Franchises That Need A Cozy Game Like Tales of The Shire

As a dedicated gamer and ardent fan of both the Batman franchise and Game of Thrones, I find myself captivated by the intriguing concepts presented in these two proposed games.

Wētā Workshop’s “Tales of The Shire” marks the initial game within the “The Lord of the Rings” series that embodies the tranquil charm of The Shire, a place Tolkien enthusiasts yearned to escape to whenever Frodo and Bilbo embarked on dangerous adventures. Unlike the usual warfare, violence, or strife beyond annoying neighbors, “Tales of The Shire” serves as a hobbit simulator, transporting players into the warm enchantment of the “The Lord of the Rings” world, departing from its renowned darker themes.

Moving away from the traditional genre or style of a franchise may stir controversy among fans, since an endeavor aimed at satisfying desires might sometimes lead to losing the elements that initially made the franchise popular. Yet, certain franchises, whether they are established in gaming, literature, TV, or film, could significantly prosper by wholeheartedly adopting their endearing characters, exploring captivating settings, or completely transforming a violent world into a peaceful, cozy life-simulation akin to Tales of The Shire. Here are the franchises that might thrive with a warm, cheerful game as comfortable and inviting as Tales of The Shire.

5 Gilmore Girls

Stars Hollow Could Be The Next Stardew Valley

Created by: Amy Sherman Palladino
Executive Producers: Amy Sherman Palladino and Daniel Palladino
First Aired: 10/05/2000
Network: The CW
Genre: Drama, Romance, Comedy

It is hardly revolutionary to suggest that Gilmore Girls is the epitome of effortlessly heartwarming TV, but recent recreations of Gilmore Girls Locations in The Sims 4 are a reminder of how perfectly Star Hollow suits the cozy gaming genre. Why hasn’t Amy Sherman Palladino’s magnum opus about a wholesome mother-daughter duo been converted into an autumnal video game yet? Imagine how adorable 3D renditions of Sookie and Babette would look, or how soothing the Dragonfly Inn would be in a hand-drawn storybook art style.

A Gilmore Girls video game could expand beyond just a dating simulation, offering players a rich experience that mirrors the lives of Lorelai and Rory. You could run the Independence or Dragonfly Inn as Lorelai, work at Luke’s diner flipping burgers and having arguments with Taylor in his backward baseball cap, create culinary delights as chef Sookie, study hard alongside Paris and Rory, or even experience the comedic mayhem of playing as Kirk, all reminiscent of the charm of Untitled Goose Game. With numerous mini-games for the townsfolk and heartwarming conversations, this beloved classic could maintain its comforting essence without losing a beat as a life-sim game.

4 Studio Ghibli

Please Kiki, Deliver Us A Studio Ghibli Video Game

Founded: 06/15/1985
Founders: Hayao Miyazaki, Isao Takahata, Toshio Suzuki, Yasuyoshi Tokuma
Genre: Anime, Adventure

Since 1985, Studio Ghibli has captivated fans worldwide, with the iconic 2D hand-drawn film “Spirited Away” being a significant milestone in their global recognition. However, it’s noticeable that Studio Ghibli hasn’t yet made its debut in the video game world. While they have animated sequences for Level-5’s magical adventure RPG series “Ni no Kuni,” they haven’t turned one of their own stories into a video game or created a new narrative tailored for gamers. If Studio Ghibli were to cater more to fan favorites instead of introducing new characters, the story of “Kiki Delivery Service” seems perfect for a charming RPG about witchcraft, where players would fly to cherished customers to deliver goods, much like in the comforting witch simulator games “Witchy Life Story” and “The Cosmic Wheel of Sisterhood.

A game based on “Spirited Away” would offer an enchanting journey into the captivating, vibrant personalities at the bathhouse, much like any Studio Ghibli animation could seamlessly transition to gaming platforms. The ethereal, whimsical music by composer Joe Hisaishi would transport players entirely into any characters or worlds that Studio Ghibli envisioned. Other games such as “Ni no Kuni,” “Behind the Frame,” and those inspired by Studio Ghibli showcase how their enchanting art style, lovable characters, and tranquil landscapes could flourish in a distinctive Studio Ghibli lifestyle simulator.

3 The Last of Us

Give Joel, Ellie, And Riley A Happy Ever After

Players found themselves sharing in the struggles of cherished characters Ellie and Joel across multiple games within the emotionally intense post-apocalyptic role-playing game series, The Last of Us. The games featured harrowing scenes of death, massacres, zombie infestations, and even killing canines. Despite the heartbreaking nature of the gameplay, it was captivating. Moments of warmth, touching dialogues, and hints of a brighter future made players grow attached to their favorite characters. However, the constant barrage of grim events that befell them could be disheartening at times. The Last of Us: Left Behind was an additional episode that was downloadable, which demonstrated that fans could find fulfillment in gameplay where Ellie got to spend time with her friend Riley and have enjoyable experiences, despite the tragic conclusion.

In a departure that’s just as unexpected as “Tales of the Shire” was to “The Lord of The Rings,” a cozy, charming life simulation game set within the world of “The Last of Us” franchise might seem out of place. However, such an endearing, whimsical, and soothing title could offer both players and characters a much-needed respite from the grim atmosphere and perpetual trauma of the main narrative. Within this game, players could craft their own post-apocalyptic avatar to explore a tranquil, idyllic community. Here, beloved characters like Ellie and Joel would have a chance to live in safety and peace for once. The infected zombies in this world would be more cartoonish and harmless, acting as gentle scares that help keep them away from crops.

2 The Batman Franchise

Raising Robin, Foster Fails, And Bat-Family Dinners

In the well-known Batman: Arkham series, Batman is known for his grim battles against criminals in disguise and unraveling complex mysteries. However, he occasionally shows a lighter side in family-friendly games like Lego Batman and Justice League: Cosmic Chaos. The majority of Batman video games available maintain the same dark, somber, and violent tone as their main character, with the exception that Batman is not only a vengeful vigilante but also a single father figure to many. Initially taking in Richard Grayson to form Batman and Robin, Bruce Wayne later became the father of Jason Todd, Tim Drake, and Damian Wayne (his biological son who was conceived without his knowledge). Since then, Batman has been a sort of foster parent to numerous children who find themselves under his protection, including Cassandra Cain, Stephanie Brown, Barbara Gordon, and even having more children with Selina Kyle (Catwoman) and Talia in various alternate realities and timelines.

How does a solitary father manage to keep his little superheroes safe, ensure they attend school, eat, rest, and train them to battle crime alongside him? Is Batman not only skilled in battling villains like the Joker, but also adept at parent-teacher conferences, bedtime tales, and helping with homework? Gamers might discover the answer for themselves by playing a charming, humorous parenting simulator video game that reveals the caring, lighthearted side of the Dark Knight. The challenging pasts and tense conflicts between Wayne and his children could be interwoven with the endearing, amusing, and heartwarming moments of a single father raising a team of crime-fighting offspring.

1 Game of Thrones

Enjoy a Cozy Virtual King’s Landing Without Any “Shame!”

It might be shocking to note that despite the enduring fame of George R.R. Martin’s books and TV series, “Game of Thrones,” the efforts to create a successful video game have mostly resulted in disappointments, cancellations, or forgotten titles. Notable exceptions include Cyanide’s 2012 combat RPG and Telltale’s 2014 interactive narrative game, although the latter is temporarily absent due to Telltale’s hiatus, leaving a significant void in the market for a comprehensive “Game of Thrones” role-playing game. The world of “Game of Thrones” is characterized by despair, greed, and power struggles; it’s a place where themes like incest, murder, revenge, and darker elements are deeply ingrained in each storyline. However, what if this grim universe wasn’t so bleak?

Just as Hogwarts Legacy allows Potter fans to explore the magical school with personalized characters, a Game of Thrones life simulation game could serve as a haven where players can raise adoptable Direwolves without a time limit and baby dragons that don’t harm others. Who hasn’t dreamed of enjoying the sunny gardens at King’s Landing or reading by the fire in snowy Winterfell? Developers might aim to keep appearances of controversial Game of Thrones characters like Cersei, Joffrey, and Ramsay to a minimum, as living peacefully in a warm, fantastical medieval setting requires self-control, often involving restraint from attacking unsavory characters upon first encounter.

2024-10-30 06:34