LEGO® The Lord of the Rings™

LEGO® The Lord of the Rings™ offers a unique blend of the beloved Middle-earth storylines with the trademark humor and charm of LEGO games. Players can explore a connected open world version of Middle-earth, from the Shire to Mordor, which is a departure from the linear progression of previous LEGO titles. The game faithfully recreates key moments from the film trilogy through 18 story levels filled with puzzles, combat, and platforming. Character switching with unique abilities encourages creative problem-solving, while the progression system involving Mithril bricks and blueprints adds depth by allowing customization of characters' abilities.

Co-op mode enhances the experience with drop-in, drop-out play, though the lack of online multiplayer is noted. Visually, the game captures Tolkien’s world with colorful LEGO art and an inspired musical score. Despite its ambitious design and heartfelt experience, players report bugs, clunky controls, pacing issues, and some repetitive elements that detract from the overall polish.

Highlights

Players praise the game's faithful adaptation of the Lord of the Rings storyline combined with LEGO humor. The open-world exploration of Middle-earth is a standout feature, offering freedom and numerous side quests. The character-switching mechanics with unique abilities add variety and strategic depth. The musical score inspired by Howard Shore’s compositions enhances immersion. Co-op mode is well received for seamless local multiplayer, allowing friends to share the adventure. The colorful LEGO art style authentically captures the atmosphere of Tolkien’s world, making it visually appealing.

Criticisms

Common criticisms include frequent bugs and glitches that sometimes cause crashes or soft-locks, impacting gameplay progression. The port to PC is considered poor by some, with clunky controls and camera issues during platforming sections. The pacing can feel slow, with some levels dragging and repetitive boss fights. The open world, while large, can feel sparse and lead to long stretches of unengaging travel. The absence of online multiplayer is also a drawback for players wanting cooperative play beyond local mode.