Monday 29 February 2016

The latest parts perusal

It's been over six months since my last scrutiny of the various appliance parts in the game, so I thought I'd conjure up a bonus post with the latest news on this front, which will hopefully help you in choosing which parts to gift your neighbours.

At the last cross-examination the Mallet was still relatively new but was already making an impact having been involved in the construction of most cookers since its release. The Golden Stake was also commonplace, while the Spring and Screw were the most regularly required of the traditional 'basic' parts (everything from the Fuse through to the Wiring). Meanwhile the pattern of a new part with every appliance was well established.

So has the parts outlook remained the same since then, or has there been a seismic shift? Well, since that last report in August 2015 there have been 27 new appliances introduced, with 14 of these being components of a goal set and the other 13 included in regular updates.

Saturday 27 February 2016

iOS vs Android: Let's get ready to rumble!

The vast majority of players run Restaurant Story from either an Apple or Android device. Going by the operating system statistics of this blog, the split between the two may be fairly even, but which is the superior platform for the game? This is a difficult question to answer since both platforms have their good and bad points across a wide variety of elements of the game.

Before we begin this investigation a brief shout out to Kindle users. As Kindle makes up a very small slice of the game's population it doesn't really get much air time on here, but thanks to Danis Cafe I'm able to offer up a few details which paint a picture of the Kindle platform.

Kindle edition as shown on Amazon.com

The Kindle version largely mirrors the iOS version, although there are a few small differences. Firstly the account transfer feature has never existed on Kindle, whereas it has been a hit inclusion on iOS devices. However with the recent changes doing away with this component of the game, it appears that this particular inequality is no longer present.

Wednesday 24 February 2016

Game update: 24/02/16

Who let the dogs out?! This is a barking mad update with the focus very much on man's best friend.

Notification for Puppy Love Crate

The Puppy Love Crate is a 24 gem investment, and upon the gamble you'll receive one of the prizes contained within. As is always the case with boxes, some of the items inside are better than others, and it's just your luck as to how satisfied you end up being.

Where do I start? There have been enough dog decorations introduced over the last few weeks for me to actually comment upon it, and now Storm8 have gone and dedicated an entire update to them! Given that my thoughts were largely negative, this is not a good thing. And I'm not alone in feeling that way.

Saturday 20 February 2016

Suggestions Box (Feb 2016)

Every month I list five things I'd like to see added, altered or abolished from the game. Because even though my long time of playing Restaurant Story clearly shows I love it, that doesn't mean it's perfect. Some of the ideas I'll air will be significant game changers while others will be low-key and irrelevant in the eyes of many of you readers.

You can share your own suggestions too via the comments. If I like them, I may even include them in the next instalment!

In no particular order, here are this month's entries...

Wednesday 17 February 2016

Game update: 17/02/16

Who's got that Wednesday feeling?! It's all very well showing affection for someone on Valentine's Day, but what we really want is a demonstration of commitment.

This update will put that to the test as the romantic tone continues, despite Valentine's having now passed. It's not a big update, but that doesn't stop me compiling another of those famous lists, with it all available at level 27:

Tables:
  • Amore Table - 3 gems
Chairs:
  • Amore Chair - 14,000 coins
Floor decorations:
  • Date Night Diners - 30 gems
  • Date Night Candles - 12,000 coins
  • Date Night Drinks - 6,000 coins

Tuesday 16 February 2016

Valentine's Day 2016 goals content report

Valentine's Day is now behind us, but that doesn't mean love can't continue to flourish for a little longer! This is the goals content report for last week's lovey-dovey goal set, and begins with some comment on the quest itself.

The most striking aspect of the goals was probably the unusual timings on the recipes. The general formula is for the first appliance to give three shorter dishes (say 1, 2 and 4 hours) and the second appliance to give three longer dishes (say 3, 6 and 9 hours). But on this occasion it was the first cooker which gave the most time consuming recipe, with there being an 8 hour offering on the Cupid's Oven.

It's interesting how the playing community seem to be very split on whether longer foods are a good thing. Some will say that it means less chance of dishes spoiling, while others will say that it takes much longer to finish the goals. I guess it comes down to your playing style, but I certainly side with the latter argument - I tend to be pretty attentive with the game so flies don't pay me a visit all that often. However I can certainly see the reasoning for favouring longer durations.

Sunday 14 February 2016

Valentine's Day 2016 showcase

Happy Valentine's Day! Whether you've spent today cuddled up with someone very special or have politely ignored the heartfelt shenanigans, I urge you to join me on a journey full of love. Because, ladies and gentlemen, it's showcase time!

Coming up are glimpses into the restaurants of five of my great neighbours, including three showcase debutants. Before we profess our love for one another, I'd like to apologise in advance for the lamp posts overlaying the walls in the images. This is something which has been plaguing my in-game photos for a good while now, and I think it may originate with the horrid 1.7.6 iOS update which was full of glitches. So rest assured, the lamp posts aren't really there!

That's enough of the lamp post banter. Let's get this show on the road with an episode of 'The Dating Game' ('Blind Date' for UK readers!) at Nibbles and Noms.

Saturday 13 February 2016

The Garlic Tree celebrates Valentine's Day

Where are you taking your loved one this Valentine's Day? Well, if you're still undecided why not consider my restaurant, The Garlic Tree. I've given the place a makeover to ready for the occasion and would be delighted if you come along for a bite to eat!

Upon arrival you'll be met with a rather pink foyer section and a warm greeting from Hanbok Phoebe.

Foyer section of The Garlic Tree

She'll direct you to the Rose Seller at the Heart Host Stand. The Rose Seller isn't just there to oversee proceedings in the diner - she's also out to sell as many roses as she can (surprise, surprise!) She's trying to demonstrate that roses can be useful in many settings, be it a hair band, a Giant Rose Basket or on the front of a French Cafe Bike. All proceeds go towards her own pursuit of love!

Wednesday 10 February 2016

Valentine's Day 2016 goals (in full)

Please note that this set of goals expired on Thursday 10th March 2016.

Included with the most recent weekly update was a batch of goals to help set the ambience in your restaurant for Valentine's Day.

Up for grabs are three floor decorations and two appliances, including six recipes. This quest runs for 30 days, which means it should be around until Thursday 10th March, after which time it will be gone forever.

Time to set the scene with the complete list of goal steps:

Game update: 10/02/16

Roses are red, violets are blue, and on it goes... It's Valentine's week in Restaurant Story!

Introduction to Valentine's Day 2016 goals 

There's not long left until the day when people all around the world profess their love for that special someone, and you can get in on the action with a brand new set of goals. We'll start with a look at the new content introduced in this update:

Tables:
  • Sweetheart Table - 14,000 coins

Saturday 6 February 2016

RS2 News (Feb 2016)

With us having trotted into February it's time to reflect on the latest goings-on from our second favourite game, Restaurant Story 2. In the last month we've befriended a family of yetis, witnessed a selection of sales, taken in an African safari and played football with the dogs!

Before I get my teeth into it, I must throw in a quick disclaimer. I'm actually away this weekend, with the 'magic of blogging' allowing me to publish this post today. So if there's any major news has broken since Friday morning I apologise - there's not much I can do!

Let's kick off with the goal set entitled The Adorable Snow Man. This quest was just getting underway when I gave my last dissection, and having only lasted one week feels like a lifetime ago already!

Notification for The Adorable Snow Man goals

Wednesday 3 February 2016

Game update: 03/02/16

This Valentine's Day take your loved one somewhere really romantic, and do it via a boat trip!

We're closing in on Valentine's, and so the heat is being turned up with this nautical update. With 11 new items in all it looks pretty healthy at a glance. Here's the traditional list of fresh content, with everything unwrapped at level 26:

Tables:
  • Heart Anchor - 5 gems
Chairs:
  • Love Boat Chair - 12,000 coins
Floor decorations:
  • Love Boat Cafe - 45 gems
  • Love Boat Treats - 20 gems
  • Love Boat Pup - 7 gems
  • Love Boat Crew - 65,000 coins
  • Little Love Boat - 40,000 coins