Exploring the sweet side of video games for Easter
I hope you’re all having a great Easter so far.
It’s a much-needed break from the past month’s hectic pace for me. I’ve been working hard on the first assessment for my apprenticeship recently. Plus, there’s only a month to go until the London Marathon so training is getting full-on.
Although I’ve had to complete a long run this weekend to stick to the plan, things are progressing nicely so I’ve been able to take some time out too. That has meant rewarding myself with three things. Today’s run will be postponed to tomorrow so I can spend the day sitting on the sofa, playing video games, while eating as many Easter treats as I can manage.
I think we can all admit that chocolate is one of the best things about this time of year (not forgetting the bank holidays and time off work). It’s hard to resist indulging over the long weekend because there’s just so much on offer. From treats shaped like rabbits to colourful foil-wrapped eggs with surprises inside, there’s something to suit everybody’s sweet tooth.
There’s also something available to suit every kind of video game we want to play. In one of the most tenuous posts to ever grace this blog and fill a spot on the schedule, chocolate is being made the star of the show today to celebrate Easter. After selecting the favourite releases of some of my good blogging and streaming friends, I’ve paired them with their perfect candy comparisons. Grab your controller and a handful of sweets, and don’t forget to brush your teeth afterwards.
Darkshoxx: Loom
Darkshoxx is a big fan of the classic point-and-click adventure Loom. This title therefore deserves be paired with a similarly classic sweet, so I’m going to opt for a Cadbury Flake in this case. The delicate layers within this chocolate bar (along with that weird advert we all remember from 1992) have an almost ethereal quality about them which matches well with the game’s whimsical world of music and magic. Both experiences leave a lasting impression through their intricacy and charm, so they’re perfect when you need a quiet moment of escapism.
Luke: Resident Evil
We’re going to need something tougher here to create an adequate pairing for Resident Evil, loved by Luke from Hundstrasse. I think a Cadbury Crunchie will fit the bill nicely. Like its name suggests, this sweet is known for its distinctive texture and its bite will stand up to those zombies. The game features intense action sequences, suspenseful moments and unexpected jump-scares – and just like the undead that you can never totally get rid of, you’ll be stuck with those chewy bits in your teeth for ages.
Ellen: The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
One of the most iconic chocolate bars is the Cadbury Dairy Milk, and it’s loved by many for its timeless appeal and familiarity which is comforting. Surely then there’s no better pairing to go with Ocarina of Time for Ellen from Strength in Sarcasm. This release has a similar status in the gaming world where it’s adored by so many people for its rich storytelling, immersive world and endless charm. Both experiences evoke feelings of nostalgia and warmth, so they’re eternal favourites to be enjoyed over and over again.
Jake: Ratchet & Clank
Friend-of-the-blog Jake’s choice of Ratchet & Clank provides an energetic mix of action, humour and platforming elements. It’s therefore a substantial experience that leaves gamers feeling fulfilled, so we’re going to need something stronger chocolate-wise to be able to stand-up against it. A Snickers bar feels like the right choice this time due to its chunky mix of peanuts, caramel and chocolate. This is a dependable pairing which will constantly deliver enjoyment and leave you feeling satisfied.
Kim: The Secret of Monkey Island
It will come as no surprise that The Secret of Monkey Island is my pick for today’s post. This is another classic point-and-click, known for its light-hearted and humorous approach to the adventure genre, including skulls who teach us life lessons along with villains who may not be as evil as they first seem. It needs a light treat which is going to bring out similar feelings of nostalgia and memories of childhood. I’m going to opt for a Milky Way, as its sweet fluffy centre is an entirely appropriate pairing.
Mr. Wapojif: The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
You know that Mr. Wapojif from Professional Moron the kind of person who drinks his tea while extending his pinkie finger. It’s no wonder then that his favourite game is Tears of the Kingdom, so this needs to be combined with a suitably sophisticated chocolate – and there’s nothing fancier than a Ferrero Rocher. With its rich flavour and delicate texture, it would sit well alongside a game which has captivated players with its immersive open world, engrossing story and gameplay grandeur.
Nomad: Mass Effect
If you’ve tuned into his streams, you’ll know that friend-of-the-blog Nomad enjoys a wide range of video games. He picked Mass Effect as his favourite though, so we’re going to need something substantial and even astronomical for its pairing. With its epic combination of nougat, caramel and chocolate, a Mars bar is an immersive treat that’s bound to keep you going while you’re exploring the universe and taking down Reapers. It may even be Commander Shepherd’s favourite treat in the Citadel.
Pete: Tom Clancy’s The Division 2
Similar to my choice above, seeing The Division 2 here for Pete’s selection is no great surprise. As this is a game that combines tactical shooting, RPG progression and cooperative gameplay, I’ve selected a chocolate which is just as layered. The waffered fingers within a Kit Kat represent the different aspects of this release and can be individually scoffed between engaging in intense firefights, exploring a detailed open world and strategizing with teammates. Perfect for a quick break from reality.
Phil: PlanetSide
Friend-of-the-blog Phil played an awful lot of PlanetSide back in the day. This multiplayer online game focused on large-scale battles involving hundreds of players and provided an exhilarating experience, so it should be paired with an equally addictive chocolate. I think a bag of Maltesers is the way to go here. Both provide the satisfying crunch of excitement, whether it’s engaging in intense fights or biting through malty honeycomb. You’ll find it difficult to stop yourself from going back for more.
Tim: Final Fantasy IX
Final Fantasy IX is known for its rich storytelling, diverse cast of characters and emotional depth. To match the favourite game of Tim from Timlah’s Texts, I therefore need to select a chocolate pairing which has a variety of flavours and textures. A Cadbury Dairy Milk Fruit & Nut feels like an appropriate choice. With its sweet chocolate, crunchy nuts and chewy raisons, it’s a great multi-layered companion to a release which takes us a delightful journey through a fantastical world filled with discovery.
Whether you’re battling zombies, exploring vast worlds or embarking on epic quests, there’s a chocolatey counterpart waiting to accompany you on your gaming adventures. Which sweet would you pair with your favourite video game?