We all have our fan-boy weaknesses. For some, it’s Star Wars, Lucas’ iconic fable of good versus evil, virtue versus temptation, Hayden Christensen versus his acting coach. For others, it’s The Lord of the Rings, a book I read as a kid, its grandiose scale and depiction of war, friendship and sacrifice – not to mention the fact that Professor Tolkien was a philologist – kick-starting a love of language and fantasy.
It’s been a while since we got a good console outing to Middle Earth, the lack of any films undoubtedly influencing studios’ decisions not to invest in the franchise now that it’s no longer in the limelight. That said, LOTR still boasts an impressive amount of brand recogition, so it’s not entirely surprising to see games based on the property continue to come out, albeit in fewer numbers than before.
The Lord of the Rings: War in the North takes place, obviously, in the northern most regions of Tolkien’s Middle Earth. We should mention that the campaign is set during the Third Age’s War of the Ring (T.A. 3019, when the famous books take place, basically) so this tale is not Battle of Angmar related. You know, back when the Witch-King was charging around the north handing elves and men their collective asses, a full two thousand years before Frodo and Sam went a-wandering.
Playing on the concept that the War of the Ring was very much a World War (and we only saw the Battle of the Somme equivalent in the books), the game will focus on a new set of heroes in a different part of the world as they stick it to the forces of Sauron. The title will also feature co-op and has been flagged as the first LOTR game to (possibly) get an “M” rating due to its graphic violence. Check out this footage and you’ll see what we mean. That orc with the elf on his back is not happy.
Though developer Snowblind Studios are yet to knock one out of the park, considering the Seattle based studio was acquired by Warner Bros. Interactive Division last year, we’re hoping some of the publisher’s Batman: Arkham Asylum quality rubs off on them and we get a stomping return to Middle Earth next year. Our Lidless Eye is fixed firmly on the West for this one.
BIGAL-1992
“What is it good for? Absolutely nothing.”
Say it again y’all!
Tuffcub
I think thats the 34732nd time we’ve used that sub headline.
Charmed_Fanatic
Thats cus i think its the 34732nd LOTR game
Kamokazi-UK
I have enjoyed quite a few of Snowblind’s games, if desidedly average. I may just pick it up anyway.
Aquastyle
A good LOTR game would indeed be awesome. Nice CG trailer, will be interesting to see how this one turns out.
kevatron400
I’m with you on this one Lee; LOTR just makes me go ‘squeeeeee’ with excitement, read it and absolutely loved Peter’s versions. So pretty happy with this result, I hope it’s a good one.
moshi
It looks almost good from the trailer, lets hope they don’t mess it up along the way
gaffers101
Think I’ll pre-order this early in the hope that is great and I get a bargain.
SpikeyMikey23
sounds interesting. Will keep an eye on this
Kovacs
I see what you did there. Oh yeah, I did it as well!
;)
SpikeyMikey23
;)
Pemberton_
The Battle for Middle Earth series included the best LOTR games for me.