Survival crafting game The Lord of The Rings: Return to Moira is available now for PC, with the console ports expected to be released in the coming months.
Set in the backdrop of the Fourth Age of Middle-earth, players are beckoned by Lord Gimli Lockbearer to reclaim their long-abandoned kingdom, hidden within the Mines of Moria. Players on PC can now band together to recover and rebuild the depths of Moria, known as Khazad-dûm or Dwarrowdelf. The game is a survival crafting experience that integrates key elements from Tolkien’s universe with the now standard Minecraft playbook. In their quest within the Mines of Moria, players are expected to utilize resources, engage in combat against enemies and explore a procedurally generated interpretation of the iconic mines.
Back to the Mines in LOTR
The game emphasizes base-building, where players can devise structures while also safeguarding them from potential threats. The overarching narrative steers players toward the restoration of the historic kingdom of Khazad-dûm and unraveling the mysteries of a formidable shadow presence. Moreover, the game accommodates a cooperative multiplayer mode, supporting up to eight players on PC and four on forthcoming console versions.
Among the primary features, players have the opportunity to craft Dwarven equipment, discover mystical artifacts and initiate mining operations for valuable resources. In alignment with Dwarven traditions depicted in Tolkien’s works, there’s also an option for players to brew their own ale and partake in traditional songs. A detailed dwarf character creation tool enables players to customize their in-game personas. Adding to the game’s authenticity, John Rhys-Davies voices the character of Lord Gimli Lockbearer, headlining the game’s voice cast.
Developed by Free Range Games and North Beach Games, the game has been described as “a love letter to Professor Tolkien’s Dwarves, made by a development team of hardcore fans.” This marks the first time that a Lord of the Rings game delves into this unique genre, and it follows the release of the headline-grabbing Gollum. The Lord of the Rings IP was acquired by Embracer Group in 2022 for a reported $395 million; in a Q1 2023 earnings call, CEO Lars Wingefors announced a 70% business growth following its acquisition of the fantasy franchise’s rights. Embracer aims to release a slew of new media based on the IP, and in the video game arena, fans can look out for the recently announced Tales of The Shire, set to be released in 2024.
The Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria is out now with an MSRP of US$39.99. Console players can look forward to its release on PlayStation 5 on Dec. 5, 2023, followed by an Xbox Series X|S launch in early 2024.
Source: Gamespress
