The Papa Louie series is a series of platforming and time management[1] video games created by Flipline Studios. The first installment, Papa Louie: When Pizzas Attack!, was released as a free-to-play Flash game on November 9, 2006,[2] with future games being released on mobile devices (under the To-Go! subtitle) and Steam.[3] The web games in the series were initially impacted by the shutdown of Adobe Flash December 31, 2020,[4] but can be played on websites including Cool Math Games using Flash Player emulators such as AwayFL and Ruffle.[5]
Gameplay
Playing as either a male, female, or custom character, players are tasked with running one of Papa Louie's various fast food restaurants. The time management games (or Gameria's) involve 3 or 4 stations: One for taking orders, 2 for cooking and preparing food, and a final station for plating and serving the finished meal. Players are tasked with accurately and quickly completing customers' orders, which awards them tips and points that contribute to the players rank. Better orders also give stars that can promote a customer to Bronze, Silver, and Gold, which increases the tips and points they give.[6][7] In later games, getting enough points earns tickets that can be used to play minigames, which reward tips, clothing, and decor.
Similarly to how a customer’s tip depends on the player’s performance, the tipping system highlighted in the Papa Louie series underscores a broader issue that reflects the real-world dynamics of service-industry practices, where workers experience financial hardship and continue to rely on customer satisfaction for compensation.[8][9]
Unique customers include closers, who give complex orders at the end of the day; Jojo the Food Critic, who orders something new each time and gives a Blue Ribbon that temporarily boosts tips if served properly, and in mobile versions, customers can order via a delivery phone. The ultimate goal is to unlock Papa Louie as a customer. In Gameria's up until Papa's Freezeria, this is done by achieving a gold rank for every customer in the game. In future entries, this is changed to achieving a high rank.
Tips can be used to decorate the restaurant with decor that improves waiting score or boosts score if a specific ingredient is used. Introduced in Cupcakeria were seasonal holidays that boosted the decor points of specific themes. They can also be used to purchase clothing for your character, which will boost the amount of tips earned in each order if it matches the current holiday.
Development
The first game featuring Papa Louie was the platformer Papa Louie: When Pizzas Attack!, which was released on November 9, 2006. The game stars the titular chef, who must run and jump through various food-themed locations to save his kidnapped customers.[10] After the success of this game, developer Flipline Studios transitioned to full-time game development and began work on a spin-off, Papa's Pizzeria, starring Papa Louie's nephew. The game released in 2007, to even more success than its predecessor.[11]
After Papa's Pizzeria was released, Flipline Studios began to expand.[4] In total, there are 17 different games that fall under the Papa Louie series. Due to their names all ending in -ia, the Papa Louie games are often generally referred to as Gamerias.[12]
Starting in 2012, multiple Gamerias were released on Google Play and the App Store, making them accessible on mobile devices. The mobile versions are designed for small touchscreens to make the games playable for users on a mobile phone or tablet.[3] Throughout the years, these games have performed successfully. For example, in 2018, Papa's Scooperia HD was in the top 10 in paid iPad games in the UK, and Papa's Freezeria To Go! was in the top 10 in paid iPhone games in the UK.[13] The success of these games has continued for nearly a decade, with Papa's Freezeria To Go! being the sixth top paid iPhone game in 2023, according to Apple.[14]
A remake of Papa's Freezeria, Papa's Freezeria Deluxe, was released on Steam in 2023 to "overwhelmingly positive" reviews.[4][15][16]
Games
Release timeline
2006
Papa Louie: When Pizzas Attack!
2007
Papa's Pizzeria
2008
2009
2010
Papa's Burgeria
2011
Papa's Taco Mia!
Papa's Freezeria
2012
Papa's Pancakeria
Papa's Burgeria HD
Papa's Wingeria
Papa's Hot Doggeria
2013
Papa's Burgeria To Go!
Papa Louie 2: When Burgers Attack!
Papa's Cupcakeria
Papa's Freezeria HD
Papa's Pastaria
2014
Papa's Freezeria To Go!
Papa's Donuteria
Papa's Wingeria HD
Papa's Pizzeria To Go!
2015
Papa Louie 3: When Sundaes Attack!
Papa's Cheeseria
Papa's Cupcakeria To Go!
Papa's Cupcakeria HD
2016
Papa's Bakeria
Papa's Taco Mia HD
Slider Scouts
Papa's Sushiria
2017
Papa's Taco Mia To Go!
Papa's Pancakeria HD
Papa's Pizzeria HD
Papa's Hot Doggeria HD
Papa's Hot Doggeria To Go!
2018
Papa Louie Pals
Papa's Scooperia
Papa's Scooperia HD
Papa's Scooperia To Go!
Papa's Pancakeria To Go!
2019
Papa's Wingeria To Go!
Papa's Donuteria To Go!
Papa's Cheeseria To Go!
2020
Papa's Bakeria To Go!
Papa's Sushiria To Go!
Papa's Pastaria To Go!
2021
Papa's Mocharia To Go!
2022
Papa's Cluckeria To Go!
2023
Papa's Freezeria Deluxe
2024
Papa's Paleteria To Go!
Papa's Pizzeria Deluxe
Papa's Pizzeria
Set in the fictional city of Tastyville, Papa's Pizzeria centers around the player making pizzas. Players can play as Roy, Papa Louie's nephew and pizza deliverer. In Papa's Pizzeria To Go!, Papa's Pizzeria HD, and Papa's Pizzeria Deluxe, players can also play as Joy, Roy's sister, as well as a custom worker in the latter two games.[17]
Papa's Pizzeria was released on August 7, 2007.[11] Two app versions were later released; Papa's Pizzeria To Go! for phones on November 13, 2014,[18][19] and Papa's Pizzeria HD for tablets on August 7, 2017.[11][20] A remake, Papa's Pizzeria Deluxe, was released on November 19, 2024.[21]
Papa's Pizzeria HD notably introduced the Delivery Phone; the second and penultimate orders placed during an in-game "day" are delivered to the customer's residence by a second worker.[22] Functioning similarly to the Dining Room, the Delivery Phone is solely aesthetic, having no bearing on the preparation of orders.
Papa's Burgeria
Set in the fictional town of Burgerburgh, Papa's Burgeria centers around the player making burgers. Players can play as Marty or Rita; Papa Louie is also available when playing on certain sites that host the game.
The game notably introduced the currency system; money earned can be used to buy lobby decorations and restaurant/kitchen upgrades. Additionally, points are now earned with each order and used to level up ranks; this was the purpose served by tips in Papa's Pizzeria.
Papa's Burgeria was released on December 6, 2010. Two app versions were later released; Papa's Burgeria HD was released for tablets on April 26, 2012 for iOS,[23][24] December 7, 2012 for Android and Kindle Fire,[25] December 17, 2012 for the Mac App Store,[26] and January 8, 2013 for Nook tablets.[27]Papa's Burgeria To Go! was released for phones on February 21, 2013.[28]
Papa's Taco Mia!
Set in the fictional city of Tacodale, Papa's Taco Mia! centers around the player making tacos; the player is also required to make chips and dip in Papa's Taco Mia HD and Papa's Taco Mia To Go!. Players can play as Mitch or Maggie; custom workers are also available in Papa's Taco Mia HD.
The game notably introduced Closers; each game features seven Closers, two of whom are always Quinn, a lawyer, and Jojo, a food critic, who awards the player with a blue ribbon if they impress him. With the exception of the tutorial, they are the final customer in each in-game "day", and are stricter at judging orders compared to regular customers.[29] In all Gamerias to feature holidays, all Closers will dress up in costumes for Halloween or Day of the Dead, depending on the game.
Papa's Taco Mia! was released on May 20, 2011.[30][29] Two app versions were later released; Papa's Taco Mia HD for tablets on June 27, 2016,[31][32] and Papa's Taco Mia To Go! for phones on March 21, 2017.[33][34]
Papa's Freezeria
Set on the fictional tropical island of Calypso Island, Papa's Freezeria centers around the player making sundaes. Players can play as Alberto or Penny; custom workers are also available in Papa's Freezeria HD and Papa's Freezeria Deluxe.[35]
The game notably introduced a customizable lobby; prior to this, all posters and decorations purchased were placed in pre-set positions within the lobby.[36]
Papa's Freezeria was released on August 5, 2011.[37] Two app versions were later released; Papa's Freezeria HD for tablets on October 30, 2013,[38] and Papa's Freezeria To Go! for phones on February 27, 2014.[39] A remake, Papa's Freezeria Deluxe, was released on Steam on March 31, 2023.[40][41]
Papa's Pancakeria
Set in the fictional town of Maple Mountain, Papa's Pancakeria centers around the player making pancakes, french toast, waffles, and drinks.[42] Players can play as Cooper or Prudence; custom workers are also available in Papa's Pancakeria HD and Papa's Pancakeria To Go!.[43][44]
The game notably introduced mini-games. After each in-game "day", the player is given a mini-game to play; winning a mini-game results in the player being awarded a prize. Losing a mini-game results in the player being awarded a certain amount of tips. Mini-game tickets are earned by successfully serving orders to customers, but as further additions were added to the series, tickets can now also be earned by making in-app purchases, serving certain special recipes, or playing the Food Truck free play mode.[45][46][47] Furthermore, the Parade was also introduced, in which players can view customers already unlocked during the game, presented as an in-universe parade.
Papa's Pancakeria was released on March 5, 2012.[42] Two app versions were later released; Papa's Pancakeria HD for tablets on May 17, 2017,[48][49] and Papa's Pancakeria To Go! for phones on October 29, 2018.[50][51]
Papa's Wingeria
Set in the fictional city of Starlight City, Papa's Wingeria centers around the player making chicken wings.[52] Players can play as Chuck, Mandi, or a custom worker.[53]
The game notably introduced Custom Workers, allowing players to design their own character to play as.[54] Furthermore, any character the player plays as can now have any article of their clothing changed, contrary to prior Gamerias, in which only the player's hat could be changed.[53]
Papa's Wingeria was released on June 13, 2012.[52] Two app versions were later released; Papa's Wingeria HD for tablets on August 22, 2014,[55][56] and Papa's Wingeria To Go! for phones on February 22, 2019.[57][58]
Papa's Hot Doggeria
Set in Griller Stadium, itself located within the fictional city of Tastyville, Papa's Hot Doggeria centers around the player making hot dogs, soda, and popcorn.[59] Players can play as Taylor, Peggy, or a custom worker; custom workers, however, are not available in Papa's Hot Doggeria To Go!.[60]
Papa's Hot Doggeria was released on November 19, 2012.[59] Two app versions were later simultaneously released on November 20, 2017; Papa's Hot Doggeria HD for tablets, and Papa's Hot Doggeria To Go! for phones.[61][62]
Papa's Cupcakeria
Set in the fictional town of Frostfield, Papa's Cupcakeria centers around the player making cupcakes.[63] Players can play as James, Willow, or a custom worker; custom workers, however, are not available in Papa's Cupcakeria To Go!.[64]
The game notably introduced seasons and holidays, allowing the player to earn ingredients exclusive to each holiday. Each holiday lasts for 5 ranks, and a game has 12 holidays, with the cycle beginning at Rank 6.[65] With the exception of Closers, who favor all holidays, each Customer favors a specific holiday, and some dress up in costumes to celebrate their favorite holiday.
Papa's Cupcakeria was released on August 7, 2013.[66][63] Two app versions were later released; Papa's Cupcakeria To Go! for phones on September 14, 2015,[67][68] and Papa's Cupcakeria HD for tablets on November 19, 2015.[69][70]
Papa's Pastaria
Set in the fictional city of Portallini, Papa's Pastaria centers around the player making pasta and bread.[71] Players can play as Doan, Utah, or a custom worker.[72]
The game notably introduced the Dining Room; the second and penultimate orders placed during an in-game "day" are delivered to a table located elsewhere within the restaurant by a second worker.[73]
Papa's Pastaria was released on December 9, 2013.[74][71] An app version, Papa's Pastaria To Go!, was released for phones and tablets on July 7, 2020.[75][76]
Papa's Donuteria
Set in the fictional amusement park of Powder Point, Papa's Donuteria centers around the player making donuts.[77] Players can play as Tony, Scooter, or a custom worker.[78]
The game notably featured an overhaul of the character customization system.[79]
Papa's Donuteria was released on June 16, 2014.[80][81] An app version, Papa's Donuteria To Go!, was released for phones and tablets on June 7, 2019.[82][83]
Papa's Cheeseria
Set in the fictional town of Toastwood, Papa's Cheeseria centers around the player making grilled cheese sandwiches and fries.[84] Players can play as Rudy, Scarlett, or a custom worker.[85]
The game notably introduced Special Recipes. There are 40 special recipes per game; one can be earned every third in-game "day". Serving a special recipe will provide the player with extra customer stars, mini-game tickets, points or tips; each special recipe also comes with a prize, awarded to the player upon a recipe's fifth successful serve.[46]
Papa's Cheeseria was released on June 10, 2015.[86][87] An app version, Papa's Cheeseria To Go!, was released for phones and tablets on October 25, 2019.[88][89]
Papa's Bakeria
Set in Whiskview Mall, itself located within the fictional city of Whiskview, Papa's Bakeria centers around the player making pies.[90] Players can play as Timm, Cecilia, or a custom worker.[91]
The game notably introduced Stickers, which replace the badges feature present in prior games. Each customer is assigned three certain stickers; upon unlocking all three stickers, earned by performing certain tasks in the game, the customer receives alternate clothing that can now be worn in the restaurant.[92] Furthermore, all customers received updated designs in a change dubbed the "Customer Clean-Up", and the typical interface found in a Gameria was entirely overhauled.[93]
Papa's Bakeria was released on March 14, 2016.[94][90] An app version, Papa's Bakeria To Go!, was released for phones and tablets on January 17, 2020.[95][96]
Papa's Sushiria
Set in the fictional city of Sakura Bay, Papa's Sushiria centers around the player making sushi and bubble tea.[97] Players can play as Matt, Clover, or a custom worker.[98]
The game notably introduced Customer Coupons; any customer who is sent a coupon will visit the restaurant during the next in-game "day."[99]
Papa's Sushiria was released on December 13, 2016.[100][101] An app version, Papa's Sushiria To Go!, was released for phones and tablets on April 22, 2020.[102][103]
Papa's Scooperia
Set in the fictional city of Oniontown, Papa's Scooperia centers around the player making cookiesundaes.[104] Players can play as Carlo Romano, Koilee, or a custom worker.[105]
Papa's Scooperia was released on July 24, 2018, alongside two app versions; Papa's Scooperia HD for tablets, and Papa's Scooperia To Go! for phones.[106][107]
Papa's Scooperia To Go! notably featured an overhaul of the game engine used for To Go! apps, allowing functions from their Flash and HD counterparts to now appear in To Go! apps, such as Stickers, Custom Workers, the Parade, the Delivery Phone, and Customer Coupons.[108][109][110][111][112][113]
In August 2018, it was confirmed that Papa's Scooperia would be the final Flash game in the series, due to the shutdown of Adobe Flash.[114] Furthermore, in April 2019, it was confirmed that Papa's Scooperia HD would be the final HD game in the series, due to all To Go! games from Papa's Donuteria To Go! onward now being compatible with both phones and tablets.[115]
Papa's Mocharia To Go!
Set in the fictional city of New Pepperton, Papa's Mocharia To Go! centers around the player making cappucinos (referred to as "Papaccinos"), and cannoli.[116] Players can play as Allan, Akari, or a custom worker.[117][118]
The game notably introduced Score Details, providing players with a detailed analysis of each meal they serve.[119]
Papa's Mocharia To Go! was released for phones and tablets on March 2, 2021.[120][116][118]
Papa's Cluckeria To Go!
Set in the fictional town of Oilseed Springs, Papa's Cluckeria To Go! centers around the player making chicken sandwiches and swirled slushes.[121] Players can play as Wylan B, Olivia, or a custom worker.[122]
The game notably introduced the Food Truck free play mode, allowing players to create their own meals without the typical constraints present within the game. Certain amounts of tips and mini-game tickets can be earned prior to each in-game "day."[47] Breaking News cutscenes were also introduced, in which additional cutscenes appear throughout the game, presented as in-universe news broadcasts.[123]
Papa's Cluckeria To Go! was released for phones and tablets on February 22, 2022.[124][121]
Papa's Paleteria To Go!
Set in the fictional city of San Fresco Wharf, Papa's Paleteria To Go! centers around the player making paletas.[125][126] Players can play as Hacky Zak, Liezel, or a custom worker.[127]
Papa's Paleteria To Go! was released for phones and tablets on March 7, 2024 for iOS and Amazon, and on March 12, 2024 for Android.[128][129][130]
Spin-offs
Papa Louie: When Pizzas Attack!
Set in the fictional land of Munchmore, Papa Louie: When Pizzas Attack! is the first platformer in the series and the first overall game in the franchise. The game centers around Papa Louie, who has to rescue 18 of his customers after they are kidnapped by Sgt. Crushida Pepper, more commonly known as Sarge. Assisting Louie along the way are his nephew Roy and local pepper salesman Big Pauly.
Papa Louie: When Pizzas Attack! was released on November 9, 2006.[2]
Papa Louie 2: When Burgers Attack!
Set in the fictional land of Munchmore, Papa Louie 2: When Burgers Attack! is the second platformer in the series. The game centers around Marty and Rita, who have to rescue Papa Louie and 25 of his customers after they are kidnapped by Radley Madish and Sarge.
Papa Louie 2: When Burgers Attack! was released on June 5, 2013.[131][132]
Papa Louie 3: When Sundaes Attack!
Set in the fictional land of Munchmore, Papa Louie 3: When Sundaes Attack! is the third platformer in the series. The game centers around Captain Cori, who has to rescue Papa Louie and 26 of his customers after they are kidnapped by Radley Madish and Luau LePunch.
Papa Louie 3: When Sundaes Attack! was released on March 4, 2015.[133][134]
Slider Scouts
Set in the fictional land of Munchmore, Slider Scouts is an app heavily inspired by Slider Escape, a mini-game featured in numerous Gamerias. Several characters featured in the Gamerias, Papa Louie platformers, and other Flipline Studios games are playable.
Slider Scouts was released on October 4, 2016.[135][136]
Papa Louie Pals
A creativity app, Papa Louie Pals allows players to create scenes, comics, memes and fan fiction with customizable characters, as well as pre-established customers featured in the Gamerias.[137]
Papa Louie Pals was released on March 26, 2018.[138][139]
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