Hot Pot For One

Hot Pot For One is a short, atmospheric indie game centered around the experience of cooking and eating hot pot alone on Christmas Eve, evoking feelings of loneliness and bittersweet nostalgia. Players engage in a physics-based cooking simulation with hand-drawn illustrations and a minimalist story conveyed through memories triggered by food and objects. The gameplay lasts around 15-30 minutes, featuring a cozy kitchen environment and ambient music that many players found relaxing and charming.

However, the game has notable technical issues such as clunky physics, awkward controls, and occasional bugs. The story is considered shallow or underdeveloped by some, with abstract illustrations that can feel disjointed. A recurring criticism is the forced disposal of leftover food, which many players found frustrating and unrealistic. Despite its flaws, the game’s low price and heartfelt concept receive appreciation, especially by players who relate to the theme of solitude during holidays. It is seen as a student project with room for improvement rather than a polished commercial product.

Highlights

Players praised the cozy and intimate atmosphere created by the detailed kitchen setting and ambient music. The hand-drawn illustrations and animations accompanying the eating sequences were described as cute and emotionally evocative. The game’s short length suits players looking for a brief, meditative experience. Its narrative, focusing on loneliness and the immigrant experience, resonated with some players who appreciated the subtle storytelling through memories. The physics-based cooking mechanics, while imperfect, added humor and charm to the gameplay.

Overall, the game’s concept and presentation were well-received as a heartwarming and unique slice-of-life experience.

Criticisms

Common criticisms include poor and inconsistent physics that cause food items to behave erratically, leading to frustration during cooking and cleanup. The controls and UI were often described as clunky or unintuitive, particularly the in-game phone interface and camera movement. Many players felt the gameplay was too short and lacked depth, with limited interactivity beyond placing food in the pot and eating a small amount. The story was seen as shallow or confusing, with abstract memories that didn’t strongly convey the intended emotions for all players. A major point of contention was the forced wasting of leftover food, which was viewed as unrealistic and emotionally painful. Technical issues and bugs also affected the overall experience for some.