The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers

"Good game but doesnt live up to the movie"

This the first and only game l own at the moment for my advance, so this review can be seen as a basic yet unbias review as l compare the game to not other games but gaming standards.

Graphics-7/10
As with most games the first thing you notice are the graphics so we'll start here. The graphics dont set any gaming standards but present the two towers well. They are fresh and presentable, the only real problem is telling the characters apart. I mean l was trying to slash Gimli to shreds at one pat of the game thinking he was an Orc. This is made up for by the crisp clips between each scenario. You'd be surprised when you vew the opening movie. Still the graphics are above average and shouldnt give you any real bother.

Sound-9/10
Now the game really begins to shine. The slashing and other gameplay sounds are unique but are no match for the music score. The music throughout the game really gets you in a lord of the rings mood-which is always good. Even at the character selection screen the dramatic fellowship tune will give you a feeling of honor and courage at the adventure lay out before you. The music in some games can get on your nerves, this isnt one of them.

Gameplay-8/10
The gameplay starts of fun enough but can lead on to get a bit dull after while. Its a typical hack n slash affair
with rpg elements arising. Unfortuantely the helms-deep battle isnt as exciting as it looks in the film. Each character as different abilitys to gain eg. Frodo can put on the ring but be warned ringwraiths will draw towards you. You can also get the chance to buy and sell weapons, gain stats and exp which helps increase our characters strengh as you progress. Luckily the RPG elements stop the game from falling down to 7 or 6. Its neither a rpg or action its the in between.

Reply-9/10
Now were talking reply, the game will last you even longer then the PS2 version which is saying something. Five different characters with there own adventures which follow on from the end of the fellowship all the way through the two towers. Secret items, a hidden character and multi-player options should be keeping your fingers bashing till their blue. This can lead to at least 50 hours of gameplay to a dedicated lord of the rings fan.

Over all
An all round good game which l preferred to the PS2 version. Even if you didnt like the movie your bound to take this game to heart. Not many movie-based games are successful well this one is. Buy or Rent l here you say, the answers buy!

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