Though based in the same world, this bright, breezy puzzle-solver has no ties to the Lord Of The Rings games. Vivendi have wisely done everything possible to distance themselves from the series, with this having a far more cartoonish look and childlike feel.
Anyone familiar with Tolkiens first Middle-earth adventure will find the game remarkably faithful, taking in familiar locations and characters, albeit with giant Disney-sized eyes and godawful voice acting. Newcomers will no doubt find it cute, if a touch confusing, which, given the age range it appears to be targeting, is perhaps a mistake.
The linear gameplay is completely generic, with a basic chat to odd-looking person, find odd-looking persons missing object, kill something, lather, rinse, repeat set-up. Which is fine if youre under ten and expect nothing more than pretty colours and intuitive controls, but distinctly lacking for anyone after something more involving.