Although the gameplay and story take some liberties with Tolkien's Legendarium, it is meant to immersive the player into the world with fun and novel aspects; such as the enemy orcs that are immensely full of character and individuality.

Source: https://gamerant.com/realistic-open-world-games/

Although the show is faithful to Tolkien's novels in many ways, it does make major deviations in others, including in its timeline.

Source: https://screenrant.com/rings-of-power-season-1-criticism-morfydd-clark-response/

Cats have always been a part of Tolkien's Middle-earth, from the ones who casually prowl around the Shire to the cats who were owned by a queen of Gondor, which she used to spy on her own people.

Source: https://www.cbr.com/middle-earth-terrorized-giant-cat-lord-of-the-rings/

In the Second Age of Middle-earth, several elements of Tolkien's appendices hint that Galadriel was the main character to oppose Sauron as he looked to regain a foothold in the world.

Source: https://screenrant.com/every-tolkien-character-rings-of-power/

Ironically enough, Legolas may be the furthest from Tolkien's vision.

Source: https://www.cbr.com/lord-of-the-rings-elves-look-different-books-films/

With so many creatures in J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings trilogy, here's a breakdown of all the major races in Middle-earth.

Source: https://www.cbr.com/lord-of-rings-middle-earth-races-explained/