The Hobbit

"I thought Hobbits were supposed to be fat?"

The hobbit, a game that introduces the main character in the title. One noteable issue to get out of the way. Even though Hobbits have always been described as being fat and enjoy laying around, Bilbo is slim in this game and very active. A mark down in authenticity, a mark up in reality, who wants to play a lazy, fat guy anyway.

Story: 9/10 The story basically follows the book by J.R.R.Tolkien, only you do a lot more work and are much braver. A dozen dwarfs and a wizard stuff themselves into your little house and hire you to come with them on an epic quest. And so you drop everything and leave your pleasant little home for adventure.

Gameplay: 8/10 The controls are basic. Bilbo jumps with A, attacks with B. Your attacks become more advanced but not complicated. You start with a staff and throwing stones, later you acquire the sword, not the wrestler, Sting. Sometimes you may become slightly frustrated with a puzzle and die many times even after you have completed much because you have to save at "save-stations". But this is a minor detail compared with the better points. After each level there is a vendor screen where you can purchase upgrades or supplies for the next level, but don't overstock, there's always some more supplies at the beginning of the level.

Graphics: 7/10 The graphics are pretty good. Even though everyone seems slightly cartoonish. The landscapes are well done. Sometimes though, when your camera view is too close to Bilbo you see inside of him and his eyes look like squares. The colors are fitting for each level and certain stages are enormous in size, like the levels from "Shadows of the Empire" One more thing, the FMV sequences are excellent, even though they're mixed in with book-style story telling they really shine.

Sound: 8/10 The music is appropriate for the levels but some of it can become monotonous. The sound effects fit well. Bilbo does a lot of gasping and yelling when he jumps but other wise the voices sound unique and right for the characters, except the for the Witch-King, his voice is totally wrong.

Replay: 5/10 A lower point in the game, as far as I know there aren't any bonuses to unlock when you collect all the gems or silver pennies. Dissappointingly, you can't replay levels, only the whole game. Another bad point is the loading times. I was surprised at this. The GameCube is known for it's short loading times.

Rent or Buy- Up to you. This was a semi-challenging game, which I find enjoyable. Yes, it could be beaten in a week if you have a lot of time to spare but, I've replayed just to watch the MFV sequences again and if your a fan of the book go ahead, it's a cheap enough game these days.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 06/09/06