Making matters worse are the highly restrictive linear levels.

Gollum doesn’t unlock any new moves or abilities as you progress through the 12-hour main story. There is little scope for creativity, if the game wants you to sneak past a guard you must do so, if it wants you to commit murder then murder you must. There’s no traditional combat - Gollum can’t wield a sword or any other weapons - but in forced situations, Gollum can use a very simple stealth takedown on a small and specific group of enemies those that aren’t lucky enough to have a helmet.

It never evolves beyond these basic stealth fundamentals, and within the first hour, I’d seen everything the game has to offer.

The problem is that this, and moving from one dark corner to another, is all there is to the core loop of Gollum.

In order to avoid enemies, Gollum must stick to the shadows, only being able to distract foes by throwing a rock in the opposite direction to lure a guard away from the desired path or a doorway. (Image credit: Daedalic Entertainment/Nacon)

The lord of the rings video game gollum