we tested this very promising Lord of the Rings game

When we think of Lord of the Rings and the idea of ​​a perfect video game, we immediately imagine epic battles, heroic quests and breathtaking landscapes. The Wētā Workshop studio, however, decided to surprise us by offering us something totally different with Tales of the Shire. There are no bloody battles or dangerous quests here. We find ourselves following the peaceful steps of a Hobbit, in a calm and relaxing atmosphere. The game takes place entirely in the Shire, a lush and idyllic countryside, inspired by Tolkien’s vision. A real breath of fresh air for lovers of more serene adventures. After testing Tales of the Shire for an hour, we were pleasantly surprised by this more relaxed approach. It’s a chill game, perfect for those looking for a moment of relaxation in the Middle-earth universe.

In Tales of the Shireyou play as a Hobbit newly installed in Bywater, a small village not far from Hobbiton. From the first moments, you are greeted by Orlo Proudfoot, a jovial postman who guides you through the basics of hobbit life. Cooking meals, gardening, fishing and of course, meeting other locals are part of daily activities. The atmosphere is soft and soothing, exactly as we imagine the Shire. Here, far from the concerns of men, elves and dwarves, each day is marked by simple joys.

A character creator faithful to Tolkien’s universe

From the creation of your character, Tales of the Shire surprises with its details. The character creator is very complete, even allowing you to customize the hairiness of your Hobbit’s feet! A fun wink that shows how much the developers wanted to respect Tolkien’s universe. You can also choose a name from a list of first and last names inspired by the books, adding an authentic and fun feel to the experience.

The Shire is undoubtedly one of the most emblematic places in Tolkienand the game does it justice beautifully. From your first walks, you discover a world rich in details: winding paths that intertwine under the roots of trees, streams to cross, hidden gardens to explore and picturesque wooden bridges. Unlike other games where environments can feel flat or artificial, here everything feels alive. Every corner of the map invites exploration, and makes you want to discover all its secrets. And besides, everything is done for.

A total immersion in the hobbit universe

Instead of simple light markers to orient you, colorful birds guide you along the paths. This little detail makes every walk more natural and allows you to stay attentive to the world around you. You are not following an arrow, but creatures that are an integral part of the landscape. A delicate touch that makes every moment more authentic and pleasant.

In Tales of the Shireevery corner of the universe is filled with little details that immerse you in the peaceful life of Hobbits. You’ll see animals roaming freely, clothes drying in the sun on lines, and picturesque homes nestled in the green hills. All this makes the Shire a place where you want to stroll. This faithful representation of the universe of Tolkien is a real pleasure to discover. Although the demo only allowed us to explore a small part of this environment, it was enough to make us want to see more and continue to relax in this calming space.

Gameplay focused on simplicity and user-friendliness

The game uses the well-known mechanics of life simulations: gardening, fishing, cooking and decoration, but here, everything is thought of in the Hobbit style. For example, the kitchen takes center stage. You invite your neighbors to share a meal, you harvest ingredients in your garden or while walking, then you prepare delicious dishes for your guests. It’s simple, but terribly satisfying. Each step reinforces this idea of ​​conviviality and sharing, so dear to the spirit of the County.

Indeed, in Tales of the Shireconflicts are not resolved through violence or battles, but through shared meals. A mechanic that fits perfectly with the atmosphere of the game and which reminds us how much Hobbits favor moments of peace and communion. Each quest, called “Tale”, immerses you in everyday stories: helping a farmer settle a friendly argument with the miller, or comforting neighbors after a tragic loss. These moments are sometimes funny, sometimes touching, and bring unexpected depth to the game.

A question mark

Despite its many strong points as it stands, Tales of the Shire presents some repetitions in certain quests. At several points the game asks you to go back and forth between two characters, which can get a bit monotonous. However, social interactions and shared meals more than make up for these small redundancies. It remains to be seen how the game will evolve in the longer term, and especially if it will manage to vary the simple pleasures it offers.

After 90 minutes of play, we come away with a real feeling of serenity. Tales of the Shire immerses players in total immersion in the soothing world of the Shire. Fans of Lord of the Rings will be enchanted by this atmosphere faithful to the work of Tolkien. Although the beginning of the game is relatively simple, the mechanics focused on relationships with Hobbits and exploration suggest a captivating title for those looking for a relaxing experience in Middle-earth.

WE ARE WAITING FOR IT… WITH IMAPTIENCE

With Tales of the Shiredevelopers Wētā Workshop and Private Division seem to have managed to capture all the essence of the peaceful and friendly life of Hobbits. Whether through simple but satisfying game mechanics, total immersion in the world of the Shire, or touching social interactions, every element of the game exudes serenity. The attention to detail, such as character customization and organic way of exploring the world, shows how faithful the team has remained to Tolkien’s work. Of course, some quests can feel repetitive at times, and the game will need to offer more variety in the long run. But these small flaws do not detract from the deep immersion and pleasure that this unique experience provides. We can’t wait to continue the adventure.