Alright, let’s dive in. Imagine, you’re sitting there, maybe with a cup of tea—side note, why does tea taste better with a hint of cinnamon? Anyway, you’ve been itching to live like a Hobbit, right? Well, surprise, surprise, Tales of the Shire is finally peeking over the horizon, pulling all the Hobbit fans into a cozy embrace. It’s happening this July, y’all. If you thought The Lord of the Rings was all about epic battles and dark lords, think again.
Tales of the Shire does something kinda wild, flipping the script to focus on the chill, peaceful life of Hobbits. It’s like someone finally said, "Hey, why don’t we just relax and enjoy the small things?" About time, right? Most of the games before were like, "Defeat Sauron, save Middle-earth," but now it’s more like, "Plant a garden, bake some bread." Big change, I’d say — and oh, it’s a breath of the freshest air ever.
So, while you’re waiting and dreaming Hobbit dreams, here’s a few games you gotta check out. Trust me, they’re worth it.
Stardew Valley
Okay, first off, if you dig farming and small-town vibes, Stardew Valley is your golden ticket. It’s got this super charming style, and believe me, people lose hours (or even days?) playing it. Guess what? It might’ve inspired this new Hobbit game a bit. Weta Workshop, I’m looking at you—didn’t think we’d notice, huh?
Random tidbit, but, the dude behind Stardew Valley, Eric Barone, is also cooking up something called Haunted Chocolatier. Can’t wait.
The Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria
Now, if you’re more into survival vibes with a dash of Dwarf flair, Return to Moria hits differently. It’s kinda like a hybrid—survival base-building with a laid-back twist. You’re a Dwarf trying to reclaim your digs in the Misty Mountains. Critics were mixed, but fans? They’re all about it.
Palia
Ever dreamt of a magical, free-to-play life sim? Say hi to Palia. Get this—even though it’s free, it’s packed with fantasy elements, crafting, and a whole lotta exploration. It feels like a perfect little snack before you dive into Tales of the Shire.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Classic alert! Animal Crossing’s latest entry still has folks hooked. It’s all about crafting, custom homes, farming, and just chilling with your quirky animal neighbors. Feels like the ultimate life sim, honestly.
Little side note here, kinda strange but Nintendo hasn’t said anything about a Switch 2 version of Animal Crossing yet. Come on, Nintendo, give us something.
The Lord of the Rings Online
And lastly, can’t forget about this one. It’s been around since 2007, still standing strong. For a free-to-play MMO, it’s loaded with role-playing goodness and lovers of Tolkien geek out over it. Not the flashiest graphics, but if you’re after that Middle-earth feel, this is your jam.
And there it is. A messy, delightful mix to keep your Hobbit-loving heart content till Tales of the Shire arrives. Can’t wait to see what Weta Workshop has cooked up!
