The open-world gaming landscape offers diverse experiences, from battling robot dinosaurs in Horizon: Forbidden West to crafting in Minecraft. Despite their differences, Dragon's Dogma 2 and Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom share common open-world elements.
Both games highlight emergent gameplay, narrative depth, and a cooking mechanic, yet one game excels in this culinary aspect.
Zelda's Open-World Cooking Triumphs Over Dragon's Dogma 2
Dragon's Dogma 2's Cooking Fiasco
In Dragon's Dogma 2, controversial features like the Dragonsplague disease and limited fast travel have sparked discussions. The cooking mechanic, however, drew attention for a different reason.
When players cook in Dragon's Dogma 2, they are treated to a live-action cooking scene that, while initially captivating, clashes with the game's graphics, shattering immersion. This disconnect disappoints players expecting seamless gameplay.
Additionally, the realistic meat-cooking process may discomfort non-meat-eaters, further alienating some players from the experience.
Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom's Delightful Cooking
In stark contrast, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom delivers a cooking experience that enhances immersion. The game's graphical cooking scenes, accompanied by charming sound effects, create a magical cooking journey.
Players in Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom witness ingredients playfully interacting in the pot, culminating in a whimsical dish creation. The delightful sound design elevates the cooking process, making it a rewarding in-game activity.