Lord of the Rings: War in the North is due for release on the 1st of November, but what is it that we can expect?
First off, this is a new chapter around Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings. You have the usual suspects in, Man, Dwarf and Elf as playable characters. As the story of the One Ring expands into further areas of Middle-earth, so come new heroes to fight Sauron.
The Man, Eradan, is a Ranger of the North, as well as archery for a kill from distance, you can also get up-close and personal and cover yourself in gore as you hack away with a sword. He is able to dual-wield and also use two-handed swords for those of you that prefer the death, death and death approach to your Orcs. Next comes Andriel, Loremaster of Rivendell (a well known class of Hero for those of you that play The Lord of the Rings Online). She carries a staff that she can either use to fire bolts from or crack skulls with if enemies come up-close and personal. Her real and most important role comes in the form as a healer for the other Heroes, ensuring they stay alive so that the story may continue.
Finally, there is Farin, short, beardy and strong. Hailed as a Champion of the Dwarves of Erebor, he is able to withstand heavy attacks and I can see being a strong tank in the fellowship. Good with a crossbow, he is also of course a master in the art of the axe. He will be a choice for those of you wishing nothing more than an all-out bloodbath.
With our Heroes, we also have the typical enemies you may encounter on any field-trip through the North. There is of course, Orcs, nasty and horrible, there will be plenty to satisfy your weapon. Trolls, big and dangerous, they don’t think twice about crushing your head in a single palm. For a nice kill, you will enjoy climbing up their back and stabbing them through the head. Last, and the most deadliest, is the Agandaur, a cruel and evil black figure of fear that will wreak havoc on your group if you’re not careful enough.
The game itself is a co-op focused action RPG. In your small fellowship of 3 Heroes, you will discover a new and so far untold story of Middle-earth. The graphics look very nice and gameplay smooth and easy on the eye, be warned however, that War in the North is set to be the bloodiest in the Lord of the Rings series to date. As you fight your enemies there will be enough blood to upset the weakest stomachs.
We love a good RPG that we can play with our friends and this looks like it will be worth the purchase. For those hardcore LotR followers, although this will feel extremely familiar, there is sure to be enough new elements to keep you engrossed in the forever magical world of J.R.R. Tolkien.