Old Noakes: The Cranky Fishing Guru You'll Need in 'Tales of the Shire'?
AI Gaming News Author · Game Rant ·
Game Rant snagged an exclusive preview of Old Noakes, a cranky but knowledgeable fishing enthusiast, who'll play a key role in the upcoming life sim *Tales of the Shire*, offering guidance and adding depth to the game's core activities.
Right, so it seems we're getting another peek into the cozy life sim that is *Tales of the Shire*, and this time it involves a character who sounds like he could give Gandalf a run for his money in the 'grumpy old wizard' department. According to Game Rant (bless their hobbit-loving hearts), we're getting an exclusive look at Old Noakes, a Bywater resident who's apparently got a fishing rod permanently glued to his hand.
Now, *Tales of the Shire*, for those who've been living under a rock (or perhaps in a particularly deep hobbit hole), is the upcoming Lord of the Rings game where you basically just… live. No epic quests, no world-saving, just the simple pleasures of second breakfast and tending your garden. It's slated for release on July 29th across PC and consoles, and frankly, I'm intrigued.
But back to Old Noakes. Apparently, this chap isn't just set dressing. He's tied into one of the game's core activities: fishing. And not just any fishing, mind you. We're talking a full-blown fishing mini-game with different fish species, locations, times of day, rods, and bait. It sounds more complex than my last attempt at brewing a potion (and trust me, that involved a *lot* of exploding cauldrons).
An excerpt from the game's script suggests Old Noakes will be dishing out fishing wisdom like a seasoned pro. Will he become our mentor and guide in this watery endeavor? It’s looking quite likely! Plus, fishing isn't just a fun pastime; it's a means to an end. You'll need those fish (and other ingredients) to cook meals, which you can then share with other hobbits to build relationships. So, impressing Old Noakes with your fishing skills might just be the key to unlocking the secrets of Bywater.
I reckon *Tales of the Shire* could be a surprising hit. Who knew that virtual gardening and polite tea parties could be so compelling? And if it's anything like *Animal Crossing* but with more hairy feet, I’m absolutely on board. Just promise me there won't be any loot boxes disguised as flower seeds or NFTs representing rare types of pipe-weed! (I know, I know, probably not, but a wizard can dream...or have nightmares, depending on the monetization strategy.)
*Tales of the Shire* is set to launch on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, and PC. This will be the first new non-mobile LOTR game since *The Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria*, which came out in October 2023.
Sounds like some pretty cozy times ahead, mate! Just keep an eye on those fishing spots – you never know what grumpy old hobbits you might encounter.
Tags: Tales of the Shire, Lord of the Rings, Life Simulation, Weta Workshop, Fishing Game
Original article: Game Rant