Sure, let’s dive into this mess of thoughts and maybe even make some sense by the end. Or not. Who knows.
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So, you know those Hobbits? Yeah, those cute little fellas from Tolkien’s mind, always lounging around, munching on something delicious while life just kind of happens around them. Seems like the folks behind “Tales of the Shire: A Lord of the Rings Game” thought, “Hey, why not make a game out of this?” Bold move, right? Sadly, the idea kind of fell flat on its face, like a cake that didn’t rise. Ugh.
Anyhow, the game kind of slots itself between “The Hobbit” and “The Lord of the Rings,” the whole Middle-earth gig. Your role? A made-up hobbit who’s trying to help Bywater, a spot so tiny you could miss it if you sneezed, become a legitimate village. Simple quests, ideas that should have been way more exciting, but end up as a marathon of chatting with townsfolk who love sending you on wild goose chases. I’ve roamed every inch of that place so many times it’s ridiculous. Funny enough, despite all that, I kept picking up quests like a glutton for punishment. Maybe the charm got under my skin?
Now, speaking of food—it’s the big thing here. You garden, you forage, you cook. Very hobbit-like, if you ask me. But if you’re looking for wild twists and plots, you’re out of luck. It’s all about impressing friends at the table. Think of it like hosting a never-ending dinner party. Cute at first, then you realize you’ve cooked the same dish a dozen times. Oh, and guess what? Your hobbit never gets hungry! Intriguing choice for a game centered around constant cooking. Also, laid back? This game could teach Zen masters a thing or two about chill!
It’s also one of those games where days just tick by while you fish, or garden, or yak with hobbit merchants. But here’s my beef: once your task list empties, days just drag on with no way to fast forward. So there I was, casting my line over and over, trying to force time to move quicker. Seriously needed a fast forward button.
Oh, and graphics. Played on Switch and Switch 2. Looked fine on both, not amazing, but passable. The hobbit designs? Strange, couldn’t quite put my finger on why. Props for featuring a dwarf lady sporting a full beard though—that was a nice touch. But boy, oh boy, the performance hiccups! Switch 1 was a rollercoaster of frame drops and crashes. Switch 2? Slightly better, but still a bug-ridden trek, making me paranoid about saving every five minutes.
All in all, “Tales of the Shire” is like one of those cakes that’s still doughy in the middle. Could be a winner with some extra ingredients and a bit longer in the oven. So, for now, it’s tough to wholeheartedly recommend. Wish I didn’t have to say that, but here we are. Maybe, just maybe, it’ll find its groove someday.
