The Hobbit

 GameCube
Metascore
61

Mixed or average reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 17
  3. Negative: 3 out of 17
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  1. GMR Magazine
    30
    If you play only one game set in Middle-earth this year, don't make it this one.
  2. netjak
    40
    Aside from a weak combat system and poorly designed jumping puzzles, the game is just a tedious scavenger hunt that usually feels more like work than entertainment.
    All this publication's reviews
  3. Game Revolution
    33
    It straddles the line between little kid game and hard platformer in such a way that I don’t think anyone will like it. I guess The Hobbit makes these strange concessions to game-play to make it a friendlier game, but it’s still frustrating as hell.

Awards & Rankings

91
#91 Best GameCube Game of 2003
58
#58 Most Discussed GameCube Game of 2003
55
#55 Most Shared GameCube Game of 2003

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 17 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 17
  3. Negative: 1 out of 17
  1. KameYojimbo
    Apr 20, 2021
    9
    "The Hobbit" (for GameCube) is, in my estimation, the best game adaption of any of Tolkien's works. I enjoyed "Shadow of Mordor" the EA hack"The Hobbit" (for GameCube) is, in my estimation, the best game adaption of any of Tolkien's works. I enjoyed "Shadow of Mordor" the EA hack and slash games, the Lego adaptions and several games in-between but if, like me, you feel that the adventure genre most faithfully captures the spirit of Tolkien's Middle Earth stories than I feel you will agree that this game by developer "Inevitable Entertainment" is the best interactive window into the author's mythos that has yet been created.

    The game draws most heavily from Nintendo's "The Legend of Zelda" and "Super Mario Bros." series for inspiration in it's gameplay while remaining appropriately faithful to the story presented in the 1937 Novel of the same name. Exploration and platforming are combined in good measure with puzzle solving and stealth as well as a hefty dose of swashbuckling hack and slash action to complete the concoction. The resulting mix of gameplay elements does a good job keeping the game entertaining from start to finish but it's the faithfulness to the story combined with the immersive music and smartly crafted level design which combine to push this game into truly memorable territory.

    Ultimately the best compliment that I can award to "The Hobbit" on GameCube is that after seeing the story through to the end it is now a game that I would like to keep in order to replay at some point. The art style, which may seem off-putting to some at the start, helps to convey the whimsical nature of Middle Earth and is likely to grow on most players by the end. And it is at the end that I think a true appreciation is formed for this underappreciated game. Those familiar with Tolkien will get a game that truly works to transport them to Middle Earth to experience that fantastical world through the interactive medium of video games and those unfamiliar will be introduced to one of the most wonderful fantasy world's ever created in a way that does enough justice to the source material to encourage a look at the books. If either kind of player is at all like the author of this review, they will find a gem of a game worth revisiting.    … Full Review »
  2. kevinhooks
    Jan 20, 2013
    8
    The video game based on the novel by J.R.R. Tolkien really captures the world he imagined. The graphics (I would say) are very stylized, whichThe video game based on the novel by J.R.R. Tolkien really captures the world he imagined. The graphics (I would say) are very stylized, which works in a fantasy game such as this. Sure, the game uses a lot of elements from "The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time", but these mechanics actually work to it's advantage. This a very underrated game, in my opinion, and should have at least another look by gamers (and critics).… Full Review »
  3. Helmore
    Apr 5, 2012
    10
    An all around fun game with great music. Sneaking, action, puzzles the game has it all. Graphics aren't amazing but the art style is great,An all around fun game with great music. Sneaking, action, puzzles the game has it all. Graphics aren't amazing but the art style is great, the gameplay is fun and refreshing. A must have in my books.… Full Review »
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