Diner Dash 3 Flo on the Go Review

Diner Dash 3 Flo on the Go Review

If you played Diner Dash or Cake Mania before, you'll feel right at home with Flo on the Go. The mechanic is essentially what you've seen before:

1. Seat customers at clean, available tables
2. Take their orders and tell the chef what to whip up
3. Bring the meals to the awaiting cafe-goers
4. Deliver the check/bill when they ask for it
5. Clear the table of dirty dishes
6. Do it all over again

The formula may not be particularly novel in Diner Dash 3: Flo on the Go, but it's such a fun and frantic way to play that you won't care.

Graphics and Sound

As with most other online casual video games, the visuals and soundtrack found in this title aren't exactly awe-inspiring. It won't win any awards when comparing to beefier titles like Gears of War or even World of Warcraft, but comparing it directly with its competitors -- Lemonade Tycoon, for example -- the developers have done a good job with providing just enough detail to keep you interested. The palette choice is a good one: the colors are bright and vibrant, creating a welcoming and cheery atmosphere for you to serve your customers. The animation is silky smooth with virtually no slowdown, despite the fact that at later levels, you'll be managing several tables, several awaiting customers, and who knows how much in tips.

Overall, I'm satisfied with the visual and aural experience.

Stepping up the Wardrobe

One element of Flo on the Go that separates it from previous incarnations is that you can dress up Flo in whatever clothes you like. As you make your way through this game, you will unlock additional wardrobe items, like new sunglasses, pants, tops, aprons, and so forth. There are also plenty of colors to choose from, so you can give Flo the look you've always dreamed of or one that you think is completely outrageous and hilarious. It's completely up to you... but you've got to earn those clothes first.

I'm not sure if this adds any extra value to the game, but it's a welcome distraction in between levels. This little bit of customization may appeal to certain consumers (especially those who love to shop).

Upgrading the Restaurant

While improving the digs is an integral part of the Diner Dash experience -- buying more tables, expanding the decor, getting a karaoke stage, and so on -- it doesn't make as much sense in this context as in previous incarnations. After all, in the first two Diner Dash titles, Flo owned the establishments, so it was in her best interest to expand her business and make as much money as possible. Because she is merely working at the cruise ship's diner this time around, why would she want to invest her money in a business that gives no returns (after her vacation is over, of course)? A logical flaw, but one that most are willing to overlook.

Diner Dash 3: Worth the Upgrade?

There are new customer types, new backgrounds, and a fresh new wardrobe to enjoy, but realistically, Diner Dash 3: Flo on the Go isn't all that different from previous versions of the game. For this reason, I find it difficult to recommend the additional purchase if you already own an older edition of Diner Dash. If you don't already own a copy of Diner Dash, however, you should seriously consider picking up DD3: Flo on the Go as it is easily the best rendition they have produced thus far.

That is, until they make Diner Dash 4: A Trip to Mars (just kidding).