Snowblind Studios is working on a new Action RPG, and like the others they've made, this one is a licensed property, and it's one that I think just about everyone knows about: Lord of the Rings.
So far, it looks like EA's tai- I mean influence (actually, that's not fair; EA has released some great titles along with the rehashed sports games) is nowhere to be found.
The game is Lord of the Rings: War in the North, and it takes place alongside the War of the Ring. You control one of three characters at a given time - a ranger, a dwarf and an elf (sounds a little familiar). Who aren't Aragorn, Gimli and Legolas. Go figure.
Despite my snarkiness, Snowblind has done a fantastic job with all of the hack 'n' slashers they've made; Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance and Champions of Norrath are the pudding that contains the proof.
Furthermore, Snowblind is using the lore of the novels and films - as well as working with the Tolkien estate - to actually get it right. The combat is looking to be much more brutal and visceral than even BGDA (although gore doesn't make a great game; e.g. Soldier of Fortune Payback) and their mission seems to be immersing you in the battles more than anything else. Co-op with up to three players has been promised, but it hasn't been verified if this both offline and online or one or the other.
Keep an eye out for this one, folks. It could be an awesome one.
