The Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria
- August 27, 2024
- Free Range Games
- 40h median play time
Get on Steam
Get on Xbox Games Store"The Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria" is a cooperative game where players delve into the procedurally generated mines of Moria as a company of Dwarves, on a mission to reclaim their treasures and fortify their hold. With a focus on crafting, building, and survival, players must balance exploration and mining while avoiding the mysterious dangers that lurk in the depths. Every expedition offers a unique experience, either solo or online with friends.
PC
Playstation 5
Windows
Xbox Series X|S
PlayStation
Xbox
Reviews
- The game captures the essence of Tolkien's world, providing a rich lore experience for fans.
- Cooperative gameplay enhances the experience, allowing players to sing together while mining and exploring.
- The crafting and building mechanics are enjoyable, with a variety of options for creating unique bases.
- Combat feels clunky and unresponsive, with issues in hit registration and enemy AI behavior.
- The game suffers from repetitive gameplay and a lack of meaningful progression, often requiring backtracking for resources.
- There are numerous bugs and performance issues, including long loading times and crashes, which detract from the overall experience.
- story500 mentions
- 29 % positive mentions
- 68 % neutral mentions
- 3 % negative mentions
The story in "Return to Moria" is generally well-received, with many players appreciating its connection to Tolkien's lore and the immersive atmosphere it creates. While the narrative is often described as straightforward and linear, it effectively guides players through the game, offering engaging quests and environmental storytelling that enrich the experience. However, some critiques highlight issues with quest progression and a lack of depth in certain areas, suggesting that while the story is enjoyable, it could benefit from further development and polish.
“The story unfolds subtly through environmental storytelling and smaller cutscenes, which effectively immerse players in the world.”
“It really feels like Free Range Games treated Tolkien's world and lore with respect and tried to expand on the motifs and themes, rather than latching onto a famous movie franchise.”
“The story is engaging and I've been playing it incessantly.”
“The actual plot of the story mode isn't particularly inspired, and was mostly a vehicle for the game to happen.”
“The story was decent and gave lots of room to be doing your own thing in between and on the way to the next story part with a few side bits of lore too.”
“The story is pretty bland, I expected there would be a lot of LOTR lore.”
- gameplay403 mentions
- 30 % positive mentions
- 59 % neutral mentions
- 11 % negative mentions
The gameplay in "Return to Moria" is a blend of familiar survival mechanics, crafting, and exploration, set within the rich lore of Middle-earth. While many players appreciate the engaging atmosphere and cooperative elements, they also note issues such as repetitive gameplay, clunky combat mechanics, and frustrating building systems that detract from the overall experience. Despite its flaws, the game offers a nostalgic and enjoyable journey for fans of the genre and Tolkien's universe, particularly when played with friends.
“I'm a big fan of LOTR, so the setting, design, and mechanics all make this a wonderful experience that is familiar yet exciting.”
“The gameplay, while not groundbreakingly original and sometimes a little janky, is more than serviceable too.”
“The mining mechanics are engaging, and the sense of exploration is fantastic, with each delve into the depths feeling rewarding and full of mystery.”
“But the further along my family and myself get into the game, it has resource allocation problems (too many of certain gems and not enough of other types); map issues; weapon swapping issues; buggy walk/run mechanics; mapstones send you places inconsistently; platform building is very frustrating.”
“The story on the whole is fairly interesting but generally the gameplay is the worst part of the game and the amount of tedious hurdles you have to overcome to move forwards in the story is very frustrating.”
“The gameplay itself seems like it might actually be alright, but much to my dismay, the entire game has the same feel from the beginning to the end, you're probably going to see all there is to see within some hours or so of gameplay mechanic-wise.”
- music209 mentions
- 37 % positive mentions
- 60 % neutral mentions
- 3 % negative mentions
The music in "The Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria" is widely praised for its immersive and atmospheric qualities, featuring a mix of original compositions and traditional dwarven songs that enhance the gameplay experience. Players enjoy the interactive singing mechanics, which provide buffs during mining and drinking, creating a lively and engaging co-op environment. While some critiques mention repetitiveness and a desire for more variety, the overall sentiment is that the soundtrack and musical elements significantly contribute to the game's charm and connection to Tolkien's lore.
“The co-op play enhances the experience, and the music is simply breathtaking, with an epic score that heightens the immersion.”
“Singing mining songs as a group leads to everyone having different parts in the song and feels very natural.”
“The songs and singing were awesome, and I would repair certain things just to hear the singing.”
“I'd say the only thing I don't really like about Return to Moria is just that they made it feel like a musical game for fat bald girls with piercings instead of the normal LOTR fan base.”
“Another key iconic feature from this IP is the music, and although this is a minor gripe, I am so sick of hearing MIDI-style generic fantasy tunes like I'm constantly in an elevator.”
“The map is terrible, there are balance issues and huge jumps in difficulty between areas, some resources are very scarce, UI doesn't provide basic information (such as armor/damage values), and the music was absent for 80% of our playthrough.”
- graphics171 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 47 % neutral mentions
- 3 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game receive mixed reviews, with many praising the stunning visuals and atmospheric design that effectively capture the essence of Middle-earth, particularly the grandeur of Moria. However, some players report optimization issues, rendering problems, and a lack of advanced graphical settings, which can detract from the overall experience. While the art style is generally appreciated, there are criticisms regarding dated textures and inconsistent performance across different hardware setups.
“The visuals and sound are stunning, capturing the essence of Middle-earth with every flicker of shadow and echo of your pickaxe.”
“The atmospheric graphics and hauntingly beautiful soundscape make you feel every bit a part of Tolkien's legendary world.”
“Graphically it runs beautifully on PC, with excellent graphics and lots of places to explore.”
“Terrible building, terrible game engine, awful graphics, uninteresting story, uninspired combat and battles.”
“The game isn't very visually appealing, not that I think the main focus should be about graphics, but it bothers me if it looks hastily-made or unpolished which I feel is the case here.”
“Graphics settings are pretty much non-existent: you have selection from 4 graphics presets and that's it.”
- grinding125 mentions
- 2 % positive mentions
- 3 % neutral mentions
- 94 % negative mentions
The grinding aspect of the game has received mixed feedback, with many players finding it tedious and overly time-consuming, particularly in sandbox mode and during resource gathering. While some appreciate the grind as a rewarding part of the survival experience, others feel it detracts from the enjoyment, especially in solo play where the lack of multiplayer support can make the repetitive tasks feel even more burdensome. Overall, the game offers a balance of engaging exploration and crafting, but the grind can become a significant hurdle, particularly in the mid to late game.
“Not too grindy, just the right amount with plenty of resources to find, mine, harvest, etc. Unlocking the build tree by rebuilding statues is something new and encourages one to explore the map to find them.”
“Good game overall, fun base building and not too grindy, and LOTR stuff to boot!”
“The grind is appropriate, not too grindy, not too absent.”
“The game is just way too grindy for solo play.”
“The resource gathering is mostly fine, though there's some minor balance issues with resource scarcity that sometimes necessitate frustrating grinding.”
“After enjoying the first 8-10 hours, the game starts to feel grindy and repetitive.”
- atmosphere106 mentions
- 68 % positive mentions
- 29 % neutral mentions
- 3 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its immersive and richly detailed representation of the dwarven world, effectively capturing the essence of Middle-earth. Players appreciate the combination of beautiful graphics, haunting soundscapes, and engaging lore, which together create a mystical yet perilous environment. Many reviews highlight that the game's atmosphere is best experienced in cooperative play, enhancing the sense of camaraderie and adventure.
“Its combination of atmospheric gameplay, engaging storytelling, and cooperative multiplayer makes it a unique experience.”
“The attention to detail in the design, from the dark, atmospheric caverns to the lore-rich elements, truly makes this game a gem.”
“I don't entirely blame the game -- a lot of the tedium I faced was of my own making -- but I might have lasted a bit longer if there was more variety and atmosphere.”
“While it may not introduce anything new in the genre, it successfully captures the lore and atmosphere that LOTR enthusiasts will appreciate.”
“The atmosphere is spot-on, with echoing tunnels, flickering torchlight, and the constant sense of danger around every corner.”
- optimization58 mentions
- 17 % positive mentions
- 55 % neutral mentions
- 28 % negative mentions
The game's optimization has received significant criticism, with many players reporting severe performance issues, including stuttering and frame drops, even on high-end systems. While some users have managed to play without major problems, the overall consensus is that the game is poorly optimized, particularly on lower-end hardware and the Steam Deck. Players are hopeful for future updates to improve performance and customization options.
“I play with friends and solo and have had no significant performance issues.”
“Did I mention they optimized it for the Steam Deck?!”
“Despite some FPS drops in camps on the Steam Deck (playing at low settings), it’s still playable, and the devs have announced upcoming optimizations for the deck!”
“Lack of performance optimization, even on high-end builds.”
“The performance is some of the worst I've seen in modern gaming, and that says something with the current state of new releases throughout the industry.”
“The game is poorly optimized.”
- stability57 mentions
- 5 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 95 % negative mentions
The game's stability has received mixed reviews, with many players reporting various bugs and glitches affecting gameplay, particularly in combat, crafting, and multiplayer modes. While some users have experienced minimal issues and found the game generally playable, others have encountered significant problems such as freezing, inconsistent map navigation, and frustrating mechanics. Overall, the game appears to be in need of further optimization and bug fixes to enhance the player experience.
“Runs great and no issues so far.”
“And for those wondering, yes, it runs great docked at 1080p on the deck; again, low/medium settings are fine.”
“Would love to see the quest glitches fixed and worked out because if you advance to an area before completing the quests for it, then you will be stuck with an uncompletable quest.”
“Online play is borderline unplayable, constant load walls on already explored map cells and loading screen freezes caused us to stop any progress in the game.”
“The quest system and associated Steam achievements are buggy as crap though because you have to enter a certain area in the game to even complete it and there's an achievement for doing so and I never was granted the achievement.”
“It's poorly designed, rough, clunky, unfair, and buggy as heck.”
- replayability22 mentions
- 27 % positive mentions
- 59 % neutral mentions
- 14 % negative mentions
The game's replayability is mixed, with some players finding value in the sandbox mode that offers diverse biomes and craftable items, enhancing replay potential. However, many reviewers feel that the main story is too short and lacks sufficient content to encourage multiple playthroughs, leading to a general consensus that replay value is limited outside of sandbox experiences. Overall, while there are elements that can extend playtime, the game may not have enough to keep players returning after completing the main storyline.
“Sandbox mode is excellent for replayability, and I hope they introduce a creative mode in the future for builders who want to restore Moria to its former glory.”
“Replayability is boosted by sandbox mode, which features an even greater variety of biomes and craftable items to help breathe new life into subsequent playthroughs, with some of those biomes and items being exclusive to the mode.”
“It is over too soon in terms of the main storyline, but the sandbox mode means lots of replayability.”
“The game tries to be replayable by being procedurally generated, but there are so few rooms that you end up with really jarring results in the generation.”
“But once you reach the end, there is no replayability.”
“Not a lot of replayability to drive this game to make you come back.”
- humor17 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is highlighted by the amusing songs sung by dwarves while mining, quirky procedural generation that leads to funny building placements, and humorous dialogue from orcs. Players find the comedic elements enhance the experience, especially when playing with friends, creating a lighthearted atmosphere reminiscent of classic PS2 games. Overall, the game successfully combines humor with adventure, making it enjoyable for fans of fantasy and Tolkien's works.
“Mostly because of the secrets you can find in the darkness of the mines and the funny songs your dwarves sing while drinking their evening ale or mining.”
“Very funny and interesting game, especially if you like The Lord of the Rings and you play it with friends; the only issue is the music, but we actually use Discord bots with LOTR playlists.”
“Funny as hell, great with friends.”
- monetization7 mentions
- 43 % positive mentions
- -29 % neutral mentions
- 86 % negative mentions
The monetization aspect of the game has drawn criticism for being perceived as a cash grab, particularly for fans of the franchise, with misleading advertising suggesting a more collaborative gameplay experience than what is delivered. Players express disappointment over the lack of in-game purchases and the game's focus on survival rather than the promised rebuilding of Moria, leading to a sentiment that it exploits the franchise for profit with minimal effort.
“There are no in-game purchases, which makes the experience feel fair and balanced.”
“I appreciate that the game doesn't pressure players into spending money.”
“The absence of microtransactions allows me to enjoy the game without distractions.”
“Just seems like a quick cash grab.”
“Not return to Moria or even rebuild Moria; it is find a way out of Moria, and sadly this game is a quick cash grab for hardcore fans.”
“I hate how multi-billion dollar companies, holding IP rights to popular franchises, do barely any effort in order to do a fast cash grab from IP fans.”
- emotional7 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players find the emotional aspect of the game deeply engaging, as it fosters a sense of camaraderie through singing and teamwork, enhancing the experience of exploration and strategy. The heartfelt interactions, particularly the climactic moment with Gimli, leave a lasting impression, making players feel genuinely connected to their dwarf characters. Despite some rough edges, the emotional resonance of the game is a standout feature that many players cherish.
“Having your dwarf sing a jolly or heartfelt song to get buffs from mining, drinking, or exploring is awesome, especially since other players can join in and their dwarves sing along.”
“It's been heartwarming to see her embrace teamwork and strategy, whether we're devising plans to outsmart a goblin horde or engineering intricate mining operations to unearth rare minerals.”
“Ultimately, you emerge victorious and are crowned the new lord of Moria after a heartfelt exchange with Gimli himself.”
- character development2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -150 % neutral mentions
- 150 % negative mentions
The character development in the game is praised for its authenticity to Tolkien's lore, featuring unique designs such as female dwarfs with beards and immersive elements like dwarfs singing while mining. This attention to detail reflects a deep appreciation for the source material, enhancing the overall experience for fans of Tolkien's world.
“Everything in this game feels like it was made by a true Tolkien fan, from the character designs (female dwarves with beards!) down to dwarves singing when mining.”
“Decent character design and creation; Tolkien had female dwarves with beards in his world-building. It might be for you or not, but it's true to his world.”
“The character development feels shallow and lacks depth, making it hard to connect with the characters on any meaningful level.”
“I was disappointed by the limited growth and progression of the characters throughout the game.”
“While the character designs are visually appealing, the actual development and backstory are underwhelming and forgettable.”
