The Fellowship of the
Ring is an interactive
game, by Vivendi Universal Games, based on the literary works of J. R. R. Tolkein. The characters, items, events and places follow the pattern laid out by the author in his novels. Items that need to be collected during the
quest shine so that they can be easily identified. The story
begins with a visit by Gandalf to Frodo’s hobbit hole in the Shire. There Frodo learns that
Lord Sauron, the Lord of the Rings, has returned to the Dark Tower. And that the One Ring that he needs to make his
power absolute must be destroyed. In the company of Sam, Merry and Pippin, Frodo sets out to do Gandalf’s bidding. The journey (and the adventure) begins with Hobbiton in the Shire. From there it proceeds to Bywater and Green Hill, before passing into the Forest Labyrinth, the Withywindle Path, the Barrow Downs and onto the town of Bree. From Bree to Weathertop Hill, the Troll Shaws, and finally onto Rivendell. The play begins with Frodo as the main character. However, in the town of Bree, the game is played from the perspective of Aragorn, who is in charge. And until the party reach Rivendell, the mantle alternates between Frodo and Aragorn. In Rivendell, Gandalf assumes the leadership of the party. The game contains a separate Map screen, Inventory and Quest log. Whereas the Map screen displays the places in Middle-earth that have already been visited, the Inventory indicates the items available, and the Quest log gives information about the quests being undertaken. Whereas Frodo can sneak and use the One Ring as and when required, and Aragorn relies on the long sword, only Gandalf is able to cast magic spells. When Frodo uses the One Ring, he enters into a shadow world where he is invisible to other mortal beings. But he cannot use it for long, or he will fall under its power, and the power of the Dark lord. Frodo must also avoid being captured by the Dark Riders (the minions of the Dark lord) as he proceeds along his quest.
Published: April 05, 2008
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