The Hobbit Impressions

The Hobbit is the upcoming multiplatform game from Vivendi Universal based on the novel of the same name by J.R.R. Tolkien. The game is slated to be released for the Game Boy Advance, GameCube, PlayStation 2, Xbox, and PC. Saffire is developing the GBA version, Inevitable Entertainment is handling the console versions, and Fizz Factor is working on the PC version. We had the chance to check out the GameCube version today and have a look around the game's virtual Middle-earth.

Our tour started with the game's opening level, which offers a brief taste of the combat in the game via a dream sequence that takes place during Bilbo's fainting spell when he's asked by Gandalf to take part in an adventure. You're thrown into a brief sequence based on the battle of the five armies that takes place at the end of the novel. After you've had a brief sample of what's to come, you're kicked back to reality and into the game's first level set in Hobbiton. The level serves as an in-game tutorial and introduces you to the basic gameplay mechanics you'll need to start out. You'll be able to explore Hobbiton and discover some of the collectible items you'll come across in the game, such as courage points (which look like red gems), silver and gold, and blue gems. The courage points will reward you with an extra slot in your health meter when you've collected enough. Silver and gold will serve as currency, which you can use to buy items on the vendor screen that you'll see at the end of each level. The blue gems serve as the breadcrumb trail you'll use to follow the critical path through the game. However, if you follow the gems, you'll miss out on side quests and other discoveries you'll find by being nosy. In addition to gathering collectibles, you'll learn how to throw stones and use your walking stick as a pole vault to reach new areas.

The next level we checked out was a series of spider-filled caves you'll be exploring as you search for your kidnapped friends. We were able to get a feel for some of the other game mechanics here, namely combat with Bilbo's sword, climbing on ropes, interacting with nonplayer characters, and some puzzle mechanics. Combat was fairly straightforward and reminiscent of a Zelda game. Rope climbing was equally accessible and very reminiscent of Link 's abilities as well, which is hardly a bad thing. Interacting with nonplayer characters worked well--Bilbo encountered an imprisoned dwarf who offered some useful information in the hopes that Bilbo would return to free him. Finally we got a feel for some puzzle solving--it involved pinging an enemy with a rock, which triggered an event to let Bilbo gain access to a new area. The "troll hole" level found Bilbo exploring a cave in the wake of his theft of a pocketbook. The segment was a good demonstration of some of the traps and side quests you'll encounter. The booby traps posed some serious hazards, with an assortment of spikes that shot out of the floor and walls. During the exploration of the cave Bilbo encountered an elf who asked him for help, setting up a subquest. Once you've helped her she thanks you and heads out. However, your kindness is repaid later in the game when she lends a hand to return the favor. Exploring the cave offered plenty of opportunities for more combat, which worked out well since Bilbo was able to perform a few more moves with Sting, his sword.