Developer Daedalic Entertainment has just released a brand-new trailer for their stealth action game based on the high fantasy works of J.R.R. Tolkien titled The Lord of the Rings: Gollum. The game will have players assuming the role of the twisted and corrupted creature Gollum and will have them choosing decisions based on the meek Smeagol and cunning Gollum personalities. The Lord of the Rings: Gollum is set to launch for the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and PC in 2021.
In a highly detailed preview from IGN, we were given a glimpse as to what players should expect from the title, both in terms of gameplay and story. In the interview with lead designer Martin Wilkes, he described The Lord of the Rings: Gollum as a “stealth with vertical climbing parkour” that is most reminiscent of the Prince of Persia games. He also emphasizes that Gollum will be mostly “a non-combat game,” but will provide players the option to take out adversaries stealthily.
These encounters, as expected, will not be easy and should always be weighed carefully by the players lest they forget that “Gollum’s strengths lie in cunning, not combat.” This means that Gollum will not be able to use weapons, but will have access to an array of throwable items to distract enemies. Gollum will also have abilities that will call upon special allies and provide him with powers to use the environment to his advantage, according to lead narrative designer Tilman Schanen. These special allies are mostly made up of familiar characters, each with either small or significant roles in Gollum’s journey.
Finally, and perhaps the most exciting part of The Lord of the Rings: Gollum, is the game’s decision-making path. Players will have to choose from responses provided by the creature’s split personalities: Smeagol and Gollum. These decisions, according to Schanen, will affect how the game plays out and can alter in-game dialogue. I am also looking forward to what changes it will bring towards the game’s sounds, animations, and more. This mechanic kind of reminds me of Red Dead Redemption 2's honor system, which dictates the game’s mood in many unsaid ways.
The Lord of the Rings: Gollum is set to launch in 2021.
