 | |
| Video game | |
| The Lord of the Rings: Gollum | |
|---|---|
| Details | |
| Developer | Daedalic Entertainment |
| Publisher | Daedalic Entertainment Nacon |
| Platform | PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC, Nintendo Switch |
| Release Date | 25 May 2023 |
The Lord of the Rings: Gollum is a video game for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Microsoft Windows, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S, featuring Gollum as the main protagonist. It is set between the events of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, during the time in which Gollum is searching for the One Ring. The game was originally scheduled for release in 1 September 2022,[1] but on 25 July 2022, it was announced that there would be a further delay of "a few months".[2] It was later announced on 24 March 2023 that the game would release on 25 May, with the Nintendo Switch version releasing later in the year.[3]
A special edition called the Precious Edition was announced on 14 April 2023. The contents include the full game, an Art Exhibition application, the Lore Compendium DLC, a 45 minute original soundtrack, and Sindarin voice acting. Early access to the Emotes Pack DLC is also included as a pre-order bonus.[4]
Plot
The game explores a never-before-told story about Gollum, and is set eight years before the War of the Ring.[5][6]
After Gollum is tortured in Mordor, he is enslaved to work in the mines of the Ephel Duath on the edge of Mordor. Here Gollum fulfils his tasks, and sometimes stealthily causes some mischief.[7] Upon escaping enslavement, Gollum enters the tunnels of Shelob.[8]
The game cuts to the Elvenking's Halls upon fleeing Shelob, where Gollum is brought before Thranduil. Gollum is granted some freedoms, and befriends an Elf named Mell. She helps him find Gwendil, the Riddlemaster of the Woodland Realm and a relative of the Elvenking. Depending on whether or not he is killed, Gollum either escapes Mirkwood or is released by the Riddlemaster and Mell, and the game ends with a cutscene in the Mines of Moria.[9]
Gameplay
The game was designed with a focus on stealth,[10] platforming,[11] and Gollum's split personality.[12]
Reception
The game has received overwhelmingly negative feedback, with some calling it the worst game of the year.[13][14] Headlines include boil it, mash it, stick it in the bin,[15] referencing Sam's line in the film, The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers. On Metacritic, it got a Metascore of 39/100, and a user score of 2.0/10 as of 5 July 2023.[16]
References
- ↑ "Gollum's quest for his precious will begin on September 1, 2022! Coming on PC & consoles and at a later date on Nintendo Switch. #GollumGame💍", Twitter
- ↑ "An important message.", Twitter
- ↑ "Sméagol will swear it on the Precious, your new adventure in Middle-earth begins on May 25, 2023! Watch the Gameplay Showcase: https://youtu.be/YOBqFV6EO80", Twitter
- ↑ "Yes Precious, we have a Special Edition! 💍 💿 The Full Game 🖼️ The Art Exhibition Application 📜 The Lore Compendium 🎼 A 45-min OST 📣 Sindarin Voice Acting Pre-order and get the Emotes Pack DLC, which includes 6 of Gollum’s iconic gestures and sayings.", Twitter
- ↑ "'Lord of the Rings: Gollum' Video Game in the Works From German Studio Daedalic" 2019-03-25, The Hollywood Reporter, accessed 24 March 2023
- ↑ "The Lord of the Rings: Gollum™ - The Making Of The Untold Story" 24 March 2023, YouTube
- ↑ "Worst Game of the Year So Far" 26 May 2023, YouTube
- ↑ "I Can't Stop Playing This Trash" 28 May 2023, YouTube
- ↑ "I Finally Finished This Trash" 30 May 2023, YouTube
- ↑ "The Lord of the Rings Gollum - Everything We Know" 18 July 2022, Gaming.net
- ↑ "Worst Game of the Year So Far" 26 May 2023, YouTube
- ↑ "The Lord of the Rings: Gollum", Steam
- ↑ "The Lord of the Rings: Gollum is the worst reviewed game of 2023", VGC
- ↑ "Worst Game of the Year So Far", YouTube
- ↑ "The Lord of the Rings: Gollum review - boil it, mash it, stick it in the bin" 25 May 2023, The Guardian
- ↑ "The Lord of the Rings: Gollum", Metacritic, accessed 5 July 2023