The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers

"Decide the fate of Middle Earth"

This is a review for The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers for the Gamecube. When great games come to the Cube, I am there to get them. I love the Lord of the Rings books and movies and when I got a chance to collect such a great title made by EA. I got this title as fast as I could. Disappointed I wasn't with incredible game play and graphics. As Gimli would put it, "Lets hunt some ORC!" And that I did with this awesome game. Don't be worried EA used the Lord of the Rings license well. Though some games like Small Soldiers gave movie to video game translation a horrible name, this however is a HUGE exception.

Graphics: (9) As realistic as can be, this game puts many to shame with the likeness of so many people in the movie captured so well. Putting like such other titles as Spider Man: The Movie to shame because you can't get that capture of Gimli cutting up an orc as well as Spider Man flying through the city. I was impressed with how Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli characters looked much like the on-screen actors that play them. Every environment looks flawlessly done as if you are really in Middle Earth. Even the Orcs and other enemies pit you into the movies. Every film location including Helm's Deep looks much like the Movie itself.

Sound: (9) If you sit down in a movie theater you hear the movie music much like the game Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers. Every music tune that was in the movie is captured well in the game. I loved the fact that all the voice-actors are from the original movie, which includes Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli. Even Frodo and Sam voice themselves in this game which makes this game SO classic. The only thing that can top this is the next game Lord of the Rings: Return of the King.

Game Play: (10) One of the best hack and slash games I have played to date. Choosing from three different heroes all with some what different moves. Aragorn is the one to choose because he is as fast as Legolas, and as strong as Gimli. That isn't to say Legolas or Gimli aren't could, you just have to pick your favorite character to play with. Mine was Gimli because hunting down Orcs have never been better with Gimli. Legolas on the other hand is all about speed, his bow is a LOT faster than Aragorn. As I said before, its all your choice. I wasn't too impressed with the range weapons, but what can you do about it?

Storyline (If any): (9) Re-telling the classic which was the Two Towers movie. You actually start out partly in The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring. Aragorn starts off the adventure, then you get to choose from either of the three that are available which are Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli. I think the game follows the story flawlessly with all the major action parts fitted into the game. What makes this game even longer, bonus movie content is in the game which includes scenes from the Fellowship of the Ring and the Two Towers. There is also exclusive interviews with the stars of the film.

Summary: (9.25) Gamecube owners are going to love this game as well as Lord of the Ring fans. Of the three console version, the Gamecube probably is the best of the three in my own opinion. But if you only have a PS2 or Xbox than get this game for your own respective console. I found this game enjoyable 10 hours of game play, with the addition of the extras I kept on coming back to play. I also played with ALL three characters which gave this game a LONG re-playability. So if you like the Lord of the Rings games or just like those hack and slash games, get this game, it is definitely worth it.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 06/10/04