Free Range Games and North Beach Games have unveiled the first gameplay trailer for their highly anticipated title, The Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria, during Summer Game Fest 2023. This co-op, survival crafting game takes players deep into the Fourth Age of Middle-earth, a world beloved by fans of J.R.R. Tolkien’s iconic fantasy series. The trailer, narrated by the legendary actor John Rhys-Davies, provides an exciting glimpse into the immersive gameplay experience.
The Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria is set to be released on multiple platforms, including the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Windows PC via the Epic Games Store. The developers have planned a simultaneous launch in fall 2023, allowing players on different systems to embark on their adventures together.
In this unique survival crafting game, players assume the role of Dwarves on a quest to reclaim and restore their homeland of Moria. The gameplay trailer showcases the Dwarves’ bravery and camaraderie as they explore the treacherous Mines of Moria. The Dwarves must gather resources for crafting and building, reignite forges, and forge powerful weapons and armor as they venture deeper into the dangerous depths.
One of the standout features of The Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria is the use of procedurally generated environments, ensuring that each new adventure is distinct and unpredictable. Players can choose to embark on their journey alone or join forces with companions online, experiencing the game’s immersive world alongside friends. As they explore the Misty Mountains, Dwarves can uncover hidden treasures, mine valuable ores, and battle unimaginable forces in their pursuit of the truth behind the lurking Shadow.
The game’s storyline takes place in the Fourth Age of Middle-earth, beyond the events depicted in Tolkien’s books. Players are summoned to the Misty Mountains by Lord Gimli Lockbearer, leading a company of Dwarves on a mission to reclaim the lost treasures of Moria, also known as Khazad-dûm or Dwarrowdelf. Venturing deep into the Mines of Moria, players will need courage, fortitude, and vigilance as they encounter mysterious dangers.
Key features of The Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria include:
Feel the Fellowship
The rich lore of J.R.R. Tolkien’s iconic fantasy world is interwoven into the very fabric of The Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria, allowing players to experience the Fellowship of the Dwarves like never before.
Survive the Dark
To navigate the treacherous Mines of Moria, players must manage resources, hunt and gather food, and carefully control their sleep, temperature, and noise levels. Dynamic light systems play a crucial role in illuminating the path forward while fending off unspeakable evils in visceral combat. Discover the secrets of the Shadow that lurks within the mountain.
Base Building
Seek solace from the darkness by establishing and expanding bases. Players can reveal and clear new locations, constructing architecture on a grand scale. However, they must be wary of the evils that seek to destroy their progress.
Rebuild and Reshape Moria
As the story progresses, players have the opportunity to resurrect the long-lost kingdom of Khazad-dûm, restoring Dwarven landmarks and reviving dormant forges to unlock valuable resources.
Explore Procedurally Generated Environments
Delve into the depths of the Mines of Moria, where each expedition presents a unique experience. Procedurally generated environments are abundant with resources, mysteries, and dangers, ensuring that no two journeys are alike.
Co-op Multiplayer
The Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria offers an online cooperative multiplayer mode, allowing players to embark on their adventures with up to eight friends. Join forces, strategize, and overcome challenges together as you explore the vast underground world of Moria.
Craft Dwarven Tools, Weapons, and More
Crafting plays a crucial role in the game, as players can create legendary Dwarven armor, weapons, and structures. Unleash your creativity and build impressive structures from scratch or enhance existing environments. Upgrade your gear, unlock new technologies, and utilize fantastical machines to aid you in your journey.
Uncover Magic Artifacts
As you delve deeper into the Mines of Moria, you’ll come across ancient artifacts of great power. Discover swords that glow when Orcs are near, maps revealing dormant Mithril veins, forgotten crafting plans in ancient books, and amulets that grant strength and wisdom. These magical items will aid you in your battles against the forces of darkness.
Mine Ore and Jewels
Establish mines to extract precious resources such as iron, gold, quartz, and even the mythical Mithril. Utilize crafting stations and forges to convert raw ore into valuable ingots, which can be used to upgrade your gear and equipment. However, be cautious, as mining can awaken lurking creatures in the depths.
Comprehensive Dwarf Builder
The Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria offers a comprehensive character creation system, allowing players to craft their own unique Dwarf. Customize your Dwarf’s appearance, abilities, and skills to create a character that reflects your playstyle. Throughout the game, you’ll find armor and weapons to further enhance your character’s capabilities.
Developed by Free Range Games and published by North Beach Games, The Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria is set to release in fall 2023. Players can look forward to exploring the depths of the Mines of Moria on the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Windows PC via the Epic Games Store. With its immersive gameplay, rich storytelling, and cooperative multiplayer, this title promises to provide a memorable experience for fans of J.R.R. Tolkien’s beloved fantasy universe. Prepare to embark on an epic adventure as you join the Fellowship of the Dwarves and journey into the heart of Middle-earth.
Platforms: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S.
