Following our initial coverage of UMAMI‘s charming food-themed puzzles, developer Mimmox has now released a free demo for Steam Next Fest! After spending time with these mouthwatering brainteasers, we’re convinced this debut title could become the next cozy gaming obsession.
A Tasty Two-Course Introduction
The demo serves two distinct puzzles that perfectly showcase UMAMI‘s blend of tactile satisfaction and escalating challenge. First, there’s the Purrfect Patty from Chef Cattini: A vertical burger tower where magnetic blocks snap satisfyingly into place. Then there’s Zen-Den Cakes from Chef Pandaroo: A more complex four-sided confection requiring spatial reasoning.
While brief, as the demo can be completed in about 15 minutes, it’s more than enough to let you experience the main concept. The other puzzles that you will get to play in the full release are visible in the menu but greyed out. These glimpses promise deliciously challenging future courses.
The wood block puzzles are relatively simple, but I can easily see how they can grow in challenge with each level. Purrfect Patty is a wooden tower, essentially, with magnets that the block pieces clip to when you move them around. Meanwhile, the Zen-Den Cakes have protrusions from each of the four sides of its base tower. There’s far greater variety in shapes, the number of pieces, and their possible combinations. We have the very base of the puzzles to get us started as well, but its not easy to immediately tell which pieces will connect to it. I actually found it easier to connect the top parts and work into the middle. The physicality of placement – complete with a cheerful ding when pieces connect – is also a huge help.
Polished to Perfection
Our earlier preview highlighted UMAMI‘s hand-painted dioramas, but the demo reveals even more thoughtful details. The tables are lively with the chaotic disorder of a half eaten meal, and even intractable. Click on a fry, onion ring, or a drink cup? You get a unique little sound effect and a jiggle to go with it. It’s just a clever level of detail that I really appreciate. Plus, looking at all the food does make me a little hungry.
Also, the soundtrack is a smooth, jazzy, almost low-fi track. It is the kind that you might play to really relax and zone into your course studies, which makes it great for a semi-cerebral activity like this. I certainly wouldn’t mind putting it on my regular playlist.
Mimmox really understands the cozy game formula. There is absolutely zero pressure, with no timers or penalties. The sensory delights as exquisite, with visual, auditory, even imagined taste. Plus, the scalable challenge where the simple start teaches mechanics for harder puzzles means its easily accessible for even beginner puzzlers.
Appetite Thoroughly Whet
As noted in our original coverage, these foodscapes are designed to be “as nourishing to play as the dishes would be to eat” – and UMAMI‘s demo proves that vision translates beautifully.
The demo’s greatest achievement? Making us desperately want the full 15-puzzle menu. I even pulled UMAMI up for my wife to play because I know how much she loves puzzles, and she immediately Wishlisted it after trying the burger tower! Feel free to hop onto the Steam Next Fest: June 2025 sale page for this and other demos of games coming soon near you!
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