What a real disappointment for a licensed game of a blockbusting story. Rather than following the steps of the movie, it follows the book instead. Game designers have tried adding an RPG element to the game, though it is slightly linear, it is done well fortunately not leaving you wondering around in circles.Throughout the course of the game you are in control of Frodo, Aragorn or Gandalf. All three are required to be used in strategic ways in order to defeat your foes. Gandalf in possession of rather spectacular magic attacks, Aragon with great strength and agility, and Frodo with manoeuvrability and speed.
You begin the game with Frodo in the Shire where you can at your will go straight to your objective or help around with the townsfolk that will fortunately present you with equipment suitable for your journey.
Levels are expansive and varied. Some levels throughout the game cool down from the heat of battle, such as visiting an Inn, preparing you for the battles ahead.
Weapons are rather simplistic such as a small sword for Frodo and a long sword for Aragon. The magical attacks from Gandalf make up for the limited number of weapons though. One problem arises however. In order to cycle through your weapons the d-pad or the right and left triggers are used. Trying to find the right gadget or weapon can usually be time consuming especially if you are in possession of a lot of equipment, and can be life threatening if you are in the heat of battle.
You can save any point throughout the game making things a little to easy.
Music is suitable for game play and is well done, though the voice acting is only average. It feels rather scripted than feeling life like.
Bosses in the game are created to an average standard, from ogres to dragon like creatures, though there are not many in total.
Unfortunately AI is badly executed. Creatures will run into you despite your barrow of arrows or rock throwing killing their allies, or the creatures will jam themselves into the environment. Battles do not feel like the epic battles from the movie, as most battles are taken care of by yourself, though on a few occasions your allies accompany you but are stuck in one position when attacking. Many a time will you be carrying out puzzles in order to progress and then all of a sudden you find your team at the other end! This reduces the sense of realism to the game unfortunately.
Graphics are between average and good. Character models are created rather well but are somewhat hazy. The sky and water affects are done very well, mixed with the quite beautifully created surroundings placing you somewhat into the world of Lord of The Rings. But downfall arises. The game is VERY jumpy, especially throughout battles. There is too much slowdown throughout the game, which is very frustrating knowing the capabilities of Xbox.
FMV is amazing. After watching the FMV sequence from the start you are left with hopes of an amazing game to follow, but then left in disappointment when you realize how much slowdown the game suffers.
If you are a true Lord of The Rings fanatic, then I would probably recommend this game. If not, then this game is perhaps not for you.
GRAPHICS: 6/10
Excellent FMV sequences. Character models are creative but fuzzy in texture. Excellent sky and water effects.
SOUNDS: 8/10
Music is atmospheric and places you into the action, though voice acting feels rather scripted than life like.
GAMEPLAY: 6/10
Nice puzzles and side quests, but due to slowdown and bad AI, it would only interest the hard core Lord of The Rings fans.
The good points:
· Excellent FMV sequences.
· Nice puzzles and side quests.
· Great magic attacks from Gandalf.
The bad points:
· Bad slowdown throughout the game.
· Poor AI.
· Battles do not feel like those from the book or film.
· Voice acting feels rather scripted.
· A game that will only amuse the Lord of The Ring fans.
OVERALL RESULT:
6/10