5 Exceptional LORD OF THE RINGS Games To Play After GOLLUM

Cassie Holguin

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A collage of three The Lord of the Rings video game covers: on the left, The Battle for Middle-earth II, in the center, Shadow of Mordor, and on the right, Lego Lord of the Rings.

Daedelic Entertainment recently released The Lord of the Rings: Gollum, a multi-platform RPG in which you play as, you guessed it, Gollum. Not long after the release, gamers were very vocal about the abundance of problems with the game, including frequent frame drops, glitchy graphics and gameplay and an uninspired story.

In fact, the reviews were so negative that Daedelic Entertainment released a statement apologizing for the “underwhelming experience.” If you are one of those underwhelmed players, grab your ax or bow and let these highly-rated The Lord of the Rings games carry you away like the Great Eagles.

Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor 

An image from the video game Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor.

Have you ever wanted to be a ranger of Middle-earth? This is your chance. Play as Talion, a Gondorian Ranger blessed (or cursed?) with wraith powers. In a genuinely open-world experience, this RPG gem has fast-paced and dynamic combat with endless possibilities. Parkour your way through Middle-earth or take the scenic route on your warg. Relics found throughout the world give you pieces of Talion’s story and interesting Lord of the Rings lore. Stunning graphics and a fulfilling story provide the ultimate immersive experience.

Developer: Monolith Productions

Publisher: Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment

Release Date: September 30, 2014

Platforms: PlayStation 3, Windows, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, Linux, OS X

Genre: Action/Adventure

Mode: First Person

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Middle-earth: Shadow of War

An image from the video game Middle-earth: Shadow of War.

So rarely does a game sequel live up to its predecessor but Middle-earth: Shadow of War does just that. Continue your journey as Talion in an even more expansive version of Middle-earth. With new skills and an improved nemesis system, combat is more challenging and exciting than ever. The story also weaves nicely into The Lord of the Rings lore, making the experience even more rewarding.

Developer: Monolith Productions

Publisher: Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment

Release Date: October 10, 2017

Platforms: PlayStation 4, Windows, Xbox One,

Genre: Action/Adventure

Mode: First Person, Multiplayer

Lego The Lord of the Rings 

A still from the video game Lego The Lord of the Rings.

What could be more fun than Legos and The Lord of the Rings? Nothing! These games have everything you would expect from the Lego name, including puzzles, tons of playable characters and even a custom character option. This is a more lighthearted Middle-earth experience that is fun for the whole family. If you have kiddos, it is a great way to introduce them to Lego and The Lord of the Rings. There is also a handheld option on 3DS and Vita if that’s your thing.

Developer:  Traveller’s Tales/TT Fusion (Handheld)

Publisher: Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment/Feral Interactive(OS X)

Release Date: 2012-2013

Platforms: Android, IOS, Microsoft Windows, Nintendo 3DS, OS X, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Vita, Wii, Xbox 360

Genre: Action/Adventure

Mode: Single-player, Multiplayer

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The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II

The cover for the video game The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II.

In this real-time strategy adventure, choose to play a good campaign as defenders of Middle-earth or an evil campaign as the forces of Sauron. One of the highest-rated Lord of the Rings games, The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II is for the more strategic fans. The combat is a combination of turn-based and real-time skirmishes. Build bases, raise armies, anything you can to save Middle-earth (or consume it).

For an older game, many agree that it still holds up, and I would definitely recommend giving it a try. The Rise of the Witch-king expansion adds even more content as you watch the evil Witch-king rise to power and invade the kingdom of Arnor.

Developer: EA Los Angeles

Publisher: Electronic Arts

Release Date: 2006

Platforms: Xbox 360, Microsoft Windows

Genre: RealI’vee Strategy

Mode: Single-player, Multiplayer

The Lord of the Rings Online 

A still from the video game The Lord of the Rings Online.

If massive multiplayer games are more your style, I’ve got you covered. In this now free-to-play MMO, create your own character from several race and class options then journey through Eriador. Cosmetic items such as different armor types allow for even more customization fun. The crafting system means you can cook and farm like a Hobbit. Who is ready for second breakfast? There are group instances and unique PvP experiences where you can even choose to play as “monster characters,” such as orcs. Best of all, this game just saw its largest player boost in 10 years, so there are plenty of people to play with.

Developer: Standing Stone Games

Publisher: Daybreak Game Company

Release Date: April 24, 2007

Platforms: Microsoft Windows, OS X

Genre: Action/Adventure

Mode: MMO

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A still photo from the video game The Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria.

This is just a very small assortment from an ever-expanding selection. These will get you started but there are countless more Lord of the Rings games out there. If you need something new to look forward to, be sure to check out The Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria developed by Free Range Games. This survival/crafting game lets you play with your friends as dwarves mining and exploring Moria. It is set to release exclusively on PC in the fall of this year.

Which of these games are you excited to play? Do you already have a few in your collection? Sound off in the comments below!

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Cassie Holguin

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