While I typically find that I want to be challenged and thoroughly engaged by the games I play, there are times when I seek out the Zen-like “zone” you can sometimes find while playing them. I do tend to think of this more as a mobile gaming concept on a general level, as that can be a great way to kill some time while waiting for something to happen while out and about, but given the portable nature of the system and just the need for variety this can still work on the Switch as well.

Now, I’ll admit that more often than not I tend to not be much of a fan of these QubicGames releases that tend to be incredibly basic, and very much just feel like mobile games simply slapped onto the system. That said, while Buffet Boss doesn’t hold up to the level of play established by the classic Diner Dash, I’ll admit that it managed to suck me in. 

Initially, there was a particular wall I tended to get caught on, which annoyed me, but thankfully that quickly passed. The general key to the game’s success is that, at least for a while, it continues to diversify the tasks you’re covering, skirting the edge of being monotonous but generally keeping a nice pace. Then, by allowing you to try to automate as much as possible as you go, you’ll get to the point where you can stick mostly to doing what you like, or simply hover around to keep track of what’s needed.

All in all, this is by no means an amazing game, nor an inventive one, and yet I’ll gladly admit that it did manage to get its hooks into me for a time… and sometimes that’s enough to at least get a nod. The distances I needed to cover weren’t too great, I could easily shift between tasks, I was able to target upgrades to address shortfalls in any particular area, and in general it felt well-designed despite lacking in complexity. If you’re looking for something to get you into the zone to mentally veg out for a while, this may be a solid candidate.