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The Hobbit is a classic book written by J.R.R Tolkien, who is better known for The Lord of the Rings. The Hobbit was originally written by Tolkien for his children, but ultimately became one of the greatest children books of all time, (ask any adult).
The game fortunately follows the story of the book fairly well, not only involving all of the main characters but much of the storyline too. They are all there, Bilbo, Gandalf, Smaug, the wood elves and even of all the dwarves. The levels include the Trolls, the meeting of Gollum, the escape from the elves in Mirkwood, and many more book related chapters.
Game play
The best way of describing the game play is Zelda-like. This is to say that it is a third person 3 dimensional platform adventure. You have control of the main character Bilbo Baggins, and you take him through a series of adventures through the world of Middle Earth. Controlling Bilbo is very intuitive, the controls are well thought out and do not take long to master. The right stick moves Bilbo and the left is used for the camera. Bilbo can jump, sneak, climb platforms, and use his staff for bigger jumps. The combat system is fun, there is the aforementioned staff which is used also for whacking enemies, a sword named Sting which is used for whacking enemies and stones to be picked up which are used for….whacking enemies.
The stones are a nice touch as they can also be used in a first person mode ala Zelda. There are various power ups to get which enhance the game, such as burning rocks and new moves for the sword and staff. When not fighting Bilbo must complete various tasks. The tasks are not overly challenging for an experienced gamer, but are set at the right level for the younger gamer. Most of them are get item “a” and put it in place “b”. That said they are still quite enjoyable which is what it after all is all about. The only downside to these tasks are that once you have done them you are whisked off to the next level, which is a shame because it would have been improved if one could go back and forwards between levels. Then there is the ring, you know the one from the film? However in this game, it is not the dark ring of the evil lord Sauron but a curious magic ring that makes it’s wearer invisible, (Well it’s the same ring, but no one knows it yet). The ring once found is used strategically to get through certain levels. This is done well, and is another string in the Hobbit’s bow.
Graphics
The graphics are very good and represent Tolkien’s Middle Earth perfectly. Do not expect the darkness and awesome power of EA’s Return of the King, but be prepared for very colourful, very pretty landscapes which encapsulate the book perfectly well. The Character models are simple but still well done. There is nothing groundbreaking about the graphics but it is not that sort of game, it has a cartoony feel that youngsters will gawp at, and adults will enjoy. The camera for most part of the game is very good, and those frustrating moments that come with most other games of this type are few and far between. There are plenty of nice little touches, for example when Bilbo wears the ring; everything gets viewed in hazy shady ring mode. Also things such as swaying grass and running streams enhance the feeling of taking part in a realization of the book.
Sound
The Sound is very good, with a well produced soundtrack running throughout. It also lends a lot to Zelda, which is compliment enough. The voice acting in the game and during the cut scenes is very professional, and is quite Disney at times. The sfx are fine, and give a great ambience. Players will hear streams running, wolves howling and trolls growling.
Longevity
Not too difficult for the experienced gamer, and to be fair once finished not much reply value. The younger player will find it quite challenging and there is still a fairly big game to go through.
Round up
Zelda-like is a bold comment, do not be mistaken this is not Zelda. However this is a very good game. Do not buy a Nintendo consul for one game, give this a try, and if you have kids then Christmas is coming and it beats socks any day.
Pros:
- fun for young and old
Cons:
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