Venture beyond the Fellowship of the Ring in The Lord of the Rings: War in the North, an action RPG developed by Snowblind Studios and published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. Released in 2011 for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, this title carves a unique path through the events of J.R.R. Tolkien's epic saga. You won't be playing as Frodo or Aragorn, but as a new trio of heroes rising amidst the War of the Ring, forging their own legend in the process.
A New Threat Emerges: Defend Middle-earth Beyond the Books
War in the North takes place concurrently with the events of The Lord of the Rings trilogy. The game introduces you to new playable characters – a Ranger, a Dwarf, and an Elf – tasked with defending the northern realms from a sinister force rising in the shadows. While Sauron remains the ultimate evil, the game focuses on a more regional threat, allowing you to experience a fresh narrative within the established Tolkien lore.
Three Heroes, Diverse Abilities: Building Your Fellowship
The core gameplay revolves around controlling one of the three heroes, each with distinct combat styles and abilities. The Ranger excels in ranged attacks, the Dwarf wields heavy weapons in close combat, and the Elf utilizes agility and elemental magic. You can freely switch between characters during combat, allowing you to exploit enemy weaknesses and adapt your tactics on the fly. This trio dynamic adds a layer of strategic depth and cooperation to the gameplay, especially in multiplayer mode.
Brutal Action RPG Combat: Face the Minions of Mordor
The Lord of the Rings War in the North PC Full Download features action-oriented combat with a focus on satisfying combos, powerful abilities, and environmental interaction. Hack and slash your way through hordes of Orcs, strategically unleash special attacks to take down tougher enemies, and utilize environmental objects to gain an advantage. The combat, while not as deep as some RPGs, is visceral and engaging, keeping you on the edge of your seat as you fight for survival.
A Familiar World, Unseen Lands: Explore Iconic and Original Locations
The game takes you on a journey through familiar locations from the books, such as Rivendell and the Misty Mountains. However, you'll also venture into original environments unseen in Tolkien's works, like the frozen tundra of Forodruin and the corrupted realm of Eregion. This blend of established lore and fresh exploration offers a unique perspective on the War of the Ring.
Forge Your Legend: Choices and Consequences Shape Your Journey
War in the North features a branching narrative where your choices can impact the story's outcome. Decide how you approach quests, forge alliances with different factions, and witness the consequences of your actions. This element of choice adds replay value and allows you to shape your own heroic tale within the larger narrative of the War of the Ring.
Is The Lord of the Rings: War in the North Right for You?
This title is a perfect fit for players who enjoy:
- An action RPG set within the beloved Lord of the Rings universe.
- Controlling a trio of unique characters with distinct combat styles and abilities.
- Brutal action RPG combat with a focus on combos, abilities, and strategic use of the environment.
- Exploring familiar and original locations throughout Middle-earth.
- A branching narrative where your choices can impact the story's outcome.
Some points to consider:
- The story might feel derivative for Tolkien purists, as it focuses on new characters rather than established ones.
- The graphics, while decent for the time of release, might not hold up to modern standards.
- The single-player campaign can be short, and the multiplayer mode might be difficult to find active players for.
Despite these points, The Lord of the Rings: War in the North remains a fun and engaging action RPG experience for fans of Tolkien's world. With its unique characters, combat system, and branching narrative, War in the North offers a thrilling adventure set against the epic backdrop of the War of the Ring. So, assemble your fellowship, gear up for battle, and carve your own legend in The Lord of the Rings: War in the North!
