Explosive, refreshing, and delightfully offbeat — SEDAP! is the surprise dish you didn’t order but won’t stop craving.
After years of tireless dedication, countless hopes, and that fervent passion — that deep, unwavering love which proved to be the indispensable ingredient in finally reaching this longed-for moment — the day we had awaited so eagerly, which so often felt just out of reach, in part due to the unexpectedly ambitious scope of a project that appeared deceptively little, has at last arrived.
SEDAP!, the debut title from the small yet bold Singapore-based collective kopiforge, has finally become a reality. And we are here, at last, to tell you all about it — to share our experience, and to invite you into what has been, for us, a sensory journey that, while not without its imperfections, proved thoroughly engaging, delightfully surprising, and undeniably memorable.
But let us proceed in order and start from the beginning: what exactly is SEDAP!?
If you haven’t yet had the chance to read our main feature on the project (which we warmly encourage you to catch up on here), worry not — we’re here to refresh your memory.
SEDAP! is a dazzling, exuberantly colourful culinary adventure, one that proudly draws inspiration from genre-defining titles such as Overcooked and PlateUp!. Cooperation, chaos, player coordination, and sheer joy are the lifeblood of the experience — a frenetic yet finely tuned dance of flavours and teamwork.
But do not be misled: SEDAP! is far more than a simple imitation. Instead, it seeks to reimagine the genre, introducing fresh mechanics and original, narrative-tinged elements that lend it a unique and compelling identity.
It’s no surprise, then, that kopiforge reached a remarkable milestone with SEDAP!, becoming a finalist in three categories at the Gamescom LATAM BIG Festival (Best Multiplayer Game, BIG Impact: Diversity, and WINGS Awards), ultimately taking home the award for Best New Game.
So, are you ready to embark with us on a journey into the heart of Southeast Asia, uncovering its culinary treasures and the mythical creatures that breathe life into this fantastical yet authentic world?
Join us in our review and savor the full richness of this remarkable adventure.
In Every Dish, a Dream — In Every Pixel, a Heartbeat: The Genesis of kopiforge and the Spirit Behind SEDAP!
Although we had already dedicated a comprehensive spotlight to the young and exceptionally talented creative collective kopiforge — spelled intentionally in lowercase, as per their deliberate stylistic choice — we felt an urgent, almost moral obligation to once again underscore the profound dedication, meticulous craftsmanship, and above all, the boundless love these young developers have poured into the making of a work that reaches far beyond mere entertainment. A work that stands as a true intercultural bridge, transforming the video game into a vessel for knowledge, celebration, and the transmission of the rich gastronomic, cultural, and folkloric heritage of Southeast Asia.
SEDAP! is far more than an independent production — it is, in the truest sense, an act of love: a tribute to oneself, to players around the globe, and to the video game as a form of artistic, expressive, and communicative language. Its roots lie in the fertile ground of academia, where, born as a modest side project, it blossomed into an idea as disarmingly simple as it is profoundly ambitious: to share with the world the soul, the stories, and the flavours of Southeast Asian culture and cuisine.
The journey that brought SEDAP! to life was anything but smooth — a journey fraught with challenges, both expected and unforeseen, yet met with admirable perseverance, vision, and collective spirit by Jay Wong (Producer), Jing Ting Foo (Technical Lead), Nadiyah Toi (Co-founder and Lead Artist), and Berenice Chao (Game Designer). From the earliest conceptual seed to the final, polished experience, they succeeded in crafting a work of rare integrity — one that seamlessly weaves narrative depth, aesthetic coherence, and mechanically engaging design into a unified, meaningful whole.
From the very first moments, what strikes the player is a deep and unmistakable sense of passion — a quiet, heartfelt intensity that radiates from every pixel, every carefully chosen shade, and every intricately crafted visual and narrative detail. SEDAP! speaks softly, yet with conviction, of belonging, of cultural identity, of memory. It is a tribute to the video game as an art form — not simply a vehicle for entertainment, but a privileged medium through which to tell authentic stories, convey emotion, and safeguard heritage.
It is a dream nurtured with care and realized with rare sensitivity — a creation that moves, captivates, and inspires. A labour of love of extraordinary intensity, one that — we are convinced — will resonate even with the most unyielding of hearts and the most exacting of players. Because SEDAP! is not just a game: it is a heartfelt declaration of intent, an interactive love letter addressed to the entire global video game community.
A warm and heartfelt welcome to the the breathtaking, wild Khaya Island
As much as we would love to lead you through the full breadth of SEDAP!’s narrative and share further insights into its plot, unveiling every nuance would mean stripping away the magic, the sense of wonder, and the emotional resonancethe game experience so delicately aims to evoke. For this reason, we shall content ourselves with offering a glimpse: a brief introduction to the tale’s two protagonists, the reasons behind their arrival on this remote island, and a concise yet essential synopsis of the narrative framework.
In SEDAP!, players step into the shoes of Som and Gon, the two charismatic protagonists of our tale: true virtuosos of the culinary arts who embark on an entrepreneurial adventure with their one-of-a-kind mobile gastronomic laboratory. But don’t be fooled — Som and Gon are anything but alike. Som is the imaginative chef, the creative mind behind each dish, transforming ingredients into culinary wonders; Gon is the seasoned hunter and forager, the one who ventures into the wild to procure, prepare, and provide the raw materials needed for Som’s creations.
Their roles are sharply defined — and exquisitely complementary — especially in cooperative play. Players must divide responsibilities strategically, making full use of each character’s distinct talents and inherent aptitudes. These differences are reflected not only in the tools at their disposal but also in the specific abilities they unlock, adding a rich layer of variety and depth to the gameplay.
Though it may not claim the spotlight, the narrative nonetheless plays a vital role in uncovering the mysteries of Khaya Island — its haunting allure, its enigmatic nature, and the forgotten civilizations that once called it home. This is artfully conveyed through exquisite environmental storytelling, which gradually unveils fragments of a tale that, while gracefully simple in structure, unfolds with a measured and captivating rhythm as players progress from level to level.
Character Skills, Equipment and Builds
You got it right! In SEDAP!, we can choose between different types of equipment and talismans. While single-player mode offers greater freedom in terms of item selection, in co-op the choice of gear is more closely tied to the character you’re playing. But let’s go in order.
The two protagonists each have a personalized “arsenal” tailored to their specific abilities, as well as a shared set of equipment. All of this is purchasable from the merchant located in the game’s central hub.
Som can choose from a variety of kitchen utensils, each associated with a culinary-oriented skill. Simply hold down the attack button to trigger the desired spell — but keep in mind that each tool has a limited number of charges. Once depleted, the corresponding ability becomes unusable.
Gon, on the other hand, wields weapons with distinct characteristics. Players can opt for increased attack speed or sacrifice it in favor of higher damage output. A spear offers greater attack range, while a hammer can be used to stun enemies. As with Som, holding down the attack button activates the weapon’s special ability, but this time there are no charges to worry about.
Amulets are the only upgrades common to both characters, granting passive bonuses. Each amulet occupies a “weight” slot, and these slots are limited — meaning players must carefully consider their choices and construct the ideal build based on the challenges ahead.
Additionally, each character has access to a dash, which serves both to accelerate movement and to evade enemy attacks. However, be aware that the developers have implemented an invisible cooldown that activates after two consecutive dashes.
Cooking is a Dangerous Profession…
SEDAP!, unlike other exponents of the genre, places its focus on the collection of raw materials and the various processing methods involved. Getting your hands on meat, eggs, or even a simple fruit won’t be that easy.
Beyond a basic mini-game required for gathering or fishing, even the most harmless-looking fruit can conceal a threat: dangerous creatures ready to attack and knock players out. From battleship-like, ferocious turtles to giant, hyper-aggressive chickens, all it takes is entering their “aggro” zone to suddenly find yourself the prey.
Players have a set amount of hit points and can be defeated. Should that happen, there are two options: wait for a respawn or be revived by your partner.
The kitchen, too, presents its own set of challenges. There are various types of preparation and cooking methods, each requiring the completion of quick time events. If you fail three times, the dish is ruined and must be discarded.
To make matters more complicated, ingredients left in the open air too long without being cooked will gradually lose freshness and eventually spoil—definitely not something you want to serve to your customers.
Fortunately, these segments are clearly explained; however, during the first few attempts, understanding the mechanics and losing a dish can prove frustrating.
Bonus Stages and Spirit Trials: SEDAP!’s Aces Up Its Sleeve
Beyond the standard framework of traditional levels — which, once completed, award our two young prodigies a rating of one to three stars based on the quality of their service — lies a gameplay formula both simple and effective, progressively evolving through increasingly difficult opponents and an environment rich with unpredictable interactions. The development team has also succeeded in injecting fresh vitality and depth into this formula through two brilliant innovations that, with each new biome, masterfully enrich and renew the experience: the bonus stages and the spirit trials.
These two atypical challenge types significantly raise the difficulty curve and greatly enhance gameplay variety with innovative mechanics. The bonus stages act as a perfect prelude to the spirit trials, introducing new variations and complications that test the ingenuity, coordination, and reflexes of our protagonists. Focused on preparing a single dish, these stages present increasingly complex ingredient combinations, while orders come in rapid succession, transforming the preparation and cooking phases into a true test of culinary endurance.
Ultimately, the spirit trials stand as the final and most formidable challenge before the conclusion of each biome—true “boss fights” where players, wielding colossal kitchenware, must orchestrate an opulent and monumental feast to satisfy the insatiable hunger of enigmatic ancestral spirits. These cryptic and ravenous guardians, keepers of ancient secrets tied to Khaya Island, represent the ultimate test of the protagonists’ skill and teamwork, delivering, without question, the most intense and climactic confrontation of the entire culinary cycle.
The Map and the Game Area
In SEDAP!, the map where our protagonists navigate is larger than in typical games of this genre. Beyond the kitchen area, there is an entire zone dedicated to gathering raw materials. Before starting each level, the game provides an overview of the map, allowing you to familiarize yourselves with the layout of resources, enemies, and the best paths to follow.
Alongside memorizing the locations of gathering zones, you’ll also need to consider the map’s environmental hazards. Some areas allow entry or exit only from one direction, while others feature poisonous plants, classic portals for teleporting food, and doors activated by pressure plates. We’ll stop here to avoid spoilers, but keep in mind that the environment can be hostile—though, if used wisely, it can also become your greatest ally.
Our Two Cents
There are video games that take you by surprise—titles that quietly tiptoe onto the scene without fanfare or flourish, yet, the moment they reveal themselves, they resonate with an unexpectedly powerful voice. Such words perfectly capture our experience with SEDAP!: a game that slipped in under the radar but swiftly unveiled its full potential—save for a handful of minor, never truly intrusive imperfections—by captivating, engaging, and gifting players an evening teeming with energy, chaos, and delight. It is a cooperative adventure best shared with your trusted partner-in-crime, amidst unruly ingredients, mouthwatering dishes, and a rich culinary culture waiting to be discovered.
From the exquisite art direction to the finely tuned sound design,from the tight, fast-paced gameplay to a soundtrack that seamlessly blends into the game’s vibrant rhythm, SEDAP! stands as an essential addition to any fan of the genre. It’s an experience we wholeheartedly recommend to anyone who loved Overcooked and PlateUp! and is eager to rediscover that same cooperative spirit, now reimagined through a heartfelt and flavorful tribute to the vibrant culinary traditions of Southeast Asia.
A sincere thank you to kopiforge for kindly providing us with a PC key for this review.
SEDAP! is now available on PC via Steam at the promotional price of $12.99 (20% off the standard price of $14.99).
To learn more about the game and stay up to date with future updates, we invite you to visit kopiforge’s official X account.
That’s all for today. Until next time!
SEDAP! A Culinary Adventure
PRO
- A captivating and fresh take on the couch co-op cooking genre;
- Art direction that vividly embodies the game’s lively and vibrant spirit;
- An extensive and varied collection of recipes to cook and master;
- Intuitive and streamlined gameplay, enhanced by clever and engaging mechanics;
- Excellent variety of utensils, weapons, and charms to choose from;
- Exquisitely detailed sound design that heightens immersion and atmosphere.
CON
- Noticeable input lag and issues with online multiplayer that make certain gameplay sections frustrating;
- The game would benefit from a greater variety of enemy types to enrich challenge and diversity;
- The absence of a bestiary or in-game compendium to document and identify the game’s diverse creatures feels like a missed opportunity in a title so rich in character and atmosphere.
7.8/10
