Should I get 1 and 2?

[Cardscook77]

I wanted to play the previous installments of the series before jumping in and was wondering if I should play 1 and 2 or just 2 as I saw they were both on sale. Thanks!

[The Mogician]

Absolutely. CSD is the definition of cheap infinite fun. I got CSD1 on a humble bundle and was hooked to the game series ever since.

However, you don't have to play the previous installments if you don't want to, you won't miss out on any stories or anything.

[caffeine]

You can definitely start 3 without doing 1 or 2.
The plot will make slightly more sense if you know what happened in 1 & 2: Basically you were a successful chef that worked your way up and owned a super awesome restaurant in a skyscraper by the end of 2. - that's all you need to know
That being said, I have played 1 and 2 and would absolutely recommend them, especially if they're on sale!

[nancigulya]

All three games are different. They don't build on each other. There are really fun elements to all three. You don't need the first two to be able able to play this game. But they are very enjoyable and I would recommend them all.

[VCE]

Story-wise? Nah. There basically isn't one in CSD1 and it's very background in CSD2.

Gameplay-wise? Yes. They both play quite differently, and what I'm finding so far is CSD3 seems to be a happy hybrid of its 2 predecessors.

[T-Bone Biggins]

This game is a side-grade to CSD2. I would definitely tell you to play CSD2 since that is not as frantic or confusing to newer players, and more mellow overall. In fact after trying this game I went back to play CSD2 for a bit, I can see myself bouncing between both games. I did not like the original CSD so much, I mean yeah I played it beyond the $1 per hour of entertainment metric but CSD2 is the one that has me hooked the most. Another thing, CSD2 has DRM-free installers from GOG and Humble Store so I was able to install it on the laptop and play in motel rooms or when out of power for a few hours etc. CSD3 on the other hand is Steam only at the moment so it has no "portability".

[Pink Slime]

For my opinion : yes you should!

Each CSD series has slightly different food management gameplay so it’s totally worth the time& money investment.

CSD : has different “criteria” for each turn (weather changes,...) so you will have to always change your menu set every turn. There are also tournament between players and upgrades for helping players with general gameplay. Recommended as a way to get to know the origin of this top- notch food/ cooking games series.

CSD 2 : more detailed food visual, more menus and it’s divided on their own categories (country of origin,...) or you can set up your own customizable menu& restaurant (yes, cosmetically). There is new “zen” mode that helps you to play it relaxingly. It’s very helpful if you’re the type who likes to enjoy actual food while playing food- related games.

CSD 3 : more menus, colorful interfaces and feels more “dynamic” because basically there’s no “idle hour” since you will be cooking all the time. Looking forward to the newer updates this game will grow.

Hopefully I can help you with your decision and not furthermore confuse you with my long information.

[Sombrero]

I'm not the most experienced with the franchise but as many stated above each entry has its own features that are not worst or better it's a matter of preference.

However I personally like 3 even more than the two others for its setting and overall presentation. I'm not just talking about visuals or the phenomenal OST but the whole story, the theme and everything comes so nicely together and I feel so much more invested in 3 than I did in the two others.

Plus I feel the difficulty and customization in 3 makes more sense to me than it did in 2 (even though I liked working shifts in other restaurants I thought it was a really cool concept).

[Kayarath]

Well CSD 2 is about 3 dollars on sale so it's a great deal then.