The Hobbit Preview

As one of the most recognizable fantasy-based literary works ever created, the J.R.R. Tolkien books have never really needed a boost in popularity. But the property received a stiff shot in the arm last year when the first feature-length motion picture based upon the books was released to glowing reviews and packed theaters. Electronic Arts quickly scooped up the rights to games based upon the movies, while Universal scored the ability to produce games based upon the books. While Universal produces the PlayStation 2 and Xbox versions of The Fellowship of the Ring, the publisher has enlisted Sierra to take care of the GameCube interpretation of The Hobbit.

Bilbo's search for Smaug will be a dangerous journey.

Anytime you're dealing with a property that is as old as The Hobbit, you can bet there will be stringent guidelines that must be followed. Such is the case with Sierra's The Hobbit. The game will follow the story arc of the book with laserlike precision, and you will play as the portly Bilbo Baggins as he adventures through Middle-earth in search of the menacing dragon named Smaug. But video games are generally lengthy affairs, and Sierra isn't convinced that the book by itself is enough to support an entire video game. Therefore, some liberties will be taken with the game's story so that the game remains entertaining throughout. However, any move Sierra makes has to pass through Tolkien scholars who have complete veto power over any ideas, so Tolkien enthusiasts can rest easy. Any additions to the story come in the form of side quests that do not detract from the game's main storyline. But the real test for Sierra is creating a game that stays true to the book while remaining fun to play. The company has taken a step in the right direction by taking inspiration from one of the industry's most eternal properties.

When talking with Ken Embery, a senior producer at Sierra, it becomes obvious that the development team has taken many cues from Nintendo's Zelda series when developing The Hobbit. He admits that the team believes that the GameCube's audience skews a bit younger, and he is making sure that the game will appeal to that age bracket. Much like Zelda, the game will feature third-person platforming action with a slight twist of RPG elements. The game will also include much more combat than the book to keep the action levels at a premium.

When in combat, Bilbo will have a variety of items and weapons to use. The game will employ a lock-on system similar to that of the Zelda franchise that will make selecting particular enemies a breeze. He can use a walking stick as a melee weapon or to pole-vault over high walls, and while attacking one enemy with the stick it's possible to take out other foes standing at Bilbo's sides with wider sweeping motions. Throwing stones is another large part of his arsenal, and you'll be able to collect stones with varying properties such as fire or ice. Bilbo will eventually stumble across The One Ring, which will give him invisibility properties, and Sting, his trusty sword, will also be at his disposal.

But there's more to The Hobbit than simply hacking and slashing through hordes of enemies. The game will also include some light platforming elements that stay true to the book's heritage, so don't expect floating platforms or circus-colored trampolines. Instead, expect organic settings where the scenarios are much more realistic. One section will ask Bilbo to jump across stone platforms while visible puffs of wind attempt to blow him off of them. All the adventure-game basics such as running, jumping, hanging onto ledges, and climbing ropes will be included in The Hobbit as well. The game's puzzles will revolve around finding items, adding them to Bilbo's inventory, and then trying to figure out just where they might be used. In other cases, the puzzles have been described to resemble those from the Zelda franchise where the object is simply to figure out how to get from one area to another in one piece.

Regardless of which weapon or ability Bilbo uses, it must stay within the confines of what is possible for a hobbit. Therefore he will not have the ability to cast magic, though he will be able to use magical items. Another interesting twist to the gameplay is the inclusion of stealth elements. Bilbo will have to tiptoe around some areas of the game for fear of alerting enemies. One particular scenario finds Bilbo sneaking around the elvin guards attempting to rescue those they have imprisoned. If he steps on twigs or knocks over piles of rocks, the guards will come running. Sierra has yet to decide on whether you will be able to take control of other characters throughout the adventure, but it hasn't ruled out the ability to play as Gandalf toward the end of the game.