I have no idea when Lord of the Rings: Gollum will be launched, but the release of a story trailer for the stealth action game makes me think that date is pretty relatively close. Yes, it’s yet another adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings. But it’s a bit different from other adaptations, as it shows the story from Gollum’s point of view.
The Lord of the Rings: Gollum takes place parallel to the story told in Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Rings, the first book in the series. It is supposed to be incredibly faithful to the book. Described as “an epic interactive experience,” players will take on the roll of the enigmatic Gollum on his journey and learn how he outwitted some of the post powerful Middle-Earth characters.
Gollum has been corrupted by the power of the Ring over hundreds of years, and has developed exceptional agility and wit. He has had many adventures in his life, including his flight from Mordor to the dungeons of Elvenking Thrandiul (Legolas’ father), so it makes sense to want to show them from his point of view.
Gollum isn’t a fighter, but he’s clever and capable of strangling a careless enemy if the opportunity is there. He’s also able to find more… creative… and less risky ways of getting out of risky situations. Players will use his unique skills to explore an infiltrate legendary locations and dizzying heights: Gollum will find his way past the Orcs while climbing the Dark Tower of Barad-dur and gives the Elves the slip in Mirkwood.
His split personality is in full force in the game. He doesn’t break, instead of bends and adapts. He can be vicious and wicked as Gollum, yet friendly and cautious as Smeagol. Players will decide which personality takes reign in difficult moral situations.
Developed by Daedalic Entertainment and published by Nacon, The Lord of the Rings: Gollum will be released for PC via Steam, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series, and Xbox One later this year (delayed from its expected 2022 launch date). A Nintendo Switch version is in the works but is not expected to launch at the same time.
