Now even though there are exceptions such as Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor, most of the video games that have come out tend to either be underwhelming or okay. But given the wealth of material from the book series and the Silmarillion, that doesn’t mean these stories couldn’t work as video games.
Túrin’s Story
Serving as an encyclopedia of sorts, The Silmarillion has all kinds of stories from across Middle-earth’s fictional history that would make for interesting video game material. One of these is the story of Túrin Turambar, the son of Húrin who was a hero of Men in Middle-earth’s First Age.
Though after Húrin gets captured by Sauron’s predecessor Morgoth, Túrin gets sent to live with the Elves for protection only to become an outlaw after accidentally killing an Elf. So for a video game concept, this story could be made into something like Red Dead Redemption but with fantasy elements.
The Quest For The Silmaril
Among the stories J. R. R. Tolkien wrote that got published posthumously, one of the most popular ones is Beren and Lúthien. Set during the First Age, it’s about the romance between a man named Beren Erchamion and the Elven princess Lúthien whom Aragorn and Arwen are descended from.
However, Lúthien’s father Thingol demanded that Beren bring one of the three Silmarils (which were jewels of great power) from Morgoth’s crown first. So Beren went on a quest to get it while accompanied by Lúthien, Galadriel’s brother Finrod, and a giant wolf called Huan. Thus, we have a premise that would fit as a Final Fantasy-style video game.
Balin’s Expedition To Reclaim Moria
While the thirteen Dwarves didn’t get much character development in the Hobbit movies, some of them actually have interesting stories. One example is Balin, who led an expedition to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Moria (aka Khazad-dûm) after the events in The Hobbit.
Those familiar with Lord of the Rings would know that this expedition ultimately failed as the Fellowship of the Ring came upon the remains of Balin’s colony when they entered Moria. Still, it would be interesting to have a video game about this story. Particularly during the five years when Balin’s colony thrived, and the core gameplay could involve combating invading Orcs.
The Rise And Fall Of Minas Ithil
Popularly known as Minas Morgul, this was one of the easternmost fortified settlements in the Kingdom of Gondor before it fell under Mordor’s power. But it was a beautiful city at its prime akin to Minas Tirith, which is only hinted at in Shadow of Mordor’s sequel Shadow of War.
But what if an entire game was focused around defending Minas Ithil against the forces of Mordor? Though in particular around the Second Age right before Sauron was physically destroyed by Isildur. It could even feature original characters that inhabited the city and demonstrate how their lives were impacted by the onslaught of the Orc attacks.
Boromir Reclaiming East Osgiliath
Before he joined the Fellowship of the Ring, Boromir was known for taking back the city of Osgiliath (specifically the eastern part) after it fell to Mordor forces. This made him a hero and thus arguably worthy of joining the Fellowship, even though he was barely developed as a character in general.
So one way to rectify that would be to make a video game akin to the Total War video games that entirely focuses on Boromir’s mission to reclaim East Osgiliath. This would develop Boromir’s character further and the relationship with his brother Faramir who was aiding him at the time.
Éowyn’s Story
Being the Shield-Maiden of Rohan, Éowyn played an important role in the Lord of the Rings books and was arguably the most proactive female character in it. The same is true in the movies, even when female characters like Arwen and Galadriel were given more agency.
Now with the increase of video games with female leads, it wouldn’t be far-fetched to do one about Éowyn’s story and the events in Lord of the Rings from her perspective. For instance, it could start with her as a child and end with her defeating the Witch-king at the Pelennor Fields.
Gandalf And Aragorn Tracking Gollum
One of the storylines in Lord of the Rings that didn’t get a lot of focus was Gandalf and Aragorn tracking Gollum, who had left the Misty Mountains to look for the One Ring. However, Gollum’s journey eventually took him to Mordor where he was tortured and revealed the Shire.
While there is an independent fan film that elaborates on this story called The Hunt for Gollum, a video game adaptation could work just as well. In fact, it was recently announced that an upcomingLord of the Rings video game will tell Gollum’s side of the story including some lesser-known details.
The Nazgûl
As terrifying as these cursed minions of Sauron are, they are also kind of cool. Particularly the Witch-king of Angmar, whose design is pretty iconic in the Return of the King movie. So wouldn’t it be interesting if there was an entire video game that revolved around these guys?
This would not only allow players to see things from the bad guys’ perspective but also go into their backstories. After all, they were once human before they transformed into the undead Ringwraiths that they are. Plus, if Shadow of Mordor can make a wraith-like Celebrimbor sympathetic then who’s to say the others can’t get the same treatment.
Aragorn’s Early Years
Despite the mixed reception of The Lord of the Rings: Aragorn’s Quest, that doesn’t mean a video game focused around Aragorn can’t work. For instance, maybe it would be more refreshing to adapt the parts of Aragorn’s life that weren’t present in the Lord of the Rings books.
Particularly his youth, when he was living in Rivendell and up to leading the Rangers that were the remnants of the Dúnedain people that Aragorn’s ancestor Isildur ruled over. With so much ground to cover, this game could give us more insight into a character that we know very well but not really.
The Last Alliance Between Elves And Men
Though there is currently a Total War mod based on the War of the Last Alliance, imagine an entire video game based around this premise. It would not only appeal to fans of strategy-based games but also give the players a glance at what the Second Age was like in its heyday.
For instance, it could come with a story mode that follows characters like Elrond and Isildur to show their contributions to the war against Sauron. Then as a secondary option, players can just focus on the individual campaigns of the Men and Elf armies minus the story elements.
