The Story of The Third Age
Hardcore Tolkien fans might initially think that, since EA can technically only draw on Peter Jackson's movie trilogy for source material for the massive new Xbox roleplaying game (RPG)The Lord of the Rings™: The Third Age™, the game won't be able to adequately flesh out the world of Middle Earth with authentic Tolkien-osity. But, don't start sending EA stale lembas bread in protest. Thanks to the nigh-obsessive level of detail that Jackson put into the films (and the extended extended DVD editions, which are a must-own for any true fan), EA has been able to deliver a startling amount of authenticity. There's no Tom Bombadil, of course, but come on—you know he was a drag on the story … even if Goldberry was kind of hot.
Berethor is one of six new heroes.
In the Frame
If it was onscreen even for only a few seconds, it's fair game for EA, and nowhere is that more evident than in the game's roster of heroes. If you don't blink, you'll see Berethor the Gondor guard, Idrial the elf, Elegost the Ranger, Hadhod the dwarf, Morwain the battle maiden, and Eaoden of Rohan on the fringes of the action, waiting for their chance to participate in another tale. Since Jackson named even the most split-second extras, those names are all from the source. And, though they appear familiar, the heroes are not carbon copies of their movie counterparts. Each one brings a new angle and a new piece of the end of the Third Age.
Don't blink or you'll miss Idrial's big scene.
Treasures for the Ages
The powers, equipment, and items that the party members use on their own adventures are also steeped in Tolkien lore. Sure, maybe EA can't directly use The Silmarillion as a sourcebook, but Jackson included enough information about the legendary First and Second Ages of Middle Earth, via dialog and narrative, that EA was able to include powerful artifacts from those bygone eras, including the mighty War Rings Berethor can employ and the elf stones that every character can use for a boost in combat.
Each character's skills are also spot-on. The elf is the healer. (She forms a special bond with Berethor when she gives him a special pendant in a scene reminiscent of Arwen and Aragorn's flashback in The Two Towers movie.) Even the "potions" that the characters use to boost health in battle are Lord of the Rings staples, like lembas bread and Kingsfoil, the healing herb that Strider used to keep Frodo alive after the clash on Weathertop.
Artifacts of ancient power provide a skill boost.
Forces of Light and Shadow
The foes our heroes face are also drawn from the films, but they appear in ways that will make sense to the watchful Tolkien fan. The Wargs Elegost hunts in Carhadras are just one example. What happened to "The Watcher in the Water" after the Fellowship of the Ring made its way into Moria? It just got angrier, it seems, for the many-tentacled monstrosity is lying in wait for this second fellowship as they follow the first into that underground dwarf city. And, you won't face the beast just once. Other areas of Moria and major parts of Hadhod's background help flesh out the great battle between dwarves and goblins that left Sauron's forces in control and saw Balin's fall. You'll be able to explore Balin's Tomb as well as a few other places that Frodo's crew didn't see, while fighting many more Rock Trolls. You'll even find yourself standing at the bottom of the well when Pippin knocks in an empty suit of armor and triggers a massive orc attack, before you have to fight your way down to the Balrog, where Gandalf will appear to lend your crew a hand.
These mountains should look familiar.
Exploring Middle-Earth
Perhaps the coolest aspect of The Third Age is that it offers gamers the chance to explore New Line Cinema's version of Tolkien's world at their own pace. Want to fully explore Eregion or take another pass through the mines of Moria? Want to see what was going on in Helm's Deep while Legolas and Gimli were keeping score? Curious how the bridge at Osgiliath fell and how the land battle that ensued? Then, this is your game. It may not focus on the story's main heroes, butThe Third Age provides more than enough pure Tolkien-y goodness for even the most die-hard fan.
By Danny Chihdo
