Summary
- Release Year: 2003
- Genres: Adventure, Platform
- Platforms: Nintendo GameCube, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 2, Xbox
- Developers: Inevitable Entertainment
- Publishers: Sierra Entertainment, Vivendi Universal
The Hobbit (2003): A Detailed Review
Introduction
Step into the hairy hobbit’s feet of Bilbo Baggins in Vivendi Universal Games’ take on Tolkien’s prequel to the massive Lord of the Rings trilogy. The Hobbit (2003) is an action-adventure RPG that follows Bilbo on his journey with the dwarves to reclaim the Lonely Mountain from the dragon Smaug.
Gameplay
The Hobbit (2003) is played from a third-person perspective, with players controlling Bilbo Baggins as he travels through Middle-earth. The game features a variety of gameplay elements, including:
- Exploration: Players can explore a vast and detailed world, including the Shire, Rivendell, and the Lonely Mountain.
- Combat: Bilbo can engage in combat with a variety of enemies, including goblins, trolls, and orcs. Players can use a variety of weapons and abilities to defeat their foes.
- Stealth: Bilbo can also use stealth to avoid combat, sneaking past enemies or using the environment to his advantage.
- Puzzles: The game features a variety of puzzles that players must solve in order to progress. These puzzles range from simple environmental puzzles to more complex logic puzzles.
Story
The Hobbit (2003) follows the story of J.R.R. Tolkien’s novel of the same name. Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit living in the Shire, is recruited by the wizard Gandalf to join a company of dwarves on a quest to reclaim the Lonely Mountain from the dragon Smaug.
The journey is long and perilous, and Bilbo and his companions face many challenges along the way. They must battle goblins, trolls, and orcs, and navigate treacherous terrain. But Bilbo also discovers his own courage and resourcefulness, and he grows into a hero by the end of the journey.
Characters
The Hobbit (2003) features a cast of memorable characters, including:
- Bilbo Baggins: The protagonist of the game, Bilbo is a hobbit who is initially reluctant to join the dwarves on their quest. However, he soon proves himself to be a valuable member of the company.
- Gandalf: A wise and powerful wizard, Gandalf is the leader of the dwarves’ quest. He provides guidance and support to Bilbo and his companions.
- Thorin Oakenshield: The leader of the dwarves, Thorin is a proud and determined warrior. He is initially suspicious of Bilbo, but he eventually comes to respect him.
- Smaug: A powerful and greedy dragon, Smaug is the main antagonist of the game. He has taken up residence in the Lonely Mountain, and he will stop at nothing to protect his treasure.
Graphics and Sound
The Hobbit (2003) features impressive graphics for its time. The game’s environments are detailed and immersive, and the character models are well-animated. The game’s soundtrack is also excellent, with a sweeping orchestral score that captures the epic scope of the story.
Conclusion
The Hobbit (2003) is a faithful and enjoyable adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s classic novel. The game features a variety of gameplay elements, a compelling story, and memorable characters. Whether you’re a fan of The Hobbit or simply a fan of great action-adventure RPGs, The Hobbit (2003) is definitely worth checking out.
Review Score
8/10
Pros
- Faithful adaptation of the novel
- Variety of gameplay elements
- Compelling story
- Memorable characters
- Impressive graphics and sound
Cons
- Some technical issues
- Can be repetitive at times
Review Score
7.5/10