The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers Review
The Two Towers is one of the best licensed games I have ever played. Period. It destroys Spiderman in every way, shape, or form. The only one I can think of that I have played that compares, is Star Wars Rouge Squadron 2: Rougeleader. But that’s a totally different game. The Two Towers looks excellent, and looks as much like the movie as identical twins look like each other. The gameplay may be simple, but it’s loads of fun. The sound is excellent, and is taken from the first movie, The Fellowship of the Ring. And you don’t have to worry about control, either; it’s first-rate. There are plenty of bonuses to open and keep you going, too.
Controlling your hero is quite easy. The controls aren’t shaky (see: Star Wars: Bounty Hunter) but are quiet responsive. They are as well simple, so you won’t get confused- this games a brawler.
The gameplay is simple, but fun. Choose from three characters (Gimli, Aragorn, and Legolas), and one unlock able character, to fight the menaces of evil. Gimli has the most health, and is best with close range combat. Legolas is the paramount at “far range” combat (using his bow) but has the least health. Finally, Aragorn is a mix of both, and is best for beginners. Plenty of stronger weapons, combos, and health upgrades are gained by gaining levels and points from killing enemies. All of this is unexplainably easy to control, and I seldom encountered control problems.
The graphics look fantastic and looks quite like the movie. The Orcs and Uruk Hai’s game in incarnations are as fearsome as in the movies. Though, the Trolls aren’t tall enough and they can’t go out in sunlight, that’s ok.
The sound is great in addition to the graphics. The Fellowship soundtrack is packed in, and of course fits in perfectly. The noises on the battlefield are gre4at, from Orc moans to allied-soldiers shouting.
Replay value is high, with a bunch of worthwhile extras waiting for you. Interviews, pictures, and more await you. Secret levels and a secret character wait in the depths of Mordor; can you find them? Plus, you’ll want to keep leveling up and the levels are totally fun and you’ll want to beat them no matter what.
Originality is the only lacking factor of this game. Despite the wealth of information Tolkien has on this world, EA only makes it brawler/action title. It’s a good one, but what’s up with that? The only thing that keeps this game’s originality above average is because of Tolkien.
On the whole, The Two Towers is a worthwhile, though short, investment of money and time. Each character is unique, so go through it with each character. Great graphics and sound, fun gameplay and easy control, and a bunch of extras round out this package.
Visuals: 9
Sound: 9
Originality: 6
Replay: 8
Overall: 8.5