But then, is Tolkien ever really out of fashion?
That includesThe Lord of the Rings: Gollumfrom German studio Daedalic.
Despite inspiring countless video games, only a couple based directly on Tolkien’s work have truly stood out.
And he’s not so worried about competition from other forthcoming games and media.
“As a fan, I like to see more,” he said.
“We’re definitely coming out this year, but now it’s polishing.
The other games and movies?
“I’m happy that it’s still something people are interested in.
Actually a prototype Gollum game was created by a smaller studio which Daedalic took on.
He doesn’t know it all, he’s not the big hero, big fighter.
So basically we tried to make him a bit more sympathetic, show his good side as well.”
Gameplay is mostly split into three areas: platforming, stealth, and puzzling.
And then there are the puzzles themselves.
In all, the game has a pleasingly thoughtful and slow pace in-line with Gollum’s character and capabilities.
Unfortunately, that’s marred by constant death.
Miss a jump or fall off a wall?
Get spotted by a beady-eyed elf?
There remains some choice thanks to Gollum’s character.
Or should that be Smeagol?
In the short term, the result is alternative dialogue but Daedalic promises wider reaching implications for player choice.
I just didn’t get to witness that myself in the short preview time.
“People will die, or live,” said Knapheide.
And players will be able to define the story for themselves.
That’s what Gollum does.”
Really it’s the game’s authenticity to Tolkien’s book world that most impresses.
That’s despite Gollum himself looking similar to his Peter Jackson counterpart, even with his cross eyes.
And that both provides a framework for the plot and allows space to play around.
“In that time Gollum travels and has a lot of experiences and revitalises.
“And of course, we dig deeper - as deep as we can.”
For me, this is a hyper, hyper sensitive matter.
So we have a start and an end.
Let’s say that this is the definition of the barriers that we have.
And within that we can create the story.
But it’s a sad story, a bit melancholic, and sometimes very touching.”
Knapheide admits this is fun to delve into for someone writing a PhD thesis on Tolkien.
“Well, if I ever get to finish it!”
