Tales of the Shire Shouldn’t Shy Away From The ‘Shire…

Summary

Shire Crossing looks to be a charming, cozy sim experience that shouldn't be afraid to embrace the similarities to Animal Crossing.
Following Animal Crossing's lead on accessibility, creativity, and social interaction can make Tales of the Shire a gratifying and relaxing game.
Despite being likened to Animal Crossing, Tales of the Shire has the potential to offer a unique and charming gameplay experience.

Tales of the Shire is the next cozy life farm sim for fans of the genre to keep an eye on, especially for fans of J. R. R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings. Set in the Lord of the Rings village of Bywater, Weta Workshop's Tales of the Shire sees players stepping into the bare feet of a Hobbit for casual and creative gameplay that seems very similar to Nintendo's Animal Crossing series. In fact, Tales of the Shire looks so much like Animal Crossing that many on the internet have been facetiously referring to it as "Shire Crossing."

Nintendo's massively popular Animal Crossing series has been around for over two decades, so it's only natural that something resembling it as closely as Tales of the Shire would be mocked for imitating it. Despite any attempt to shed a bad light on Tales of the Shire, however, it has been said that imitation is the highest form of flattery. If it turns out that Tales of the Shire really is just a Lord of the Rings version of Animal Crossing, that may not be such a bad thing, especially considering how successful Nintendo's cozy sim series is.

Tales of the Shire Should Embrace Its Similarities to Animal Crossing

Animal Crossing Is Popular for a Reason

In a world full of games with demanding mechanics and intricate systems to get used to, Animal Crossing stands out. This is primarily on account of it being a thoroughly relaxing experience by and large, appealing to those who want to sink time into a game, but also wish to be free to come and go as they please. Animal Crossing is a series that frees gamers from any sense of obligation and essentially hands over almost complete liberty to play the way they want to play.

Player freedom is precisely why the latest installment, Animal Crossing: New Horizons, rose to such immense popularity, as it was released in March 2020 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic when everyone was asked to stay indoors to slow the spread of the virus.

To this day, the Animal Crossing series remains a standard for cozy gameplay, and that's why Tales of the Shire should readily embrace that influence, despite any criticism it may garner on account of its imitation. In order to fully embrace its Animal Crossing roots, Tales of the Shire will need to consider adopting those features that make Animal Crossing such a gratifying experience for those who play it.

Tales of the Shire Should Adopt Animal Crossing's Best Features

The Animal Crossing franchise is known for its cozy gameplay, but several distinct features make this possible — features that Tales of the Shire should include as well. Firstly, it would do well for Tales of the Shire to be hugely accessible, as this is one of Animal Crossing's most praised characteristics. If Tales of the Shire is bogged down with too many convoluted mechanics, it could drive valuable audiences away. It can accomplish this by emphasizing relaxing gameplay as opposed to tasking players with fulfilling tedious responsibilities. Secondly, Tales of the Shire needs plenty of the creativity and flexibility that the Animal Crossing games are known for. Limiting this in any way could ultimately put a damper on the whole experience and turn off the cozy gaming enthusiasts who will likely be drawn to it.

Another Animal Crossing feature that Tales of the Shire should consider adopting is its emphasis on social interaction. The Animal Crossing series' multiplayer components allow players to interact with one another by visiting each other's villages and even helping each other complete chores. All of this being said, even if Tales of the Shire ends up being nothing like Animal Crossing, it's already looking like it will turn out to be a charming, relaxing experience.

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Animal Crossing New Horizons Tag Page Cover Art

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Simulation

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OpenCritic Reviews: Top Critic Avg: 90 /100 Critics Rec: 99%

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Released: March 20, 2020
ESRB: Everyone / Comic Mischief, Mild Fantasy Violence, Users Interact, In-Game Purchases
Developer(s): Nintendo EPD
Publisher(s): Nintendo
Engine: Havok
Multiplayer: Online Multiplayer, Local Multiplayer
Expansions: Animal Crossing: New Horizons — Happy Home Paradise

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Escape to a deserted island and create your own paradise as you explore, create, and customize in the Animal Crossing: New Horizons game. Your island getaway has a wealth of natural resources that can be used to craft everything from tools to creature comforts. You can hunt down insects at the crack of dawn, decorate your paradise throughout the day, or enjoy sunset on the beach while fishing in the ocean. The time of day and season match real life, so each day on your island is a chance to check in and find new surprises all year round.

Show off your island utopia to family and friends—or pack your bags and visit theirs. Whether playing online** or with others beside you***, island living is even better when you can share it. Even without hopping on a flight, you’ll meet a cast of charming animal residents bursting with personality. Friendly faces like Tom Nook and Isabelle will lend their services and happily help you grow your budding community. Escape to your island getaway—however, whenever, and wherever you want.