The Hobbit started out as a GameCube-exclusive title, but after a few delays, it is finally about to ship as a multiplatform game for everyone to play. The good news is that it seems to have survived the long and expanded development process and come through as a quality adventure title. The other good news, at least for GameCube owners, is that this version is probably the best of the bunch, since it was the lead platform all along.

The Hobbit is a rare book-to-game adaptation, and it tries to use its literary roots as an advantage. Most of the story is told through voice-over narration and penciled illustrations on slowly turning pages. It’s rather disappointing that some of the most important plot points aren’t presented in a more exciting way, but you do at least get the strong sense that the game is trying to stick to the book and be a genuine experience. Most of the voicing I’ve heard so far is very well done, and there is a ton of it. Bilbo talks (and worries) to himself constantly, which is keeping in character. The graphics are very colorful, with so-so character models but beautiful environments. The soundtrack seems to highlight one instrument at a time, so in Hobbiton you may hear Celtic guitar, while during a battle in the woods, the music may consist primarily of drum beats. All of the music so far has been interesting, noticeable, and very original.

The game plays very much like the 3D Zelda titles, but with plenty of differences too. Bilbo’s combat skills are truly weak sauce to begin with, but he learns new moves and finds new weapons throughout the game. Unlike Zelda, The Hobbit game features some heavy platforming, and it can get pretty challenging even early on. In fact, the game as a whole is not as easy as expected; I’ve died several times in bottomless pits and to gangs of enemies. The very frequent save spots keep things from getting too frustrating though.

The Hobbit also seems determined to have a lot of stealth action, which feels quite natural with Bilbo’s role as burglar. The second mission serves up a lengthy sequence in which you must scuttle around a group of giant trolls. At least one of them is always patrolling around in search of food, and he has pretty sharp eyes for a troll. Bilbo can’t press up against walls, and he doesn’t have any sort of radar. You just have to move quickly, take cover when necessary, and keep a good eye on the enemy to find him in a moment of relaxed vigilance. Considering how tough this level is, I’m pretty stoked to see how Bilbo gets by old Smaug (with the help of The One Ring, of course).

Each mission is based on a chapter from the book, and each one is quite sizable, both in the complexity of what you need to do and the enormity of the area you will be operating in. Even Hobbiton, a pretty intimate place by all accounts, takes five minutes or so to walk straight across in the game. The level designs are wonderful, with complex environments tied together with all sorts of platforms for jumping, rivers for crossing, and vines for climbing. There are loads of little secret paths and hidden treasures. Opening many treasure chests involves picking the lock, which is represented by a series of timing mini-games that look like gears and locks. It’s not really hard to pass these little tests, but they are a cool touch.

So far, The Hobbit is exceeding my expectations. As an adventure game, it mixes together elements from many games for what looks to be a nice take on the genre. It’s one to watch for any fan of Tolkien, which is the vast majority of gamers and many non-gamers too.