It might not be The One Ring but it's an enjoyable Lego game
Gameplay: This is a family-friendly game for anyone at any age can play this game don't suspect it to being a hard-core action game like the games we've had during multiple years since the films were first released back around 2001-2003. This time it borrows elements from the past Lego games like Gandalf can use spells to lift and move objects and use spells, this might be a little similar to what we saw in Lego Harry Potter. However each character you'll play like Aragon, Legolas, Gimli or Sam they'll have their own abilities and will require you to solve certain obstacles or getting through a level. You can build stuff by hold down the circle button to build new objects or complete certain puzzles or opening large gates. If you press triangle you can switch characters and during the main story you can switch back and forth on various characters based on the main story.
With 18 levels to clear through on its main story it shouldn't take you that long to complete it but however you'll be going back and forth levels to pick certain pieces and collecting studs which can unlock more stuff including more characters. Side-Quests are also another feature being added in where you listen to their problem and you try and look for a certain that their looking for and you have to bring it back for them. Mithril Bricks you'll obtain a lot during levels, free-play and during the world map, these bricks can be exchanged at a blacksmith and those bricks can be turned into Mithril objects.
Graphics and Sound: What I really liked about Lego Lord of the Rings was it's free roaming map where you could explore any part of Middle-Earth on foot or you can easily teleport your back and forth at various places if you pass by any statures. Exploring most parts of Middle-Earth did look really impressive just a shame it wasn't like this for an RPG game because it would have looked a little better than a Lego game. However the auto-save icon appears during the end of each level or if you're unlocking a new character or picking up a Mithril brick.
The camera system can be a little annoying at times when it comes across certain levels or you can't see where you're going, using the right analog stick to look around doesn't help as much; there can be a few glitches but they can easily be ignored from time to time. At first I wasn't that keen on a Lego game having voice acting but it actually turned out to be decent for once, it does borrow all of the quotes and references that were used in the films based on the main story. The movie soundtrack makes a great touch too making you feel welcome back in a movie based game, there's quite a few funny moments where certain stuff that were in the films but are replaced with silly Lego objects like some bows are carrots or ringing the door on the Black Gate on a pizza deliver .
Overall: Trying to gain 100% shouldn't take you that long I would guess around at least 20-30 hours depending on how much you get through it or how much fun you want out of a Lego game. You can play up to 2 players and they can drop in and drop out at any time they like, there's still no online co-op where you can play with a friend online, but there is DLC on PSN if you want to download any new characters including some new characters from The Hobbit for a small price. I would admit that Lego games are getting a little better and better but they should try and take a break on it movie games for once in a while.