Product Description

One Ring to bring them all and in the darkness bind them... The Return of the King video game once again puts the fate of Middle-earth in the hands of the gamer. Mirroring the final instalment of the blockbuster movie trilogy, the game charges players with destroying the One Ring by casting it into Mount Doom and thus freeing Middle-earth from the clutches of the Dark Lord Sauron.

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King allows players to journey through multiple gameplay paths, taking control of the motion picture trilogy's heroes. Defend the walls of Minas Tirith as Gandalf, raise the Army of the Dead as Aragorn, Legolas or Gimli and, with Frodo and Sam, deliver the ring to the fiery depths of Mount Doom.

Based on environments from the upcoming movie, The Return of the King has third-person gameplay that includes immersive action and adventure elements set in rich, interactive levels. An all-new multiplayer co-op mode will let players form their own Fellowship before embarking on their journey through Middle-earth.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1563 in Computer & Video Games
• Brand: Electronic Arts
• Released on: 2003-11-14
• Rating: To Be Announced
• Platform: PlayStation2

Amazon.co.uk Review
Bringing familiar faces and locations from the hit film, EA's tie-in game The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King could be easily written off at first glance as a simple cash-in. It's therefore a very pleasant surprise to find such an addictive and high quality game nestling at the heart of it all.

The developers have, as with the enjoyable Two Towers tie-in, opted for a beat-'em-up in the style of old classics such as Golden Axe. It proves to be a wise choice. Seamlessly incorporating some of the finest cinematic moments from the film, the game is a frenetic, rip-roaring and hugely entertaining affair. And surprisingly, it's a well-thought-through and highly challenging one too. The gameplay rewards the player willing to try things other than the same old moves, and through a series of combos and upgrades, it constantly pushes you onward. It's no one-weekend wonder either, with a healthy long-term challenge packed in.

Downers? A couple of levels don't quite reach the standards set by the game's best, and the toughness of the challenge may also deter more casual gamers. They'd be really missing out though, for not only is Return of the King one of the best movie tie-ins of recent times--certainly eclipsing the aforementioned Two Towers title--it's a tremendously enjoyable game in its own right. It's just a shame now that EA have run out of films and books, as we'd happily thirst for another instalment 12 months down the line. Best make the most of this one, then... --Simon Brew

Customer Reviews

Superb game
When the two towers came out, I bought it instantly and had been my favourite game for over a year. With the Return of the King film fast approaching, I knew to expect a new game soon. And EA did not disappoint.
It picks up exactly where the previous game left off at Helms Deep, where you take control of Gandalf in a final stand. As soon as you see the opening cutscene, you can tell that the game is going to be a pleasure to play.
It improves on the two towers in just about every way. It keeps the same hack'n'slash style that the last game had but also combines it with a more subtle approach, as you play as hobbits and try to sneak past your enemies. This makes the game a lot more two sided, as there is fighting side hacking away with Aragorn, and putting on the ring as Frodo to escape from Shelob. The game has 15 levels (compared to 13 on the two towers) which are roughly split between all the characters, and 9!!! playable characters (compared to 4). The game is packed full of new combo's, many of them unique to a particular character.
The games graphic's are very sharp, down to the tiny cuts you might see on Aragorns face. The camera is overall very good, and follows you around well, but occasionally it zooms out more than you would like it to. One of the best things about the game is that all the characters voices are done by the real actors. It really makes it seem like your part of the action when you hear Viggo Mortenson (Aragorn) shouting accross the battlefield for help!
Just like the Two Towers game, it covers everything in the third film, however, this does mean that if you play the game before watching the film then it will spoiol the ending for you.
Overall, I think this is one of, if not the best game I have ever played. It's great whether your a fan of the films or not.

a very good game
This is the third and final game in the original Lord of the Rings game trilogy. The graphics are good and it is very true to the film. You get to play as the original Lord of the Rings characters and you get to fight the normal baddies. You play as only one character at a time unlike lord of the Rings the Third Age but this is good in lots of ways. One of those is the fact that you don’t need to keep worrying about lots of people dying you can just look after one person! The game play is quick and exiting which means there is always something that needs doing. All in all if you are a Lord of the Rings fan this is a game you must get.

The book is essential, the film a must, the game.....
I think anyone would have a job on trying to find one person who has not heard of the Lord of the Rings by now!
I finished reading the book early 2001 and have a deep love and respect for the story. When i was told that they were making a film i was excited yet fearful at the same time. However those fears however have now gone as the film has been done overall fairly well!
The book is essential, the film a must, the game.....
If your considering buying this game (which you must be to be looking on here!) you will not be disapointed with your purchase. The main reason i purchased the "Two Towers" game was for the extra footage of a film not yet released, yet a great game emerged. The Return of the King enhances on this.
Admittedly there is less footage but the film is out now and in the long run it's the game that counts!
The main aim of the game and storyline needs no explaining!
The gameplay is very good and is a joy to play taking on the role of either Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli as in the previous installment this time though including Gandalf and Sam!
With a host of nasties including Mordor Orcs (amongst other breeds), Uruk hai, Cave Trolls, Wraiths on wings and on foot!!
The game is worth buying for the fact alone that you get to fight in the battle of the Pelennor Fields and the second to last battle where Aragorn runs head on at 10,000 Orcs!!
As with all games I love unlockable features and characters, being rewarded for finishing levels and the game. There is nothing worse I'm sure you will agree to finishing a game and just watching the end credits roll!!
ROTK unleashes cheat codes ( for those that will ) extra characters including Faramir, Merry, Pippin and Frodo. There are many interviews and film stills e.t.c which unlock as you progress through the game that all add to the gaming experience.
The game is of a decent length and with all the other characters to play through with and upgrades and special moves to purchase for them the replay factor is pretty lengthy. Each character has a projectile weapon and a main weapon and the fighting is enthralling to say the least.
The game is well worth the money and will bring hours of enjoyment and one that I'm sure you will be coming back to time and again!!
( It will also hopefully inspire the younger generation to read the book and then maybe dare i say enjoy reading more !!)