As a graphic designer and a fan of The Lord of The Rings franchise, I have always been drawn to the games that have been released over the years. From the early days of games on consoles like the PlayStation 2 to the more recent releases on PC, the world of Middle-earth has been brought to life in some incredible ways. In this review, I'll be taking a look at some of the most notable games based on J.R.R. Tolkien's epic tale, and examining them from a design perspective.
Whether you're a fan of the books, the movies, or simply the world of fantasy in general, there's no denying that The Lord of The Rings has captured the imaginations of millions of people around the world. And while the movies may be the most popular way to experience the tale, the games have also played a significant role in bringing Middle-earth to life. From the sprawling open worlds of the more recent titles to the linear action of the early games, each release has offered players a unique glimpse into Tolkien's richly imagined universe.
The Lord of The Rings: The Third Age
One of the most interesting things about The Lord of The Rings games is the way that they allow players to explore the world of Middle-earth from a different perspective. And that's exactly what The Third Age does, putting players in control of a group of characters who are separate from the main story. This turn-based RPG is a great way to experience the world of Middle-earth, as it allows players to explore areas that aren't covered in the books or movies.
Gameplay
The gameplay of The Third Age is turn-based, which means that players take turns to attack their enemies. This is a departure from the real-time action of many other games in the genre, but it works well in this case. The game also offers a lot of depth, with a wide variety of skills and abilities available to each character. This means that players need to think carefully about their tactics in each battle, as they'll need to make the most of their team's abilities.
Graphics and Sound
The graphics of The Third Age are impressive for their time, with detailed character models and environments that capture the look and feel of Middle-earth. The sound design is also well done, with a sweeping orchestral score that perfectly captures the epic feel of the story.
Overall
The Lord of The Rings: The Third Age is a great RPG that offers a unique perspective on the world of Middle-earth. While it may not be as well-known as some of the other games in the series, it's definitely worth checking out.
The Lord of The Rings: Shadow of Mordor
Shadow of Mordor is a more recent addition to the world of The Lord of The Rings games, and it's one that has been widely praised by both fans and critics alike. This open-world action game puts players in control of Talion, a ranger who is seeking revenge against the forces of Sauron. With its innovative Nemesis System and impressive graphics, Shadow of Mordor is a must-play for any fan of the franchise.
Gameplay
The gameplay of Shadow of Mordor is a mix of open-world exploration and action. Players can explore the vast world of Mordor, taking on side quests and battling enemies along the way. The combat is fluid and satisfying, with a wide variety of weapons and abilities available to Talion. But what really sets Shadow of Mordor apart is its Nemesis System, which creates unique enemies that remember your actions and evolve over time. This adds a layer of depth and strategy to the game that is rarely seen in other open-world titles.
Graphics and Sound
The graphics of Shadow of Mordor are stunning, with detailed character models and environments that bring the world of Middle-earth to life. The sound design is also top-notch, with a score that perfectly captures the mood of the game.
Overall
The Lord of The Rings: Shadow of Mordor is a fantastic open-world action game that is sure to please fans of the franchise. With its innovative Nemesis System and impressive graphics, it's a must-play for anyone looking for a new spin on the world of Middle-earth.
The Lord of The Rings: War in The North
War in The North is another game that takes a unique perspective on the world of Middle-earth. This action RPG puts players in control of a group of characters who are fighting in the northern regions of Middle-earth. With its focus on cooperative play and impressive visuals, War in The North is a game that shouldn't be missed.
Gameplay
The gameplay of War in The North is a mix of action and RPG elements. Players can control one of three characters, each with their own unique abilities and weapons. The game can be played solo, but it really shines in co-op mode, where players can work together to take down enemies and complete quests. The combat is satisfying, with a wide variety of moves and combos available to each character.
Graphics and Sound
The graphics of War in The North are impressive, with detailed character models and environments that capture the harsh landscapes of the northern regions. The sound design is also well done, with a score that perfectly complements the action on screen.
Overall
The Lord of The Rings: War in The North is a great co-op action RPG that offers a unique perspective on the world of Middle-earth. With its impressive visuals and satisfying combat, it's a game that is sure to please fans of the franchise.
The Lord of The Rings Online
The Lord of The Rings Online is an MMORPG that has been around for over a decade. Despite its age, the game is still going strong, with a dedicated player base and regular updates. With its massive open world and deep lore, The Lord of The Rings Online is a game that truly immerses players in the world of Middle-earth.
Gameplay
The gameplay of The Lord of The Rings Online is typical of MMOs, with players completing quests, battling enemies, and leveling up their characters. But what sets the game apart is its attention to detail. The world of Middle-earth is faithfully recreated, with iconic locations like Rivendell and Moria available to explore. And the lore is also well done, with plenty of references to the books and movies for fans to enjoy.
Graphics and Sound
The graphics of The Lord of The Rings Online are showing their age, but they still capture the look and feel of Middle-earth well. The sound design is also impressive, with a score that perfectly matches the epic nature of the story.
Overall
The Lord of The Rings Online is a must-play for fans of the franchise who are looking for a deeper dive into the world of Middle-earth. While it may not be as flashy as some of the other games on this list, its attention to detail and faithful recreation of the world make it a standout title.
In conclusion, The Lord of The Rings games have offered fans a variety of ways to experience the world of Middle-earth over the years. From the turn-based RPG of The Third Age to the open-world action of Shadow of Mordor, each release has offered something unique. And while some of the games may be showing their age, they all have something to offer for fans of the franchise. Whether you're a fan of the books, the movies, or simply the world of fantasy in general, The Lord of The Rings games are definitely worth checking out.
| The Lord of The Rings: The Third Age | The Lord of The Rings: Shadow of Mordor | The Lord of The Rings: War in The North | The Lord of The Rings Online |
| Turn-based RPG | Open-world action | Co-op action RPG | MMORPG |
| Impressive graphics and sound | Innovative Nemesis System | Satisfying combat | Attention to detail in lore and world-building |
| Unique perspective on Middle-earth | Must-play for fans of the franchise | Great co-op experience | Deep dive into the world of Middle-earth |