Among the first next-generation games to be announced is Daedalic Entertainment’s Lord of the Rings game that’s focused on Gollum. The first screenshots for the PS5 and Xbox Series X title have now been released, showcasing the studio’s artistic take on Gollum and Middle-earth.
The images, posted on German games media site Gamestar, show off a Gollum who has wispy hair and a frail body, as well as big eyes and strong facial features. Daedalic has gone with a more stylized approach to Gollum’s design, it seems, and it’s neat to see yet another interpretation of Tolkien’s character.
Some of the other images showcase the game’s various environments from across Middle-earth, including picturesque outdoor areas and dank caverns filled with spiders. It seems Gollum will embark on quite an adventure in the new game. Another image shows off how players will seemingly have choices to make at key moments. Check out all the images here at Gamestar.
Daedalic boss Carsten Fichtelmann told The Hollywood Reporter that the new game will focus on Gollum’s conflicted and confused mind. “You already have that big conflict in the character, two voices talking to you continuously, which means there is a good reason there are decisions to make in the game: the Smeagol decisions or the Gollum decision,” he said.
In terms of the story, the game – which is an officially licensed title made in partnership with Middle-earth Enterprises – is set before the events of the first Lord of the Rings book. The Lord of the Rings: Gollum is scheduled to launch in 2021 for PS5, Xbox Series X, and PC.
In addition to this game, Amazon is developing a new free-to-play Lord of the Rings MMO, but it’s not connected to the company’s big-budget TV show.