An Orc-Led Lord of the Rings Game Could Be What Tales of the Shire Isn’t

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An Orc-Led Lord of the Rings Game Could Be What Tales of the Shire Isn't

As a seasoned gamer with over three decades of gaming under my belt, I must admit that the prospect of an Orc-focused Lord of the Rings game has piqued my interest. Having played through countless iterations of the series, from the original 1980s point-and-click adventures to the more recent stealth and survival experiences, I can’t help but wonder what a new genre could bring to Middle-earth.

Over the past few decades, the “Lord of the Rings” franchise has explored various video game genres, ranging from 80s point-and-click games, movie tie-in action-adventures, strategic real-time strategy (RTS) titles, and more modern stealth and survival experiences. The upcoming title, “Tales of the Shire“, promises to introduce yet another new genre.

Slated for release in March 2025, “Tales of the Shire” is diving headfirst into the charming world of life-simulation games, dropping players right into the comfortable footwear of a Hobbit entrusted with transforming their village, Bywater, into a thriving, successful town. Judging by the trailers that have been unveiled thus far, “Tales of the Shire” appears to provide a vibrant, laid-back gaming adventure. However, for some ardent “Lord of the Rings” enthusiasts, a more serious adaptation might be preferred, and a game centered around Orcs could cater to that desire.

An Orc-Focused Game Could Deliver a New Type of Lord of the Rings Experience

An Orc-Focused Game Opens The Door to Different Gameplay Genres

Previously noted, “The Lord of the Rings” has explored numerous video game genres throughout its history. However, there are still some genres that it hasn’t ventured into. A game centered around the Orcs could pave the way for exploration in these unexplored territories.

In vast quantities, Orcs, the main power behind Morgoth and Sauron’s dark forces, are frequently encountered. Their numerical superiority makes them versatile for various video game genres. For example, a Lord of the Rings game emphasizing Orcs could emulate team-based shooters such as Star Wars Battlefront and Battlefield, where players would be split into different Orc factions inhabiting Middle-earth, allowing them to select a class that defines their in-game fantasy weapons and special abilities.

Forging an Orc-centric Lord of the Rings game within the action-strategy genre could prove to be a captivating fit. Drawing inspiration from games such as Overlord, Mount and Blade, and Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess, this action-strategy Lord of the Rings game would place players in the shoes of Morgoth, Sauron, or Saruman, leading their Orc minions in battles against the forces of men. As they progress through Middle-earth, players can establish new strongholds and rally more allies to join their cause.

Orcs Pave the Way for a More Mature Lord of the Rings Video Game Experience

Regardless of its genre, an Orc-centric Lord of the Rings game could likely incorporate more mature elements than many previous games due to the inherent brutality of Orcs. The Middle-earth: Shadow series even dabbled in an M rating, and although it didn’t significantly contribute to the game’s success, it did set it apart as one of the few Lord of the Rings adaptations to display unfiltered violence.

The longing for another mature Lord of the Rings game has reappeared due to the lack of a third Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor sequel. A game focusing on Orcs could perfectly address this gap. Moreover, an M-rated Lord of the Rings title would allow developers to depict faithfully the gruesome and violent nature of Orcs as suggested in many adaptations, yet seldom shown directly.

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2024-11-01 20:05