I am frankly baffled by some of the mixed/negative reviews for this superb game. Although it starts off a bit weak, after a few hours it really improves and soon you'll be immersed in the lore of Tolkien's masterpiece. Although heavy on the action and light on the role playing elements, this does not detract from an excellent new adventure in Middle Earth. Seeing the Barrow Downs for the first time, I just had to sit back for a few minutes and take screen shots... I never imagined it like this. Rivendell alone is worth the price of admission, and I've almost made a mini game out of setting up cool angles to capture its unearthly beauty for wallpapers. The little touches are charming; like seeing rainwater wet your hair and flow down your armor or snow sparkle and crystallize on your gear...beautiful far off vistas with craggy, windswept mountains, spectral misty moors, and even luminescent aquamarine subterranean lakes. Areas of Middle Earth never seen before come to vivid life, along with beloved characters from the books. Most of the models and facial animations are quite well done (the Giant Eagles are a standout!), and some are eerily lifelike; you can tell where the love went. Though light on the RPG elements, you still have the ability to customize stats and skills to build your own tank, AOE damage dealer, ranged sniper or whatever combination suites your fancy. The real fun lies in the action and the loot, both of which are copious; you'll need all your tricks to fight off the hordes of Orcs, Goblins, Trolls and even more sinister beings. It's nice to see your upgraded gear reflected in the character models, and you can expect to see your AI companions in single player mode change their outfits more often than Kim Kardashian. Everyone is a melee fighter in this game, so don't try to turn your magic using Elf into an archetype mage...you have been warned. All in all, this is a magnificent achievement in fantasy gaming and I heartily recommend anyone with the slightest interest in J.R.R. Tolkien's world to immerse themselves in this wonderfully beautiful but violent adventure. Do not pass on this game. UPDATE: I have now played through Normal and Heroic difficulty. Currently, I am playing Legendary, Level 40, have more money and loot than I know what to do with, and passing the 40 hour mark. Say no more.
Other Helpful Reviews for The Lord of the Rings: War in the North
I was excited when I heard that Snowblind was working on an 'RPG' game set in the Lord of the Rings universe. My first sentence already contains some of my major criticisms of the game but let's do away with the good stu... Read Full Review
War in the north tries many things. But unfortunately it does not deliver a stellar experience on all fronts. It is an interesting game I will admit. And its got the whole history and lore of the Lotr universe behind it.... Read Full Review
