Ever since reading The Hobbit at 10 years old, I’ve been able to see the appeal of Tolkien’s halflings’ lifestyle—which Tales of the Shire: A The Lord of The Rings Game aims to adapt into a cozy life sim.
After all, who lives cozier than Hobbits? They live in modest comforts, in touch with the earth, walking a balance between leisure and humble work. In a lot of ways (not including that nasty war and “One Ring to bind them” nonsense), the world of Tolkien’s legendarium is a perfect fit for this thriving game genre.
And now, at long last, Tales of the Shire has arrived to make (mostly) good on that promise and potential.
Tales of the Shire: A The Lord of The Rings Game is the latest in a long line of cozy games where players create an in-game persona and pursue the simpler things in life. No dodges and parries here; the only boss is the unescapable sense of pressure to keep improving your relationships, bank account, and yield quality.... Read more