Search for games

Type three or more characters to search...

The Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria cover image

Links

Epic

Twitch

MONSTER

The Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of The Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria
Item: The Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2023

GenresAdventure, Action, Open World, Multiplayer

AvailableOct 24, 2023

PlatformPlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, PC

DeveloperFree Range Games

Overview

The only survival crafting game set in the Fourth Age of Middle-earth, the iconic fantasy world created by J.R.R. Tolkien.

Elsewhere

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Critics are divided on The Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria. Some praise its connection to Tolkien's world and immersive storytelling, while others criticize its lack of depth and uninteresting narrative. Positive aspects include beautiful settings and references to the source material, but negative aspects include a linear storyline and shallow execution. Players should weigh these mixed opinions before diving into the game.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

23%

Mixed (50-79)

74%

Negative (0-49)

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the story of The Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria are quite varied. Some critics, like But Why Tho?, CGMagazine, and GameSkinny, appreciate the game's connection to Tolkien's world and the lore it provides. They highlight the beauty of the setting and the references to the source material. CGMagazine specifically mentions how the narrative and setting invite exploration, while GameSkinny praises the game's strong storytelling and the numerous bits of the story to discover. These positive aspects contribute to creating an immersive experience for players. On the other hand, several critics express disappointment with the depth and execution of the story. Critics like GameStar, Games.cz, and SECTOR.sk criticize the lack of depth in the storyline and its failure to capture the epic nature of the original source material. IGN Portugal mentions that the progression of the story is relatively linear, which may limit the player's engagement. Shacknews and Softpedia also criticize the shallow and uninteresting narrative, with little meaningful interaction between the Lord of the Rings narrative and the Fourth Age tale. Overall, the consensus among the critics is mixed. While some appreciate the game's connection to Tolkien's world and the immersive storytelling, others find the story lacking in depth and execution. The positive aspects, such as the beauty of the setting and the references to the source material, contribute to the overall enjoyment of the game for some critics. However, the negative aspects, such as the lack of depth and uninteresting narrative, dampen the overall experience for others. It is important for players to consider these varied opinions and decide for themselves whether the story of The Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria aligns with their preferences.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Critics have mixed opinions about The Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria gameplay. Positive aspects include accessible mechanics, addicting progression, and engaging survival crafting elements. However, negative points highlight clumsy combat, repetitive gameplay loop, and tedious resource gathering. Overall, the game offers a familiar survival crafting experience with strengths in lore integration but weaknesses in combat mechanics and repetitive gameplay.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

10%

Mixed (50-79)

68%

Negative (0-49)

23%

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the gameplay of The Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria are varied, with both positive and negative aspects being highlighted. In terms of positives, several critics praise the game's familiar and approachable gameplay mechanics, making it accessible to both newcomers and veterans to the survival crafting genre (But Why Tho?, CGMagazine). The progression loop is also mentioned as addicting, keeping players engaged and motivated to continue playing (But Why Tho?). The game's incorporation of survival-crafting mechanics, exploration, and base building is also commended, with critics appreciating the procedural generation of the world and the ability to craft weapons and armor (COGconnected, Everyeye.it, Game Rant). However, there are some negative aspects of the gameplay that critics point out. One common criticism is the combat mechanics, which are described as clumsy, imprecise, and lacking variation (CGMagazine, Gamer.no, Guardian, Shacknews). The repetitive nature of combat encounters and the limited variety of attacks are also mentioned as drawbacks (IGN Portugal, TheGamer). Another point of contention is the constant need to gather resources, which some critics find tedious and monotonous (SECTOR.sk, Shacknews). Additionally, the gameplay loop is criticized for being linear and lacking player agency (Checkpoint Gaming), and the crafting system is described as repetitive and time-consuming (Shacknews). Overall, the consensus among the critics is that The Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria offers a familiar survival crafting experience with some notable strengths and weaknesses. The game successfully combines survival-crafting mechanics with the rich lore and mystique of Tolkien's Middle-earth, providing a clear narrative line and freedom to explore within each region (Eurogamer). The gameplay loop, while addicting and immersive for some, can feel repetitive and lacking in variety for others (GameGrin, TRG). The combat mechanics, in particular, receive mixed reviews, with some finding them functional but basic, while others criticize them for being clumsy and unengaging (CGMagazine, God is a Geek, TheGamer). Ultimately, the gameplay experience seems to depend on individual preferences, with some critics enjoying the game's mechanics and others finding them underwhelming (Softpedia, Vandal).

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Critics have mixed opinions on the graphics of The Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria. Some praise the beautiful environments and attention to detail, while others criticize the lack of sharpness, technical issues like clipping, and a lack of customization options. Overall, the game's visuals have strengths like immersive atmosphere and consistent architecture, but also weaknesses that detract from the experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

23%

Mixed (50-79)

65%

Negative (0-49)

12%

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of The Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria are quite varied. Several critics praised the game's visuals, highlighting the beauty of the environments and the representation of Tolkien's world. But Why Tho? commends the game for its well-done portrayal of Moria and the overall design. Eurogamer also mentions the beautiful and haunting environments of Khazad-dûm, evoking a grand sense of scale and verticality. PC Gamer appreciates the game's ability to create a dingy and dark atmosphere in the underground setting of Moria, with proper lighting and sound design. These positive opinions highlight the successful immersion and attention to detail in the game's graphics and visual design. However, there are also critics who express some negative aspects of the game's visuals. CGMagazine notes that while the game is decent-looking overall, the visuals lack sharpness and detail at times. They also mention a lack of customization in the graphical settings menu. GamingBolt highlights issues such as hair clipping through faces and models failing to load completely, which can detract from the overall visual experience. God is a Geek points out technical issues like clipping through the environment, popping textures, and flickering lighting. These criticisms indicate that there are some technical flaws and inconsistencies in the game's graphics and visual design. Overall, the consensus among the critics is mixed regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of The Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria. While there are positive aspects, such as the beautiful environments, immersive atmosphere, and attention to detail, there are also negative aspects, including technical issues and a lack of sharpness and customization. Critics like Impulsegamer appreciate the consistent and lovely architecture and scenery in the game, while Multiplayer.it deems the technical aspects, including graphics, as subpar. IGN Portugal acknowledges that the game's graphics are not impressive but praises the well-designed identity of each biome. The overall sentiment suggests that while the game has its visual strengths, there are also areas that could be improved upon to enhance the overall graphical experience.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Critics had mixed views on the Sound Design and Music of The Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria. Positive feedback focused on John Rhys-Davies' voice acting as Gimli and the singing, enhancing immersion. However, some critics criticized the lack of background music, with concerns about bland music and repetitive dialogue. Despite differing opinions, the sound design contributed to the immersive atmosphere of the game, with both praise and criticism from reviewers.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

24%

Mixed (50-79)

67%

Negative (0-49)

10%

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

In analyzing the opinions of the videogame reviewers regarding the Sound Design and Music of The Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria, it is clear that there are both positive and negative aspects to be considered. Starting with the positives, several critics praised the voice acting in the game. John Rhys-Davies' portrayal of Gimli was particularly highlighted by CGMagazine, God is a Geek, and Impulsegamer. The compelling voice-over work by Rhys-Davies added depth and authenticity to the character, enhancing the overall immersive experience. Checkpoint Gaming also commended the singing in the game, especially in multiplayer, emphasizing that it was a highlight. The addition of singing and the unique element it brought to the atmosphere was also appreciated by Games.cz. On the negative side, some critics expressed disappointment with the lack of background music in the game. GameGrin specifically mentioned this, stating that while ambient sound was important for detecting enemies, the absence of music was noticeable. Softpedia also noted that the soundtrack was decent but felt that the ambient sounds in the mines could have been more interesting. SpazioGames went further, describing the sound design as featuring bland music and repetitive and out-of-focus dialogue. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the Sound Design and Music of The Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria have both positive and negative aspects. While the voice acting, particularly John Rhys-Davies' portrayal of Gimli, and the singing were praised by multiple critics, there were concerns about the lack of background music and the overall execution of the sound design. IGN Portugal, however, highlighted the well-executed sound design, mentioning the echoing of pickaxes and the cavernous reverberation that created a sense of immersion. Despite some criticisms, it seems that the sound design and music contributed to the immersive Lord of the Rings atmosphere, as noted by COGconnected.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Critics praise John Rhys-Davies' voice acting in The Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria, with many highlighting his compelling performance as Gimli. The inclusion of different voice options like Khuzdul is lauded for enhancing immersion. While some mention repetitive orc lines and a bug affecting dwarf voices, overall, the voice acting is deemed a strong asset that enriches the game's Lord of the Rings atmosphere.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

50%

Mixed (50-79)

50%

Negative (0-49)

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

In analyzing the opinions of multiple reviewers regarding the voice acting in The Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria, it is evident that the overall sentiment is largely positive. John Rhys-Davies, known for his portrayal of Gimli in the Jackson films, receives praise for his performance, with multiple critics specifically mentioning his contribution to the game. CGMagazine describes his voice-over work as compelling, while Checkpoint Gaming states that he does a great job reprising his role. Impulsegamer goes as far as to call the voice acting fantastic, emphasizing Rhys-Davies' talents. The inclusion of different voice options, such as Khuzdul, the private language of the Dwarves, is also appreciated by GameGrin, providing a breath of fresh air and adding to the immersion of the game. While the majority of opinions are positive, there are a few minor negatives mentioned by some critics. Eurogamer notes that there are repetitive voice lines from the orcs, which may become tiresome over time. IGN Portugal highlights a recurring bug that changes the voices of the dwarves, which can be seen as a drawback to the overall voice acting experience. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the voice acting in The Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria is well done and contributes to the immersive Lord of the Rings atmosphere. John Rhys-Davies' reprisal of his role as Gimli is particularly appreciated, with multiple critics specifically mentioning his excellent performance. The inclusion of different voice options and the use of Khuzdul further adds to the enjoyment of the game. While there are minor negatives mentioned, such as repetitive voice lines and a recurring bug, they do not overshadow the overall positive sentiment towards the voice acting in the game.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Critics have mixed opinions on the technical performance of The Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria on PC. Some praise its smooth gameplay on high-end systems, while others criticize severe bugs, glitches, and performance issues that hinder the overall experience. Developers are working on a major patch to address over 100 bugs, but the consensus is that the game falls short of expectations in terms of technical performance.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

45%

Negative (0-49)

55%

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

In terms of the technical performance on PC, there are some positive aspects highlighted by the critics. CGMagazine mentions that while there are occasional delays in texture rendering, it is not a major issue. GameSkinny also acknowledges the presence of bugs and glitches but does not specify them as game-breaking. Additionally, SpazioGames describes the technical performance as "just sufficient" without any mention of stability issues. These positive remarks indicate that the game runs smoothly on high-end systems, maintaining a stable 60 FPS, which is a commendable achievement. However, there are several negative aspects mentioned by the critics regarding the technical performance on PC. Eurogamer, Everyeye.it, and IGN Portugal all point out the presence of bugs, glitches, and performance problems, which impact the overall experience of the game. Checkpoint Gaming specifically mentions severe lag problems, issues with item pickup, and loading glitches. GamingBolt and God is a Geek highlight various technical issues, including disappearing mined stones, janky animations, and clipping through the environment. These negative remarks suggest that the game suffers from significant technical shortcomings that hinder gameplay immersion and enjoyment. Taking into account the opinions of the critics, the overall consensus regarding the technical performance of The Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria on PC is mixed. While some critics, such as CGMagazine and GameSkinny, mention minor issues that do not significantly impact the gameplay experience, others, like Eurogamer and IGN Portugal, highlight more severe technical problems that negatively affect the game. It is worth noting that the developers have announced a major patch targeting over 100 bugs, as mentioned by Eurogamer, indicating their commitment to addressing these issues. However, the presence of performance problems, bugs, glitches, and stability issues mentioned by multiple critics suggests that the technical performance on PC falls short of expectations. (Note: Due to the lack of specific opinions for other gaming platforms, the analysis will focus solely on the PC version of the game.)

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Critics are split on the replay value of The Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria. Positive reviews praise its progression mechanics, exploration, building aspect, and challenge, making it appealing for fantasy fans. However, negative feedback points out lackluster gameplay, bugs, repetitive combat, and clunky inventory management. While some find the game offers replay value for survival and Tolkien fans, others criticize its lack of innovation and appeal to a wider audience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

19%

Mixed (50-79)

62%

Negative (0-49)

19%

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the replay value of The Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria are quite varied. Several critics highlight the positive aspects of the game that contribute to its replayability. CGMagazine praises the progression mechanics and exploration that entice players to venture deeper into the world. GameGrin mentions that the building aspect and multiplayer component can keep players busy for hours, making it a great game for friends who enjoy high fantasy. PC Gamer emphasizes the challenge of exploring and surviving in the confined and dangerous environment of Moria, which adds to the replay value. However, there are also negative aspects that critics point out that may limit the game's replayability. Checkpoint Gaming criticizes the lackluster gameplay loop and bugs, stating that it doesn't make the game worth buying over other survival titles. Shacknews mentions the lack of incentive to explore and clunky inventory management, which can be frustrating for players. IGN Portugal highlights the repetitive combat and technical issues as factors that may limit the game's replay value. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that The Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria offers some replay value, but it may not be enough to appeal to a wider audience. Eurogamer mentions that while the game offers procedurally-generated rooms and unique journeys, the survival-crafting loop and combat don't bring anything particularly new to the table. Softpedia criticizes the conservative gameplay and lack of innovation, which may limit its appeal. IGN Portugal also points out that the repetitive combat and technical issues may hinder the game's replayability. However, there are positive aspects mentioned by critics such as CGMagazine, GameGrin, and PC Gamer that contribute to the game's replay value. Ultimately, the game seems to offer more replayability for fans of the survival genre and Tolkien's work, as mentioned by IGN Portugal and Twinfinite.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

25%

Mixed (50-79)

58%

Negative (0-49)

17%

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

The overall sentiment towards The Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria is mixed, with a range of opinions from critics. Several critics highlight the positive aspects of the game. CGMagazine praises the fun and exciting experience it offers for fans of survival titles and Lord of the Rings. GameSkinny commends the game for its solid entry in the survival genre, unique gameplay mechanics, and immersive Middle-Earth setting. Eurogamer mentions that the game has a lot of soul and impresses with its infusion of Tolkien's lore and worldbuilding, making it worth experiencing for fans of Middle-earth, especially with a friend. These positive opinions highlight the game's ability to capture the essence of Tolkien's work and provide an enjoyable experience within the Lord of the Rings universe. However, there are also several criticisms raised by the critics. Checkpoint Gaming states that the game falls short in execution, with a core gameplay loop that is not engaging enough and technical issues that sour the experience. Guardian mentions repetitive gameplay and hindered pacing due to the need to walk back and forth through the samey tunnels of Moria. PC Gamer criticizes the stiff combat, bugs, and frustrating gameplay elements that wear down the overall experience. These negative opinions highlight the game's shortcomings in terms of gameplay mechanics, technical issues, and repetitive elements. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that The Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria has potential but falls short in various aspects. While it offers an enjoyable experience for fans of Middle-earth and survival games, it lacks depth, fresh ideas, and fails to deliver a truly engaging experience. The game's technical issues, repetitive gameplay, and uninspired execution are mentioned as major drawbacks. However, some critics still find value in the game, especially for fans of the Lord of the Rings universe, as it captures the essence of Tolkien's work and provides an immersive and lore-accurate world. Ultimately, the game's mixed reception suggests that it may appeal more to dedicated fans of the franchise rather than a broader audience.

TL;DR

The Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria receives mixed reviews. Critics praise its fun for fans of survival games and Middle-earth lore, but criticize its lackluster gameplay, technical issues, and repetitive elements. While it captures Tolkien's essence, the game falls short in delivering a truly engaging experience, making it more suited for die-hard fans of the franchise.

MONSTER

Reviews

57 reviews found

Impulsegamer

Nov 9, 2023