LEGO The Hobbit

amazon LEGO The Hobbit reviews

Narrative and Storyline

LEGO The Hobbit closely follows the events of the first two films in The Hobbit trilogy, taking players on an epic journey from the Shire to the Lonely Mountain. The story is presented with the same lighthearted humor and charm that fans have come to expect from LEGO games, making it accessible to players of all ages.

1. Adaptation of the Films

The game does an admirable job of condensing the plot of the first two Hobbit films into a format that is both entertaining and faithful to the source material.

• Plot Progression: Players start in the peaceful Shire, where they take control of Bilbo Baggins and the company of dwarves as they set out on their adventure. Key moments from the films, such as the encounter with trolls, the escape from Goblin Town, and the battle with Smaug, are all recreated with a blend of action, puzzle-solving, and humor.
• Humor and Lightheartedness: One of the hallmarks of LEGO games is their ability to infuse humor into even the most serious of storylines. LEGO The Hobbit is no exception, as it takes iconic scenes from the films and adds playful twists, visual gags, and slapstick comedy. This approach not only makes the game enjoyable for younger audiences but also provides a fresh perspective for fans of the films and books.
• Character Interactions: The game allows players to control a wide variety of characters from the Hobbit universe, each with their unique abilities. The interactions between characters are often humorous, with the dwarves’ personalities shining through in their animations and dialogue. These interactions help to create a strong connection to the story and characters, even within the constraints of a LEGO game.

2. Pacing and Structure

The pacing of the game is generally well-managed, although it sometimes suffers from the limitations of adapting such a large and detailed story.

• Linear Progression: The main storyline progresses in a linear fashion, with players moving from one chapter to the next as they advance through the plot. This structure helps maintain a sense of continuity and keeps the narrative focused.
• Side Quests and Exploration: In addition to the main story, the game offers a variety of side quests and collectibles scattered throughout Middle-earth. These optional activities provide additional content and allow players to explore iconic locations like Rivendell, Mirkwood, and Lake-town. However, the side quests can sometimes feel repetitive, and they often involve fetch quests or simple puzzles.
• Cliffhanger Ending: One of the significant criticisms of LEGO The Hobbit is its abrupt ending. Since the game only covers the first two films, it leaves the story unresolved, with no conclusion to the overarching narrative. The planned DLC to cover the final film was never released, leaving players with an incomplete experience. This decision disappointed many fans who were hoping for a full adaptation of the trilogy.

Gameplay Mechanics

As with other LEGO games, LEGO The Hobbit combines action, platforming, puzzle-solving, and exploration in a way that is both familiar and accessible. The game introduces some new mechanics that differentiate it from its predecessors, but it also retains the core gameplay elements that have made the LEGO series so popular.

1. Combat and Abilities

The combat in LEGO The Hobbit is simple and straightforward, with players using a combination of basic attacks and special abilities to defeat enemies and bosses.

• Character Abilities: Each character in the game has unique abilities that are essential for solving puzzles and progressing through levels. For example, Thorin can use his axe to break through walls, while Bilbo can use the One Ring to become invisible and access hidden areas. These abilities add a layer of strategy to the gameplay, as players must switch between characters to overcome obstacles.
• Teamwork Mechanic: A notable addition in LEGO The Hobbit is the teamwork mechanic, which allows multiple characters to work together to perform specific actions, such as lifting heavy objects or constructing large structures. This mechanic encourages cooperation between players in co-op mode and adds variety to the gameplay.
• Boss Fights: The game features several boss fights, each with its own unique mechanics. These encounters are generally well-designed, requiring players to use their characters’ abilities strategically. However, the difficulty level is relatively low, which may make these battles feel underwhelming for experienced gamers.

2. Puzzle-Solving and Exploration

Puzzle-solving is a significant component of LEGO The Hobbit, with players needing to use their characters’ abilities to overcome various challenges.

• Environmental Puzzles: The game is filled with environmental puzzles that require players to manipulate objects, construct structures, and use character-specific abilities to progress. These puzzles are typically intuitive and offer a satisfying level of challenge without being overly difficult.
• Collectibles and Side Quests: In addition to the main story, LEGO The Hobbit offers a wealth of collectibles and side quests. Players can collect Mithril bricks, which can be used to craft special items, as well as find hidden characters and treasure chests. The game’s open-world areas are rich with secrets and encourage exploration.
• Crafting System: LEGO The Hobbit introduces a crafting system, where players can collect resources such as wood, stone, and iron to create new items and equipment. This system adds an extra layer of depth to the game, although it can feel somewhat underutilized in the grand scheme of things.

3. Co-op Play

One of the most enjoyable aspects of LEGO games is their emphasis on cooperative play, and LEGO The Hobbit is no exception.

• Drop-In/Drop-Out Co-op: The game supports drop-in/drop-out co-op, allowing a second player to join or leave the game at any time. This feature is perfect for playing with friends or family, as it makes the game accessible and easy to share.
• Split-Screen Mode: In co-op mode, the game utilizes a dynamic split-screen system that adjusts based on the players’ positions in the environment. This system works well for the most part, although it can occasionally lead to camera issues or confusion, especially in larger, more open areas.
• Shared Progression: Co-op play is integrated seamlessly into the game, with both players sharing progression and collectibles. This approach encourages teamwork and makes the experience more enjoyable for both players.

Not long after the successful version of The LEGO Movie: Video Game, TT Games continued to introduce gamers to their brand new product named: LEGO: The Hobbit, which was built on two blockbuster episodes debut of “The Hobbit”: “An Unexpected Journey” and “The Desolation of Smaug”, LEGO: The Hobbit brings players to the adventure of guy Bilbo Baggins accompanied by magician Gandalf and thirteen dwarves on their mission to regain the Erebor Kingdom has been frustrated for so long. But, forget the sadness of nostalgia or the epic journeys of the fantasy world, because LEGO: The Hobbit will bring a colorful and playful atmosphere. All for a single purpose, that is to bring pure entertainment to the drunk people in the virtual world.

Pure entertainment gameplay

Similar to previous installments, LEGO: The Hobbit maintains the core character that made the LEGO series famous with its fun platforming gameplay, allowing you to build and destroy. Destroy everything along the way and collect tons of treasures throughout the journey.

To (unlock) all of the achievements and “sweep” the whole world in the game is… difficult. This is how LEGO: The Hobbit “retains” gamers after only 6 hours of completing the single-player.

Each character will have its unique abilities, so players must always flexibly change to overcome obstacles.

Like Bilbo Baggins with a fishing rod to catch underwater objects, the Bombur dwarf uses his big belly as a … spring for his companions to jump, Ori’s elastic band is used to shoot targets, or the magician Gandalf who has the power to dispel darkness …

The collection in the game is quite diverse, from new characters to LEGO pieces “hiding” in the alley. This is the attraction of the game. You can follow the main storyline, but you should not ignore the fascinating side quests from the NPC such as helping the hobbits in the Hobbiton village, finding the items they need, or mini-games like pressing the right keys to follow the music, choose the right pieces to craft objects.

However, you will not only make simple objects but have to get enough materials by smashing, mining ores, underwater fishing … making you busier than ever.

Besides, after completing each level, the game will unlock the “Free-play” mode, allowing players to return and use many characters to choose from to find all the secrets waiting to be “revealed”.

Combined with the fascinating gameplay is the action “spectacular” players. From giant rock climbs, ferocious dragon runs, to skillful archery, all make a LEGO: The Hobbit more attractive than ever!

To increase the challenge, the game also adds intense QTE (action context) scenes with slow-motion moves that make us feel like watching an action movie!

TT Games has always done a good job designing the stage, and they continue to show it off at LEGO: The Hobbit. You will witness the beautiful, peaceful and peaceful Hobbiton village or the dark dungeons of demons …

Along with the impressive environment is the emotional background music, by the progress of the game, making players feel excited, like immersing in the game.

Although players are witnessing exciting action, the battle of the game is sometimes quite annoying.

The character’s attacks are slow and short-circuited, causing the player to always be attacked by enemies inappropriately.Some characters possess special abilities, but others do not, causing for the times the characters turn redundant, cumbersome. Furthermore, unlike other titles, such as LEGO: Marvel Super Heroes with Hulk, Captain America, etc., LEGO: The Hobbit has up to … 13 dwarfs with “similar” design, sometimes making it difficult for players to distinguish.

The colors and scenery around the design are also confusing, making it difficult for players to determine where their character is controlling in a crowded crowd.

Final Thoughts

LEGO The Hobbit is a delightful and charming addition to the LEGO video game series, offering a playful and humorous take on Tolkien’s beloved story. The game excels in its presentation, with beautiful visuals, a captivating soundtrack, and a faithful recreation of Middle-earth. The gameplay is accessible and fun, with a good balance of combat, puzzle-solving, and exploration.

However, the game’s shortcomings, such as its unfinished story, repetitive gameplay, and minor technical issues, prevent it from reaching the heights of some other entries in the LEGO series. The lack of closure in the narrative is particularly disappointing for fans of The Hobbit, as it leaves the experience feeling incomplete.

Despite these flaws, LEGO The Hobbit is still a worthwhile game for fans of LEGO, Tolkien, or both. It offers a rich and immersive world to explore, plenty of content to keep players engaged, and the trademark LEGO humor that makes the experience enjoyable for all ages. Whether you’re playing alone or with a friend in co-op mode, LEGO The Hobbit provides a fun and entertaining journey through Middle-earth that is sure to bring a smile to your face.

where can you get a LEGO The Hobbit online

Lego The Hobbit – Xbox One: Buy it now

Lego The Hobbit Playstation 4: Buy it now

LEGO The Hobbit – PlayStation 3: Buy it now