5 Games You Should Play Before The Lord of the Rings: Gollum

As a video game, the Lord of the Rings series has seen several iterations of its dark fantasy tale. From RPG, and action-adventure, to real-time strategy, there's a slew of titles that have aimed to replicate the franchise's iconic storyline. No game, however, has elected to create a spin-off based only on one of the story's most well-known characters, Gollum. It's a unique concept that will be realized for the first time with The Lord of the Rings: Gollum games release on September 1, 2022.

If you're familiar with the narrative, you'll know that Gollum, was once a humble hobbit whose life was taken over by the sorcery of the ring. The character is disliked by the majority of fans, however, this is due to the fact that most people are unaware of the complete story that led to his famous role; which plays right into the original storyline. Lord of the Rings: Gollum is looking to explore this narrative, but there's still a wait till we get the hands-on experience. So what better way to kill that time, than with the five games you should play before The Lord of the Rings: Gollum.

5. Dishonored

Since you'll be playing as Gollum, you can expect a healthy incorporation of stealth in gameplay. It's appropriate because going unnoticed is Gollum's bread and butter, but it's also something that can be said for Dishonored. The original game, developed by Arkane Studios, was published in 2012, and it introduced a unique take on stealth gameplay. It was so well-crafted that it made gamers question the greatness of other prominent stealth games.

The game fit's well into the line of dark fantasy, however with more emphasis on a steam-punk style. This works in the benefit of the game as the city of Dunwall remains one of the most beautifully crafted atmospheres you can immersive yourself in. By doing this, Dishonored brought a heightened sense of immersion to its stealth gameplay. Something we also want to see with The Lord of the Rings: Gollum. All of the tools are there to provide this experience, but only time will tell if the game delivers it to the same par as Dishonored.

4. The Last of Us Part II

Since it appears that The Lord of the Rings: Gollum looks to fall into the genre of action-adventure stealth games, why not prepare with one of the best games to do the genre. Both of the Last of Us titles are amazing, but our focus is on the second game with Ellies role. Throughout the game's story, Ellie makes use of her small size to sneak and go undetected when dealing with enemies. A fitting style of gameplay to The Lord of the Rings: Gollum.

The premise of the game may not resemble Middle-Earth but it does reflect the style. Both games have an emphasis on stealth gameplay and are looking to tell an action-adventure story with it. The Last of Us Part II succeded in both of these areas with flying colors. This is something that The Lord of the Rings: Gollum will also need to accomplish to stand out. But best to get the best experience of it first, with The Last of Us Part II.  

3. Dragons Dogma: Dark Arisen

When you think of Lord of the Ring's esque games, one of the first titles that should pop to mind is Dragons Dogma: Dark Arisen. The game isn't much for stealth, with more emphasis on it's heavy swinging action gameplay. However, you'll find that many of the creatures you're fighting, are ones you'll come across in The Lord of the Rings: Gollum. From Goblins, Griffins, and Dragons, the premise of characters falls right in line.

Equally, the game's storyline is very similar to that of The Hobbit movie series. You play as the Arisen, the main protagonist entailed with killing Grigori, a notorious dragon who's looking to bring the world to its demise. So respectively, there should be a fair amount of crossover between Dragon Dogma: Dark Arisen that should put you right in the mood to dive into The Lord of the Rings: Gollum.

2. Middle-Earth: Shadow of Mordor

Going back to the games that brought Middle-Earth to life on the video gaming scene is one of the best ways to prepare for The Lord of the Rings: Gollum. The first game, Middle-Earth: Shadow of Mordor brought a new tale with it, but one that fits right in place with J.R.R. Tolkien's original tale. Set between the events of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, you play as Talion a ranger of the black gate, who's been resurrected to bring evil to justice just one last time.

Despite being an original tale, indirectly linked to the original Lord of the Rings trilogy, bringing evil to justice is a notable premise for the game's narrative. What's even more fitting is that Talion's character goes from entirely good, to more of an anti-hero when he's resurrected. And since Gollum is a double-faced character who can portray good but is corrupted by evil, you could argue that the crossover is a fitting title to play before The Lord of the Rings: Gollum.

1. Middle-Earth: Shadow of War

If you want a full-rounded experience, then it's best to finish Middle-Earth: Shadow of Mordor, before playing Shadow of War. The storyline picks up right where it left off, however, this time around with more notable antagonist from The Lord of the Rings Trilogy. You end up fighting these characters in some epic battles, and they really bring all the nostalgia from the movies with them. It's a solid inclusion, but what really makes Shadow of War a great title to play is its open-world atmosphere.

You explore areas that are corrupted by orcs, which is something that will be reflected through The Lord of the Rings: Gollum, however in a stealth manner. There's a likely chance that the game will look to both Middle-Earth games as inspiration to develop its world. It should be a deja-vu-like experience that will best equip you for The Lord of the Rings: Gollum. Plus, both games feature our soon to be protagonist Gollum, which will prepare you for the role yourself.

So, what's your take? Do you agree with our top five? Let us know in the comments below or over on our socials here!