The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (Xbox, 2003)

All I can say is wow. I just got this game a week ago and it rocks. The graphics are amazing, the replay value is as high as it gets, and the gameplay is perfect. I've never had any lag watsoever, even on co-op with dozens of enemies on screen on a huge map. Once you pick up this game you'll never want to put it down.

There are about 15 levels that never get repetitive and are just difficult enough for you to be able to get through, though not without dieing a few times and making a few mistakes. There are loads of moves and spells you can buy with the experience points you get, along with many well-balanced characters that have their own strengths and weaknesses. The co-op is fantastic, with no split screen which I like a lot.

There are 9 characters, 3 of which you have to unlock, and you can beat every level with any character you want (once you've beaten the game, you have to use certain characters for each level the first time through Ex: Gandalf for Minas Tirith, Aragorn, Legolas, or Gimli for Pelenor Fields, Frodo for the Crack of Doom (Mt. Doom), etc, etc) which gives this game some of the best replay value of any game, only surpassed by some RPG's and RTS's.

The attacks and combos and spells are well balanced, so that you will often be using combos rather than the normal attacks to make the game easier. Most of the combos are easy to use, with only a few more complicated ones that take some practise to master. The way you must attack an enemy make sense, using a fierce attack to break an enemies shield and then using speed attacks and combos like Ork Hewer and Swift Justice to take out unshielded enemies.

There are also combos that link together moves so that you can block a slash and then instantly kill an enemy, or break a shield, knock the guy to the ground, and finishing him. There are also many weapons on the battlefield, like catapults and ballita to fire, and torches to hurl. If theres a giant troll that is trying to kill you friends, you can find a spear and kill him with one hit from it, rather than shooting 10 arrows while he does massive damage.

There are some cons about this game though, most notably the camera. You cannot control it and often there are enemies just out of sight ready to jump at you. You will also find yourself running towards the camera, which can get annoying. The worst thing is when there are orcs surrounding you and you can't see where you are and can't tell what direction you're facing. This doesn't happen that often though and for the most part you won't even notice the camera views, which were apperently set up like this to make the game look cinematic, which it does.

Besides the camera views, the only complaint I've heard are about the games difficulty. I though it wasnt too hard and the hard difficulty will satisfy hardcore gamers that are looking for a challenge.

There are a lot of people out there that couldn't beat it, but I don't see why. There is an easy difficulty setting (which is indeed easy) and a very useful cheat that you can use before you've beaten the game (all of the really good cheats like invulnerability aren't unlocked until you've beaten the game), there are guides, several of which you can use for free online (I used IGN's) and a co-op mode where you don't have to beat all of the levels on single player, not to mention that you can get someone really good at video games to play along side you. This is a great must get game for any LOTR fan. 9.2/10.

This game is definately one of the best movie to game IP's out there. This game came out back when EA was making GOOD games! For singleplayer, it is an amazing story mode that includes clips from the epic film it was based on, and for multi-player co-op, well, get ready for a blast. If you are a fan of hack-n-slash games, PICK THIS ONE UP!!!

This game has excellent graphics, and love how the clips from the movie are incorporated into the game play. At first, the view drove me nuts, but that was in the beginning of the game. Once you get going, it's a fantastic game to play. This is also not one you will beat in a matter of hours and be done with it- plenty to do and just enough challenge to keep it interesting. I also love the multiplayer co-op play... would love to see more games like this!
I'd recommend this game for everyone, though use your own judgement when it comes to the younger crowd. Though it's not blood n guts, the graphics do seem scary at times and there is some mild violence. Basically, if a youngster can handle the movie, they should be fine playing this game.

"Movie licensed game," is a phrase that usually puts a bad taste in any gamer's mouth. EA has done a great job with the game adaptation for Return of the King. The sound, action, control, graphics, are all top notch. If you can get over some slight camera problems it is extremely fun.

Its already 2011. Games, Consoles and game quality has improved so much. Well, gaming technology has surpassed me. I'm still playing xbox and getting great games for the cheapest price. The Lord of the Ring-Return of the King is such games, cheap but awesome to play. The game is very entertaining and great for its year. Why pay for more??? when for so little we can have so much fun.
Awesome Game.