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. GameZone
    90
    Provides familiar landmarks, stays true to elements of the story and allows players to work through the levels in a way that provides fun and challenge.
  2. XboxAddict
    90
    I liked the fact that the game wasn't overly complex with many different weapons and things like that, so that you were free to concentrate on playing and enjoying the game, the story, the puzzles, and the quests.
  3. Play Magazine
    83
    You find yourself waist-deep in a Zelda-style action/adventure, with a larger emphasis on stealth and platforming. [Oct 2003, p.65]
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  5. TeamXbox
    80
    Involves enough gaming elements to keep the action/adventure or platformer fan busy.
  6. IGN
    75
    Recommended to hardcore Tolkien fans or to younger players after a fun adventure. That said, the game has a long way to go to take on Link in battle.

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

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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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