LEGO® The Lord of the Rings™

The Lego Lord of the Rings game arrived at the sweet-spot in the Lego franchise where features like an explorable world-map had arrived - and it's a pleasure to explore Middle Earth in Lego form - but the series hadn't yet succumbed to the bloat that came later with hundreds of barely-distinguishable characters, aggravating gimmicks, and excessive DLC. It also has the advantage, unlike Lego The Hobbit, of having been released when the film trilogy it's based on was over. So it covers the entire story from start to finish and doesn't just end abruptly without a final third like The Hobbit game did. The only downside to be aware of (imho) is that the PC version never received the modest number of DLC packs (4) that other versions did. Which is a shame because some of them were quite entertaining, adding some fun playable characters and items that LOTR fans will appreciate. But, on the bright side, at least they were only additional characters and items, not whole playable levels or anything more substantial. So, you should probably check what the DLC and decide whether you're always going to feel like something's missing if your game doesn't include "important" playable characters like Glorfindel, Farmer Maggot, Barrow Wight, etc., and whether never being able to wield Narya, Vilya, Nenya, or a Morgul blade is something you can live with. If it is, then have at it.

I've already got this on PS3 but the PC version is higher dpi, runs better and is much sharper. Needlessly to say Lego lotr is a very witty and funny game as Lego games are but its also an excellent middle earth game, with excellent world building and all due respect given to the source material. If you're unhappy with the current line up of middle earth content, this will take you right back to the magic of the new line cinema Tolkien golden age. honestly it's a "lighting in a bottle" kind of game Can't wait to add the offline installer to my Tolkien collection.

Game plays great even on Linux with heroic games launcher. Multiplayer is great with the kids. Please bring all the lego games to gog!

Surprisingly, one of most authentic Lord of the Rings video games based on movies, and the great way to experience them for the first or one hundredth time.