New Lord Of The Rings Game Could Bring Animal Crossing To Middle-earth
has a long gaming history, but one area that the franchise hasn't yet thoroughly covered is the life simulation genre. Represented by games like, and, life simulation games tend to forego epic quests and intense gameplay in favor of embracing aspects of the mundane. The world of Middle-earth is certainly home to vast adventure and earth-shaking battles, but there's a separate side to things that a new game,, could finally focus on to deliver an experience unlike anything before.
Some games have flirted with more relaxing gameplay elements, although it's never been the main priority. features festivals in the Shire and cozy taverns to visit, but the story pulls the experience toward a grand adventure, and features plenty of silly charm to lower the stakes. Slaying the Balrog, fighting in Helm's Deep, or even carving a new narrative in 5e adaption do make for great gameplay — as does the much more revisionist experience carving through orcs as a ranger with wraith abilities in — but such ground has been well-trod by now.
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Revealed via an official talesoftheshire Twitter account in honor of Hobbit Day, the September 22 date of Bilbo and Frodo's shared birthday in and, is an upcoming game set to explore the more low-key Middle-earth experience. Arriving courtesy of the effects and prop company Wētā Workshop and game publisher Private Division, is set to release in 2024. The teaser doesn't reveal much about the game, but the "" and "" descriptors alongside a desk showing Hobbit-like clutter make the overall vibe clear.
Related: The Lord of the Rings: Gollum Review — Not So Precious
The Shire is a uniquely alluring setting, appealing to a certain
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