There are so many video games out there that involve world-saving high stakes. Cozy games are built partly on the idea of setting that kind of pressure aside. They’re often about comforting slices of life and finding relaxation through routine. That’s one of the main ideas behind Beastro, the latest title from The Red Lantern creators Timberline Studio, which is about finding comfort through cooking. However, it’s also about bringing comfort to those who do pick up their swords and fight.
Beastro puts players in the role of Panko, an at-times neurotic cat chef who runs the local bistro in the village of Palo Pori. He’s going about his daily routine when he encounters an injured fire god named Flambe. Panko and Flambe strike up a rapport almost instantly, which leads to the two hanging out at Panko’s day job. Flambe may not be all-powerful, but he has enough in him to aid Panko in the kitchen.
Before even getting to the kitchen, there are various activities available outside of the bistro. Players can tend to crops, find ingredients across the village, and even take some time out to go fishing along the village pier. Different fish can lead to unique dishes and various species can be found depending on where Panko casts his line. A day-night cycle means that some species can only be found at certain times of the day.
After getting to the kitchen, players are tasked with putting their ingredients to work and preparing meals for the restaurant’s clientele. Cooking unfolds via various mini-games, such as simmering meat on a saucepan. The idea in this example is to slide the meat around to prep it properly while avoiding grease bubbles, which leave any food caught in them burned. Similarly, players will need to chop vegetables with rhythmic slices and boil water through what can only be described as a Pop-A-Shot basketball-like mini-game. When a dish is ready to cook, Flambe will help ignite the kitchen’s stove and use his fiery form to prepare it.
Ultimately, meals are there to satisfy the restaurant’s customers, and some of them might include heroes. This sets the stage for one of Beastro’s more clever narrative devices. Panko does not fight. He’s there to feed the heroes who do. In return, the heroes will spend their evenings regaling Panko with tales of their journeys. These stories are told through the village’s Puppet Theater, where players reenact these battles through deckbuilding turn-based combat. The dishes that Panko prepared throughout the day will help build a player’s deck, packing it with specific flavors that can strengthen heroes and weaken opposing monsters. Certain flavor combinations can lead to stronger attacks and powerful combos. While the idea is obviously to prevail in these battles, even if the player falls, the hero’s story will organically come to a close, and everyone will go to bed to prepare for the next day.
Beastro looks to offer a fun spin on the typical cozy game. As comforting as this genre is, sometimes one gets a craving for a different flavor and Timberline Studio looks to be ready to provide it. Look for Beastro to come to PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S in 2026. Those interested in checking it out a little sooner can take a look at the Steam demo available right now.
This preview is based on an early PC demo played prior to The Game Awards 2025 in Los Angeles, CA. The final product is subject to change.
