Under Rated – Crafting the Heist Game That’s Full of Flavor
In the shadows of five-star kitchens and fine-dining façades lies a covert society of furred food critics. Under Rated is a narrative-driven food heist game where animals infiltrate high-end restaurants to taste, rate, and (sometimes) rescue the menu. Think cozy stealth meets culinary satire.
Concept Overview
In Under Rated, players command a crew of quirky, food-obsessed rodents who operate a secret underground food review channel. Missions involve breaking into opulent kitchens, evading chefs and sous-chefs, and sampling gourmet dishes—each with unique gameplay effects.
Design Pillars
Narrative-Driven Objectives: From sabotaging a five-star critic’s exclusive event to exposing unethical sourcing practices, every level tells a flavorful story.
Dish-Driven Gameplay: Tasting new dishes grants perks—such as stealth boosts, faction reputation, or clues to unlock deeper lore.
Factions & Flavors: Rival critic clans, underground gourmet guilds, and mysterious chef cults add a layer of strategy to the game’s progression and replayability.
Tonal Inspirations
Games like Sly Cooper and Overcooked proved that stealth and chaos can go hand-in-hand with humor and heart. Under Rated continues that lineage—emphasizing style, satire, and a love for all things food.
Design Challenges
Balancing stealth and exploration: How do we make sneaking around a kitchen feel dynamic?
Creating a flavorful world: Each location must feel like its own culinary ecosystem with distinct NPC behaviors and visuals.
Avoiding repetition: Levels evolve with new twists—like heat sensors, changing shift schedules, or rival crews already inside.
Why It Matters
Beyond the laughs and layered lasagna stacks, Under Rated is a satire about access—who gets to critique culture, and why? It celebrates curiosity, rebellion, and the underdog spirit.
"Sometimes, to taste greatness… you’ve got to break in."