How does the cooking game Overcooked!2 drive players crazy?

After I deconstructed the level structure of Overcooked!2, here are three points that make this moving-and-match game addicting in terms of the prinsciple of its level design:

1. Low learning requirement:

If we track one ingredient, there will be at most only two steps of processing before it can be mixed with other ingredients, which requires almost no memorization. This mechanism allows players to focus more on other aspects of the gameplay, which can be challenging.

2. Moving challenges:

Different from a normal kitchen that has a preorganized zone division, items are arranged more dispersively and decentralized. In this way, characters need to move a lot in the level while the size of the level area is not big at all.

To be noted, some moving obstacles, which are in different properties, such as impassable walls, directional belts, periodic wind zones and dangerous rivers, bring the main challenge to the game aased on the fundamental goal of making as many meals as possible within a limited period.

3. Fires in the level:

It is not surprising that there is a fire extinguisher in a cooking game, which is used as a way to treats with overttime heating. However, in Overcooked!2 it also plays as a tool to make ways for moving as the fires in the level can be an obstacle. 

In the game, there are two causes for the fires. One of the causes is overtime heating. in which the fires can grow on the platform and mute the interactive ability of the item. The other cause, which is managed by the level, leads to moving obstacles for the characters. 

With this design, a new gameplay was created without no more new items in the game, which is a very efficient way to build a rich game experience for players. Also, is does not add extra learning requirements to the players.

Here is the link to the sheet of Overcooked!2's level structure (from level 1-1 ~ 2-6)

Analysis of Overcooked!2 level design

Looking forward to your points!