Ben-Dutka"The Lord of the Rings" is sort of like the "Star Wars" for a new generation. It just won't go away…and most don't want it to go away.
Today, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment has announced an "epic multiplayer action/RPG" known as The Lord of the Rings: War in the North . Designed by Champions of Norrath and Justice League Heroes developer Snowblind Studios and set to release for the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and PC in 2011, the game will explore "both original and familiar narrative elements" from the books by J.R.R. Tolkien and the films, directed by Peter Jackson. This appears to be a multiplayer-oriented RPG set in Middle-earth, as it will utilize "innovative online, interdependent co-op play for up to three players." Your goal? Take your party north to face Sauron's evil forces. WBIE President Martin Tremblay said this project "takes a mature approach" to the LotR concept and Ryan Geithman, Founder and Studio Head of Snowblind Studios, added:
"In The Lord of the Rings: War in the North, Snowblind will deliver an action RPG for core gamers featuring authentic narrative and environmental locations from J.R.R. Tolkien’s original The Lord of the Rings. This game is a natural evolution of the acclaimed RPG gameplay that Snowblind has consistently delivered over the past years. Players and fans will experience an innovative approach to online co-op gameplay, woven throughout every facet of the game in a way that only Snowblind can deliver."
We all miss Champions of Norrath and we know this game likely won't be similar gameplay-wise, but we certainly have faith in Snowblind. There doesn't appear to be any mention of a single-player campaign in this press release, as the description reads: "gamers will experience extensive character customization and development, expansive co-op gameplay options and upgradeable weapons, skills and special abilities." Well, either way, we like the idea. We'll keep you updated.
Related Game(s): The Lord of the Rings: War in the North
A LOTR game that plays like Champions of Norrath? About friggin time!
-Arvis
I'll be taking a wait and see approach to this game, I'll buy it if the following isn't true. "we know this game likely won't be similar (to Champions of Norrath) gameplay-wise"
Yikes, missed that part in the article. It BETTER be traditional Snowblind RPG fare. Can't we get something both next-gen and yet familiar at the same time? Is that too much to ask?
-Arvis
I played EQ pretty heavily, but one of my good friends played Champions of Norrath pretty obsessively, looked like some good fun, but I ended up getting into Socom pretty hardcore when I dropped EQ, heh.
they need to have same-screen co-op for all three players – that's something that next-gen titles haven't done (like norrath and baldur's gate on the PS2)
Marvel Ultimate Alliance (1 and 2) and the lego games has local multiplayer. But the reason that it's not that common anymore is because the ps3 has internet access… Multiplayer is definately best played when each got their own screen.
LBP does a pretty good job of having just one screen for everyone
I disliked all of Lord of the Rings games. Difficult to expect something different. Probably, just a game that will be forgotten soon as release.
Last edited by Voyager236 on 3/18/2010 1:49:44 PM
if they put Legolas and they make him a total badass i'm so on board
Sweet!!! I haven't played a worthy LOTR game, and I love LOTR. Return of the King on ps2 was fun as it captured a side scroll type of gameplay with fight scenes from the movie. But an action RPG that is well done is much needed.
I LOVE the idea of going to Mount Doom to face Sauron with other two guys.
Hope its better than Conquest.
^^^^ for me conquest was awesome , I dunno why everyone hated it ?
Gonna have to see some gameplay first before I get excited for this one. Especially after the sh*t that was Conquest (which I thankfully didn't buy, only rented).
Also, I hope they include a single player mode too because I really don't like being forced to play with other people all the time. Some games are better played alone, especially LotR games IMO.
what a waste of talent. If anything its shame SB didn't sell their studio to Sony instead.
I'm definitely tentative about this, I was huge into LOTR, but all the terrible crap that has been released for it's world has been excruciatingly painful.
Every time I get my hopes up, the game receives epic failure all around. I'll reserve judgement and any form of excitement until I see something worth it.
id love a new LoTR game, i remember playing the 2nd and 3rd one for hours they were actually allot of fun.
especially since well theres not many hack and slash games out there.
its not everyday your sitting on the launch of GOW 3, though it would be nice 😉
Oh wow , I love champions of Norrath and since it's by the same devs then man it could be epic 🙂 Anything is better than Conquest that was asstasic.
My hubby has all the PS2 LOTR cames his fav is LOTR the third age.