Epic Meal Time iPad Review

Although it first appeared on YouTube in 2010, we only learned of Epic Meal Time yesterday, largely because the incredibly popular Internet group released a game for iPhone and iPad. To think, we had lived all this time without knowing the glory of Fast Food Lasagna, the Ultimate Pizza Sandwich and the granddaddy of them all, the TurBaconEpic, AKA a bird in a bird in a bird in a bird in a bird in a pig.

Now that we're caught up on all things Epic Meal Time, and both repulsed and hungry, the game makes perfect sense. Featuring the show's host, the bearded Harley, the goal is to drag pieces of meat and assorted fast food items into his mouth while doing the exact opposite with vegetables, because if he consumes three carrots, turnips or broccoli, the game ends. That said, you basically play until things become overwhelming, then restart from the beginning.

Of course, Epic Meal Time's a bit more complex than that. Power-ups help in the fight against those nasty vegetables. Most notably, a bottle of whiskey made to look like Jack Daniels that repels veggies for a limited period of time, and a carbonated beverage (Four Loko-esque) that briefly slows food items down. On top of that, coins acquired during play go towards unlocking more delicious food (Gay Bacon, Burgers, Meat Cthulhu), hats that imbue Harley with specific advantages and even backgrounds, including one inspired by world-reknowned DJ, Deadmau5; different Epic Meal Time crew members coming soon. Finally, you can score additional cash by completing in-game challenges, like eating one TurBacon (no easy feat) and gobbling 43 pizzas, among others.

It's a fun experience, with user-friendly touch controls, the Epic Meal Time theme song and plenty of humorous bits that'll make a lot more sense if you're a fan of the series. It takes quite a while to amass enough coins to buy everything, but that's what in-app purchases are for.

In all, Epic Meal Time is a surprisingly enjoyable display of gluttony that won't add several inches to your waistline. As for the group's calorie-busting dishes, eat at your own risk.

Review code provided by Molecube.