Food portrayal across various media can be so tantalizing that it stirs an irresistible craving within us, whether it’s the iconic cheeseburger showcased in *The Menu* or the charming Ratatouille crafted by Remy the Rat. Not only do these delicious visuals captivate moviegoers, but they have also made their mark in the world of video games, where in-game meals can appear so enticingly realistic that they tempt players to reach out for a bite in real life.
As a self-proclaimed foodie mesmerized by these beautifully illustrated dishes, we will explore some video games featuring the most delectable-looking food items ever created.
10 Kingdom Hearts 3
Anyone Can Cook!
Let’s begin with *Kingdom Hearts 3*, featuring a notable cameo by Remy in the Le Grand Bistrot café situated in Twilight Town. Here, players join Sora to learn culinary skills under Remy’s guidance by tackling an array of cooking mini-games and action sequences for numerous recipes.
Players can explore various meal categories across different worlds, each offering unique challenges in gathering ingredients—a quest often complicated by Donald’s insistence on collecting everything in sight. My personal highlights include the exotic fish dishes and the delightful Warm Banana Soufflé, which is a must-try for any sweet tooth. Watching Sora’s enthusiasm as he cooks is an enjoyable spectacle in itself.
9 Dragon’s Dogma 2
It’s Actually Real
In a surprising twist, director Hideaki Itsuno revealed that the cooking animations in *Dragon’s Dogma 2* were captured in live-action. While the game does not focus heavily on food, the mesmerizing visuals and realism of the cooking process certainly earn it a spot on this list. With stunning representation of eight different meat dishes, the game shines in culinary details made possible by Capcom’s impressive RE Engine, known for its striking graphics.
8 Tales of Arise
Even Rebellious Fighters Need a Hearty Meal
The *Tales Of* series has enjoyed a resurgence with *Tales of Arise*, which brings together a compelling narrative and charming characters that offer engaging banter. One unique aspect of the game allows players to prepare meals at the campfire while resting, each providing various temporary buffs depending on the character cooking.
With over 38 unique dishes available, even humble dinners like Shionne’s messy pancakes become delightful experiences. The Mabo Curry Bun and Fancy Parfait are two items I’d highly recommend if only they existed in real life.
7 The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Cheese Wheels and More…
Although *Skyrim* may not have resonated with everyone, few can deny the artistic appeal of its food. The game features an array of medieval-themed meals that look as if they were plucked from an exquisite painting. Whether it’s the simple comfort foods served in taverns or decadent desserts like sweet rolls and apple pies, the attention to detail in food presentation is remarkable.
6 Battle Chef Brigade
Iron Chef Battle
Mixing various gameplay elements, *Battle Chef Brigade* stands out as one of the most original entries on this list. With side-scrolling combat intertwined with match-3 puzzle mechanics, the player remains engaged throughout. But the true star here is the food. Each character and NPC brings a distinct flair to their culinary creations, illustrated in a vibrant art style. From Mina Han’s Chinese-inspired meals to Thrash’s hearty dishes, every plate is a visual feast.
5 Dave The Diver
A Seafood Restaurant Like No Other
Combining underwater diving, restaurant management, and gardening, *Dave The Diver* enthralls players with its captivating gameplay loop. Despite its pixel art style, this game boasts an extensive selection of vividly illustrated seafood dishes, from traditional sushi to unique fusion dishes like the Trout Sea Grapes Ricebowl, making it a must-try for culinary adventurers.
4 The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
Saving Hyrule, One Five-Star Meal at a Time
*Breath of the Wild* is celebrated not only for its open-world exploration but also for its stunningly rendered food items. Players take on the role of Link, who can cook a multitude of dishes using ingredients sourced from the environment, each providing different heart bonuses and stat enhancements.
Many recipes are so creative that they have garnered the attention of chefs and food enthusiasts alike, even inspiring recreations by popular content creators like Binging with Babish. With an almost endless selection of dishes, exploring this culinary facet is a rewarding experience for players.
3 Monster Hunter: World
A Hunter’s Mighty Appetite
In *Monster Hunter: World*, satisfying your character’s hunger before a big hunt is crucial. The game enhances this mechanic by allowing players to choose from a variety of appetizing meals, many requiring ingredients found through quests. The charming cooking animations presented by the Felynes, especially during the preparation by chefs like Meowscular Chef and Grammeowster, deliver endearing moments coupled with visual delight, making mealtime an exciting part of the adventure.
2 Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth
The World is Your Oyster
As a devoted fan of the Yakuza series, *Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth* beautifully encapsulates the essence of its gameplay while integrating delicious Hawaiian cuisine. Set on a tropical island, players can enjoy iconic local dishes such as Poke, Loco Moco, and refreshing shaved ice, each intricately designed to add richness to the culinary experience.
1 Final Fantasy 15
“That’s It! I’ve Come Up with a New Recipe!”
Hearing Ignis exclaim, “That’s it! I’ve come up with a new recipe!”throughout *Final Fantasy 15* is a delightful experience that epitomizes the game’s love for food. With a variety of culinary offerings, from fancy restaurants to roadside diners scattered across Eos, this title takes the crown for featuring some of the most delectable in-game food visuals.
The stunning close-ups of each dish upon serving and the wide assortment of unique meals, such as comical Stacked Ham Sandwiches and lavish Prime Garula Ribs, enrich the player’s journey and remain unforgettable.
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