yet to release an image of the doll, so we can't yet gauge how creeped out we're going to be by this game.

Gallery: Babysitting Mama (Wii)

Majesco's Babysitting Mama includes your very own baby originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 24 May 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Majesco reports drop in Q1 profits

JC Fletcher — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 03:00:00 EST

This week, Majesco reported its earnings for its fiscal first quarter (which ended January 31). As you may have surmised from the recent news of its potential Nasdaq delisting, things aren't precisely where Majesco would want them to be, financially. Its net profit for the quarter was $3.8 million, showing a year-over-year decline compared to Q1 2009's $4.2 million profit.

However, the slightly smaller Q1 still seems big enough to make Majesco happy. "Majesco had a very solid first quarter driven by strong holiday sales of our Cooking Mama franchise," CEO Jesse Sutton said, "which once again delivered impressive results, and Alvin & The Chipmunks: The Squeakquel." Yes, that's right, some of you bought something with the word "Squeakquel" on it.

"Our results were in-line with our internal expectations and we remain on track to deliver improved profitability for 2010," he added. "We have made significant progress in fine tuning our strategy to meet the challenges of the current operating environment." The latest announcement from Majesco, of course, is another extension of the Cooking Mama franchise, Crafting Mama.

Majesco reports drop in Q1 profits originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Mar 2010 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Majesco cooks up Crafting Mama for DS

JC Fletcher — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 10:33:00 EST

Almost a year ago, a trademark for "Crafting Mama" was spotted. It's now being put to use, as Majesco has announced, well, Crafting Mama for DS. In her latest endeavor, Mama will occupy her seemingly endless time with a new task: arts & crafts.

In a series of 40 projects, players will create things like birdhouses, quilts, kaleidoscopes and adorable new aprons for Mama to wear, as well as Mama dolls. Of course, these creations will all be realized through the familiar touch-based minigames, played alone and in multiplayer, which so many of us have grown to love in the utterly populous Cooking Mama game franchise. It's kind of crazy that a company can announce a game about making quilts and birdhouses, and we can already pretty much imagine how to play it!

Majesco plans a fall 2010 release for Crafting Mama, but we suspect the publisher is at least considering bumping that up a bit.

Majesco cooks up Crafting Mama for DS originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Mar 2010 10:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Majesco threatened with Nasdaq delisting, again

Alexander Sliwinski — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 11:10:00 EST

Majesco, publisher of Cooking Mama and ... other stuff, has received a delisting notice from the Nasdaq stock market. The company now has 180 calendar days to bring its stock above $1 per share, the minimum required to remain on the exchange. The trick, though, is it can't just pop its fiscally hurting head above a buck for a day and everything will go back to being right with the world again. The company needs to hold the price for "a minimum of 10 consecutive trading days prior to August 30, 2010."

This is not the first time Majesco was threatened with being kicked from the exchange. The company came back from the brink of that potential delisting disaster early last year. If you're curious to see what happens after a company is delisted, here are two case studies: Midway and Atari.

Majesco threatened with Nasdaq delisting, again originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Mar 2010 11:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cooking Mama taking on two more side jobs this year

JC Fletcher — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 18:45:00 EST

In its latest financial results release, Majesco reported satisfying sales for its Cooking Mama franchise. It didn't provide specifics, but CEO Jesse Sutton said that Cooking Mama 3 "performed well," Gardening Mama was "very successful" and Cooking Mama in general was "the most successful third party franchise on the DS" and "an evergreen brand." So, naturally, Majesco is going to retire the series on a high note.

Oh, did we say "retire the series on a high note?" We meant "release two more games this year." Sutton said that following the success of the gardening-based spinoff, Majesco is working on two "additional extensions for 2010," as well as looking to "new media channels" for further extensions of the brand.

Cooking Mama taking on two more side jobs this year originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 Jan 2010 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Majesco reports $6.6 million loss for 2009

Richard Mitchell — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 18:15:00 EST

Majesco has just released the financial data for its fiscal 2009, which ended October 31, 2009. The company posted revenues of $23.9 million in the three months ending October 31, 2009, a significant increase over the $18 million in revenue during the same period in 2008. Still, Majesco didn't manage to post actual profits, instead posting a loss of $5.5 million in the fourth quarter, compared to a $0.4 million income during the same period in 2008.

Looking Majesco's entire fiscal 2009, the company reported revenues of $94.5 million, which it claims is a 47.8 percent increase over 2008. Again, though, Majesco reports an overall operating loss for the year, amounting to $6.6 million. This is compared to an operating income of $2.8 million in 2008. The publisher cites "the Cooking Mama franchise, Jillian Michaels' titles and strong distribution revenue" for pushing its "top line," but blames a retail market "especially hard on non-branded and new IP titles" for its losses.

Majesco's major goal for 2010 is profitability, which the company will pursue by cutting costs, releasing "fewer, but stronger titles" and, of course, "leveraging" the Cooking Mama franchise.

Majesco reports $6.6 million loss for 2009 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 Jan 2010 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Taito iPhone games on sale for the holidays

JC Fletcher — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 19:45:00 EST

Taito is celebrating the success of its iPhone games in the best possible way: by making some of them cheaper. The Square Enix-owned publisher announced that its lineup of iPhone games appeared in Apple's "Rewind 2009" lists for 65 different regional App Stores, and that it's temporarily discounting Cooking Mama and Bust-a-Move to mark the occasion.

Cooking Mama is $3.99 for the first 50,000 people who download it, or until January 4 (whichever comes first). Bust-a-Move is just $2.99 from now until January 4. Taito also alerted us to new in-app purchases for that game, consisting of a new two-player cooperative mode and four additional 50-stage packs.

Taito iPhone games on sale for the holidays originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 Dec 2009 19:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cooking Mama coming to arcades, looks pretty unsanitary

Griffin McElroy — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:30:00 EST

We hate to go all Howard Hughes on you guys, but we must admit: This touch-screen equipped arcade version of Cooking Mama fills every bone in our body with germophobic discomfort. That can partially be attributed to the fact that we've seen our fair share of filthy hands attached to the wrists of arcade dwellers. Then again, perhaps we just have a visceral, sickening reaction to seeing raw fish being prepared by the aforementioned unwashed digits. Gyyeeeuuuuhhh.

Check out some footage from the arcade port after the jump, then go ahead and cancel that reservation for Red Lobster. You won't be needing (or wanting) it any time soon.

[Via GoNintendo]

Continue reading Cooking Mama coming to arcades, looks pretty unsanitary

Cooking Mama coming to arcades, looks pretty unsanitary originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Joyswag: Cooking Mama 3 and Cake Mania 3 (DS) [update]

David Hinkle — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 14:15:00 EST

Update: That's it, folks -- the contest has come to a close! Keep an eye on your email's inbox to see if you won!

In our latest Joyswag, we're hooking one lucky reader up with a pair of new Majesco DS titles: Cooking Mama 3 and Cake Mania 3. Keep 'em to yourself or pass 'em along as a gift this holiday season. See how you can enter to win below:

Leave a comment telling us whether you prefer to bake or cook
You must be 18 years or older and a resident of the US or Canada (excluding Quebec)
Limit 1 entry per person per day
This entry period ends at 2:59PM ET on Tuesday, November 10
At that time, we'll randomly select one winner to receive Cooking Mama 3 for the Nintendo DS ($30 ARV) and Cake Mania 3 for the Nintendo DS ($20 ARV)
For a list of complete rules, click here

Joyswag: Cooking Mama 3 and Cake Mania 3 (DS) [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cooking Mama 3 trailer, fresh from the oven

JC Fletcher — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 01:15:00 EST

Majesco's first trailer for Cooking Mama 3: Shop & Chop features one aspect of the Cooking Mama series we don't expect to see in the actual DS game: the voice acting, which is as endearing as ever.

The trailer features the first look at the game's new shopping mode, which appears as a top-down RPG-style presentation. It also features flashes of the familiar cooking gameplay, including the return of the most ridiculous recipe from Mamas past -- instant ramen. Really?

For the most part, it looks like Cooking Mama, which we've yet to become tired of, so we don't mind. And now with the addition of food with faces, we don't think we will ever get tired of it.

Cooking Mama 3 trailer, fresh from the oven originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 Sep 2009 01:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cooking Mama 3: Shop & Chop your troubles away

JC Fletcher — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 19:10:00 EST

Today, Majesco released new screens and the box art for Cooking Mama 3, revealing the subtitle Shop & Chop. Unfortunately for us, that subtitle, meant to reflect the new grocery shopping element in the minigame sequel, sounds kind of like "Slap Chop," and now we've got the "Rap Chop" remix stuck in our heads. We're going to be in a great mood all day, apparently!

The "Let's Shop" game, in which players dodge distractions to pick up ingredients at a grocery store, leads to the other new mode, "Combine and Create," which somehow allows players to invent their own recipes based on ingredients used in existing in-game recipes. It's an iterative upgrade, sure, but here's a secret: Cooking Mama continues to be fun even when it's just new recipes.

Gallery: Cooking Mama 3: Shop and Chop (DS)

Cooking Mama 3: Shop & Chop your troubles away originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 Aug 2009 19:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Majesco revenues up 60% for second quarter (Thanks, Jillian Michaels, Cooking Mama ... again)

Majed Athab — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 17:40:00 EST

Majesco ~~announced~~ gloated yesterday about its earnings for the second quarter of 2009 (ending April 30, 2009). The company reported net revenues increased 60.8% to $20.5 million over the $12.8 million earned in the same period last year. Majesco attributes the massive increase of revenue to strong software sales for Jillian Michaels' Fitness Ultimatum 2009, Cooking Mama titles and Gardening Mama, which hit retailers in March.

Last quarter, Majesco's revenues kicked up 75% with its good fortunes also attributed to the same games with Jillian Michaels' Ultimatum selling more than half a million copies. It's then not surprising that Majesco is expanding the brand, bringing out Ultimatum 2010 for Wii and Jillian Michaels Pocket Trainer 2010 on DS next year.

Majesco revenues up 60% for second quarter (Thanks, Jillian Michaels, Cooking Mama ... again) originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Jun 2009 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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E3 2009 highlights: The Nintendo roundup

James Ransom-Wiley — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 16:00:00 EST

Nintendo E3 2009 checklist:

Mario? *check*
Zelda? *check*
Metroid? *check*

Are we missing something? Head past the break to find out!

Continue reading E3 2009 highlights: The Nintendo roundup

E3 2009 highlights: The Nintendo roundup originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Jun 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hands-on: Cooking Mama 3 (DS)

David Hinkle — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 19:30:00 EST

When we arrived at Majesco's booth, it was little surprise that the rep wanted to show us Cooking Mamm 3 first. It's a franchise that literally saved Majesco from bankruptcy, and it's no wonder why the company is so proud of it. So, with one new recipe to try, we dove right in.

Continue reading Hands-on: Cooking Mama 3 (DS)

Hands-on: Cooking Mama 3 (DS) originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Jun 2009 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Wonderful! 505 Games announces Cooking Mama 3 for DS

JC Fletcher — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 16:30:00 EST

We may have known it was coming, but now we have a nice, official press release announcing Cooking Mama 3 for DS. 505 Games said that it will release the latest in Cooking Mama Ltd.'s surprisingly popular culinary minigame series "in time for Christmas."

The new game will feature "over 80 recipes, 200 mini-games, four player multiplayer," and "two totally new game modes." "What Dish Can You Make" mode lets you and Mama create a new recipe from two recipes you choose. "Let's Go Shopping" gives you a shopping list to buy, with confusing signs and irritating store employees trying to hinder you!

Majesco hasn't officially announced a US release date for Cooking Mama 3, but we expect a fall or holiday release here as well. It's basically Majesco's biggest title of the year!

Wonderful! 505 Games announces Cooking Mama 3 for DS originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 01 Jun 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cooking Mama recipe yields 4 million portions

JC Fletcher — Mon, 11 May 2009 20:30:00 EST

Majesco certainly seems to have cause to party -- other than demonstrating Cooking Mama 3, that's the actual point of its E3 Cooking Mama celebration. The company announced that the five games in the Cooking Mama franchise (not counting the iPhone port) have collectively sold over four million units in North America.

"We will continue to explore ways to expand the Mama brand with innovative and compelling products that offer new entertainment experiences," Majesco CEO Jesse Sutton said in a press release. Some of those new experiences may include babysitting and crafting!

Majesco also announced another milestone that may be of more practical importance: with a $20 price drop on Cooking Mama: World Kitchen, every Mama game is now available in the US for $29.99 or less.

Cooking Mama recipe yields 4 million portions originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 11 May 2009 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Majesco serving Cooking Mama 3 to E3 attendees

JC Fletcher — Fri, 08 May 2009 09:45:00 EST

Majesco just sent out a very cute invitation to a Cooking Mama-themed party to be held during E3. Listed among the activities planned for the party: a chance to play Cooking Mama 3. What a nice way to announce a new game! The last "numbered" Cooking Mama was Cooking Mama 2: Dinner with Friends on DS, so it seems likely that this latest iteration will be on the DS as well.

It is very little surprise that Majesco and developer Cooking Mama Ltd. are planning another game. Cooking Mama is the cornerstone of Majesco's business, and we'd expect at least a couple of the "approximately 31 titles" the company plans to release (according to its financial report) to be Mama games. Probably more than a couple -- in addition to the newly announced 3, trademarks suggest both Babysitting Mama and Crafting Mama are on the way.

Majesco serving Cooking Mama 3 to E3 attendees originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 08 May 2009 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cooking Mama creator trademarks 'Babysitting Mama'

JC Fletcher — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 15:25:00 EST

Siliconera noticed a trademark for a game called Babysitting Mama in the US Trademark Database. The last time we saw a trademark for a Mama game, it was for Pet Shop Mama, which was just a possible rebranding of what was released as My Pet Shop.

This new trademark, however, was registered by Cooking Mama Ltd., the company that develops the Mama games for Square Enix and Majesco. That strongly suggests that this trademark is intended for a new game. So Mama is babysitting now? The fast-paced, task-oriented minigame format transferred pretty well from cooking to gardening, but will it be fun when you're taking care of some kids? And just how mad is Mama going to get when she has to come in and fix your botched diaper change?

Cooking Mama creator trademarks 'Babysitting Mama' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 Apr 2009 15:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Majesco cooks up compliance with Nasdaq

Alexander Sliwinski — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 16:38:00 EST

Majesco has regained compliance with the Nasdaq stock exchange after completing a stint of ten consecutive days with a stock price of over $1. When asked for comment, Cooking Mama exclaimed, "RONDERFUL!"

The publisher is known for Cooking Mama and ... um. Anyway, last August, Majesco was informed it had 180 days to get its stock back in compliance with Nasdaq rules or face delisting. Optimistically, buying the stock now at its bargain price would be fantastic if Majesco can find another franchise (A Boy and his Blob?) worth its salt and pepper.

[Via GoNintendo, GamerInvestments]

Majesco cooks up compliance with Nasdaq originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Apr 2009 16:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cooking Mama developer trademarks 'Crafting Mama'

JC Fletcher — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 09:40:00 EST

The surprisingly popular Cooking Mama series branches out this month with Gardening Mama, and it seems developer Cooking Mama Ltd. has more planned. The company just trademarked Crafting Mama for use with almost anything game-related.

This trademark doesn't guarantee a new game, but certainly suggests that one is in the works. Cooking Mama Ltd. will seemingly not be satisfied until every domestic activity is playable as a stylus (or remote, or finger) controlled minigame under the watchful eye of a friendly virtual Japanese lady. We're on board -- right up until Giving the Cat a Bath Mama.

[Via Kotaku]

Cooking Mama developer trademarks 'Crafting Mama' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Mar 2009 09:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Majesco revenues shoot up 75% (Thanks, Cooking Mama & Jillian Michaels!)

Majed Athab — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 01:28:00 EST

Just like fellow small-time publisher SouthPeak, Majesco is raking in some serious moolah. The company is reporting that net revenues for its first fiscal quarter (ending January 31, 2009) are at $32.8 million, a 75.8% increase over the same period last year. Also, net income increased 54% to $4.2 million.

The massive cash influx is all due to strong sales numbers in Majesco's casual games line. Cooking Mama, and Jillian Michaels' Fitness Ultimatum 2009 are counted as the breadwinning titles, as the latter has sold over 500,000 copies. Yes, half a million ... you can pick your jaw off the floor now. Who said third-parties can't be successful on Nintendo platforms?

Majesco revenues shoot up 75% (Thanks, Cooking Mama & Jillian Michaels!) originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Mar 2009 01:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Taito reveals Space Invaders, Cooking Mama games for iPhone, iPod, Android

David Hinkle — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 15:55:00 EST

Taito has announced that iPhone and iPod Touch users can access versions of Space Invaders and Cooking Mama in the app store now. The Space Invaders game available in the app store is of the classic variety, but features "full use of the motion sensor and other iPhone 3G and iPod Touch input methods." As for Cooking Mama, the version available for the iPhone and iPod Touch includes "both favorite recipes from past console installments as well as a variety of dishes completely new to the series" and has been enhanced to "make the most of the iPhone 3G / iPod touch's multi-touch screen accelerometer." You can find Cooking Mama and Space Invaders in the app store now for $6.99 and $4.99, respectively.

In addition to new games for Apple platforms, Taito has also announced plans to support Android. T-Mobile users will be able to pick up Arkanoid and Space Invaders now for $5.99 each.

Gallery: Cooking Mama (iPhone/iPod)

Gallery: Space Invaders (iPhone/iPod)

Taito reveals Space Invaders, Cooking Mama games for iPhone, iPod, Android originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Feb 2009 15:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Enjoy some sunshine with Gardening Mama

JC Fletcher — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 16:15:00 EST

Majesco has to make sure it keeps the Cooking Mama voice actress on its payroll. She is basically magical. We love the Cooking Mama games enough to be interested in Gardening Mama anyway, but Mama's encouraging, heavily-accented narration makes us really want to do some fake gardening in the "first gardening game on DS" (which must mean that Majesco doesn't count farming as gardening)!

How great would it feel to be told you're "even better than Mama" at pouring water into the ground? Pretty great. We never get such an enthusiastic "Bravo!" when we spray stuff on plants. We could use more of that kind of feedback in our lives.

Enjoy some sunshine with Gardening Mama originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Feb 2009 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Water saplings! Add soil! Dilute serum!: Gardening Mama dishes out the orders

Chris Greenhough — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 20:00:00 EST

Filed under: Screens

Wiiz has another six screens of Gardening Mama, Majesco's game for people who, like us, think gardening is a bit rubbish and not really worth our time. Naturally, we think simulating this activity through our DSes is perfectly fine, mainly because it doesn't involve getting wet feet and cold hands. So we're massive hypocrites. Sue us.

These new screenshots deal with some of the new tasks we'll face as virtual gardeners. We're told to "Add more soil!" "Water the sapling!" "Dilute the serum!" "Squash those viruses!" No matter what she or her garden is going through, Mama greets all of these challenges with the same reaction: that calm (yet determined) smile. We doubt we'll manage to be quite as composed.

Water saplings! Add soil! Dilute serum!: Gardening Mama dishes out the orders originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Jan 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gardening Mama to sprout in Spring

Jason Dobson — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 09:30:00 EST

Filed under: Nintendo DS, Simulations, Casual

Tired of wrestling with assorted meats and vegetables, Mama has moved from the confines of Majesco's kitchen and into the fresh outdoors, or at least she will next Spring when Gardening Mama is released for the Nintendo DS. Developed by the folks responsible for Mama's culinary exploits, the game will allow players to "plant, nurture and harvest" flowers, fruits and veggies growing in her backyard.

Perhaps this is the beginning of a trend for Mama as she explores the world outside of her kitchen to discover firsthand just where her ingredients come from. We gleefully await the arrival of Slaughterhouse Mama to deliver some delicious reindeer steaks just in time for next year's holiday rush.

Gallery: Gardening Mama

[Via DS Fanboy]

Gardening Mama to sprout in Spring originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Dec 2008 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spring is the season for Gardening Mama in North America

JC Fletcher — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: News

We didn't think Majesco would find any reason not to pick this up, but we're glad to see an official announcement. The company will publish Cooking Mama Ltd.'s latest, Gardening Mama, in North America, with a scheduled spring 2009 release.

According to the press release, Gardening Mama features not only planting and maintaining crops, but also segments in which players use those crops after harvesting -- including examples like making strawberry jam and carving pumpkins. Gardening Mama also features four-player multiplayer gardening, and the ability to share the products of your labor with other players online.

Spring is the season for Gardening Mama in North America originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Dec 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Metareview: Cooking Mama: World Kitchen

David Hinkle — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 18:21:00 EST

Filed under: Metareview

Click to embiggen

Even though PETA hasn't been too happy with Cooking Mama: World Kitchen, everyone else has to be enjoying the game we had so much fun with back at E3, right? Well, the few reviews that have come in haven't been all that positive. So let's get to the scores.

IGN (70/100): "So what we have here is a good casual game; what last year's Cooking Mama should have been. World Kitchen is easy enough for anyone to pick up and play (despite the lack of tutorial), and Mama's charisma may even keep cynical hardcore gamers playing longer than they expected. A little depth beyond simple waggle controls and more gameplay variety would be nice, but this is a fun, breezy game for the non-discriminating player on your holiday shopping list."
Nintendo Power (65/100): "Cooking Mama World Kitchen isn't bad, but it could have been better." [Holiday 2008, p.80]
1UP (C-): "World Kitchen tries hard to spice up the already tasty Cooking Mama recipe with new characters, slapstick rescue minigames, and cheesy-in-a-bad-way voiceovers, but the results leave behind a funny aftertaste. It'll do in a pinch, but I prefer Cook Off's well-balanced helpings."

Any of you pick up Mama's latest game? Agree with the critics? Disagree?

Metareview: Cooking Mama: World Kitchen originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 28 Nov 2008 18:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PETA plans to continue to use games to spread its message

David Hinkle — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 18:21:00 EST

Filed under: News

Following up their recent Super Mario Bros. and Cooking Mama games, PETA has commented to GI.biz that they'll continue this format as a way of "engaging with the public." We guess it's been successful for them, as they say this approach to spreading their message is as "important as music, movies, and television." We can't say we agree, but different strokes for different folks, we suppose.

"Many people are unaware of the real-life violence that animals endure on factory farms and in slaughterhouses," a PETA spokesperson said. "We use games to highlight the cruelty to animals because they appeal to people who are interested but may be turned off by more direct appeals." Well, we don't understand the effectiveness of this approach, to tell you the truth, but, then again, we enjoy a burger every now and then.

PETA plans to continue to use games to spread its message originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 24 Nov 2008 18:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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