The Lord of the Rings: Aragorn's Quest for Wii is a game that was initially shown too early. The Headstrong Games-developed title was revealed shortly before E3 2009 and was playable at the event. Unfortunately, it was buggy and janky. For example, the two-player mode featured an off-screen pointer-controlled Gandalf, which didn't seem to work. Thankfully, after another year of development, Aragorn's Quest looks a lot better, and will hopefully live up to the optimism I carried when I wrote a preview of it in April 2009.

In case you didn't know, Aragorn's Quest is a fairy tale-like retelling of the famed trilogy. It's told from the point of view of Samwise Gamgee as he regales his children with the legend of Aragorn. The story is also presented in a style similar to Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time since Samwise is retelling the tale. So if you die, Samwise will pull a Prince and say "wait, that's not the way it happened." The fanciful theme also translates to the graphics, which are based off of the stars of the movie, but very cartoony.

Players control Aragorn as he travels around with different friends and armies. He has a sword, controlled by swings of the Wii Remote, that can be toggled to perform more powerful moves with the B button as long as his strength meter is built up. Additionally, he has four sub-weapons. There is the shield, which can be used to deflect arrows and bash enemies; the spear, which is used offensively; the bow, which can be fired quickly to repel enemies from far away; and the firebrand, which can be used to light dark areas and fend off certain enemies. The sub-weapons are more effective on different enemies, and the game gives you a hint of this by displaying the weapon's icon above the dangerous foes that are resistant to them.

Aragorn also has to watch out for his men during the game. Throughout the bulk of the game, he has an army following him around. You can rally the troops to boost their attack, and you might have to revive them if they get knocked out. A second player can come in and play as Gandalf, who now always has an avatar on screen even if it doesn't make sense in the story.

From the demo at E3, the game appeared to be pretty linear, as you went from point A to point B fighting off enemies and solving puzzles. However, the full game will feature a lengthy main quest rife with side quests. This is definitely a game meant for the younger crowd, but it looks like it's going to be a well-made game as opposed to the barrage of bad games that are flung towards kids.

The Lord of the Rings: Aragorn's Quest is set for a fall release.