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MONSTER

The Lord of the Rings - Gollum

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of The Lord of the Rings - Gollum
Item: The Lord of the Rings - Gollum
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2023

GenresAdventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, Stealth, Single Player

AvailableMay 25, 2023

PlatformPC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X

DeveloperDaedalic Entertainment

Overview

The Lord of the Rings: Gollum is a story-driven action adventure. Take on a perilous journey as Gollum, chasing the only thing that is precious to him. Gollum is skillful and cunning, but also torn by his split personality. One mind, two egos - you decide!

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Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

The Lord of the Rings - Gollum offers a mixed narrative, with some critics praising its exploration of Gollum's psyche and moral dilemmas. However, the consensus is disappointment, citing clichéd storytelling, slow pacing, and lack of depth. While there are glimmers of potential, the game ultimately fails to deliver a compelling experience, overshadowed by uninspired execution and missed opportunities within Tolkien's rich lore.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

12%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

29%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

59%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The reviews for The Lord of the Rings - Gollum present a mixed bag of sentiments, with some critics finding redeeming qualities in the narrative. A few reviewers, such as PC Gamer and GamersRD, highlight the game's exploration of Gollum's complex psyche and the duality of his character, suggesting that the narrative offers a unique perspective on Tolkien's lore. IGN France also praises the story for delving into Gollum's moral dilemmas and emotional journey between significant events in the timeline. Critics like Games.cz commend the game for enriching Tolkien's narrative and providing a credible account of Gollum's experiences, indicating that there are moments where the story shines through its connection to the established lore. However, the overwhelming consensus among critics leans towards disappointment, with many citing significant flaws in the narrative execution. Reviewers such as Softpedia, SpazioGames, and PC Games describe the story as clichéd, boring, and lacking substance, with The Jimquisition noting its slow pacing and failure to engage players. Critics like Gamereactor Finland and Eurogamer emphasize the lack of depth and direction in the narrative, with many stating that the game feels aimless and fails to provide meaningful choices or character development. The repetitive nature of the plot and its reliance on established lore without offering fresh insights are recurring criticisms, leading to a general sentiment that the story does not live up to its potential. Overall, the critics' consensus suggests that while The Lord of the Rings - Gollum attempts to explore intriguing themes surrounding Gollum's character, it ultimately falls short of delivering a compelling narrative experience. The game is seen as having moments of potential, as pointed out by PC Gamer and GamersRD, but these are overshadowed by a lack of engaging elements and poorly executed storytelling, as echoed by multiple reviews. The narrative's execution has been described as threadbare and uninspired, leading to a largely negative reception that highlights the missed opportunity to create a captivating story within the rich tapestry of Tolkien's universe.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

The Lord of the Rings - Gollum offers a stealthy premise but ultimately disappoints, as critics slam its gameplay for being monotonous and poorly executed. While some praise its stealth mechanics and agility, the overwhelming feedback highlights tedious fetch quests, clunky controls, and subpar AI that sap excitement. With a lack of innovation and depth, the game feels outdated and frustrating, leading to a generally negative reception among reviewers.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

18%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

82%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of The Lord of the Rings - Gollum has garnered a few positive remarks from critics, particularly regarding its focus on stealth mechanics and platforming. Some reviewers, like Hardcore Gamer and GamingTrend, noted that the stealth mechanics can be enjoyable and well-executed, allowing players to engage with Gollum's agility and cunning. IGN Adria also highlighted the branching paths and various tasks that contribute to the experience of Gollum's character. Additionally, some critics appreciated the intention behind the gameplay, which aims to immerse players in a stealth-focused narrative, although the execution fell short for many. However, the overwhelming sentiment from critics is decidedly negative, with numerous reviews pointing out significant flaws in the gameplay. Critics like Checkpoint Gaming and Push Square described the gameplay as monotonous and repetitive, primarily consisting of fetch quests and poorly executed mechanics. Many reviews, including those from LevelUp and CD-Action, echoed concerns about linearity and a lack of challenge, with gameplay often feeling dated and simplistic. The controls received particular criticism, with reviewers like Game Rant and Game Informer noting issues such as clunky controls and frustrating platforming mechanics that detracted from the overall experience. Furthermore, the AI was frequently described as incompetent, leading to a lack of tension and engagement during stealth segments. Overall, the consensus among critics is that The Lord of the Rings - Gollum suffers from a lack of innovation and depth in its gameplay mechanics. While there are moments where the stealth and platforming elements show potential, the execution is marred by repetitive tasks, poor controls, and uninspired level design. Critics like Eurogamer and TheGamer emphasized that the game feels outdated and fails to provide a compelling experience, ultimately leading to frustration rather than enjoyment. The combination of these factors has resulted in a gameplay experience that many reviewers found to be tedious and lacking in engagement, leaving a largely negative impression on the title.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

The Lord of the Rings - Gollum faces harsh criticism for its graphics, with many reviewers labeling them outdated and lacking polish. While some praise the beauty of specific environments, the overwhelming sentiment is disappointment due to low-quality textures, poor character animations, and technical glitches. Critics argue that the visuals fall short of modern standards, resembling games from the PS3/Xbox 360 era, leading to a largely negative reception.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

22%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

78%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The opinions regarding the graphics and visual design of The Lord of the Rings - Gollum reveal a mixed bag of sentiments, with a few critics acknowledging some positive aspects. For instance, PC Gamer and But Why Tho? highlight the environments, particularly the depiction of Mordor and Elven lands, as visually stunning and capturing the essence of Middle-Earth. Additionally, PlayStation Universe appreciates the world design, noting a captivating mix of Elvish architecture and Sauron’s army aesthetics. Some reviewers, like GamingTrend and Hardcore Gamer, mention that while the game features beautiful locations, the quality mode enhances visuals, suggesting that there are moments where the game's design shines. However, the overwhelming sentiment among critics leans towards disappointment, as many describe the graphics as outdated and lacking polish. Metro GameCentral and The Jimquisition characterize the visuals as deeply ugly and reminiscent of low-quality textures and character models, failing to meet modern standards. Critics like Eurogamer Poland and GameSpot echo these sentiments, stating that the graphics appear dated, resembling titles from the PS3/Xbox 360 era. Furthermore, many reviewers point out technical issues, such as poor character animations, texture loading problems, and bugs that detract from the overall experience, with Gamers Heroes and BaziCenter emphasizing the numerous glitches and unrefined animations. Overall, the consensus among critics is largely negative, with a significant majority expressing dissatisfaction with the graphical fidelity and visual design of Gollum. Many reviewers, including LevelUp and Power Unlimited, describe the graphics as dull, uninspired, and failing to capture the grandeur of Tolkien's world. While some critics acknowledge moments of beauty and creativity, the general sentiment is that the game does not meet the expectations for a 2023 release, with Gamereactor UK and Press Start Australia noting that it feels more akin to a remastered title from an earlier console generation. The combination of outdated graphics, technical issues, and a lack of immersive visual design leads to a disappointing reception overall.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

The Lord of the Rings: Gollum features strong voice acting, especially Wayne Forester as Gollum, and a musical score that evokes Howard Shore’s iconic work. However, the sound design is plagued by significant flaws, such as poor synchronization and inconsistent audio quality, leading to a generally disappointing experience that undermines immersion in the beloved franchise. Critics agree that while there are some highlights, the execution of the audio elements falls short.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

20%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

50%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

30%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The sound design and music of The Lord of the Rings: Gollum have garnered a mix of praise from various critics, particularly for the voice acting and the musical score. Reviewers like CD-Action and IGN highlighted the strong performances, especially the portrayal of Gollum by Wayne Forester, which adds depth to the character's internal struggles. Critics such as My critic from But Why Tho? and Game Rant commended the musical soundtrack for evoking emotions reminiscent of Howard Shore's iconic film score, suggesting that the orchestral work contributes positively to the game's atmosphere. Additionally, some reviewers, like Multiplayer.it and SECTOR.sk, noted that the soundtrack effectively enhances the game's darker moments, creating a fitting backdrop for the narrative. However, the overall sentiment regarding the sound design is marred by numerous criticisms. Several reviewers pointed out significant flaws, including Digital Trends and BaziCenter, who described the sound design as half-finished and disappointing, respectively. Issues such as poor synchronization between voice acting and character animations were noted by critics like SpazioGames and Player 2, leading to a lack of immersion. Furthermore, the audio quality was often described as inconsistent, with some reviewers like GameSpot and IGN Spain mentioning abrupt cutscenes and poor audio mixing that detracted from the overall experience. Critics like Hey Poor Player and Gfinity even went as far as to label the soundtrack as subpar, indicating a general sense of dissatisfaction with the audio elements. In summary, while there are notable strengths in the voice performances and some aspects of the musical score, the overall consensus among critics leans towards disappointment in the sound design of The Lord of the Rings: Gollum. The game’s audio elements, while occasionally praised for their emotional depth and atmospheric contributions, are frequently criticized for their execution and inconsistency. As highlighted by critics such as Game Informer and God is a Geek, the sound design issues ultimately undermine the immersive experience that many players would expect from a title set in the beloved Lord of the Rings universe.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

The voice acting in The Lord of the Rings: Gollum receives mixed reviews. Wayne Forester's portrayal of Gollum is widely praised for capturing the character's duality, enhancing the game's emotional depth. However, many critics feel it falls short of Andy Serkis's iconic performance, lacking originality and emotional engagement. Technical issues like poor synchronization further detract from immersion. While some reviewers celebrate the performances, others express disappointment, reflecting a divide in opinion about whether the voice acting truly honors the cinematic legacy.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

22%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

46%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

32%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in The Lord of the Rings: Gollum has garnered a range of positive feedback, particularly highlighting Wayne Forester's portrayal of Gollum. Critics such as CD-Action and Multiplayer.it commend Forester for effectively capturing the character's duality, which is central to Gollum's identity. Several reviews, including those from IGN and Checkpoint Gaming, note that the voice acting contributes positively to the game's immersive experience, enhancing the emotional depth of Gollum's character. The German voice acting has also been praised by Eurogamer Germany and GamePro Germany, indicating that localization efforts were well-received and added to the overall appreciation of the character's portrayal. However, the voice acting has not been without its criticisms. Many reviewers, such as Everyeye.it and Digitally Downloaded, argue that while there are attempts to imitate Andy Serkis's iconic performance, these efforts often fall short, resulting in a lack of originality and emotional engagement. Critics like GameSpot and GamesRadar+ highlight that the performances do not capture the depth needed for the characters, leading to a disconnect with the audience. Additionally, technical issues, such as poor synchronization with character movements, were noted by SpazioGames and Player 2, which detracted from the overall immersion and experience. Overall, the consensus among critics is mixed, with a notable divide between those who appreciate the voice acting, particularly for Gollum, and those who find it lacking in comparison to the original film portrayals. While some, like Gamereactor UK and Vandal, celebrate the performances as a strong point of the game, others, including GameOver.gr and Hey Poor Player, express disappointment, suggesting that the voice acting does not fully realize the potential of the characters. This dichotomy reflects a broader sentiment that, despite some commendable performances, the voice acting struggles to rise above the shadows of its cinematic predecessors, ultimately leaving a complex and varied impression on players and critics alike.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

The Lord of the Rings - Gollum has been met with overwhelmingly negative feedback regarding its technical performance across platforms. While some reviewers noted minor positives, such as smooth gameplay on PS5 despite occasional crashes, the majority report severe issues: frequent crashes, glitches, and game-breaking bugs plague both PS5 and PC versions. Critics emphasize that the game feels unfinished and needs more polish, leading to frustration among players. Overall, the consensus is clear: technical problems severely hinder the gaming experience, making it nearly unplayable for many.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

Negative Reviews (0-49)

94%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

The technical performance of The Lord of the Rings - Gollum has received a mixed reception across various platforms, with some critics noting a few positives. On the PlayStation 5, a few reviewers, like Gamereactor Finland, mentioned that the game runs relatively smoothly despite facing technical execution issues. Additionally, PlayStation Universe pointed out that while there was a random crash post-patch, overall technical performance did not significantly hinder gameplay. For the PC platform, some critics, such as Riot Pixels, reported that the game suffers from rare bugs but did not highlight technical performance as a major issue, suggesting that there may be some players who experienced a more stable version of the game. However, the negatives far outweigh the positives for all platforms. On the PlayStation 5, multiple reviewers, including Inverse and MMORPG.com, described the game as riddled with technical problems, including frequent crashes, glitches, and bugs that severely impact gameplay. Critics like GameSpot and TheSixthAxis emphasized game-breaking bugs and significant stability issues, which rendered the game nearly unplayable for some. On PC, the situation is similarly grim, with Digital Trends, New Game Network, and CD-Action all reporting severe performance issues, including crashes, scripting bugs, and long load times, indicating a lack of polish that detracts from the overall experience. Overall, the consensus among critics is that The Lord of the Rings - Gollum suffers from significant technical issues across all platforms. Many reviewers, such as Eurogamer and PC Gamer, highlighted the game's instability, with bugs and crashes being a common theme. The game appears to be unfinished, with multiple critics suggesting it needed more development time before release. While there are some isolated positive experiences noted, the overwhelming sentiment is one of frustration, with the technical performance described as inadequate and detrimental to the overall enjoyment of the game.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Critics agree that "The Lord of the Rings: Gollum" offers minimal replay value, suffering from a linear design, repetitive gameplay, and technical issues. While there are minor redeeming qualities like collectibles and choice-based outcomes, they do little to mask the overall disappointment. The game fails to engage players enough for multiple playthroughs, leaving it a lackluster addition to the beloved franchise.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

Negative Reviews (0-49)

91%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

In analyzing the opinions of various critics regarding the replay value of "The Lord of the Rings: Gollum," it is essential to note that a few reviews hint at some redeeming qualities. For instance, Generación Xbox mentions that the game offers some replay value through collectibles and exploration, albeit in a limited capacity. IGN Italia also acknowledges that players can experience different outcomes based on choices made throughout the game, suggesting a slight incentive for replay. However, these positive notes are overshadowed by a prevailing sentiment of disappointment regarding the overall experience. The overwhelming consensus among critics is that "The Lord of the Rings: Gollum" suffers from significant shortcomings that severely limit its replay value. Many reviewers, including Eurogamer Germany and Game Rant, highlight the game's linear structure and lack of engaging content as primary factors contributing to its monotony. Critics such as Everyeye.it and Gamereactor UK echo this sentiment, pointing out that the repetitive gameplay and absence of meaningful choices make it unappealing for players to revisit. Additionally, technical issues and frustrating gameplay mechanics, as mentioned by Meristation and Softpedia, further detract from the game's potential for replayability. Overall, the critics largely agree that the replay value of "The Lord of the Rings: Gollum" is minimal at best. The game is characterized by a linear design, repetitive missions, and a lack of engaging gameplay mechanics, as articulated by reviewers like TheGamer and TrueGaming. While there are minor mentions of potential replay incentives through collectibles or choices, these are overshadowed by the general consensus that the game fails to provide a compelling reason for players to engage in multiple playthroughs. As a result, the critical reception paints a picture of a game that, despite its connection to a beloved franchise, struggles to capture the interest of players beyond the initial experience.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

24%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

76%

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

In reviewing "The Lord of the Rings: Gollum," some critics have noted a few redeeming qualities that stand out amidst the overwhelming negativity. For instance, GamingBolt highlights the game's "beautifully realized world" and an engaging story, while Movies Games and Tech commend the solid voice acting and score. Additionally, GamersRD mentions the unique narrative and engaging gameplay elements that may resonate with dedicated fans of the franchise. These aspects suggest that while the game struggles overall, there are glimpses of potential that could appeal to those with a strong affinity for Tolkien's lore. However, the majority of reviewers have expressed severe disappointment with the game, citing numerous flaws that overshadow its positive elements. Critics like Games.cz and Eurogamer Germany emphasize the lack of engaging gameplay and technical stability, labeling the game as a failure. GameStar bluntly states that the game is "bad," while Digitally Downloaded goes as far as to describe it as "offensive" and a representation of the worst in video games. Many reviews point to fundamental issues in design, execution, and polish, with Softpedia declaring the game "unredeemable" and Power Unlimited asserting it is "not Worth Playing." This sentiment is echoed by multiple reviewers who suggest that the game is a cautionary tale of a studio's missteps in adapting a beloved franchise. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly negative, with many recommending against purchasing or playing "The Lord of the Rings: Gollum." Reviews from Game Informer and GameSpot label it a "disaster" and a "failed project," respectively, while Player 2 suggests it belongs at the "bottom of Mount Doom." Even those who found some merit in the story or mechanics, such as God is a Geek and TierraGamer, ultimately conclude that the technical issues and lack of polish render the game hard to recommend. The overwhelming sentiment is that, despite some interesting narrative elements, the game fails to deliver a satisfying experience, leaving it as one of the more disappointing adaptations of Tolkien's work.

TL;DR

"The Lord of the Rings: Gollum" has a beautifully crafted world and engaging story, with some decent voice acting and gameplay that may appeal to hardcore fans. However, it is largely panned for severe flaws, lack of engaging gameplay, and technical instability. Critics deem it a "disaster," "bad," and even "offensive," labeling it one of the worst video game adaptations of Tolkien's work. Overall, it's a cautionary tale of missteps with an overwhelming consensus recommending against playing it.

MONSTER

Reviews

145 reviews found

IGN Adria

PlayStation 5

May 25, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Despite its visual shortcomings, The Lord of the Rings: Gollum delivers an engaging story and enjoyable gameplay, making it a noteworthy title for fans of the franchise.

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GamingTrend

PlayStation 5

May 25, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game has a great story and stealth system but is hindered by repetitive gameplay and technical issues, leaving it feeling incomplete.

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Wccftech

May 25, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game is charming in its own way, with good environment design and writing, but it lacks polish and has technical issues. It is cautiously recommended for Lord of the Rings enthusiasts and those interested in the franchise's lore.

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GamersRD

PlayStation 5

May 25, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Lord of the Rings: Gollum is not a bad game, offering a unique story and engaging gameplay for fans, but it falls short in technical execution and graphics.

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PC Gamer

May 25, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Despite its flaws in gameplay and technical performance, the strong narrative and visual design make Gollum a worthwhile experience for fans of the lore.

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Shacknews

May 25, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Polarizing experience with interesting lore but dull gameplay and technical issues

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GamePro Germany

PlayStation 5

May 25, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Overall, the game is a mixed bag, with a compelling story and character but marred by gameplay and technical issues, recommended only for dedicated fans.

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IGN France

May 25, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

While the game offers an intriguing psychological exploration of Gollum, it falls short in visuals, gameplay, and technical execution.

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TierraGamer

May 31, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Overall, The Lord of the Rings: Gollum is seen as a solid but limited game, with a strong narrative but poor mechanics and execution, recommended only on sale.

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XboxAddict

Xbox Series X

Aug 15, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Lord of the Rings: Gollum has potential but ultimately fails to deliver a polished experience. The reviewer cannot recommend it at full price.

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