The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers

"War is upon you in one of the best games for Xbox!"

Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers is one of the most impressive games to hit the Xbox this year. Following closely to the storyline of New Line's movie, you take on the role of our three main action heroes to take on Sauron and his evil.

Gameplay

Yes, it is a hack and slash game. But not only is it the best slasher to ever hit a console, it actually requires skill to beat. There's no beating around the bushes, this game is short. Despite this issue, the game has given me the most fun out of any video game this year. The beauty of the game is the combat system and how your character evolves. Basically you'll need to really learn the combo system because button mashing WILL NOT get you anywhere in this game. You have to have keen timing and a good idea of what combo to use and when. After you beat a stage, you'll earn points depending on how well you know you're combo system. You'll really need to learn how to use every move and button in this game to score some PERFECT kills. Any game designed to force the player to improve his skills is a great game in my book.

Graphics

Some of the best you're TV has ever seen IMO. There is just so much going on here. It's really hard not to get distracted by the background where hundreds of enemies can be seen. The level of detail on the models and stages are unbelievable.

What's also most impressive is the way EA has somehow been able to brilliantly combine and merge cut scenes from the movie with the in-game graphics. It never really looks fake and cut scenes merge absolutely wonderfully into the game to hand you control of the action. This really goes to show how great the graphics are.

There's a debate going on that the colors of this version are a ad darker than the PS2 version. I agree. They are. But the graphics are crisp and clear and can still be made out to enjoy. I also have to mention that the game runs at a fluid 60 fps and controls and moves wonderfully. Even better is that this game is well suitable to the Xbox in terms of control and the only real complaint I can give is that aiming is sometimes awkward.

Score:10

Sound

Howard Shore's musical score for the films has been nothing short of a masterpiece and translates wonderfully into the game. At times the music is heroic, scary, tense and really puts you into Middle Earth. The voice acting is great and it's wonderful that the actors came back to do some original work specifically for the game.

Score:10

Replay

As mentioned earlier, the game is short. But wow is there a lot of extras here to keep you going. For starters, you have three character's to beat the game with. Aiming for a perfect score in all the stages suits for a well needed challenge to those of you who are perfectionists. There are tons of video clips with interviews from the actors and filmmakers talking about the game. There are photo's as well. On top of that, there are 4 secret stages and a secret character to be found. And the biggest replay of all, is that this game is just too fun to put down.

Score:10

Overall

You cannot go wrong with this game I have absolutely nothing bad to say about it. It's skillful, fun, beautiful to look at and listen to, and captures everything that the movies do with nothing short of sheer excellence. A two-op would have made this even better. But that's what sequels are for. And our King will return next year...Buy it.

Score:10

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 01/02/03, Updated 01/02/03