Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

LOTR - The Third Age Takes Tolkien Toward RPG?

Posted by simoniker on from the silly-marillion dept.

Thanks to 1UP for its article discussing the announcement of Electronic Arts' Lord Of The Rings: The Third Age, "a new console RPG based on Peter Jackson's movie trilogy [and J.R.R. Tolkien's books]", and due out later in 2004. A GameSpot interview with producer Steve Gray has more information, as he notes that "the combat is turn-based... if you have played Final Fantasy it will feel familiar to you", and says of the game structure: "You travel on a sort of 'S' curve that weaves in and out of the path of the Fellowship through the story of the trilogy. At times you'll be behind or 'next to' them; at other times you'll be in the same time and place as members of the Fellowship." He also teases the game's bad side: "The main focus of the game is the quest on the side of good, but you can also unlock evil encounters, and we think players will really enjoy playing on the side of Sauron in addition to playing as good guys."

3 of 40 comments (clear)

  1. Re:Players on the side of Sauron? by wynterx · · Score: 1, Offtopic

    WARNING: Spelling Nazi attack follows

    I agree, playing the baddies can be fun, but am I missing something? Where was the Golem in LOTR?

  2. Comment by the Legion of Trolls by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Offtopic
    The Legion of Trolls is concerned thaat this RPG might continue the loathsome tradition of racist characterizations of trolls. While in Norse mythology and other forms, the troll was a magical and important creature with special skills, and are so accepted to this day in Norway, in LotR they are portrayed as simple crude thugs with cannibalistic habits. An aspect of troll mythology that seemingly arises from LotR is the idea that trolls are bred from ents, living trees, somehow "in mockery" of them. Trolls in fact love trees and are not portrayed as ever even so much as cutting them down even in LotR - that job is left to orcs.

    The idea of trolls "turning to stone" at first light seems to be a reference to the legendary sexual prowess of trolls. Very likely, jealousy of this prowess led to the racist portrayal of trolls in LotR and other overly-English works. The Legion of Trolls is one response to this ongoing racism.

  3. Comment by the Legion of Trolls by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Offtopic
    The Legion of Trolls is concerned that this RPG might continue the loathsome tradition of racist characterizations of trolls. While in Norse mythology and other forms, the troll was a magical and important creature with special skills, and are so accepted to this day in Norway, in LotR they are portrayed as simple crude thugs with cannibalistic habits. An aspect of troll mythology that seemingly arises from LotR is the idea that trolls are bred from ents, living trees, somehow "in mockery" of them. Trolls in fact love trees and are not portrayed as ever even so much as cutting them down even in LotR - that job is left to orcs.

    The idea of trolls "turning to stone" at first light seems to be a reference to the legendary sexual prowess of trolls, which is widely reported by insatiable elf-maidens. Very likely, jealousy of this prowess led to the racist portrayal of trolls in LotR and other overly-English works. The Legion of Trolls seeks to undo this racist characterization and the demonization of all trolls.