The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers

"One Game To Rule Them All"

''One ring to rule them all. One ring to find them. One ring to bring them all. And in the darkness bind them.'' Thus begins the movie that enchanted us all last december and were anxiously awaiting for years before. Lord of the ring was a movie that stood out in action sequences and an excellant story that entranced all those who watched it. The new game continues the enchantment especially in the action department. The game is made as a beat em up but the play is hardly repetetive. Here is a breakdown of the game as I see it.

Story
The story is the exact story taken straight from the film. You start by controlling Isildur in the opening sequence that you saw in the first few minuetes of the film. from there you must control Aragorn at weathertop. After the 2nd level the real fun comes when you can choose to play Aragorn, Gilmli, or Legolas(my personal favorite)

Sound
From authentic voices to the real soundtrack from the movie the sound encaptures all. It has a great feel of rushed need as though the whole world does really depend on you. The sound is especially evident in the more sinister weathertop level where you must fight the ringwraithes. The wind and the howling of the nine give an eary affect to the level.

Graphics
What to say about the graphics. the cut scenes are comparable to FFX scenes. The LOTR just has a darker mood to it. And did I mention that there also real scenes from the movie. Thats right there are real time movies sequences straight out of the movie. And these are not rair. The Clips flow straight in without a moments pause keeping the action going.

Gameplay
Another beat em up. Why play those. Arent they to repetetive to play all the way through? NO! The LOTR is a beat em up but has a strategy to it to. You cant expect to just mash buttons. You will have to parry and attack then parry parry parry. Yes it is hard to get used to in the first 10 min of play. But later it workes like a dream. There is also a roleplaying element that you can advance in level and power by earning points in all the levels.

But or Rent?
Buy if you are in need of a good game or just another good game this is a game for you. The only way this game is not meant for you is if you hate to enjoy yourself. This game is definately a 10 out of 10

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 10/23/02, Updated 10/23/02