It’s crazy how different gaming is compared to when I was growing up. A product like Runescape: The Official Cookbook simply wouldn’t exist, or would be limited to only the most popular of franchises. It’s that perfect mix of fun, practical, and interesting that makes for a fantastic gift, or personal treat. However, given the more abstract nature, is it a slam dunk, or a shameless cash grab?
Runescape: The Official Cookbook Review Overview
Quality
Runescape: The Official Cookbook is surprisingly well constructed. The version we received is hardcover with full color images, and embossed throughout. The back details the idea behind the cookbook in a playful way with nods to Runescape, and its contents.
In addition to a quality outside, the interior has surprisingly thick pages. I don’t think I’d accidentally tear one, or experience other issues with them. They also have something of a glossy texture that feels nice to the touch. I can also confirm the pages are thread bound.
Effort
Where Runescape: The Official Cookbook stands out the most is effort. This feels less like someone thought a Runescape cookbook would sell, and more of a celebration of the world, and its culinary treats.
This starts with a small introduction that features some jokes, lore, and expectation setting. Each section has a page devoted to this that makes going through the book the first time a lot of fun. There is also a brief section devoted to kitchen challenges, along with a conversion guide, difficulty index, and some other touches in the back.
Sounds Tastier than Spider
Along with approaching the flavor of the world well, every recipe has the in-game counterpart pictured. Occasionally they take some liberties, like Spider on Stick is a crab cake recipe, but I rather recipes people will eat to things entirely lore accurate.
Presentation
Every recipe follows the same basic layout. There is the aforementioned in-game image, a small explanation of the meal, estimated servings, prep/cook time, difficulty, a dedicated section for requirements, and another section that details the process.
Effective Formatting
Along with being incredibly easy to read, there are other ingredients listed with italics for fun. It goes back to the effort that went into creating this cookbook. Certain pages also have delightful images of what the recipe makes, that further motivates me to get adventurous.
Instruction Quality
While I did not make every recipe for one reason, or another, I can confirm I had no issues with the instructions for the ones I made. Everything is laid out in a simple to understand way, with additional details if things don’t immediately click.
A number of recipes attempt to make things easier by explaining the situation to the reader.
Add the paprika and all-purpose flour and cook, stirring frequently, until the flour and paprika have darkened slightly and the raw flour smell disappears. about 3 to 5 minutes.
The section above is one such example where there are a few levels of redundancy. You get an idea of what needs to be done, an explanation of what it will look like, and further confirmation for those still on the fence. It’s a lot better than other recipes I’ve read that expect the user to know when they finished that step.
Taste
The most important part of any cookbook is having recipes worth cooking. Of those that I made, I would say they ranged from okay to good in terms of taste. My favorite ended up being the lobster, which had a lovely range of flavors besides butter, and lemon.
A lot of the recipes that fell in the okay range were things you’re far more likely to be familiar with. It’s simply hard to write a stellar pizza, or sugar cookie recipe as so many options are out there. But for what it’s worth I wouldn’t say anything I ended up making ended up tasting bad.
Runescape: The Official Cookbook Review Verdict
I think Runescape: The Official Cookbook hits that sweet spot for products like this. There is enough content where I could legitimately see fans of the franchise wanting to recreate things from the world they love. It also makes for a delightful gift, as the presentation shows a level of care that fans will appreciate. So if you love Runescape, or know someone who does, Runescape: The Official Cookbook is absolutely worth considering.
Editor’s Note: Runescape: The Official Cookbook was provided to us for review purposes.
