Platforms: Nintendo GameCube,PS2
Reviewed Platform: Nintendo GameCube
Publisher: EA Games
ESRB Rating: Teen,for blood and violence
Learning Curve: 5-10 minutes
Required Memory: 4 Blocks
Max Players: 1

Reviewed By: Alien2385

This game is based on the movie The Two Towers, second in The Lord of the Rings trilogy, which in turn is based on J.R.R Tolkien\'s classic story. In this game you will assume the role of Aragorn, Legolas, or Gimli and fight for the freedom of Middle-earth.

Graphics

As the intro plays you might think you accidentally put the movie in, the game uses countless scenes cut straight from the film that really put you in the middle of what\'s happening. Attention is needed, however, since the game tends to drop you in the middle of battle, so be prepared! The graphics are beautiful (if you find time to look); from the snowy peaks of the Misty Mountains to the plains of Rohan you will find yourself totally immersed in Middle-earth. The character animation is smooth and fluid throughout. This game catches the emotion and spirit of the movies unlike anything I\'ve ever seen. You can almost feel the rage of the Uruk-Hai through the screen as they besiege Helms Deep. I was on the edge of my seat while playing this game!

Sound

With Howard Shore\'s score pounding in the background to the roar, cries and clash of battle, along with voice acting by Viggo Mortensen, Ian McKellen, Elijah Wood, John Rhys-Davies, Orlando Bloom, and Christopher Lee, this game shines!

Gameplay

EA Games worked hand-in-hand with Wingnut Films (the movies producer) and Peter Jackson (the movie\'s director) along with New Line Cinema to create a great gaming experience that spans the first two movies. Starting as Isildur on Mount Doom, the first few levels take place according to scenes in The Fellowship of the Ring including the battle on Amon Hen. From there you will trek through Fangorn Forest, the Plains of Rohan, to the climax at Helms Deep. The control scheme is a breeze once you\'ve got it down and game play is similar to an arcade. The camera tends to be disorienting at times and changes angles depending on where you are standing. The levels are fairly one-directional and narrow at times but its rarely noticed. Your focus is on whacking enemies and building up experience points to purchase combo moves and other upgrades. Character moves included block, speed attack, fierce attack, knock back, jump back, and the priceless killing move. Characters also have a ranged attack. Aragorn and Legolas wield a bow and Gimli throws hand axes. This game is solid, all-out WAR! You\'ll often find yourself surrounded by countless foes, each one intent on your destruction.

Appropriate?

If you have seen the movies than you know basically what to expect. There are no limbs flying around or any beheadings and the only time you might see a human bleeding is in the cut scenes. Your enemies are Orcs and other foul creatures and they do squirt (though its hardly seen) black blood. You dispatch them by slashing, shooting, knocking them to the ground (or off a wall or cliff) and stab them with your sword or axe. If you would not allow (or were not allowed) to see the movies you probably shouldn\'t play the game. There is no swearing.

Overall

Overall this game is simply fun to play. With a bonus level and character; interviews with some of the actors and other extras, this game is worth at least a try to any LotR fan.