'Cooking Mama 5' headed for 3DS this September

Four-player cook-offs, word games, and martial arts-style training await players of "Cooking Mama 5: Bon Appetit!," which is to receive its international debut later this year.

Four-player cook-offs, word games, and martial arts-style training await players of 'Cooking Mama 5: Bon Appetit!,' which is to receive its international debut later this year.

Originally released in Japan back in November 2013 to good reviews, 'Cooking Mama 5' sports Download Play functionality that means four players can partake in a competitive cook-off using just one game cartridge: it's a feature shared by a number of the handheld's titles including 'Kirby: Triple Deluxe' and 'Mario Kart 7.'

In keeping with previous games in the series, players will be tasked with whipping up meals of various complexity and contributing to the smooth running of a restaurant. Character customization is order of the day, with outfits and home deco options made available, while the Cooking Dojo mode boasts 'serious culinary training.'

North American publisher Majesco experienced a boost in fortunes of late, presiding over various Zumba Fitness games for the past four years, and more recently has branched out into the indie game space, tieing up deals for the likes of 'Gone Home' on consoles and 'Krautscape' on computers.

Franchise spin-off 'Gardening Mama 2: Forest Friends' was the label's April offering, with 'Cooking Mama 5' now set for fall; September's biggest release is still likely to be 'Theatrhythm Final Fantasy: Curtain Call,' a musical riff on the 'Final Fantasy' adventure franchise, while August's wallets will have been readied for another Japanese export, 'Professor Layton vs. Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney.'