It is almost impossible to exaggerate the cultural weight of JRR Tolkien in Middle Earth. From the moment the Hobbit was first published in 1937, the world he built continues to capture the imagination and inspire countless adaptations, games and creative works.
Most video games based on Lord of the Rings followed a rather predictable formula, epic quests, dangerous journeys, and a climactic battle between good and evil.
But what Wētā Workshop did at Tales of the Shire: Lord of the Rings game is far more unexpected. It asks not to save Middle Earth, but simply to live in it.
And honestly, it feels like the most Tolkien thing of all.
The Hobbit’s Pace
From the beginning, Tales of the Shire sets that tone. You are not a warrior, ranger, or wizard. You are a newly arrived hobbit in Bywater village and want to take root and become part of the community.
Your daily life consists of caring for your garden, fishing in a calm stream, cooking for your neighbors, and making sure your little hobbit holes are warmly welcomed.
At first glance, this may seem like a strange direction for a game set in Tolkien’s universe. Where is the danger? Is it urgent? Drama? But anyone who reads Tolkien knows that some of his best passages are about the quiet corners of the world, the smell of fresh bread, the shape of tree branches, and the pleasures of eating shared among friends.
In that sense, the wētā workshop tapped the heart of his writing and created an experience that celebrated simplicity rather than spectacles.
Of course, pacing doesn’t suit everyone. Like a second breakfast of a good hobbit, it is slow, heartfelt and relaxed. But if you make the rhythm easier, the rewards are immeasurable.
Beauty worthy of Middle Earth
The most memorable thing about Tales of the Shire is its presentation. WētāWorkshop, a New Zealand studio known for designing costumes, creatures and sets for Peter Jackson’s film trilogy, provided a shire that felt faithful and alive.
The gentle, green hills stretch endlessly, dotted with wild flowers swaying in the wind. The Hobbit Hole, with its round, vividly painted doors, has rounded smoke from the chimney.
Butterflies sprint through the sun, while butterflies guide hidden fruits and mushrooms in the undergrowth. The streams glow, have blots under the bridge, and are happy to be greeted by your character with friendly putts – pigs, ducks, horses, even swans, wandering through the fields.
Everything has a painting quality, including stepping into a living pop-up storybook. The direction of the art seems deeply inspired by Tolkien’s respect for nature, but the day-night cycles and seasonal changes make the world feel lively.
In spring, you will see new flowers bloom. In winter, frost will sharpen the edges of your garden. These touches not only shape visual prosperity, but also what you can grow, cook and share with your neighbors.
It’s an incredibly beautiful place and one of the game’s greatest strengths.
Daily adventures
The gameplay leans heavily towards the cozy life sim genre, with an obvious comparison between Animal Crossing and Stardew Valley. But what sets the Shire story apart is how deeply it weaves Tolkien’s world into these mechanisms.
Gardening, for example, isn’t just about planting seeds. It is about pairing crops that complement each other, increasing growth and quality. Cooking is not just about nutrition. Inviting your neighbors to eat is an important way to build friendships as it strengthens your bond and unlocks new recipes, decorations and gear.
There are also foraging, fishing, club activities and quirky side quests.
The game also features a small, mysterious side activity of “discovering” that makes the puzzle feel like it’s pulled from the pages of The Hobbit’s Diary. None of these systems are innovative, but they combine into a gameplay loop that is a relaxing and rewarding equal part.
That said, the lack of combat and the progression of the high stakes will leave some players restless. Bywater is not full of activity on every turn. It’s quiet for a few days, with fewer quests and interactions. For some, this would feel like downtime. For others, it will feel like a wasted time.
But that’s a trade-off. The game is not about “winning,” but about “existence.”
The warmth of writing and music
One of the most fascinating aspects of Tales of the Shire is the cast of characters. From Sandyman, the greedy factory owner, to the old Noaki, the quirky fisherman, Bywater is full of colorful personalities.
Although interactions can sometimes be felt limited, especially as the game lacks perfect voice acting, the writing is consistently light, witty, and often entertaining in a modest, hobby-like way.
Supporting this is a fun orchestral soundtrack that bulges and drifts like an idyllic symphony. It’s whimsical when collecting berries. It’s cozy when hosting dinner, and quietly majestic when pausing to take a picture of the scenery.
Together, music and visuals create an atmosphere of comfort and belonging.
Be faithful to Tolkien’s spirit
What makes Shire’s story worth noting is that it feels not only fun and beautiful, but also authentic. This is not a game that bends the world of Tolkien and matches the ratio of modern games. Instead, it embraces themes of his community, simplicity and nature.
It reminds us that Middle Earth is not just about battles and quests. It is also about the joys of the Elefence, the warmth of the furnace and the home, and the resilience of the ordinary people who come together to form a community.
For Tolkien fans, this faithfulness makes the Shire story feel like a gift. It may not carry the strength of great quest, but it embodies the very heart of what makes the Hobbits and their way of life special.
Building villages and forge connections with other people, the Earth and animals feel the heart of what Tolkien is.
Final Verdict
The story of the story certainly isn’t for everyone. Its slow pace, lack of combat, and reliance on cozy everyday activities alienates players looking for action. But for those willing to slow down, taste the details and live just like a hobbit, it is a deeply rewarding experience.
With stunning visuals, engaging (serene) gameplay, and unparalleled respect for Tolkien’s lore, the Wētā Workshop created something unusual.
In the current growing and crowded environment of cozy games, the story’s shire offers something different, incorporates elements from the genre, and infuses Tolkien’s unique characters and world.
It may not change the landscape of the game, but it is absolutely successful in what it is trying to do, and in itself stands proudly in the best adaptation of Tolkien’s work.
4 stars (out of 5)
Highlights: Faithful adaptation. Unique graphics; addictive gameplay
Low light: slow progress; limited to Bywater
Developer: Weta Workshop
Publisher: Take-Two Interactive
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Windows PC, Nintendo Switch
Available: Now
Reviews conducted on the PS5 Pro using release code provided by the publisher.
Highly popular images provided by the publisher.
