The Lord of the Rings, The Third Age

"Finally, a game that GBA users can brag about"

So, where do I start? This game ROCKS! I was very surprised when I first played this game and discovered how fun it was. I was even more surprised when I discovered that it was much better than for the other game systems. Well, enough with my rambling- on with the review.

Overview
The Third Age (TTA) is a chess like strategy game. It is a little complex at first, put it is pretty easy to learn and a lot harder to master. First you must pick your main hero- either Aragorn, Gandalf, Elrond, Sarumon, The Witch-king, or The Mouth of Sauron. After two short training levels (in which your main leader is either Isildur or an Orc flagbearer), the actual game begins. The levels span over the course of the three movies, with more scenerious being unlocked after you beat easier ones. The battles themselves span from the famous battles at Helms Deep or Amon Hen to the lesser known battles that are only hinted to in the movies, like 'At the River Isen' or 'Crossing of the Ford'. The game itself is really long, so its great for long trips or times when you are just bored out of your mind.

Gameplay
Each battlefield is divided into thirds, called flanks, where you start the battle. Besides having your main leader, you also may be allowed to have up to three more secondary heros (Legolas, Gimli, Boromir, Faramir, Eomer, Eowyn, and Theoden for Good, and Sharku, Ugluk, Lurtz, Grishnakk, Wormtongue, Gorbag and Gothmog for Evil, along with two unlockable characters) that help you control your troops. Each hero is designated a certain number of CP, or Command Points, that allow you to move and attack with the other troops on the battlefield. Every hero also has a certain special techniques (like Sweep Attack or Horn of Gondor) and talents (like Regenerate or Elf Sharpshooter) that may help them on the battlefield. Every character also has a 'morale' level, ranging from fearless to cowardly, that could determine whether or not that unit retreats when attacked. Some levels also have special characters that you can play as, like Treebeard or Theodred, or the dreaded Sauron. Each scenario also has certain objectives to complete, from the very simple 'defeat all enemies' to the much more challenging task of protecting or taking one or several flags. After every level you can choose to upgrade your heros' skills or equipment that will make them even more powerful in battle.

Sound
Surprisingly, TTA has excellent music and soundeffects. The music is straight from the movies and is matched up to its specific battles, and the sound effects are spectacular. Besides hearing the clang of the swords or the woosh of the arrows, some characters may say things when you select them (for example, Legolas will say something in elvish and Sarumon will do an evil laugh).

Graphics
The graphics are actually pretty good, especially for the GBA. The maps are very detailed (although a little dark) and the characters have very fluid movements. The game also has some really cool death animations (its pretty cool to see your enemies fall slowly to the ground, or get sent flying backwards by a troll. Sauron will even explode just like in the movie!) The attacks are vaired (a goblin may swipe with a dagger or do a double backstab, while a Gondor Soldier will stab with his sword or slash with it). Some techniques also may influence how the units attack (When the Witch-king uses his Rage technique, he gives his huge flail an extra couple of spins before sending it crashing on top of the helpless soldier, or Gimli might to some fancy axe twirls before final sending that orc flying.)

Storyline
Sadly, the storyline is pretty nonexistant, and someone who hasn't already seen the movies will be pretty lost. You get a small excerpt of text before each battle, but even that isn't enough for someone to understand the whole story. Watch the movies or read the books first.

Multiplayer
Yes, this game even has a multiplayer function. You can play another friend who owns the game via link or wireless. Don't have two games? Well, don't worry, as the game also has a Hotseat mode where you and a friend can share one GBA while still playing each other.

Replay Value
This game has really great replay value. Besides trying to beat the game with each different leader (both Good and Evil), the game has a truck load of unlockables in it, that are all unlocked by beating that game on a different difficulty setting. There are two unlockable characters, six unlockable levels, and a few unlockable game settings, like the Skip Battle feature.

Now, so far I have just been praising this game, but like all games it has its flaws, however few they may be. The battles themselves can take forever (anywhere from 15-45 minutes), and there is no in battle save function (although there is a handy Sleep Mode). Also, the random distribution of Command Points can be a little frustrating at times, especially when the enemy gets twice the CP that you do. It also can be a little boring watching as the enemy gets their turn, but you can unlock a Skip Battle function that greatly reduces how long each battle lasts.

Overall, this game is great, and a real victory for all GBA owners. If you haven't already, go and buy this game, you won't regret it!

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 06/12/07