Tales of the Shire is a new simulation game within the world of The Lord of the Rings. Set between The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, it immerses players in the heart of Middle-Earth. Players create their own Hobbit character and explore a charming new town called Bywater. As the game progresses, you can prepare meals, build friendships, personalize your Hobbit Hole, and join festive gatherings.

Every delightful tale has its purpose, and while all Hobbits cherish their food and the simple pleasures of life, your Hobbit has taken on the noble quest of making Bywater a renowned Hobbit town. Fortunately, Hobbits have a fondness for those who know their way around a kitchen, so as long as you can create some delicious dishes, your adventure is likely to be an easy one.

Adventure Beyond Books and Maps

Cooking is the main activity your hobbit can engage in during the day, despite a few other options available. Hobbits are known for their culinary skills, but mastering the cooking system in this game is no simple task. It involves a variety of ingredients, textures, and flavors, with the ultimate goal of achieving that perfect quality. Cooking acts as a minigame that advances the storyline and builds relationships. While gathering, gardening, and fishing are straightforward, cooking quickly became my favorite pastime.

Despite the charming graphics and stories, the community is actively engaged and hungry for more content, especially any multiplayer features. I also appreciated that character creation includes androgynous options, and updating your Hobbit’s appearance can happen early in the game.

The developers clearly appreciate the legendary tales created by J.R.R. Tolkien. While some references to The Lord of the Rings can be a bit corny, it’s not surprising from a Hobbit-life simulation game. The game has a promising core idea, but its slow start can detract from the cozy, immersive experience of living as a Hobbit.