Summary

The Lord of the Rings: War in the North offers players a fresh adventure set within the epic world of Middle-earth. Through intense battles, exploration, and storytelling, it provides a new chapter in the War of the Ring that is both epic and intimate.

• Release Year: 2011
• Genres: Adventure, Hack and slash/Beat ’em up, Role-playing game (RPG), Strategy
• Platforms: Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
• Developers: Snowblind Studios
• Publishers: WB Games

Introduction

Set against the backdrop of the iconic War of the Ring, The Lord of the Rings: War in the North invites players to experience Middle-earth like never before. With the freedom to explore well-known locations alongside new areas, this game promises an adventure that is both epic and intimate, familiar yet full of surprises.

Synopsis

“The Lord of the Rings: War in the North” is an action role-playing game that takes place during the War of the Ring, but focuses on the seldom-mentioned battles that took place across Eriador and Rhovanion. Here’s a synopsis of the game’s plot:

The game is set in the northern regions of Middle Earth during the War of the Ring. The player controls a fellowship of three fighters – Eradan, a Dúnadan “Ranger of the North,” Andriel, an elven “Loremaster of Rivendell,” and Farin, a dwarvern “Champion of Erebor” – who are tasked with stopping a very dark evil brewing in the North.

The main antagonist of the game is Agandaûr, a Black Númenórean, who is Sauron’s top lieutenant. Agandaûr has summoned an army of Orcs of the Misty Mountains and assembled an army in Fornost to aid the Nazgûl in the Hunt of the Ring.

The game starts with an introduction, narrated by Gandalf. Gandalf tells that heroes like Aragorn, Frodo Baggins, and Gandalf are honored much, but that without a few, not well-known heroes – Eradan, Andriel, and Farin – the north of Middle Earth would have been lost. The game then switches to Bree, where the three heroes make their way to the Prancing Pony, just a few days before Frodo arrived in Bree.

Arrived in the Prancing Pony, they find Aragorn in a corner of the inn. They tell Aragorn that the Nazgûl attacked and defeated the Rangers at Sarn Ford, and a flashback is shown in which the Witch-king meets Agandaûr. Eradan, Andriel, and Farin overhear their conversation: Agandaûr tells he has summoned an army of Orcs of the Misty Mountains and assembled an army in Fornost, to aid the Nazgûl in the Hunt of the Ring.

The player controls the trio of fighters to get behind enemy lines and have to stop Agandaûr before his plan succeeds. The game does not revolve around the core story of The Lord of the Rings; instead, it creates an original tale.

“The Lord of the Rings: War in the North” offers a unique perspective on the War of the Ring, focusing on the battles in the northern regions of Middle Earth. The game provides a captivating narrative that keeps players engaged and invested in the world of Middle Earth.

Characters

The game features a trio of heroes – a human, an elf, and a dwarf – each with their unique abilities and backstory. Players can customize their characters’ skills and equipment, working together to utilize their distinct powers in combat against formidable foes.

Gameplay

Featuring hack-and-slash mechanics combined with RPG elements, War in the North emphasizes cooperative gameplay, either with friends or AI companions. The game includes expansive environments to explore, challenging quests to undertake, and dynamic combat that requires strategy and teamwork.

Conclusion

While not without its flaws, The Lord of the Rings: War in the North stands as a notable addition to the series of games inspired by Tolkien’s universe. Its focus on cooperative play, coupled with an original story that complements the main saga, makes it a worthwhile experience for fans of the franchise.

Review Score

7.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

Fan Art

Fan Art Style: Normal

Fan Art Style: Retro

Fan Art Style: Modern