The Lord of the Rings: War in the North, is a video game RPG than was released on the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and PC. It was based off of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings series. Is this RPG a keeper for you? Or LOTR fans in general?

Single Player: This game features a story line that follows the events of LOTR (Lord of the Rings), and it is about 3 fictional characters who resemble similarity to Aragon, Legolas, and Gimli. You may choose between any of the three characters and can switch in between characters before starting any mission. This is pretty much like any RPG out there. You kill to earn experience points which then you level up, which allows you to upgrade certain skills and acquire certain spells/abilities depending on the spec you want to go into. There is an inventory where you can equip certain armor and weaponry that you may find or be rewarded with. You can also shop with vendors along your way and sell or buy items. Though you pretty much have to follow the story line with few side quests, limiting your free-world capabilities. The entire storyline are sideline events corresponding with the current events that Frodo and the other LOTR characters are up to. The game is for the most part hack and slash but really keeps you interesting and not bored. The game can prove to become very challenging as creatures become harder to defeat and health is drained from you if you do not play smart. Overall the single player is fun and keeps you playing, but beware challenging gameplay; I would’ve also liked to see more adventurous capabilities and free-world actions. Therefore the game can only get 8 out of 10 for single player.
Score: 8

Multiplayer: There’s not much to say about the multiplayer of this game, for the multiplayer is only a coop campaign with a friend. Either of you can choose whichever character you want to play as, and you do the campaign together. Overall the connection is well and playing with a friend really makes the game more interesting and increases strategic capabilities. The multiplayer can receive 7 out of 10. I would’ve liked to see more than just a co-op campaign.
Score: 7

Graphics: The graphical content of this game was too underworked. The team could’ve put in a much better job on doing this work. Graphical options completely maxed out still do not look good. In all honesty some company could’ve made a game in 2006 with better visuals. Too made things are not 3D and are flat to the ground. No destructible environment, and explosions and fires look disgraceful. Though character detail is well done especially on the evil side. But graphics never make a game. I loved the gameplay and story, but sadly must grant a 4 out of 10 on the graphics of this piece.
Score: 4