Does this mean I'm going to have to get an Intellivision?

While working on yesterday's "five favorites" column about cooking-themed games, I became aware of a console-only sequel to BurgerTime that was released way back when (1984, to be exact) for Mattel's Intellivision.

The game, called Diner, isn't set in a nightmarish hamburger factory like its predecessor, by the way; rather, it's set in a M.C. Escher-esque restaurant. (Don't worry, BurgerTime fans: Peter Pepper's still the star. Those hateful hot dogs are back, too, and they've brought a few friends along with them--including some murderous mugs of root beer.)

So, what's the point of this odd little plate-former--which was programmed by Ray Kaestner (who also programmed Burger Time)? The game's intro text does a pretty bang-up job of explaining things:

Avoid enemy food!
Kick food balls to bottom plate!
Roll food balls over enemies!
Freeze enemies with pepper!
Collect prizes for extra pepper!
Amaze your friends!

Check out these two video reviews--here and here--of this Realtime Associates-developed title if the above text doesn't make much sense (or if you just want to know more about the game) or check out the Diner entry on the Church of BurgerTime website.

Sadly, I've yet to play Diner myself--I can't get the darn Intellivision emulator I downloaded over the weekend to work--but you can bet I'll do so as soon as possible.

See also: 'Five favorites: cooking-themed games'