Tales of the Shire Could Lean Into One Big Lord of the Rings Meme

May 2, 2024

Highlights

Tales of the Shire offers a cozy simulation gameplay experience, similar to Stardew Valley, allowing players to create their own unique Hobbit.
The game focuses on the importance of food in Hobbit society, so highlighting the versatile potato makes sense, and it having a vital role in the gameplay loop could be a great nod to the “boil ’em” meme from the movies.
As for what role potatoes could play in the game, a case could be made to see them used as a source of energy like Animal Crossing’s fruit, or an in-game currency.

Tales of the Shire: A Lord of the Rings Game is an exciting new addition to the Lord of the Rings franchise that embraces cozy simulation gameplay, similar to the likes of Stardew Valley, but in the life of a Hobbit. In Tales of the Shire, players are given the opportunity to create their own unique Hobbit. The game allows players to live out all their Hobbit fantasies, offering a fresh take on J.R.R. Tolkien’s world.

When it comes to Hobbit life, a lot of time is spent dedicated to the love of food. Whether it is planning meals, hosting dinner parties, or second breakfast, eating is a Hobbit’s favorite hobby. The Lord of the Rings franchise has been in a rough spot when it comes to games inspired by Tolkien’s works, but Tales of the Shire seems to be a welcome change of pace. Players are able to embrace the peaceful life of a Hobbit, and it’s clear that food will play a large role in the game. This gives the game the perfect opportunity to capitalize on a long-running meme that spawned from Samwise Gamgee and his love of potatoes.

Hobbits are often overlooked in Middle-earth, but these games give them some love.

Tales of the Shire Should Fully Embrace Potatoes

A major focus of Tales of the Shire‘s gameplay will be on various types of food. From fishing to growing crops, food is at the heart of Hobbit society. With Hobbits being incredibly peaceful creatures, nothing is more relaxing than a good meal. One of the most charming moments from the Lord of the Rings films is when Samwise Gamgee expresses the importance of potatoes to Smeagol. In The Two Towers, Smeagol is unaware of what potatoes are, sending Sam into a passionate declaration about how diverse potatoes can be. Sam states, “Po-ta-toes! Boil them, mash them, stick them in a stew. Lovely big golden chips with a nice piece of fried fish“.

When hearing Sam talk about potatoes, it’s hard not to get excited about the root vegetable as well, and it’s been a prevalent internet meme for years. The hardy veggie is an incredibly versatile ingredient that goes with a wonderful variety of meals, and this is the main reason why Tales of the Shire needs to fully embrace the potato meme. Games based on Lord of the Rings are usually focused around a war-torn Middle Earth, but Tales of the Shire can really push its focus on cozy gameplay further by having players boil, mash, and stick potatoes in stews.

Po-ta-toes! Boil them, mash them, stick them in a stew. Lovely big golden chips with a nice piece of fried fish.

A Lighthearted Approach to Lord of the Rings

There have been many great games that focus on harboring a cozy atmosphere. Stardew Valley and Animal Crossing are some of the top dogs of the cozy genre, and getting a Hobbit spin on this type of gameplay is rife with potential. Out of all the different societies that exist in Lord of the Rings, the shires that Hobbits abide in seem to be the most fun. Drinking ale and eating roast dinners with friends is about as cozy as it gets, and potatoes are one of the coziest vegetables of all.

Although the meme potential behind focusing on potatoes would be fun, an emphasis on potatoes could actually be useful to the overall gameplay, too. Potatoes are incredibly filling, so they could actually prove to be a powerful source of energy for players. Just as potatoes are a versatile ingredient, they could also be a diverse mechanic. From currency to a great source of nutrition, potatoes could be the true center of the Hobbit economy. Since Hobbits do a lot of farming, focusing on growing potatoes for a variety of uses only makes sense.

Despite the Lord of the Rings franchise having an unlucky streak with recent games, Tales of the Shire‘s new approach could be just what the series needs. Putting a spotlight on the more relaxing and innocent portions of the franchise’s world seems to be the right move, and it will hopefully involve lots of potatoes.