When it comes to fantasy creatures, there are few quite as whimsical or carefree asThe Lord of the Rings' Hobbits. Halflings who originated in the valley of the Anduin River in thenorthernmost reaches of Middle-earth, the Hobbits are known far and wide for their “simple” way of life, much of which revolves around eating, drinking, and relaxing against the backdrop of the Shire’s lush green landscapes.Tales of the Shireputs this peaceful lifestyle right in the players' hands.
Tales of the Shiremay not be the most robust life-sim out there, but it fulfills its promise of letting players inhabit the life of a Hobbit. And via a bevy of both large and small details, it captures the inherent upbeat nature of Tolkien’s Hobbits well.
Tales of the Shire Captures The Spirit of Hobbits With Both Big and Small Mechanics
Tales of the Shire Embraces The Hobbits' Love of Food and Gardening
Something that’s immediately established in the opening pages of bothThe HobbitandThe Lord of the Ringsis that Hobbits love to eat. Elevenses, Second Breakfast, and afternoon tea are all just some of the meals Hobbits include in their daily itinerary.Tales of the Shireputs the Hobbits' love of food at the forefront of its gameplay loop.
Cooking is by farTales of the Shire’s most involved activity, with the player needing to mix, chop, stir, and season their ingredients to create a textured and tasty dish. The tastier their dish, the more a friendlyHobbit’s Fellowship Rankwill increase following a shared meal hosted by the player. Cooking tastier meals will in turn reward the player with new recipes and ingredients, which they can use to increase their standing with Bywater’s villagers even further.
Another core facet of a Hobbit’s being is their love of the land, and more specifically, what comes from it. AsBilbo Bagginshimself says, “All Hobbits share a love of things that grow.” Gardeners and farmers are in no short supply in the Shire, andTales of the Shireallows players to get in on the fun by letting them plant their own batch of crops and care for a small assortment of live animals.
Tales of the Shire’s Little Hobbit Details Seal The Deal
But whileTales of the Shireuses its core gameplay mechanics to capture the everyday life of a Hobbit living their best life in the Shire, it’s the game’s array of smaller details that really evoke the quaint nature of the curious creatures. Instead of a sprint button,Tales of the Shiregives its players the ability to skip throughthe village of Bywater, with their Hobbit’s short legs and arms swinging fancifully in front of them with each exaggerated hop.
Rather than give players a simple objective marker on their HUD,Tales of the Shiretasks its in-game birds with guiding the player through the game’s various quests, with them floating down, landing on signposts, and pointing the way gently with their beaks.Tales of the Shirealso employs swarms of butterflies to tentatively guide the player towards resources that have fallen on the ground that can be foraged. It’s these little features that makeTales of the Shire’s titular setting feel truly fantastical.
