The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers

"A well done movie translation but a little on the short side"

This game is a great translation of the movie and the action orientated gamestyle suits the game amazingly. The only problem with it is that the game is a bit short lived. If they added a few levels that required wandering and talking to people it might have added to the length.

Graphics: 8.5

Movies are done well, they just took the movies scenes and then when it comes time to switch the game they do a clever mend which blurs the lines between the two worlds of gaming and movie, the end result is beautiful. The in game characters are done amazingly and there is no confusing between any types of monsters or characters. Lighting is done well, just really standard stuff, nothing mind blowing or revolutionary. Water is done well, rippling with footsteps and splashing with arrow shots, nothing to swoon over though. Fire is good too, doesn't make you stare, but it doesn't make you cringe in horror either.
The environments are set up great, they represent the movie so well, each area is from the movie and it's really nice for fans of the movie to walk through, or should I say movies since you walk through the first movie too since EA never made a first game. Character movements are great, particularly in the blocking and attacks, the running is done well which is refreshing since a lot of games can't get generic running done right. Backrounds are done splendidly and the only drawback is that you can't explore them because of a few invisible walls. Though this game won't blow your mind graphically, it's above par and really that's all you can ask for from EA since they had to get this game out around the movie to really make some money.

Sound:9.5

The soundtrack in this game is beautiful, every area has it's distinctive track which is from the movie. At key points the music changes like most games and there really isn't a time where the music seems wrong or out of place which is important is a movie to game translation.
Sound effects are well done, all the grunts stabs and chings are distinctive and enjoyable. Environment effects like water running and fire burning are all present. Voice acting is amazing, they got all the real actors to come in and do the voices, it really makes for a great experience. I'd have to say that sound is the strong point in this game, no complaints at all.

Gameplay: 7.5
Battling takes great technique and when you pull off advanced moves it rewards you on a rating system. Pull off many excellent kills and you'll go perfect which gives you instant kills and more experience. Each of the three characters have their strengths. Legolas is great for finesse and attack from long range is great with him because of the strength of his archer abilities. Gimli is terrible for his long range ability but he is double tough and can take a whooping, his attacks are also stronger than legolas and I believe Aragorn. Aragorn combines both their skills and kinda evens out the difference, all characters are good, but Legolas might take more time to master than the other too as you need to know what attacks to use and not just mash buttons, though once you upgrade your arrows you'll find him to be almost unstoppable.
Your characters gain experience which allows you to purchase new items and attacks throughout the game. It's a nice addition to the normal just hack and slash action game and it forces you to think of what to buy next.
The game isn't too difficult or long, so you'll probably beat it in one or two days max I'd say it has about 5 hours of gameplay before you beat it the first time. Some levels will have you stuck but just keep at it. There is different difficulties as well so if you feel unchallenged pump it up to expert, so that may keep gamers coming for a little more of a challenge. The only problem is that there is no secrets, beat a level the first time and that's it, no hidden paths or secret areas within the levels. I was hoping for 4 or 5 unique levels for different characters alongside the 12 that you can play as anyone through.

replay: 5.5
I'd give this a rent for sure, it's fun but it's durability is not great. Extras are present but don't take any challenge to unlock, just beat all the levels with all three characters. I'll give them some points for making a point in making me play as all three though.

Final rating:31/40
Out of ten: 7.8/10

Give this game a rent for sure, I wouldn't buy it though.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 01/23/03, Updated 01/23/03