Tales of the Shire Picks Up One Ball Dropped By Pokemon Scarlet and Violet

Tales of the Shire Picks Up One Ball Dropped By Pokemon Scarlet and Violet

As a lifelong fan of both Middle-earth and the culinary arts, I must say that Weta Workshop has truly captured my heart with their upcoming masterpiece, Tales of the Shire. The level of detail and care put into the smallest aspects of the game, such as the eating animations, is a testament to their dedication and understanding of what makes a game great.


The “Tales of the Shire” is poised to break new ground as an unusual addition to the “Lord of the Rings” series, and Weta Workshop has wholeheartedly adopted this innovative approach. With meticulous attention given to every tiny detail, “Tales of the Shire” manages to thrive where recent “Pokemon” games have fallen short.

A game simulating life in Middle-earth, titled “Tales of the Shire,” was an unexpected desire for “Lord of the Rings” enthusiasts following its unveiling. Despite the revelation that this game won’t launch until 2025 due to a delay, there remains a buzz among fans. The tranquil existence of hobbits resonates perfectly with the comforting essence of life sim games, and Weta Workshop has ensured the gameplay reflects this. A significant aspect of the game will involve cooking and serving meals, and attention to detail is evident in this part of the experience. When players prepare a meal and serve it, their guests are animated eating each dish with pleasure, emphasizing the significance of this activity in hobbit culture. This has sparked notable comparisons to the eating animations in “Pokemon Scarlet and Violet,” which were perceived as unimpressive.

Tales of the Shire Can Succeed Where Pokemon Didn’t

When considering Pokémon, preparing meals isn’t typically associated, but in newer games, there have been elements added that involve cooking food for your Pokémon companions. For instance, in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, a sandwich-making mechanic was introduced, where the ingredients would affect various outcomes. However, the response to this feature has been divided. While the effects were beneficial, the animations of making sandwiches in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet drew criticism. Fans were disappointed because the presentation didn’t show either the player or the Pokémon actually eating, but instead featured a peculiar pantomime of eating. In a game with high production values, this omission seemed sloppy compared to other features.

In my opinion, the significance of sandwich-making within the narrative of Pokemon Scarlet and Violet became strikingly evident. A key plotline involved helping Arvin, an aspiring chef, gather elusive ingredients to heal his sick Pokémon. The heartfelt passion Arvin put into crafting sandwiches, driven by his compassionate nature, resonated deeply with players. However, it left some of us even more disheartened when our own character seemed to eat the sandwiches rather unceremoniously. This demonstrates that while sandwich-making in this game was often executed well, it was still perceived as a disappointment due to underwhelming animation quality.

Eating Animations Delight in Tales of the Shire

Unlike Pokemon, the game Tales of the Shire emphasizes cooking significantly in its gameplay. Gathering ingredients, preparing dishes, and sharing meals with the community are expected to play a significant role in the game, making the outcome rewarding. Based on what has been shared so far, it’s evident that the animation team for Tales of the Shire is putting great effort into ensuring this aspect delivers satisfaction. Previews of the eating animations show hobbits critically appraising the food prepared by the player, expressing approval or disapproval swiftly and simply. Given that cooking in Tales of the Shire will challenge players’ skills as a key feature, the quality of these animations speaks volumes about Weta Workshop’s commitment to making every system in the game feel cohesive and purposeful.

The depth and range of these animations in Tales of the Shire is still uncertain, but it’s expected they will change based on the player’s actions while cooking. The degree of change will matter significantly. It seems that different hobbits have their own preferences for dishes or textures, which combined with the diverse ingredients in the game, means a multitude of animations should be included to reflect each character’s unique likes and dislikes. We eagerly anticipate more impressive animations when Tales of the Shire welcomes players in 2025.

Read More

2024-09-19 19:04