Is Lord of the Rings: Gollum Just Another Unnecessary Franchise Spin-Off?

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Nowadays, it seems as though every studio wants to create its own version of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. While the success of the MCU is undeniable, it has also led to the rise of unnecessary spin-offs. This approach has extended to the gaming industry with titles like The Lord of the Rings: Gollum.

The game was intended to be the next big action-adventure title set in J.R.R. Tolkien's world. However, instead of taking control of characters like Frodo, Gandalf, or Legolas, players are put in the shoes of Gollum. The game aims to explore a new, original story, but many fans are not interested in playing as the titular character. Overall, The Lord of the Rings: Gollum is a reminder that not every side character needs their own spin-off. Middle-earth fans do not need a Gollum spin-off project.

Lord of the Rings' Gollum played a crucial role in the journey of the One Ring, but he was never the story's central character. Gollum's descent into madness began when he found the Ring before the series' events. After Bilbo Baggins took the Ring, Gollum became obsessed with regaining it, leading him to cross paths with Frodo. Throughout the story, Gollum aids Frodo and Sam in their quest to destroy the Ring, all while hoping to seize it for himself.

Introduced as a minor obstacle for Bilbo in The Hobbit, Gollum's character is fleshed out in The Two Towers as he guides Frodo on his journey. However, his previous appearances provide sufficient context for readers to understand his motivations and the impact the Ring had on his life. While Gollum may not be the hero of the story, his presence is vital to the plot, and his role as the Ring's former owner adds depth and complexity to the narrative.

Lord of the Rings: Gollum, an upcoming game by Daedalic Entertainment, delves into the backstory of the infamous character eight years prior to The Lord of the Rings. However, some argue that this exploration of Gollum's life is not necessary in understanding the world of Tolkien. With so many potential protagonists in the rich mythology of Middle-earth, the choice to focus on Gollum feels odd and unnecessary.

The trend of unnecessary spin-offs of established franchises is becoming more prevalent, as seen in the MCU's recent projects such as Agatha: Coven of Chaos and Echo. Lord of the Rings: Gollum appears to be following this trend and has received overwhelmingly negative reviews, with criticisms directed towards both the storytelling and gameplay. It seems that this game will be remembered as a disappointing spin-off that failed to capture the essence of Tolkien's world.

The Lord of the Rings: Gollum releases May 25 on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S, with a Switch version to follow later.