There is a reason Diner Dash is so popular -- the simple time management exercise is addictive and it can be very satisfying when you get an efficient restaurant up and running. But what makes for a perfect casual PC game doesn't necessarily translate well to the living room. This is a six-year old game that millions of people have already played, so it's not the most exciting XBLA release. The visuals are also pretty bland and the controls can be finicky. There is fun to be had, though, particularly with the cooperative multiplayer mode (which is available online). Diner Dash on XBLA will best be enjoyed by people who haven't played the PC original or its many sequels and are in the mood for something light.
Presentation - 6.0
Graphics - 5.5
Sound - 6.5
Gameplay - 7.0
Lasting Appeal - 6.0
Overall -
Diner Dash is the brand-new free version of the famous time management simulator for the iPhone, iPad, and Android platforms. As with the old PC versions, you play as Flo The waitress, and your job is to serve all of your customers as quickly as possible and get them out of there as satisfied as possible.
Brittany Vincent of Modojo writes:
"Glu Mobile has totally revamped the classic Diner Dash, and it's time to jump in headfirst to serve as many hungry customers as you can! It's a whole new ballgame this time around, with different combos and a frantic new setup. It's the original Diner Dash you know and love, with plenty of new tricks sprinkled in here and there to make a tasty new dish. Get on board with our tips and tricks and step your game up for the newest entry in the Diner Dash franchise!"
STP - Today’s installment in our 50 Best Game Series on iOS is Diner Dash, the series that started the time management craze. In these frantic real-time strategy games from Playfirst, you control a waitress, Flo, as she takes customer orders, delivers platters of food, then cleans up the mess and collects the check. Over the years, Flo has taken on some lucrative side jobs, and even opened her hotel to monsters.
