Following the LEGO Lord of the Rings game, Warner Bros. Interactive announced their latest game based on the Tolkien classic, LEGO The Hobbit. Will it take us to fantastic co-op gameplay and back again?
With the success of Peter Jackson’s latest movies based on the books, it was only a matter of time before we heard the announcement for this game.Much like its predecessors, LEGO The Hobbit will follow the tale of Bilbo, Gandalf, and the thirteen members of Thorin Oakenshield’s Dwarven Company set out to reclaim their homeland of Erebor. As close as we are to the release of the second motion picture film, The Desolation of Smaug, this game will only contain the stories of the first two films (unlike LEGO LOTR that encompassed all three). Disappointing as that may be, it’s certainly understandable.
In LEGO The Hobbit, kids and families will be able to take on the form of their favorite Hobbit characters, including Bilbo, Gandalf, and all of the Dwarves: Thorin, Fíli, Kíli, Óin, Glóin, Dwalin, Balin Bifur, Bofur, Bombur, Dori, Nori and Ori. Each has his own special – and quite hilarious – ability: For instance, Bombur can be used as a trampoline that enables his companions “belly-bounce” out of danger! Players will visit key locations from the films, including Bag End, Bilbo’s Hobbit-hole in Hobbiton, trek through the treacherous High Pass over The Misty Mountains, and explore the depths of Goblin-town, Mirkwood and Rivendell. Along the way, players will solve countless puzzles, partake in Treasure Quests and battle with Orcs, Trolls and fouler things. They will also be able to mine for gems, discover loot from enemies, and craft powerful magical items or build immense new LEGO structures.
While we don’t know the full details yet on the co-op aspects of this game, we can imagine that they will be very similar to LEGO LOTR. In that game, players could assume a wide variety of characters and play locally with a partner via split-screen. LEGO games tend to have much more humor and cute fun than most games, so it should be interesting to see what this game holds for the storyline. Managing Director, Tom Stone, is very excited to begin this next chapter in the franchise:
“We are thrilled to depict the characters and environments of Peter Jackson’s Middle-earth in LEGO form with the LEGO The Hobbit video game.Our family-friendly take on these thrilling adventures will have kids and parents playing and laughing together as they build and explore in LEGO Middle-earth.”
While LEGO The Hobbit won’t be here in time for the 2nd film (releasing on December 13th), we will see it for a 2014 release. All current, major platforms will receive a version as well.