The Lord of the Rings is one of the most successful fantasy franchises of all time, although its presence in the video game sector has not been as consistent over the years, and it seems that its vast universe has not been fully exploited in the interactive entertainment sector. After many attempts, Warner Bros. is still searching for the formula that will make Tolkien's works a success on consoles, as was recently the case with Harry Potter and the tremendous results obtained by Hogwarts Legacy.

However, the new developments focusing on Middle-earth still fail to offer the action and excitement expected from a franchise like The Lord of the Rings. After two fairly interesting titles under the name Shadows of Mordor and Shadows of War, the licence hit an impasse, with Warner itself unsure how to approach its future, until it finally decided to bring it back to the world of video games with a most unusual title.

Tales of the Shire is a resource and environment management video game in which players must build The Shire, the undisputed home of the hobbits who star in the franchise. All this is based on the premise of classic ‘farm games’ in which daily tasks and activities are available to nurture the lives of the city's inhabitants. This is a totally different approach to what we have seen so far in relation to The Lord of the Rings and is aimed at a very specific audience.

Managing the future of Middle-earth

Over the years, life simulation has become one of the most popular genres in video games. Although The Sims was the forerunner of this type of game, many other titles have since followed in their footsteps. It was hard to believe that a game under the name of The Lord of the Rings would venture into this territory, but it is just another demonstration that video games have no limits. In this title, the player takes on the role of a fully customisable hobbit who must perform tasks such as farming, building, exploring and helping the other inhabitants with their daily chores.

The story of Tales of the Shire is set between the events of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, when Gandalf comes to seek the help of the main character, with a plot centred on the legend of the Green Dragon of Delagua, the place where the events unfold. A game that aims to be a peaceful experience for players, where they can find a haven of peace in which to farm, fish and find their own hobbit life through the screen.

In this sense, it stands out from other video games of the genre, which involve more complex management of all the tasks that must be dedicated to the game's functions. Tales of the Shire is not designed to overwhelm users, but to offer them an enjoyable experience following the lifestyle of hobbits in the strictest sense of the word.

Cooking and customisation, the keys to gameplay

The Lord of the Rings fans know that hobbits are known for organising large feasts, and Tales of the Shire is no exception. Cooking is one of the central elements of gameplay, making it a very deep system that goes beyond what other titles in the genre offer. In this sense, you have to take into account the tastes of each hobbit for whom the banquet is intended, not only in terms of the ingredients themselves, but also the texture, preparation and other aspects of the food. You have to know how to please the locals in this regard.

In addition, the customisation in Tales of the Shire adds a unique layer of immersion. Players can design their own hobbit home, from the interior decoration to the outdoor gardens, reflecting their personality in every detail. This level of creativity extends to the character's clothing and accessories, allowing for combinations that reinforce the connection to the culture of The Shire. The game also includes a relationship system, where interactions with other hobbits, whether helping them or sharing feasts, strengthen the community. These mechanics, together with warm and detailed visuals, recreate the welcoming essence of Middle-earth, inviting players to immerse themselves in a leisurely but deeply rewarding experience.

Tales of the Shire is very different from anything seen to date in relation to The Lord of the Rings universe, so it is a complete mystery how it will be received by the community. However, it is excellent news that Tolkien's works are back and continue to chart new territory in the video game sector.