This is one of my all-time favourite video games. (Yes, I am Canadian. I spell favourite with a "u".)

What initially struck me the first time I turned it on was how incredibly gorgeous the environment design was. Absolutely beautifully devised! The soundtrack is excellent as well.

The events of the game take place in post-LOTR-era Middle-Earth. The hobbits are in the midst of rollicking preparations for a visit from King Aragorn and his queen Arwen, and the whole Shire is abuzz with anticipation. Samwise takes this opportunity to tell his young hobbit offspring of Aragorn's quest to help destroy the One Ring and regain his throne.

The game is divided into two parts: the main storyline, where you control Aragorn's character as Samwise recounts the tale, and the hub world of the Shire. The environments are sprawling, and there's plenty of artefacts and special items to collect. (I also spell artefacts with an "e". Deal with it.) When you die in the main quest, Sam says things such as "That weren't quite right. Let me go back and tell that again", etc. The Shire part of the game is where you can choose to take a break from the story, play as one of Sam's wee children, and run boisterously about the hobbit village, playing games, training with swords, bows and horses, and fulfilling mini-quests and treasure hunts. These interstices were my favourite parts of the game. The idyllic peacefulness of the hobbit-folk is showcased wonderfully here, and the sounds, music and graphics bring you directly into their world. Once you get to a certain point in Aragorn's tale, the Shire—which up until that moment was set during apex of the afternoon—changes to a night scene, with new minor objectives. If you don't finish your quests during the day though, you can't go back, so make sure you finish those up first before letting it switch to the evening.

I would highly recommend this game. If you love LOTR games, you won't be disappointed in this. It's a different take on the series, not as action oriented and more storyline based, but I love it, and I think you will too.