The Lord of the Rings: Gollum - Game Review
2The Lord of the Rings: Gollum - Game Review
Hey there, fellow gamers! Welcome back to the "Veteran Game" channel. Today, we'll delve into the dark depths of Middle-earth with Daedalic's much-anticipated "The Lord of the Rings: Gollum". Despite its numerous delays and somewhat underwhelming early footage, this title, much like its titular character, contains intriguing facets.
"Gollum" is a cinematic stealth platformer that unfortunately fails to be as nimble as some of its genre counterparts. Playing as Gollum, you'll engage in a unique blend of wall-clambering navigation reminiscent of Uncharted and stealth creeping akin to Splinter Cell. The controls may feel a bit clunky, reflecting Gollum's own physical clumsiness, and you'll find the game's environments riddled with ledges, brightly colored ropes, vines, and bars to maneuver around.
Unfortunately, the game does seem to struggle with balancing its two action elements. The platforming is rather linear, and the stealth sections can be unforgiving, with one wrong move leading to an instant game over. It's not all doom and gloom, though; there are generous checkpoints and a unique 'Gollum Vision' that helps highlight usable objects, enemies, and potential paths.
You won't find much combat here, but orcs can be strangled when isolated, a grim act rewarded with an achievement fittingly titled 'Murderer'. The gameplay can feel undercooked at times with controls sometimes feeling unresponsive. However, if you have Frodo's luck, you might escape the myriad glitches and bugs others have reported, including game crashes and progression-halting issues.
The saving grace of this game, however, lies in its narrative. Much like the celebrated 2021's Guardians of the Galaxy game, Gollum shines in its walk-and-talk formula interspersed with action. Set in the breathtaking backdrops of Middle-earth, the story dissects Gollum's character, painting a tragic tale of an outsider failing to fit in despite his best efforts.
The game unfolds after Bilbo steals Gollum's ring, tracing his struggles in the slave pits beneath Mordor and his desperate plans to escape. The game's depiction of Mordor is hauntingly grim, outdoing Middle-Earth: Shadow Of War's more cartoonish aesthetics. The gruesome details and imagery are certain to leave a lasting impact.
It's also worth mentioning the game's unique take on the Orcs and Elves, diverging from the well-known Peter Jackson's movie versions. The portrayal of these characters adds a layer of freshness to this LOTR game that makes it distinct.
In conclusion, "The Lord of the Rings: Gollum" is a game that, much like its eponymous character, is both flawed and fascinating. Its platforming and stealth elements might be a little rough around the edges, but its rich narrative and engaging interpretation of Middle-earth make it worth your time. Despite its pitfalls, this game is a unique exploration of a beloved character's story that manages to carve out its own place in the LOTR universe.
And that wraps up our review! If you have played the game, let us know your thoughts in the comments section. If you enjoyed this video, don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more game reviews. Game on, friends!
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