While it has promising gameplay and concept, but is flawed in its execution and its technical issues would make it unplayable, The Lord of the Rings: War in the North would leave players more disappointed if they complete the game. With uninteresting characters, story, and repetitive combat, the game will feel more like a chore than a high-fantasy adventure that the books, and movies, it inspires from. While there can be some fun with a friend in co-op and combat can be satisfying at times, it is better that this game remains in the North.
I had to abandon this halfway through due to the game-breaking Beleram/Mirkwood glitch (that this remained unpatched speaks for the game's lack of polish), but I wasn't that annoyed to let it go. The gameplay is rather simple, with basic hacking n' slashing, basic levelling, and basic loot. I alternated between the three characters each level, yet they play largely the same (and character-wise they're bland). I would've liked to switch between characters mid-level (for the character specific actions), but it seems this game was mainly designed for co-op. It is at least neat that the plot runs in tandem to the main story, and that you get to visit some of the unseen locations.
beat this game with three of my other friends, if you enjoy the lord of the rings movies and the books as well as the hobbit, you'll love this game. it puts you in the atmosphere of the world made by Tolkien. this game is a little janky for modern day standers but for a game that came out over a decade ago it is perfect.
Okay so this isn't a very good game in terms of game
BUT
it's probably the most respectable fanwork of original tolkien's work that exists. It explains the story of what happened on the lands of the north while everything was happening with LotR, and it accomplishes not stepping on anything tolkien said or the tone of the original works. That is, by itself, the most respectable accomplishment any lord of the rings product has ever got since the movie adaptation of LotR.
BUT
it's probably the most respectable fanwork of original tolkien's work that exists. It explains the story of what happened on the lands of the north while everything was happening with LotR, and it accomplishes not stepping on anything tolkien said or the tone of the original works. That is, by itself, the most respectable accomplishment any lord of the rings product has ever got since the movie adaptation of LotR.