Suggestions Box (Apr 2017)

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...

 #216: Relax the time-frame for goals

The last four goal sets have come with a 15 day timer, which is well down on what we had become accustomed to over the years, when quests would typically last for around a month. Considering that updates are now much more sporadic than in the past, I'd argue that a return to longer term goals would be a good move.

April (at least so far) has been a fine example of why I believe this. On the 4th we enjoyed the release of a new goal set which had that 15 day clock ticking down. The sight of such a time-frame tends to strike fear into the heart, and consequently most players were on the case of the quest pronto, pulling resources to ensure they got through the various steps quickly.

But since those goals we've had no new content. The only update of any description was an Easter sale the following Tuesday, and then there was nothing this week. So why make us rush? With more time in hand many players could have still had goals active this week, making the game feel less like tumbleweed was rolling through. So the gamemakers should definitely consider relaxing the time-frame for goals.

 #217: Add recipes to basic appliances

Long time reader Adam's Apple offered up this suggestion, and it's one I think we can all get behind.

There was a time when we only ever received new dishes outside of goals via the existing basic appliances. Then it all went the other way, and you may be surprised to hear that the last additions to the basic fleet was way back in April 2015 - almost two years ago to the day - when the Basic Stove, Basic Oven and Drink Machine all got fresh food.

Last new recipes added to basic appliances

There is so much benefit to be had from such recipes, chief among which is of course the two mastery gems that may be gleaned from each. But as well as that, providing the occasional basic cooker addition would encourage veteran players to keep going. Given that updates are now less regular, methods of keeping folks coming back is key for Storm8, so they should take note!

 #218: Reset mastery upon mastering everything

I do like an occasional pipe dream entry in the Suggestions Box, and this is undoubtedly one!

There are now 710 recipes which have appeared in Restaurant Story. The task of mastering every last one is no mean feat, and yet if you do manage to bring up the second mastery gem for them all, it's all rather anticlimactic. I think there should be a reward for completing this most formidable of challenges. And what better reward than the opportunity to do it all again!

As was the case with my previous suggestion, this concept has legs in that it will increase the chances of a player hanging around long after they've filled up all those mastery meters. You don't need me to point out that 710 dishes corresponds to a mouthwatering 1,420 gems - the prospect of being able to earn all of that for a second time is tantalising, particularly given the slow down in the game which has meant fewer recipes (and hence gem earning opportunities) are available.

 #219: Move unlocked items to front of market

There are few things in the game which are more frustrating than having to tap your way through the market to find a particular decoration. I've provided all manner of solutions and mitigations for this, and my latest is specific to goal prizes, which of course are always nestled near the end of the floor decorations tab.

 Previous Suggestions Box posts

 25/03/17 March 2017
 25/02/17 February 2017
 28/01/17 January 2017
 10/12/16 December 2016
 19/11/16 November 2016

There is a fairly high probability than once unlocked a player is going to want to access a new goal prize. Within the goals themselves the buttons on the goal steps can be used for quick access to these pieces, but if you want to get a closer look at them after finishing the quest, it can be a pain to locate them.

By bringing unlocked items to the front of the market during the period in which they are still labelled as new, this issue can be addressed. I'd even consider placing any locked decor for the current goals at the start of the relevant tab so as to encourage players to participate in the goals.

 #220: Include linked items in goals

The final prize in the Mardi Gras goals was the Queen of Mardi Gras, an attractive 3x3 float. On its own this was a cool item, but throw in the King of Mardi Gras - available from the off in the update - and you have a perfect pairing.

Mardi Gras King and Mardi Gras Queen

I'd like to see more clever combinations such as this one, with multiple decorations within a goals update being all the more impressive when brought together. It's something which makes the quests feel more all-encompassing (in contrast to the mish-mash provided by the fresh produce themed goals).

And I'd also draw a comparison with what is surely the most famous and lauded goal set ever seen in Bakery Story - back in 2012 the Christmas goals included a family of reindeer each offered individually and unlocked throughout the numerous tasks. It was such a satisfying goal set as you were slowly completing a collection which was so well thought out.

So let's have some more linked items in goals. This would help make the quests as appealing as possible and also be a further aid in encouraging players to keep going all the way to the end.