Tales of the Shire is Stardew Valley but with happy little hobbits

Lord of the Rings games tend to be full of conflict, whether you're a band of dwarves delving deep into Moria and fighting off orcs, or Gollum sneaking through Mordor and trying not to become dinner for its denizens. Tales of the Shire: A Lord of the Rings Game eschews all the grim stuff, though, instead offering players the chance to enjoy the chill life of a hobbit in the village of Bywater. 

New Zealand special effects company Wētā Workshop—which was responsible for sets, costumes and...