Summary
Tales of the Shireis honed in on the ultimate goal of any town simulator, creating the coziest vibe possible for every player. Considering the game’s connection toThe Lord of the Rings, many fans have clamored for any number of iconic characters to make an appearance. However, there’s one slightly less renowned character who could fit right into this earthy town simulator.
One of the Shire’s most defining characteristics is its isolation. As a consequence of this, very fewcharacters fromThe Lord of the Ringshave any meaningful connection to the home of the Hobbits. This fact runs in direct contrast with player demands to encounter and interact with their old favorites. Thankfully, one character who’s already made it in may provide a path to another perfect inclusion.
Tales of the Shire Should Let Gandalf Bring a Friend from The Hobbit
Tales of the Shire Has Limited Options for Popular Characters
The simple fact is that many of themost popular characters fromThe Lord of the Ringshave little reason to appear in a game likeTales of the Shire. Many of them, such as Aragorn and Legolas, are warriors who wouldn’t match the cozy tone the game is seemingly going for. The Shire is home to Hobbits like Frodo and Bilbo, and it’s reasonable enough to assume they may make an appearance. However,Tales of the Shireneeds more variety than the folks that already live there.
Fortunately for players and developers alike, the setting does happen to have an ace up its sleeve, and that’s Radagast the Brown. Gandalf the Grey is perhaps the most iconic character in all ofTolkien’s many works. Gandalf has always held an appreciation for Hobbits and their way of life, thanks to his close friend Bilbo Baggins. Aside from its residents, Gandalf is certainly the character with the strongest connection to the Shire. Players wouldn’t want Gandalf to get lonely, and another of his closest friends has the perfect down-to-earth vibe forTales of the Shire.
Radagast the Brown Should Join Gandalf in Tales of the Shire
Gandalf is only one member of an order of wizards originally led by Saruman the White. Among the ranks of thesepowerful protectors of Middle-earthis Radagast the Brown, perhaps the most mellow and innocent member by far. While his role in Tolkien’s original writings may have been relatively small, Radagast was made a much more significant character in the film adaptation ofThe Hobbit.
First introduced inThe Hobbitas a dear friend of his fellow wizard, Radagast’s greatest weakness is also his greatest strength. Radagast is honest to a fault and perhaps a little simple-minded, qualities that earned him Saruman’s contempt and Gandalf’s sincere affection. More importantly, they are some of the qualities that would giveRadagast a unique role inTales of the Shire.
Moreover, Radagast has a deep love of the natural world, and especially the wild animals that inhabit it. As a town simulator of sorts,Tales of the Shirepromises to let players tend to their own idyllic estate within the titular town. Even if Radagast doesn’t have the same deeply rooted connection to the Shire that Gandalf does, there are few characters more well-suited to the Hobbit lifestyle.Radagast is extremely knowledgeableabout cultivating gardens, and could even lend a whole host of collectible critters.
In terms of personality, Radagast does share some of the best traits of Hobbits, though he’s a far cry from their worst. Hobbits may be peaceful and honest, but they can also be prone to backhanded gossip. Radagast would never stoop to that kind of behavior, but this contrast only serves to make him more promising.Tales of the Shirecould use more charactersto accompany Gandalf. From his wealth of knowledge about the natural world to his easygoing personality, Radagast has it all.
