The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers

"The Complete Review of Lord of the Rings"

Now many would say that I'm a huge Lord of the Rings fan but the true fans read the books and I've only seen the movies. So I just want to say that I am not biased because I love Lord of the Rings. I am judging this game on how good of a game this is not just giving it a high score because its Lord of the rings. Now on with the review.

Graphics-6
Now I won't lie the graphics aren't that bad but they aren't as spectacular as some people would like to tell you. The graphics get the job done and thats the best way to describe it. You won't see glitches much in this game or anything like that. The graphics are so dazzling that you want to stare at them for a long time but they aren't as ugly so that you will never want to play it again. The framerate is pretty high. Ocassionally there is some slowdown in the single player mode but nothing big. The two player mode has much more slowdown. But once again it isn't really that bothersome.

Sound-9
This is also a high point for the game. Many people find the sound annoying or not good. But as for me I like it. The music blends perfectly with the battles and the background. It is very good. Also for you hardcore movie fans yes the theme song is in the game. The sound effects aren't bad either. When you attack a tink will signify an attack that just hit armor and a slashing sound will tell you that you have connected an attack. The sound effects are basic but once again they get the job done. What brings the sound score up two or three points is the great music that will have you humming the theme song when you're done playing.

Gameplay-8
Now everyone knows that you can have the best looking game, incredible sound, and loads of replayability, it has to be at least a little fun to play otherwise no one will play the game again. Now this is where games make or break themselves. Now here me now IF YOU DON'T LIKE REPETITIVE HACK AND SLASH GAMES STOP READING AND BUY SOME OTHER GAME! The gameplay is mostly hack and slash, hack, then slash. That is all you will do for the whole game. There are no puzzles, no minigames, nothing just hack and slash. Now the ability to get new active (need to use it on the fly) and passive (always on no matter what) spells save the game. Also the ability to find newer and better items also helps out and upgrading your strength, accuracy, health, defense, and courage. Now if you stripped away these features this game would get a 3 because hacking and slashing over and over and over would get tiresome. NOW I REPEAT IF YOU DIDN'T HEAR (OR READ) ME THE LAST TIME THIS IS A HACK AND SLASH GAME!

Replayability-8
There is a lot of replayability in this game. There are 5 playable characters, plus one hidden. There is a two player mode which is pretty cool. Also before I forget there are 4 cartridge saves, so you can save the game and just turn it off. Now 6 characters times 5 or so hours equals at least 30 hours of gameplay plus the two player mode which is infinite so basically you could play this game forever if you really liked it.

Graphics-6
Sound-9
Gameplay-8
Replayability-8

Overall-8

Buy/Rent?
Now I say buy right away now for the third time IF YOU DON'T LIKE HACK AND SLASH GAMES DON'T BUY THIS GAME!

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 01/13/03, Updated 01/13/03