Slow news day isn’t it? Thanks to Chris K. at Cinescape! I put in a few calls to…
Continue ReadingSlow news day isn’t it?
Thanks to Chris K. at Cinescape!
I put in a few calls to official types today and received an off-the-record confirmation of Ain’t It Cool’s report that Sean Astin will play Sam Gamgee. After anonymity was agreed to, I was told simply
that “He’s in.” I thought the three of you might be interested in that. Looks like two members of the Fellowship are set in stone. Good work,
Harry.
Xoanon here,
Recieved some more info on ‘The Trilogy’ a Middle-earth RPG based on the books. I personally can’t wait to play this game. I recieved this info from the Head of Platus, a very cool dude who lovingly calls himself Smeagol88. Read on.
“The Trilogy will be Developed by Platus Productions (Freestyle, gaming designers) and will be an RPG/adventure game. We have pondered over many times on how to incorporate the exact storyline into the game and add surprises to those who’ve read it while still staying true to Tolkien’s masterpiece. The result is this: an RPG game that can be played through the stories exactly as they were, but allows the player to explore Middle-Earth locations not in some of the stories (such as visiting Bree while playing The Hobbit section of the game). These extra places will allow the player to recieve items and explore places that will yield rewards for those who take on these extra challenges. So, overall the game will have main path that can be left and returned to. Fighting will be similar to that of Final Fantasy 3 (basically turn-based) and all familiar items will be included (such as mithril mail, lembas, athelas, etc.). There will be many interesting puzzles you will have to solve (similar to that of the King’s Quest series) and standard RPG/adventure game elements will be present (statistics, puzzles, trading items, vast cities, and exploration). Beta testers will be needed, though it will probably be free for download for those who want to try it out as well. Our web site will be up very soon and will answer questions you may have.
I’ve personally seen thier un-opened site and it’s really great! Hop over there when it’s online.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Elijah Wood has been cast in the lead role of Frodo Baggins in New Line Cinema’s live-action trilogy feature “The Lord of the Rings,” based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s internationally renowned fantasy novels.Production begins shooting in October in New Zealand.
The project marks a major commitment from Wood, since principal photographywill last more than a year on each film — “The Fellowship of the Ring,” “The Two Towers” and “Return of the King” — andthey will be shot back to back. Peter Jackson (“Heavenly Creatures”) will direct the mythical project, which tells the saga of a desperate battle against encroaching evil — a perilous quest to save humanity that falls upon the shoulder of Frodo, who hasinherited a seemingly magic ring from his elderly cousin Bilbo.
Xoanon here,
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Picked this up from Harry at Ain’t It Cool.
Well folks, here’s the latest from the wonderful world of rumor concerning LORD OF THE RINGS. I have no idea who this actor is, and a check on him reveals only that he played a small role in Urban Ghost Story, which I did not see…And I do believe I found a pic of the man from Urban Ghost Story for you folks to judge his Hobbit-ness!
Good news, even if you don’t know it yet. I’ve heard that Billy Boyd, a Scottish actor, is to play the part of Pippin for the duration of the Cycle, currently estimated at 18 months. Billy is probably an unknown to most but for those who have seen him on stage the words ‘kick arse’ are only fit to describe him. Those going to the Edinburgh Fringe this year can see him in ‘The Speculator’ by David Greig at The Traverse theatre.
If this is the calibre of casting of ‘wee’ parts, then we are in for a top treat of a film.
Steelzo
Xoanon here,
John F. has sent me some great concept art and a small bio of Platus and thier Middle-earth plans. These pics are very early stage concept art for thier video game. The First is the company logo, most likely what you’ll see when the game starts. The next two are simply some pre titles and concept art. Thanks John F!
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“As you probably already know, Platus Productions is developing “The Trilogy” based on the Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings. We wished to capture Tolkien’s image and put it in our own RPG. With different features and quests, we think you’ll enjoy the game, as much as we did making it. The game itself is 2d with 3d traights..
…If you are familiar with Tolkien’s books you are going to be our toughest critic. While this is one of the largest Tolkien games created, we can’t fit in every place in Middle Earth into this game. At the same time, we didn’t want to clone Tolkien’s World directly into the game and have everyone who knows the book be ble to easily solve the game.
You’ll find plenty of new encounters, new characters, and even a plot twist or two, that aren’t included in Tolkien’s epic fantasy. The reason that we did this was not to ‘improve’ Tolkien’s work (this would be extremely arrogant and stupid of us to say), but to challenege the computer player who is familiar with Tolkien’s work. Expect to be surprised.
For those of you who know who JRR Tolkien is, you’ll recognize the friendly world of Middle Earth, in this compacted and challenging Role Playing Game. Follow Bilbo to Rivendell onhis conquest for the ring, or battle the forces of Mordor in deep contact, for the ring, and you ‘the player’ will become the Lord of the Rings.”
-John F.
Xoanon here with a few tidbits,
My buddy Joram picked up a few interesting bits of news:
I’m mailing you to tell you of a new game that will based on The Hobbit,and the Lord of the Rings – The Trilogy.
Develped by Platus Productions, (Freestyle, gaming designers) it will be RPG based, and will conduct a lot of effort to get things straight. Right now were in beta stage 4, and will be going up to at least six. Our site is under construction, so look for an update with that, and a few screenshots.
Now, I would have to tell you that this isn’t a 3d adventure, but somewhat 3d traights similiar to Final Fantasy 3. Next of all, we will be looking for some beta testers, for Beta 4.1, there will be a sign-up application and an FAQ when we finish our site.
The Trilogy we have cinimatic lighting effects and shading.. character designs and graphics are all original. There will be a battle system that’s turned based, weapons can have magic traights and they will show up on your character during battle.
There will be cinimatic scene’s like the destroyal smaug with quite a large effect that will take place.. which means extra time on our side ;). The land will be HUGE.. you may spend 1-3 hours in Hobbiton itself.. doing quests and getting different things before you set out for your journey. The first part is actually the Hobbit, we will be doing the Lord of the Rings with the Hobbit, under the same name, but as a separate game. There will be great music and will be keeping the very same story-line you all adore, but adding a bit more too it.. like quests and different areas.
We will have more information in the future.
Harry over at Ain’t It Cool had this to say on LOTR
Orcs – The Orcs and Uruk-hai are going to be the scariest creatures seen on film! Our perception of how we see the orcs will be changed in such a drastic measure, so disturbing, that even Harry says he still has bad dreams about them!
Composer – The composer has not yet been found, so you’ll have to keep watch for this. Keep on speculating though, you never know who may be watching your suggestions.
Costumes and Props – Utterly amazing work, a return to just plain kickass prop design and attention to detail. Every ounce of effort is being put into making the Orcs and Elves look right at home in their apparel.
Shooting Style – Peter Jackson has gone back and looked at what was done right in the old films, he has made a renewed effort to use what worked in the past to keep costs down on the current movies. He wants to get the most bang for his buck. He has also developed multiple new styles of filming to ease the use of CGI in the films.
DVD Edtion – Hell yeah! It’s going to be a whopper!
