The Lord of the Rings: War in the North: Difference between revisions

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'''''The Lord of the Rings: War in the North''''' is an upcoming role-playing video-game developed by [[Snowblind Studios]] and published by [[Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment]] for [[wikipedia:PlayStation 3|PlayStation 3]], [[wikipedia:Xbox 360|Xbox 360]] and [[wikipedia:Microsoft Windows|Windows]]. The game takes place during the [[War of the Ring]] but adapts the seldom-mentioned battles that took place across [[Eriador]] and [[Rhovanion (region)|Rhovanion]]. The game will be released in 2011.  
'''''The Lord of the Rings: War in the North''''' is an upcoming role-playing video-game developed by [[Snowblind Studios]] and published by [[Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment]] for [[wikipedia:PlayStation 3|PlayStation 3]], [[wikipedia:Xbox 360|Xbox 360]] and [[wikipedia:Microsoft Windows|Windows]]. The game takes place during the [[War of the Ring]] but adapts the seldom-mentioned battles that took place across [[Eriador]] and [[Rhovanion (region)|Rhovanion]]. The game will be released in 2011. The game will be based on both the books and the films.<ref name="sourceE">[http://www.gamefront.com/ Gamefront], [http://www.gamefront.com/gdc-11-war-in-the-north-hands-on/ GDC 11 – War in the North Hands-on], dated [[10 March]], [[2011]] (accessed at [[6 July]], [[2011]])</ref>


==Plot==
==Plot==
Whilst the [[Fellowship of the Ring]] travels towards [[Mordor]] to destroy [[the One Ring]], [[Sauron]] has sent one of his most cruel servants, the [[Black Númenóreans|Black Númenórean]] [[Agandaûr]], to the North to destroy [[Rivendell]] and defeat the [[Free peoples]] of [[Eriador]] and [[Rhovanion (region)|Rhovanion]]. The player controls his own fellowship, a trio of fighters - a [[Dúnedain|Dúnadan]] "[[Ranger of the North]]," an [[Elves|elven]] "Loremaster of [[Rivendell]]" and a [[Dwarves|dwarvern]] "Champion of Eriador" - to get behind enemy lines and have to stop Agandaûr before his plan succeeds.


Although the game includes familiar locations from [[Middle-earth]] it doesn't deal with the core story of ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', instead choosing to create a tale which didn't happen but could have done.<ref name="Dev Interview1">[http://www.atomicmpc.com.au Atomic MPC], "[http://www.atomicmpc.com.au/Feature/242441,lord-of-the-rings-war-in-the-north-dev-interview.aspx/1 Lord of the Rings: War in the North dev interview, page 1]", dated [[22 December|December 22]] [[2010]] (accessed [[5 February|February 5]], [[2011]])</ref>
Although the game includes familiar locations from [[Middle-earth]] it doesn't deal with the core story of ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', instead choosing to create a tale which didn't happen but could have done.<ref name="Dev Interview1">[http://www.atomicmpc.com.au Atomic MPC], "[http://www.atomicmpc.com.au/Feature/242441,lord-of-the-rings-war-in-the-north-dev-interview.aspx/1 Lord of the Rings: War in the North dev interview, page 1]", dated [[22 December|December 22]] [[2010]] (accessed [[5 February|February 5]], [[2011]])</ref> The player controls his own fellowship, a trio of fighters - [[Eradan (video game character)|Eradan]], a [[Dúnedain|Dúnadan]] "[[Ranger of the North]]," [[Andriel]], an [[Elves|elven]] "Loremaster of [[Rivendell]]"<ref group=”note”>Orginally the human was a mage and the Elf a ranger, but their classes were switched.</ref> and [[Farin (video game character)|Farin]], a [[Dwarves|dwarvern]] "Champion of Eriador" - to get behind enemy lines and have to stop [[Agandaûr]], the game's antagonist, before his plan succeeds.
 
The main characters Eradan, Andriel and Farin start at a [[Rangers of the North|Dúnedain]] camp at the [[Sarn Ford]], which has recently been attacked by the [[Nazgûl]]. The leader of the camp, [[Halbarad]], sends you to [[Bree]], where you’ve to speak with [[Aragorn]].<ref name="sourceF">[http://www.oxmonline.com/ Offical Xbox Magazine Online], [http://www.oxmonline.com/article/previews/g-l/lord-rings-war-north The Lord of the Rings: War in the North], dated [[28 April]], [[2011]] (accessed at [[7 July]], [[2011]])</ref> The fellowship travels through the [[Barrow Downs]] after which they meet with Aragorn in The Prancing Pony,<ref name="sourceF"/> who sends them to [[Fornost]]. In Fornost they rescue a [[Eagles|giant eagle]], [[Belarum]], from the [[Goblins]].<ref name="sourceC">[http://www.gamespot.com/?tag=header%3Blogo Gamespot], [http://www.gamespot.com/showcases/LOTR?sid=6319720&overridePid=991493 Game Videos, The Lord of the Rings: War in the North New Heroes Movie] (accessed [[7 July]], [[2011]])</ref>
 
[[File:LOTR-WITN-Agandaur2.png|thumb|200px|[[Agandaûr]], the game's main antagonist.]]In [[Rivendell]] the fellowship meets several members of the [[Council of Elrond]],<ref name="sourceF"/> scout the land around Rivendell<ref name="sourceG">[http://www.atomicmpc.com.au/ Atomic Maximum Power Computing], [http://www.atomicmpc.com.au/Feature/242441,lord-of-the-rings-war-in-the-north-dev-interview.aspx/1 Lord of the Rings: War in the North dev interview], dated [[22 December]], [[2011]] (accessed at [[7 July]], [[2011]])</ref> and fight [[Orcs]] with [[Elladan]] and [[Elrohir]].<ref name="sourceC"/>
 
Whilst the [[Fellowship of the Ring]] travels towards [[Mordor]] to destroy [[the One Ring]], [[Sauron]] has sent one of his most cruel servants, the [[Black Númenóreans|Black Númenórean]] [[Agandaûr]], to the North to destroy [[Rivendell]] and defeat the [[Free peoples]] of [[Eriador]] and [[Rhovanion (region)|Rhovanion]]. Eradan, Andriel and Farin travel to [[Gundabad]] to discover the strength of Agandaûr's army.<ref name="Gundabadtrailer">[http://www.warinthenorth.com/index.php/media/videos The Lord of the Rings: War of the North's Official Site], Media, Videos, Gameplay Video: Mount Gundabad, dated [[5 May]], [[2011]] (acessed at [[20 June]], [[2011]])</ref>
 
Eradan, Andriel and Farin travel with Belarum to [[Mirkwood]] in search of [[Radagast]]. In the air they’re attacked by [[Wolfram]], a sorcerer and a [[Fell Beast]] rider, after which they fall from the Eagle’s back. They defeat Wolfram, after his death Wolfram’s Fell Beast tries to escape but is killed by Belarum. Andriel leads the others deeper into Mirkwood. They are ambushed by a group of Orcs and an Orc shaman. Eventually the fellowship enter a cave where they defeat a [[Cave-trolls|Cave-troll]].<ref name="sourceJ">[http://www.middleearthcenter.com/ Middle-earth Center], [http://www.middleearthcenter.com/2010/09/war-in-the-north-gameplay-demo-at-pax/ War in the North Gameplay Trailer at PAX], dated [[6 September]], [[2010]] (accessed at [[7 July]], [[2011]])</ref>


==Gameplay==
==Gameplay==
{{blockquote|Developed in association with Middle-earth Enterprises, The Lord of the Rings: War in the North explores both original and familiar narrative elements as Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment holds the rights to develop video games based on both the literary and motion picture content from The Lord of the Rings. Breaking new ground as a mature RPG video game set in Middle-earth, The Lord of the Rings: War in the North advances the RPG paradigm through innovative online, interdependent co-op play for up to three players who form their own Fellowship to fight Sauron’s forces in the North.<br/><br/>In The Lord of the Rings: War in the North, players can become the heroes in the great battle of the North as part of the epic War of the Ring. Exploring unseen lands, story elements and characters from Middle-earth as well as elements familiar from past feature films, gamers will experience extensive character customization and development, expansive co-op gameplay options and upgradeable weapons, skills and special abilities.|[[Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment]], product announcement<ref name="Product Announcement">[http://www.warinthenorth.com War in the North], "[http://www.warinthenorth.com/forums/showthread.php?7-Product-Announcement Product Announcement]", dated [[17 March|March 17]], [[2010]] (accessed [[5 February|February 5]], [[2011]])</ref>}}
{{blockquote|Developed in association with Middle-earth Enterprises, The Lord of the Rings: War in the North explores both original and familiar narrative elements as Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment holds the rights to develop video games based on both the literary and motion picture content from The Lord of the Rings. Breaking new ground as a mature RPG video game set in Middle-earth, The Lord of the Rings: War in the North advances the RPG paradigm through innovative online, interdependent co-op play for up to three players who form their own Fellowship to fight Sauron’s forces in the North.<br/><br/>In The Lord of the Rings: War in the North, players can become the heroes in the great battle of the North as part of the epic War of the Ring. Exploring unseen lands, story elements and characters from Middle-earth as well as elements familiar from past feature films, gamers will experience extensive character customization and development, expansive co-op gameplay options and upgradeable weapons, skills and special abilities.|[[Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment]], product announcement<ref name="Product Announcement">[http://www.warinthenorth.com War in the North], "[http://www.warinthenorth.com/forums/showthread.php?7-Product-Announcement Product Announcement]", dated [[17 March|March 17]], [[2010]] (accessed [[5 February|February 5]], [[2011]])</ref>}}


Commentators have noted that this is the first iteration of ''The Lord of the Rings''-based games which is aimed at an older audience - predicted to be the first game in the series to be given and M-rating - with the inclusion of graphic violence and gory bloody detail<ref name="Kotaku Throats">[http://kotaku.com Kotaku], "[http://kotaku.com/5563563/lord-of-the-rings-war-in-the-norths-e3-trailer Lord Of The Rings: War In The North Is Cutting Throats, Taking Names], dated [[14 June|June 14]], [[2010]] (accessed [[6 February|February 6]], [[2011]])</ref> with players being able decapitate orcs and slash limbs off enemies.<ref name="Kotaku Blood">[http://kotaku.com Kotaku], "[http://kotaku.com/5622861/there-will-be-orc-blood-in-lord-of-the-rings-war-in-the-north There Will Be Orc Blood In Lord of the Rings: War in the North]", dated [[27 August|August 27]], [[2010]] (accessed [[6 February|February 6]], [[2011]])</ref> The gameplay - in both single and multiplayer modes - revolves around strategically combining the different abilities of the threesome to good effect, for instance the dwarf can find treasure and spot weaknesses in structures whereas the man can find herbs to heal other party members. When in single-player, the other two characters will be controlled by computer AI.<ref name="Kotaku Party"/>  
[[File:WITN-Fellowship in the Prancing Ponny.png|thumb|200px|[[Aragorn]], [[Eradan (video game character)|Eradan]], [[Andriel]] and [[Farin (video game character)|Farin]] at [[the Prancing Pony]].]] Commentators have noted that this is the first iteration of ''The Lord of the Rings''-based games which is aimed at an older audience - predicted to be the first game in the series to be given and M-rating - with the inclusion of graphic violence and gory bloody detail<ref name="Kotaku Throats">[http://kotaku.com Kotaku], "[http://kotaku.com/5563563/lord-of-the-rings-war-in-the-norths-e3-trailer Lord Of The Rings: War In The North Is Cutting Throats, Taking Names], dated [[14 June|June 14]], [[2010]] (accessed [[6 February|February 6]], [[2011]])</ref> with players being able decapitate orcs and slash limbs off enemies.<ref name="Kotaku Blood">[http://kotaku.com Kotaku], "[http://kotaku.com/5622861/there-will-be-orc-blood-in-lord-of-the-rings-war-in-the-north There Will Be Orc Blood In Lord of the Rings: War in the North]", dated [[27 August|August 27]], [[2010]] (accessed [[6 February|February 6]], [[2011]])</ref> When defeating enemies you can gain experience and loot. With experience you can gain new skills, there are twenty skills for each race.<ref name="sourceE"/> Every skill has five different ranks. Loot can also be found in chests. Some items can only be used by a certain race, therefore it is possible to trade with the other characters of your fellowship.<ref name="sourceH"/> The gameplay - in both single and multiplayer modes - revolves around strategically combining the different abilities of the threesome to good effect, for instance the dwarf can find treasure and spot weaknesses in structures, which lead to alternate roads,<ref name="sourceJ"/> whereas the man can find herbs to heal other party members. When in single-player, the other two characters will be controlled by computer AI.<ref name="Kotaku Party"/> Working together with the other characters of your fellowship is very important to defeat stronger enemies.
 
It is possible to co-up (cooperatieve mode) both local and online,<ref name="sourceE"/> players can join the game on every moment.<ref name="sourceH">[http://www.youtube.com/user/The1neRing The One Ring], [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tk1OIy6Z8Ak&feature=related Lord of the Rings: War in the North Dev Interview at PAX], dated [[1 December]], [[2010]] (accessed at [[7 July]], [[2011]])</ref> While the Xbox 360 and the PlayStation 3 support split-screen, online split-screen and online multiplayer, the PC only includes online multiplayer.<ref name="sourceK">[http://asia.gamespot.com/?tag=header%3Blogo Gamespot Asia], [http://asia.gamespot.com/pc/rpg/the-lord-of-the-rings-war-in-the-north/news.html?sid=6296919&mode=previews The Lord of the Rings: War in the North Q&A], dated [[31 January]], [[2011]] (accessed at [[6 July]], [[2011]])</ref>
 
The game will not be open world, nevertheless some areas will be more open then others.<ref name="sourceB">[http://www.youtube.com/user/gamereactorTV Game Reactor TV], [ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TfDfuN-8Bjo&feature=related Interview with Ian Scott], dated [[16 October]], [[2010]] (accessed at [[7 July]], [[2011]])</ref> It is still unknown if it is possible to return to earlier locations. There will be severel NPC's (Non-playable characters) in the game, some of them will have a more passive role while others fight beside you.<ref name="sourceG"/> Like many RPG's the dialogue system is very important, and effects the game's storyline.<ref name="sourceE"/>
 
If you are in need of help you can call the eagle Belarum, who can help you to defeat bigger or stronger enemies. Calling him is limited in the begin, but while leveling you can find items which make it possible to call him. It is impossible to call Belarum underground or in building and there is a cool down for using him.<ref name="sourceD">[http://www.gamespot.com/?tag=header%3Blogo Gamespot], [http://www.gamespot.com/ps3/rpg/the-lord-of-the-rings-war-in-the-north/video/6315977/the-lord-of-the-rings-war-in-the-north--ruth-tomandl-interview The Lord of the Rings: War in the North - Ruth Tomandl Interview (PlayStation 3)], dated [[1 June]], [[2011]] (accessed at [[7 July]], [[2011]])</ref>


==Featured Characters==
==Featured Characters==
===Playable Characters===
* '''[[Eradan (video game character)|Eradan]]:''' Eradan is Dúnedain and one of the Rangers that acompenied Aragorn as the [[Grey Company]]. He is very good in tracking enemies and fights with a sword and a bow. He can move undetected behind enemies with his skill ''envission''.<ref name="sourceK"/>
* '''[[Andruil]]:''' Andriel is an Elf of Rivendell and was sended by [[Elrond]] to investigate [[Sauron]]'s armies that were gathering in Eriador and Rhovanion. One of her abilities can create a shield that protects her and the other characters of the fellowship against ranged attacks. She can use her staff as both a melee and a ranged weapon.<ref name="sourceK"/>
* '''[[Farin (video game character)|Farin]]:''' Farin is a dwarf of Erebor that has travelled to Eriador to repay his debt to [[Bilbo Baggins]]. He can be used as a tank and his strenght is in battle enemies in close quarters.<ref name="sourceK"/> His main weapon is an axe, but he uses a cross-bow as his ranged weapon.<ref name="sourceJ"/>
===Non-Playable Characters===
[[File:Gandalf in LOTR- War in the North-1.png|thumb|200px|[[Gandalf]] in [[Rivendell]].]]
*[[Aragorn]]<ref name="Dev Interview">[http://www.atomicmpc.com.au Atomic MPC], "[http://www.atomicmpc.com.au/Feature/242441,lord-of-the-rings-war-in-the-north-dev-interview.aspx/2 Lord of the Rings: War in the North dev interview, page 2]", dated [[22 December|December 22]] [[2010]] (accessed [[5 February|February 5]], [[2011]])</ref>
*[[Aragorn]]<ref name="Dev Interview">[http://www.atomicmpc.com.au Atomic MPC], "[http://www.atomicmpc.com.au/Feature/242441,lord-of-the-rings-war-in-the-north-dev-interview.aspx/2 Lord of the Rings: War in the North dev interview, page 2]", dated [[22 December|December 22]] [[2010]] (accessed [[5 February|February 5]], [[2011]])</ref>
*[[Elrond]]<ref name="Dev Interview"/>
*[[Elrond]]<ref name="Dev Interview"/>
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*[[Halbarad]]<ref name="Dev Interview"/>
*[[Halbarad]]<ref name="Dev Interview"/>
*[[Radagast]]<ref name="Dev Interview"/>
*[[Radagast]]<ref name="Dev Interview"/>
*[[Gandalf]]<ref name="sourceC"/>


==Featured Locations==
==Featured Locations==
[[File:WITN-Rivendell.png|thumb|200px|Concept art of [[Rivendell]].]]
*[[Ettenmoors]]<ref name="Kotaku Blood"/>
*[[Ettenmoors]]<ref name="Kotaku Blood"/>
*[[Mirkwood]]<ref>[http://www.warinthenorth.com/index.php/the-game/locations The Lord of the Rings: War of the North's Official Site], Locations (accesed at [[6 February]], [[2011]])</ref>
*[[Mirkwood]]<ref>[http://www.warinthenorth.com/index.php/the-game/locations The Lord of the Rings: War of the North's Official Site], Locations (accesed at [[6 February]], [[2011]])</ref>
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*[[Carn Dûm]]<ref>[http://www.warinthenorth.com/index.php/media/videos The Lord of the Rings: War of the North's Offical Site], Media, Videos, Behind the Scenes: The Untold Story, dated [[17 February]], [[2011]] (accessed at [[20 June]], [[2011]]</ref>
*[[Carn Dûm]]<ref>[http://www.warinthenorth.com/index.php/media/videos The Lord of the Rings: War of the North's Offical Site], Media, Videos, Behind the Scenes: The Untold Story, dated [[17 February]], [[2011]] (accessed at [[20 June]], [[2011]]</ref>
*[[Sarn Ford]]<ref>[http://www.gamefront.com/ Gamefront], [http://www.gamefront.com/gdc-11-war-in-the-north-hands-on/ GDC 11 – War in the North Hands-on], dated [[10 March]], [[2011]] (accessed at [[23 June]], [[2011]])</ref>
*[[Sarn Ford]]<ref>[http://www.gamefront.com/ Gamefront], [http://www.gamefront.com/gdc-11-war-in-the-north-hands-on/ GDC 11 – War in the North Hands-on], dated [[10 March]], [[2011]] (accessed at [[23 June]], [[2011]])</ref>
*[[Gundabad]]<ref>[http://www.warinthenorth.com/index.php/media/videos The Lord of the Rings: War of the North's Official Site], Media, Videos, Gameplay Video: Mount Gundabad, dated [[5 May]], [[2011]] (acessed at [[20 June]], [[2011]])</ref>
*[[Gundabad]]<ref name="Gundabadtrailer"/>
*[[Barrow Downs]]<ref>[http://www.warinthenorth.com/index.php/media/videos The Lord of the Rings: War in the North's Official Site], Media, Videos, Dev Video: Art Direction Process, dated [[11 May]], [[2011]] (accessed at [[20 June]], [[2011]])</ref>
*[[Barrow Downs]]<ref>[http://www.warinthenorth.com/index.php/media/videos The Lord of the Rings: War in the North's Official Site], Media, Videos, Dev Video: Art Direction Process, dated [[11 May]], [[2011]] (accessed at [[20 June]], [[2011]])</ref>
*[[Bree]]<ref name="Heroes Will Rise Trailer">[http://www.warinthenorth.com/index.php/media/videos The Lord of the Rings: War in the North's Official Site], Media, Videos, Heroes Will Rise, dated [[1 June]], [[2011]] (accessed at [[20 June]], [[2011]])</ref>
*[[Bree]]<ref name="Heroes Will Rise Trailer">[http://www.warinthenorth.com/index.php/media/videos The Lord of the Rings: War in the North's Official Site], Media, Videos, Heroes Will Rise, dated [[1 June]], [[2011]] (accessed at [[20 June]], [[2011]])</ref>
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<tr><td>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6k1WUJj5IgU Snowblind Tolkien Toast 2011]</td><td>1:22</td><td>3 January 2011</td><td>No gameplay; Snowblind's [[Birthday Toast#Tolkien Society tradition|birthday toast]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6k1WUJj5IgU Snowblind Tolkien Toast 2011]</td><td>1:22</td><td>3 January 2011</td><td>No gameplay; Snowblind's [[Birthday Toast#Tolkien Society tradition|birthday toast]]</td></tr>


<tr><td>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q8E9I_9YY4s The Black Númenórean]</td><td>1:59</td><td>1 February 2011</td><td>Exploration of [[Agandaûr]], the game's protagonist</td></tr>
<tr><td>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q8E9I_9YY4s The Black Númenórean]</td><td>1:59</td><td>1 February 2011</td><td>Exploration of [[Agandaûr]], the game's antagonist</td></tr>


<tr><td>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vmuewonJQ04 Behind the Scenes: The Untold Story]</td><td>2:38</td><td>17 February 2011</td><td>Outline of the several locations of the game</td></tr>
<tr><td>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vmuewonJQ04 Behind the Scenes: The Untold Story]</td><td>2:38</td><td>17 February 2011</td><td>Outline of the several locations of the game</td></tr>
Line 83: Line 107:


<tr><td>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d117As-YYU8 Belarum Gameplay Trailer]</td><td>0:48</td><td>22 June 2011</td><td>Exploration of [[Belarum]], one of the games’ main characters</td></tr>
<tr><td>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d117As-YYU8 Belarum Gameplay Trailer]</td><td>0:48</td><td>22 June 2011</td><td>Exploration of [[Belarum]], one of the games’ main characters</td></tr>
<tr><td>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ksRj9JUoEmc&feature=player_embedded Lord of the Rings: War in the North - Behind the Scenes with new heroes]</td><td>2:14</td><td>24 June 2011</td><td>Coverage of some of the several characters that appear in War in the North</td></tr>
<tr><td>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3QKeawNFowM&feature=player_embedded#at=16 The Lord of the Rings: War in the North - E3 Walkthrough]</td><td>2:34</td><td>1 July 2011</td><td>Walkthrough of the game at [[wikipedia:Electronic Entertainment Expo|Electronic Entertainment Expo]] (E3)</td></tr>


</table>
</table>
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Commentators immediately picked up on Snowblind Studios' experience with role-playing games (such as ''[[wikipedia:Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance|Baldur's Gate]]'' and ''[[wikipedia:Champions of Norrath: Realms of EverQuest|Champions of Norrath: Realms of EverQuest]]'') along with frequent mentions of the more "mature" and "brutal"<ref name="CVG E3">[http://www.computerandvideogames.com ComputerAndVideoGames.com], "[http://www.computerandvideogames.com/251028/news/lotr-war-in-the-north-screens/ E3 2010: LOTR: War in the North screens], dated [[14 June|June 14]] [[2010]] (accessed [[6 February|February 6]], [[2011]])</ref> design of the game, and the desire for an action RPG in the manner of previous Snowblind games.<ref name="Kotaku Untold">[http://kotaku.com Kotaku], "[http://kotaku.com/5693451/the-untold-story-of-the-lord-of-the-rings-war-in-the-north The Untold Story Of The Lord Of The Rings: War In The North]", [[18 November|November 18]], [[2010]] (accessed [[6 February|February 6]], [[2011]])</ref>
Commentators immediately picked up on Snowblind Studios' experience with role-playing games (such as ''[[wikipedia:Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance|Baldur's Gate]]'' and ''[[wikipedia:Champions of Norrath: Realms of EverQuest|Champions of Norrath: Realms of EverQuest]]'') along with frequent mentions of the more "mature" and "brutal"<ref name="CVG E3">[http://www.computerandvideogames.com ComputerAndVideoGames.com], "[http://www.computerandvideogames.com/251028/news/lotr-war-in-the-north-screens/ E3 2010: LOTR: War in the North screens], dated [[14 June|June 14]] [[2010]] (accessed [[6 February|February 6]], [[2011]])</ref> design of the game, and the desire for an action RPG in the manner of previous Snowblind games.<ref name="Kotaku Untold">[http://kotaku.com Kotaku], "[http://kotaku.com/5693451/the-untold-story-of-the-lord-of-the-rings-war-in-the-north The Untold Story Of The Lord Of The Rings: War In The North]", [[18 November|November 18]], [[2010]] (accessed [[6 February|February 6]], [[2011]])</ref>
[[File:WITN-Osgiliath.png|thumb|150px|Concept art of [[Osgiliath]].]]
==Development==
Development on War in the North started at early [[2010]] or late [[2009]], [[Middle-earth Enterprises|Saul Zaentz Company]] claimed the name ''The Lord of the Rings: War in the North'' in [[June]] 2009.<ref>[http://www.cinemablend.com/games/ Cinema Blend], [http://www.cinemablend.com/games/Lord-Of-The-Rings-War-In-The-North-Revealed-18358.html Lord Of The Rings: War In The North Revealed], dated [[28 June]], [[2009]] (accessed at [[7 July]], [[2011]])</ref> Tough, the game wasn't officially announced untill [[18 March]] 2011.<ref>[http://www.cinemablend.com/games/ Cinema Blend], [http://www.cinemablend.com/games/Lord-of-the-Rings-War-in-the-North-Announced-For-PS3-Xbox-360-PC-23485.html Lord of the Rings: War in the North Announced For PS3, Xbox 360 and PC], dated [[18 March]], [[2010]] (accessed at [[7 July]], [[2011]])</ref> Since its announcement several [[:Category:Images from The Lord of the Rings: War in the North|images]], [[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North#Traillers|traillers]] and concept art of several locations and characters has been released.
==Colector's Edition==
[[File:LOTR-WITN-Collector's Edition.png|thumb|150px|The collector's edition of '''The Lord of the Rings: War in the North'''.]] Except the normal version of the game, a collector's edition will be released aswell. This collector's edition will include an artbook, a behind-the-scenes music dvd, a quiver case aswell as access to digital gubbins: icons, avatars and themes. Some retaillers give extra add-ons. Both the collector's Edition and the special add-ons will be avaible in North-America and Europe, it is still unknown if it will be avaible in other parts of the world.<ref>[http://www.thesixthaxis.com/ The Six Thaxis], [http://www.thesixthaxis.com/2011/07/05/war-in-the-north-collectors-edition-revealed/ War In The North Collector's Edition Revealed], dated [[5 July]], [[2011]] (accessed [[7 July]], [[2011]])</ref>


==See Also==
==See Also==

Revision as of 13:54, 7 July 2011

WITN-boxart.png
The Lord of the Rings: War in the North
Video game
DeveloperSnowblind Studios
PublisherWarner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
PlatformPlayStation 3, Microsoft Windows and Xbox 360[1]
Release date2011[1]
GenreAction, Role-playing game
ModesSingle player, two/three-player co-operative, online[2]
RatingESRB: M[3]

The Lord of the Rings: War in the North is an upcoming role-playing video-game developed by Snowblind Studios and published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and Windows. The game takes place during the War of the Ring but adapts the seldom-mentioned battles that took place across Eriador and Rhovanion. The game will be released in 2011. The game will be based on both the books and the films.[4]

Plot

Although the game includes familiar locations from Middle-earth it doesn't deal with the core story of The Lord of the Rings, instead choosing to create a tale which didn't happen but could have done.[5] The player controls his own fellowship, a trio of fighters - Eradan, a Dúnadan "Ranger of the North," Andriel, an elven "Loremaster of Rivendell"[”note” 1] and Farin, a dwarvern "Champion of Eriador" - to get behind enemy lines and have to stop Agandaûr, the game's antagonist, before his plan succeeds.

The main characters Eradan, Andriel and Farin start at a Dúnedain camp at the Sarn Ford, which has recently been attacked by the Nazgûl. The leader of the camp, Halbarad, sends you to Bree, where you’ve to speak with Aragorn.[6] The fellowship travels through the Barrow Downs after which they meet with Aragorn in The Prancing Pony,[6] who sends them to Fornost. In Fornost they rescue a giant eagle, Belarum, from the Goblins.[7]

Agandaûr, the game's main antagonist.

In Rivendell the fellowship meets several members of the Council of Elrond,[6] scout the land around Rivendell[8] and fight Orcs with Elladan and Elrohir.[7]

Whilst the Fellowship of the Ring travels towards Mordor to destroy the One Ring, Sauron has sent one of his most cruel servants, the Black Númenórean Agandaûr, to the North to destroy Rivendell and defeat the Free peoples of Eriador and Rhovanion. Eradan, Andriel and Farin travel to Gundabad to discover the strength of Agandaûr's army.[9]

Eradan, Andriel and Farin travel with Belarum to Mirkwood in search of Radagast. In the air they’re attacked by Wolfram, a sorcerer and a Fell Beast rider, after which they fall from the Eagle’s back. They defeat Wolfram, after his death Wolfram’s Fell Beast tries to escape but is killed by Belarum. Andriel leads the others deeper into Mirkwood. They are ambushed by a group of Orcs and an Orc shaman. Eventually the fellowship enter a cave where they defeat a Cave-troll.[10]

Gameplay

Developed in association with Middle-earth Enterprises, The Lord of the Rings: War in the North explores both original and familiar narrative elements as Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment holds the rights to develop video games based on both the literary and motion picture content from The Lord of the Rings. Breaking new ground as a mature RPG video game set in Middle-earth, The Lord of the Rings: War in the North advances the RPG paradigm through innovative online, interdependent co-op play for up to three players who form their own Fellowship to fight Sauron’s forces in the North.

In The Lord of the Rings: War in the North, players can become the heroes in the great battle of the North as part of the epic War of the Ring. Exploring unseen lands, story elements and characters from Middle-earth as well as elements familiar from past feature films, gamers will experience extensive character customization and development, expansive co-op gameplay options and upgradeable weapons, skills and special abilities.
Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, product announcement[2]

Commentators have noted that this is the first iteration of The Lord of the Rings-based games which is aimed at an older audience - predicted to be the first game in the series to be given and M-rating - with the inclusion of graphic violence and gory bloody detail[11] with players being able decapitate orcs and slash limbs off enemies.[12] When defeating enemies you can gain experience and loot. With experience you can gain new skills, there are twenty skills for each race.[4] Every skill has five different ranks. Loot can also be found in chests. Some items can only be used by a certain race, therefore it is possible to trade with the other characters of your fellowship.[13] The gameplay - in both single and multiplayer modes - revolves around strategically combining the different abilities of the threesome to good effect, for instance the dwarf can find treasure and spot weaknesses in structures, which lead to alternate roads,[10] whereas the man can find herbs to heal other party members. When in single-player, the other two characters will be controlled by computer AI.[3] Working together with the other characters of your fellowship is very important to defeat stronger enemies.

It is possible to co-up (cooperatieve mode) both local and online,[4] players can join the game on every moment.[13] While the Xbox 360 and the PlayStation 3 support split-screen, online split-screen and online multiplayer, the PC only includes online multiplayer.[14]

The game will not be open world, nevertheless some areas will be more open then others.[15] It is still unknown if it is possible to return to earlier locations. There will be severel NPC's (Non-playable characters) in the game, some of them will have a more passive role while others fight beside you.[8] Like many RPG's the dialogue system is very important, and effects the game's storyline.[4]

If you are in need of help you can call the eagle Belarum, who can help you to defeat bigger or stronger enemies. Calling him is limited in the begin, but while leveling you can find items which make it possible to call him. It is impossible to call Belarum underground or in building and there is a cool down for using him.[16]

Featured Characters

Playable Characters

  • Eradan: Eradan is Dúnedain and one of the Rangers that acompenied Aragorn as the Grey Company. He is very good in tracking enemies and fights with a sword and a bow. He can move undetected behind enemies with his skill envission.[14]
  • Andruil: Andriel is an Elf of Rivendell and was sended by Elrond to investigate Sauron's armies that were gathering in Eriador and Rhovanion. One of her abilities can create a shield that protects her and the other characters of the fellowship against ranged attacks. She can use her staff as both a melee and a ranged weapon.[14]
  • Farin: Farin is a dwarf of Erebor that has travelled to Eriador to repay his debt to Bilbo Baggins. He can be used as a tank and his strenght is in battle enemies in close quarters.[14] His main weapon is an axe, but he uses a cross-bow as his ranged weapon.[10]

Non-Playable Characters

Featured Locations

Trailers

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Since the first announcement in March 2010, Warner Bros. have periodically released trailers demonstrating various aspects of the gameplay and revealing the characters and locations. All video links are to YouTube, and times are in minutes:

VideoLengthRelease DateDescription
Unite Your Fellowship1:0317 March 2010Teaser trailer; short clips of action and trolls
E3 2010 Trailer1:0310 June 2010
Extended Fellowship Trailer1:3412 August 2010Expanded version of teaser trailer
War in the North @ PAX 20101:22c. September 2010Coverage of Penny Arcade Expo 2010 exhibit
Untold Story1:2217 November 2010Outline of plot with various shots of locations
Snowblind Tolkien Toast 20111:223 January 2011No gameplay; Snowblind's birthday toast
The Black Númenórean1:591 February 2011Exploration of Agandaûr, the game's antagonist
Behind the Scenes: The Untold Story2:3817 February 2011Outline of the several locations of the game
Brutal Combat Trailer1:359 March 2011Coverage of The War in the North's combat gameplay
Pax East Hands-On0:5216 March 2011Coverage of Penny Arcade Expo 2011 exhibit
Blood and Steel: The Combat of War in the North2:3331 March 2011Exploration of game's combat and Middle-earth's darker side
Combat Vignette0:4413 April 2011Gameplay vignette covering the different combat styles
Gameplay Video: Mount Gundabad2:285 May 2011Exploration of the gameplay in Gundabad
Snowblind Studio Tour2:4211 May 2011No gameplay; A guide through Snowblind's studio
Dev Video: Art Direction Process2:0911 May 2011Coverage of The War in the North's Art, including concept art of several locations
Prepare for War: Weapon Development2:0112 May 2011Coverage of weapons
Heroes will Rise1:361 June 2011Teaser trailer
Belarum Gameplay Trailer0:4822 June 2011Exploration of Belarum, one of the games’ main characters
Lord of the Rings: War in the North - Behind the Scenes with new heroes2:1424 June 2011Coverage of some of the several characters that appear in War in the North
The Lord of the Rings: War in the North - E3 Walkthrough2:341 July 2011Walkthrough of the game at Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3)

Reception

It's a very handsome game with well voiced cutscenes, and places the compelling Lord of the Rings realm in the hands of a developer with solid RPG credentials. Fans of both have good reason to look forward to a unique entry in the series.
Kotaku[3]

Commentators immediately picked up on Snowblind Studios' experience with role-playing games (such as Baldur's Gate and Champions of Norrath: Realms of EverQuest) along with frequent mentions of the more "mature" and "brutal"[24] design of the game, and the desire for an action RPG in the manner of previous Snowblind games.[25]

Development

Development on War in the North started at early 2010 or late 2009, Saul Zaentz Company claimed the name The Lord of the Rings: War in the North in June 2009.[26] Tough, the game wasn't officially announced untill 18 March 2011.[27] Since its announcement several images, traillers and concept art of several locations and characters has been released.

Colector's Edition

The collector's edition of The Lord of the Rings: War in the North.

Except the normal version of the game, a collector's edition will be released aswell. This collector's edition will include an artbook, a behind-the-scenes music dvd, a quiver case aswell as access to digital gubbins: icons, avatars and themes. Some retaillers give extra add-ons. Both the collector's Edition and the special add-ons will be avaible in North-America and Europe, it is still unknown if it will be avaible in other parts of the world.[28]

See Also

External links

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 Gamespot, Interview with Ryan Geithman, dated 10 June, 2010 (accessed 5 July, 2011)
  2. 2.0 2.1 War in the North, "Product Announcement", dated March 17, 2010 (accessed February 5, 2011)
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 Kotaku, "Lord of the Rings: War in the North Eyes-On Impressions: A Party of Three, dated June 17, 2010 (accessed February 5, 2011)
  4. 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 Gamefront, GDC 11 – War in the North Hands-on, dated 10 March, 2011 (accessed at 6 July, 2011)
  5. Atomic MPC, "Lord of the Rings: War in the North dev interview, page 1", dated December 22 2010 (accessed February 5, 2011)
  6. 6.0 6.1 6.2 Offical Xbox Magazine Online, The Lord of the Rings: War in the North, dated 28 April, 2011 (accessed at 7 July, 2011)
  7. 7.0 7.1 7.2 Gamespot, Game Videos, The Lord of the Rings: War in the North New Heroes Movie (accessed 7 July, 2011)
  8. 8.0 8.1 Atomic Maximum Power Computing, Lord of the Rings: War in the North dev interview, dated 22 December, 2011 (accessed at 7 July, 2011)
  9. 9.0 9.1 The Lord of the Rings: War of the North's Official Site, Media, Videos, Gameplay Video: Mount Gundabad, dated 5 May, 2011 (acessed at 20 June, 2011)
  10. 10.0 10.1 10.2 Middle-earth Center, War in the North Gameplay Trailer at PAX, dated 6 September, 2010 (accessed at 7 July, 2011)
  11. Kotaku, "Lord Of The Rings: War In The North Is Cutting Throats, Taking Names, dated June 14, 2010 (accessed February 6, 2011)
  12. 12.0 12.1 Kotaku, "There Will Be Orc Blood In Lord of the Rings: War in the North", dated August 27, 2010 (accessed February 6, 2011)
  13. 13.0 13.1 The One Ring, Lord of the Rings: War in the North Dev Interview at PAX, dated 1 December, 2010 (accessed at 7 July, 2011)
  14. 14.0 14.1 14.2 14.3 Gamespot Asia, The Lord of the Rings: War in the North Q&A, dated 31 January, 2011 (accessed at 6 July, 2011)
  15. Game Reactor TV, [ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TfDfuN-8Bjo&feature=related Interview with Ian Scott], dated 16 October, 2010 (accessed at 7 July, 2011)
  16. Gamespot, The Lord of the Rings: War in the North - Ruth Tomandl Interview (PlayStation 3), dated 1 June, 2011 (accessed at 7 July, 2011)
  17. 17.0 17.1 17.2 17.3 17.4 Atomic MPC, "Lord of the Rings: War in the North dev interview, page 2", dated December 22 2010 (accessed February 5, 2011)
  18. The Lord of the Rings: War of the North's Official Site, Locations (accesed at 6 February, 2011)
  19. The Lord of the Rings: War of the North's Official Site, Media, Videos, The Black Númenórean, dated 1 February, 2011 (accesed at February 6, 2011)
  20. The Lord of the Rings: War of the North's Offical Site, Media, Videos, Behind the Scenes: The Untold Story, dated 17 February, 2011 (accessed at 20 June, 2011
  21. Gamefront, GDC 11 – War in the North Hands-on, dated 10 March, 2011 (accessed at 23 June, 2011)
  22. The Lord of the Rings: War in the North's Official Site, Media, Videos, Dev Video: Art Direction Process, dated 11 May, 2011 (accessed at 20 June, 2011)
  23. 23.0 23.1 The Lord of the Rings: War in the North's Official Site, Media, Videos, Heroes Will Rise, dated 1 June, 2011 (accessed at 20 June, 2011)
  24. ComputerAndVideoGames.com, "E3 2010: LOTR: War in the North screens, dated June 14 2010 (accessed February 6, 2011)
  25. Kotaku, "The Untold Story Of The Lord Of The Rings: War In The North", November 18, 2010 (accessed February 6, 2011)
  26. Cinema Blend, Lord Of The Rings: War In The North Revealed, dated 28 June, 2009 (accessed at 7 July, 2011)
  27. Cinema Blend, Lord of the Rings: War in the North Announced For PS3, Xbox 360 and PC, dated 18 March, 2010 (accessed at 7 July, 2011)
  28. The Six Thaxis, War In The North Collector's Edition Revealed, dated 5 July, 2011 (accessed 7 July, 2011)


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