The Hobbit

 PlayStation 2
Metascore
59

Mixed or average reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 17
  3. Negative: 3 out of 17
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  1. 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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  2. 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.
  3. Official U.S. Playstation Magazine
    70
    By no means perfect, but it does do a fine job of realizing Bilbo Baggins' Middle-earth adventure. [Jan 2004, p.120]
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  5. Yahoo!
    70
    A fine place to start for younger gamers. In that respect, the puzzles, side quests and overall presentation are just about right.
  6. PSX Nation
    70
    The graphics are mediocre and the level design too linear (and simplistic when it comes time to solve its puzzles), but the length of the quest and simple Zelda-inspired action (not to mention the worthy-of-its-own-movie-series soundtrack) entertain more than disappoint.
  7. Armchair Empire
    67
    The story isn’t entirely accurate which is a bit of a downer, the source material truly demonstrates a lot more potential then this.
  8. GameSpot
    65
    Tolkien fans may enjoy the game's presentation of Middle-earth lore, but The Hobbit tends to rely too heavily on derivative, uninspired gameplay for it to stand up on its own.
  9. GamingTrend
    63
    It’s a repetitive platformer that does a good job of being pretty, true to Bilbo’s story and repetitive.
  10. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    62
    Isn't a terrible game, but its sketchy camera, imprecise controls, and lackluster combat relegate it to the realm of the terribly average to me. [Jan 2004, p.124]
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  11. TotalGames.net
    60
    It's a shame because The Hobbit recreates the atmosphere of the book quite well, only to bugger it all up with clichés, a wayward camera and maddening difficulty level.
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  12. PSM Magazine
    50
    Bilbo's tasks tend to be incredibly mundane: knocking down apples from trees, finding a needle in a haystack, stealing the wallet from a Troll, healing an elf, and the like. [Jan 2004, p.46]
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  13. 1UP
    50
    In short, it's your typical platformer -- with all the good and bad connotations that term holds...It's just not very engaging.
  14. Gamestyle
    50
    Those expecting something off the 'top shelf' of classic game experiences need not apply. Unfortunately.
  15. Thunderbolt
    50
    It’s never truly bad, so I guess that’s admirable, but now that I’ve been there, I certainly won’t go back again (see if you can catch the nerdy reference in that sentence).
  16. 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.
  17. GMR Magazine
    30
    If you play only one game set in Middle-earth this year, don't make it this one.
  18. Just Adventure
    25
    Be a good parent and plop them down with a paperback version of The Hobbit and allow Middle-Earth to exist in their imagination rather than as a lesser version of "Super Mario World."

Awards & Rankings

86
#86 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2003

User Reviews

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User Score
8.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 36 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 26 out of 36
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 36
  3. Negative: 1 out of 36
  1. JonS.
    Dec 3, 2003
    7
    A good game if you like the books and movies. It does require some thought to beat the more challenging levels.
  2. VLG
    Aug 22, 2023
    9
    One of the most nostalgic games for me, i dont know why. I beat it as a teen and i absolutely loved every second of it, from the combat to theOne of the most nostalgic games for me, i dont know why. I beat it as a teen and i absolutely loved every second of it, from the combat to the puzzles. I was very disappointed when i finished it, because it had exactly zero replayability. Still, I remember it fondly to this day.… Full Review »
  3. Silvano1Se7
    Apr 26, 2023
    10
    Im giving this game a 10/10 just because nostalgia hits and for me its an amazing game that made my childhood, but ill say that if you want toIm giving this game a 10/10 just because nostalgia hits and for me its an amazing game that made my childhood, but ill say that if you want to start playing this its not the best game out there on the ps2 but goving it a try is still nice.… Full Review »
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