Lord of the Rings the Third Age Review

2004 video game

The Lord of the Rings: The Third Age
Developer(south)	EA Redwood Shores
Publisher(s)	EA Games
Producer(s)	Todd Arnold
Designer(southward)	Chris Tremmel
Programmer(s)	Dom Regan
Writer(s)	Michael Becker
Platform(s)	PlayStation 2, Xbox, GameCube
Release	PlayStation 2. Xbox NA: Nov 2, 2004[2] European union: November 5, 2004[ane] GameCube NA: November 2, 2004[2] European union: November 12, 2004[i]
Genre(south)	Office-playing
Fashion(s)	Unmarried-player, co-op multiplayer

The Lord of the Rings: The Third Historic period is a 2004 role-playing video game developed by EA Redwood Shores for the PlayStation 2, Xbox and GameCube. A turn-based tactics version of the game was developed for the Game Boy Advance by Griptonite Games. The game was published on all platforms past Electronic Arts, and released worldwide in November 2004.

The game is a loose adaptation of Peter Jackson'southward Lord of the Rings film trilogy; The Fellowship of the Ring (2001), The 2 Towers (2002) and The Render of the King (2003). Every bit information technology is not an accommodation of J. R. R. Tolkien'due south 1954 novel The Lord of the Rings, anything from the novels non specifically mentioned or depicted in the films could not be represented in the game. This is because, at the fourth dimension, Vivendi Universal Games, in partnership with Tolkien Enterprises, held the rights to the video game adaptations of Tolkien'due south literary works, whilst Electronic Arts held the rights to the video game adaptations of the New Line Movie theatre films.^[3]

The game received mixed to positive reviews. About reviewers praised the graphics, just many found the storyline and graphic symbol development weak, and the gameplay somewhat also derivative of Final Fantasy X.

Gameplay [edit]

As with many function playing games, gameplay in Third Age is split into two unlike modes; third-person exploration through a 3D overworld, and combat way, consisting of plough-based gameplay.^{[4] [5]}

Progression through the game is built around "Quests." Every area features multiples quests which must be completed in order to progress to the next surface area. All areas also feature several optional sidequests which practice non have to be completed for progression, merely which can yield substantial rewards if they are.^[vi] When the histrion is in third-person style, the HUD displays a map with the current objectives (primary and secondary) marked on it.^[6] Equally the player moves through the environment, one of 2 icons tin likewise appear on-screen. If the Eye of Sauron appears, it means the player has a chance to encounter a random battle; the darker the center, the more probable a battle will occur. If a bluish Palantír appears, information technology means the role player is approaching a story battle; again, the darker the icon, the closer the player is to the battle. Nevertheless, not every scripted boxing is indicated beforehand past a Palantír icon.^[six]

Combat in The 3rd Historic period. In this screenshot, Berethor, Elegost and Idrial are surrounded by goblins in Moria. The boxing queue is on the upper right of the screen, the characters' stats on the lower correct, the action menu on the lower left, and a description of the currently highlighted action on the upper left.

The Third Age is an RPG in the manner of the games in the Terminal Fantasy serial. The game's turn-based gainsay arrangement is similar to Final Fantasy 10 'due south "Conditional Plough-Based" system (CTB), which replaced the "Agile Fourth dimension Battle" organization (ATB) used from Final Fantasy IV to Final Fantasy IX. The master difference between the ATB and the CTB is that in the CTB system, time pauses as the player selects commands, whereas in the ATB system, time continues to pass. As such, in the ATB system, even when the player is selecting deportment, the enemy can continue to assault. In the CTB system, nonetheless, the enemy will not attack the player until the thespian has had their turn.^[7] During battle, a "battle queue" is displayed on-screen. This shows the social club in which the player's party and the enemy will take their turns. However, the order of battle tin exist inverse by using abilities to slow downwardly or stun the enemy, or speed up the player characters. Besides, the enemies can increment their own speed and decrease the party'southward, again changing the social club. The queue changes each time a turn is completed.^[7] The player can only have three agile party members in whatever given battle, but in most battles, they are free to switch party members in and out of gainsay. Occasionally, the player volition be joined past a fourth member, who is usually a character from the films, and is controllable for ane or 2 battles only.^[7]

Battles are structured around the player selecting actions from the battle menu. Actions include options such as "Set on", "Modify Weapon", "Item" and "Skip."^[7] Another feature of battling is "Perfect Mode." As the player successfully executes attacks on the enemy, their momentum meter will fill up. When it is completely full, any member of the party can select "Perfect Fashion" from the card and execute a more powerful attack. Perfect attacks are full general to the party, with any grapheme able to execute any assail; they are non specific to each grapheme.^[7] At the end of each boxing, each member of the party receives experience points, based upon their deportment during the battle. For example, if ane character killed all the enemies, they will get more points than the others. If a grapheme did not participate in the battle at all, they will get less points than those who did. Gaining feel points leads to the characters leveling up. When a character levels up, they receive attribute points, which they can spend on their various attributes; Strength, Spirit, Constitution, Speed and Dexterity.^[8] Weaponry and armor as well upshot the level of each attribute.^[8]

Each character also has access to their ain unique set of skills. Every grapheme has 4 basic types of skill set; 1 based upon their primary weapon, another based around magic, some other determining what attacks are bachelor in Perfect Mode, and a quaternary determining their passive skills. Depending on what "elf stones" they take equipped, any given character may also have skill sets relating to Lightcraft, Shadowcraft and Item Cosmos. For all skills except passive skills and perfect mode, the grapheme can only learn new skills past performing the skills which they accept already learned from that gear up a predetermined number of times.^[9] Each successful execution of a skill earns one skill indicate for the side by side skill. As the character advances, the choice of skills bachelor to them increases, and they can cull what skill to learn next.^[ix] Skill points for perfect mode and passive skills are attached to experience level rather than successful execution of skills.^[9]

The game besides features a mini-game called "Evil Mode". As the histrion completes each surface area in the main game, that area becomes available to play in evil style. In this mode, the player controls the forces of Sauron and fights against the main game'due south role player characters. Each area features a set number of battles, between which the histrion cannot save. If the player successfully completes the battles in a detail area, special items are unlocked, and added to the player'due south inventory in the main game.^{[ten] [xi]}

Synopsis [edit]

Although the main narrative of the game runs parallel to the narrative in the film trilogy, the plot is non intended as an original canonical story to fit into the plot equally developed in the films.^[12] This is primarily seen insofar equally the political party are nowadays during certain battles which in the films are solo fights, such as when Gandalf faces the Balrog in The Fellowship of the Ring or when Éowyn faces the Witch-king of Angmar in The Return of the Male monarch. The game also features events which don't have place in the films at all; such as a boxing between the party and Gríma Wormtongue in Snowbourne, and another against the Eye of Sauron atop Barad-dûr. Throughout the game, Gandalf 'speaks' to Berethor by means of "Ballsy Scenes"; film clips which the player can collect and which feature original narration by Gandalf. These clips give context to much of the plot and serve to offering advice to Berethor of events in the wider earth.^{[5] [xiii]}

Background [edit]

The game is presented against the background of the history of the Ane Band. At the dawn of the Second Age, later on the defeat of the Nighttime Lord, Morgoth, the elves of Eregion forged the xix Rings of Power to help themselves, the dwarves and men rule Middle-earth. However, the elves were unaware that Sauron, Morgoth'due south closest ally, had survived his principal's defeat, and in the guise of Annatar had been the i who taught the Elven-smiths, led by Celebrimbor, how to forge the Rings, whilst, in secret, he forged his ain I Ring in the fires of Mountain Doom, a Ring far more powerful than any of the others. However, in order for the I Ring to be powerful enough to command the other Rings, Sauron had to transfer most of his ability into it. As soon as he put it on, the elves became aware of his ruse, removing and hiding their Three Rings, which Celebrimbor had forged without Sauron'due south aid. Sauron waged war on the elves, conquering much of Middle-earth and killing Celebrimbor. Thus began the Dark Years, when Sauron took possession of the remaining 16 Rings, giving seven to the dwarves and nine to men in an effort to decadent them. The dwarves proved relatively immune to the powers of the Rings, acquiring only a greed for aureate, and becoming unconcerned with events in the wider earth. Men proved less resilient, and the nine kings given the Rings get the ix Ring-wraiths, or Nazgûl, led by the Witch-male monarch of Angmar.

In his ongoing efforts to conquer Middle-world, Sauron regained the allegiance of many of Morgoth'south servants from the Get-go Age, and successfully corrupted Númenor. However, in doing and then, he expended a cracking bargain of his ability, and lost the ability to ever again assume a pleasing disguise. Returning to Mordor, he regained his force, eventually capturing Minas Ithil. However, realizing that if they did not join together, Sauron would destroy both men and elves, Elendil, High-King of Arnor, and Gil-galad, High-King of Noldor, formed the Last Alliance of Men and Elves, and attacked Sauron in his fortress, Barad-dûr. The brotherhood was victorious, with Isildur cut the 1 Band from Sauron's hand. Even so, although presented with a run a risk to destroy the Ring forever, Isildur, already kickoff to succumb to its corruption, chose not to do so. As such, although Sauron's physical grade was vanquished, his spirit, bound to the Ring, survived. Some time subsequently, Isildur was attacked and killed past a band of orcs, and the Ring was lost in the river Anduin for over ii thousand years.

Meanwhile, during the Third Age, a yet weakened Sauron covertly established a stronghold at Dol Guldur. In response to this undetermined evil, the Valar sent 5 Maiar to Centre-world. Taking the form of wizards, they were led by Saruman. Unsure of the origin of the evil power in Dol Guldur, the wizard Gandalf was sent to investigate. However, Sauron hid from Gandalf, waiting for four hundred years before returning. Around the same time, the Ane Ring was institute by a Hobbit named Sméagol, who became utterly corrupted by it, living in the caves of the Misty Mountains, and physically transforming into a animal known equally Gollum. For five hundred years, Gollum was consumed and corrupted by the Ring. Eventually, Gandalf was able to determine the evil presence in Dol Guldur was indeed Sauron. Gandalf reported back to the White Council, but Saruman dissuaded them from moving against Sauron. But when he learned the One Ring may exist in the vicinity of the Gladden Fields did Saruman agree to attack Sauron, hoping to notice the Ring himself. The Council drove Sauron from Dol Guldur, unaware that he knew the Band had been found. Merely prior to Sauron'southward departure, the Ring passed to some other hobbit, Bilbo Baggins, who used it to assist in the victory of elves, men and dwarves at the Boxing of the Five Armies. Sixty years later, Gollum was captured by orcs, and taken to Mordor, where he was tortured into revealing the owner and location of the Ring; Bilbo Baggins of the Shire. In the meantime, Bilbo had left the Shire to live in Rivendell, and upon the advice of Gandalf had (very reluctantly) given the Ring to his nephew, Frodo Baggins. With the data given him by Gollum, Sauron, withal unable to have concrete form, thus sent the Nazgûl to the Shire to retrieve the I Ring. Frodo, and his friends, Samwise Gamgee, Peregrin "Pippin" Took and Meriadoc "Merry" Brandybuck managed to escape the Shire and make it to Bree, where they encountered the ranger Aragorn, the last surviving descendant of Isildur, and rightful heir to the throne of Gondor. Aragorn protected the hobbits on their journey to Rivendell, and upon their arrival, Elrond formed a Fellowship with the goal of bringing the Band to Mordor to destroy it. The Fellowship is composed of Frodo, Sam, Merry, Pippin, Aragorn, Gandalf, a silvan elf from Mirkwood named Legolas, a dwarf from Erebor named Gimli, and a man from Gondor named Boromir, son of Denethor, Steward of Gondor.^[14]

Plot [edit]

The game begins with Berethor (voiced by Rhys Lloyd), a helm in the Citadel Guard of Gondor, travelling to Rivendell to observe Boromir at the behest of Denethor.^[xv] On the outskirts of Rivendell, he is attacked by the Nazgûl, but is rescued by Idrial (Lori Phillips), an elf in the service of Galadriel. Equally they travel through the wood, they see a murder of crebain (evil crows sent out as spies) and Idrial deduces that Saruman (Christopher Lee) has betrayed the elves leaving Centre-globe for the Greyness Havens.^{[16] [17]} Seeing her convoy under attack by Isengard orcs, she and Berethor intervene. They then caput to Caradhras to seek any farther survivors, and there meet Elegost (Chris Edgerly), a Dúnedain ranger hunting Warg.^[18] They learn the Fellowship tried to pass over Caradhras recently, but were prevented from doing then by a snowstorm unleashed past Saruman, and then they instead elected to pass through the mines of Moria.^[nineteen] Elegost explains he was hunting with a dwarven companion when they were caught in the storm, and separated. The iii head towards Moria, soon finding the dwarf, Hadhod (Lewis MacLeod), whom they save from a Cave Troll. They fight the Watcher in the Water shortly after it failed to impale the Fellowship.

Upon entering Moria, they fight the Watcher again, and this time they impale it. Hadhod learns the rumors regarding Balin and the dwarves are true; they have been wiped out past orcs.^{[20] [21]} They pursue the Fellowship, finding themselves on the floor below them, and seeing a Balrog ascending from the depths. Later fighting countless wargs, goblins, and 9 Trolls, they reach the Span of Khazad-dûm. There they join Gandalf (Ian McKellen) as he faces the Balrog. They help him to victory, but are unable to forestall him falling from the span. However, unbeknownst to the Fellowship, Gandalf is resurrected by the Valar.^[22] Meanwhile, the party exits Moria and follows in the footsteps of the Fellowship, passing through Lothlórien.^[23]

They soon learn that Boromir is dead, that Frodo and Sam have headed towards Mordor to destroy the Ring, and that the rest of the Fellowship take gone to Rohan.^[24] They too head towards Rohan. However, Saruman has used his agent, Gríma Wormtongue, to decadent Théoden, King of Rohan, manipulating him into banishing Éomer, captain of the Rohirrim.^[25] Saruman plans to use the division acquired past this to destroy Rohan.^[26] The political party meet the resurrected Gandalf, who tells them they must assemble Éomer'south men and head towards Helm's Deep, where Rohan will make a last stand against Saruman's army. In the meantime, Gandalf will attempt to release Théoden from Saruman'southward curse.^[27] Shortly thereafter, they run into a woman named Morwen (Lori Phillips), who joins the party on the road to Captain's Deep in the hopes of finding her family.^{[28] [29]} Having assembled Éomer's scattered forces, the political party begin to make their manner to Helm's Deep. On the journey, Morwen reveals she is originally from Minas Tirith, and the political party receive discussion that Théoden has been released from Saruman's spell.^[30] On the road, they run into Éoaden (Charles Martinet), a fellow member of Rohan's Royal Guard, who joins them. Soon thereafter, they find the bodies of Morwen's family, killed by wargs, before arriving at Captain's Deep.

Within the fortress, they fix for boxing.^[31] Soon, Saruman'due south army of x,000 Uruk-hai make it. They breach the outer walls using explosives and overwhelm the inner defenses. As Berethor fights, he suddenly hears the voice of Saruman telling him he shall exist punished for his betrayal.^[32] Gandalf and Éomer arrive with the Rohirrim, attacking and decimating the Uruk-hai army. Meanwhile, the Ents, roused to war by Saruman'due south partial destruction of Fangorn Forest, lay siege to Orthanc, ending Saruman'due south involvement in the war.^[33] Gandalf then explains to Berethor why he heard the phonation of Saruman – Berethor was captured by Saruman, who put him under a spell. Saruman believed Boromir would take the Band from Frodo, and Berethor's job was to take it from Boromir and return it to Saruman.^[34] However, Boromir did not take the Ring. Knowing of Saruman'southward programme, Gandalf and Galadriel sent Idrial to observe Berethor and stay by him until the spell could be broken, and with the destruction of Orthanc, Berethor is freed from the spell.^{[35] [36]}

Gandalf tells the party that Sauron will now turn his eye to Minas Tirith. Gandalf rides on alee,^[37] and sends the party to the ruined city of Osgiliath, to stand alongside Boromir's brother, Faramir.^{[38] [39]} As they await the inflow of the ground forces, Berethor muses that Osgiliath seems familiar to him. Éoaden remembers a Gondorian warrior who fought under Boromir during the defense of the city some time ago, but who fled the battle in fearfulness. The political party realize that Berethor is that human.^{[40] [41]} He vows he will never flee once more, and the party bring together Faramir in a fight against Gothmog. They defeat him, only he flees earlier they can kill him. Gandalf and so summons the party dorsum to Minas Tirith.^[42] Earlier they leave, however, Berethor learns the reason he fled Osgiliath was considering he was stabbed past a Morgul blade, the tip of which is still inside him.^[43] He and Idrial confront the Witch-king, only Idrial explains he cannot harm the Witch-king whilst the blade is still within him.^[44] He cuts information technology out and they assail the Witch-king, driving him off. The party then head to Minas Tirith.

They reach the city just later on the Mordor regular army has breached the main gate, with orcs rampaging through the streets.^[45] Meanwhile, the Witch-king confronts Gandalf, who is joined by the party in the fight. During the boxing, they hear the horns of the Rohirrim, and the Witch-king flees. The political party head to the citadel at the top of the city, where they witness the death of the insane Denethor at the hands of Gandalf. They then learn that Aragorn is on his way with the Army of the Dead. The battle moves to the Pelennor Fields as the Rohirrim charge the Mordor army.^[46] The Witch-male monarch attacks Théoden, and Éowyn comes to his aid. The political party join her as she fights and they are able to defeat him. Before long thereafter Aragorn arrives with the Army of the Dead, who wipe out the Mordor army.

As the political party gloat, the eight remaining Nazgûl attack, stabbing Morwen. They defeat the Nazgûl, and Aragorn is able to salve Morwen'due south life.^[47] He so tells the political party the unabridged army is to march on the Black Gate to distract Sauron from Frodo's approach to Mount Doom. At the same fourth dimension, the political party assault the Middle of Sauron itself. As they fight, Frodo successfully destroys the Band, and Sauron is defeated. In the aftermath of the victory, Gandalf tells Berethor he will face up more adventures, maxim "Your tale has hardly begun."

Evolution [edit]

Electronic Arts outset mentioned The Third Age as early as October 4, 2002, shortly before the PlayStation 2 launch of The Two Towers. EA announced they would be making a Return of the King video game, to exist released in roughly twelve months time, as well as an every bit-still untitled office-playing game based on all three films, slated for release in Fall 2004.^[48] Null more than was heard almost the game until April 27, 2004 when EA officially revealed the game was to be released on three current generation consoles (GameCube, PlayStation 2 and Xbox), every bit well as the Game Male child Accelerate. They explained that rather than the hack and slash nature of the previous two games in the franchise, The Tertiary Age, equally it was now officially chosen, would be a plow-based RPG, with gameplay like to that of Final Fantasy X and Final Fantasy Ten-2. They as well revealed the game would be set in the earth of the films, merely the player would control new characters rather than existing characters already established, although key events in the films would appear in the game, thus allowing players to see familiar events from a new perspective. Additionally, the game would feature new missions, events and characters not taken from the films at all. They also mentioned that the game would characteristic an option to allow players to fight on the side of Sauron.^{[49] [50]}

"Once we started work on The Third Age and knew that it would be a role-playing game, nosotros began brainstorming on the well-nigh interesting way to tell the story that nosotros all know and honey while giving players a major role in the events. It'due south a frail balance. Y'all are playing as actor-created characters who need to find their way through Middle-globe and participate in the story in interesting and meaningful ways, building and experiencing a story wrapped around the thrilling events of the New Line Cinema films. You lot travel on a sort of "South" bend that weaves in and out of the path of the Fellowship through the story of the trilogy. At times you'll be behind or "next to" them; at other times you lot'll be in the same time and place as members of the Fellowship."

— Steve Gray; executive producer^[51]

Development of the game had begun in mid-2002, when The Two Towers was still in evolution. Work intensified towards the end of 2003, with the release of The Return of the Rex. Executive producer, Steve Gray, who had worked on Final Fantasy VII and directed Parasite Eve for Squaresoft, explained he had wanted to make a Lord of the Rings RPG since the 1990s, just had never gotten the chance, until EA acquired the rights to the film trilogy.^{[51] [52]}

Equally the game was under evolution, diverse ideas were rejected equally the team settled on an approach. For example, initially, the developers planned to have an Agile Time Battle gainsay system, before going with the Conditional Fourth dimension Battle system. Some other rejected idea was an automobile-equip for weapons and armor, which would automatically equip the strongest piece of equipment. In tandem with this was an auto-allocation of feel points, whereby the game would choose to distribute points amidst the various attributes. Another rejected thought was that in Evil Mode, the good characters against whom the player would be fighting would replicate the actions taken by the role player when they had played through the main game; the player's deportment during the master game would be replicated past the AI controlled party. Eventually, however, this thought was scrapped and Evil Way was simplified.^[12]

The game was showtime shown at the E3 event in May 2004, when a playable demo was made available for all three consoles. The demo featured gameplay from Moria, and included a fight confronting ii trolls and the battle against the Balrog, as well every bit some footage from the motion picture. EA announced the game would be about v times as long as the Return of the King game.^[53] They likewise explained that although the game would be linear, and the player would non exist gratis to go wherever they wished in Middle-world, at virtually times during the game, optional sidequests would be bachelor. The game would be divided into smaller chapters comprising 3 main story arcs; the journey from Rivendell through Moria to Lothlórien; the journey across Rohan to Helm's Deep, and the subsequent Battle of the Hornburg; and the journey from Captain'south Deep to Minas Tirith, and the subsequent Battle of the Pelennor Fields. EA explained players would be given already developed characters, but customization and attributes would not be tied to graphic symbol classes, and then players would exist free to accept any grapheme specialize in whatsoever mode of combat they wished.^[4] Each of the characters in the game was based upon a modest character or extra who appeared at some point in the films, and who was named by the production crew but never named on-screen.^[12]

Reception [edit]

The Lord of the Rings: The Third Age received "mixed or average reviews" across all systems; the GameCube version holds an aggregate score of 74 out of 100 on Metacritic, based on twenty-v reviews;^[54] the PlayStation ii version 73 out of 100, based on xxx-five reviews;^[55] and the Xbox version 75 out of 100, based on thirty-8 reviews.^[56]

Eurogamer'due south Patrick Garratt scored the Xbox version seven out of 10. Comparison the combat organization to Last Fantasy X, he wrote "it's a great formula [...] but there'due south nowhere almost the depth." However, he praised the graphics ("the presentation of the combat sequences will get out Tolkien fans in absolute ecstasy") and the story ("the story itself is really very absurd, and for LOTR fans the game will exist a must-have for this lonely. Every bit the story is completely fresh and sits alongside the timeline of the films, playing The 3rd Age engenders the genuine excitement of playing pen and newspaper RPGs like Middle World"). He concluded "The Third Age is a highly enjoyable, if throwaway foray into the world of the Lord of the Rings films, and has much to recommend it for a casual purchase, especially for Tolkien completists. Just RPG mentalists will be bitter from the showtime and will intendance footling for the unparalleled presentation [...] This is a good game, information technology's just too shallow; an entry-level RPG at heart."^[57]

GameSpy's Raymond Padilla the game three.5 out of 5, calling it "a very solid RPG that dazzles in some places and disappoints in others." His biggest criticism was the plot and the characters; "I don't care about the characters. I never actually gave a damn if they lived or died as I was playing the game. I felt similar I was given the minor league version of The Fellowship, with archetypes of characters I knew [...] Their names and stories seemed then irrelevant and uninteresting compared to the real affair." However, he praised the graphics, calling the game "a treat for the optics and ears. The visuals are fantastic, much like the other The Lord of the Rings games. Information technology's a phenomenal re-cosmos of Centre-earth that fans will totally drool over." He concluded "there are better RPGs on the market. In that location are better TLotR games on the market also. If you've exhausted all those possibilities, and then give The Third Historic period a shot."^{[61] [62] [63]}

GameSpot'south Bethany Massimilla scored the game vii.7 out of ten. She was critical of the amount of Epic Scenes (which prove clips from the films) in proportion to bodily cutscenes; "there's so much exposition being done by Gandalf that it seems to come at the expense of your characters [...] yous are explicitly told what has happened and what will happen instead of actually seeing it happen, and it serves to somewhat distance the actor from the whole experience." Nonetheless, she praised the graphics and sound, concluding "The Lord of the Rings: The Third Age molds Middle-globe into a traditional turn-based frame, and while the results aren't all that great, the game carries some pretty good features and should entreatment to fans of the source material."^{[58] [59] [sixty]}

IGN's Juan Castro scored the game 8.5 out of 10. He as well praised the graphics, writing "EA did a magnificent job of bringing the grandeur of Middle-globe into The Third Historic period." Even so, he was critical of the difficulty, claiming "from the moment they brandish a weapon in-game, RPG veterans volition virtually likely tell that EA went to dandy lengths to brand The Tertiary Age as accessible as possible." He also criticized the story, writing "gamers will exist difficult pressed to notice an ounce of character evolution throughout the entire adventure," and calling the characters "soulless archetypes." However, he concluded "For the nigh part, The 3rd Age rips gamers from their living rooms and dumps them in a detailed rendition of Middle-world. EA Redwood Shores has faithfully recreated everything from the glowing majesty of Rivendell to the murky depths of Helm'south Deep. Suffice to say, this is one of the all-time looking games based on Tolkien's classic trilogy. Merely, as gamers everywhere know, looks aren't everything. It's one thing to accept video games look as good equally the movies they're based on, just what adept is whatsoever of it if the bodily gameplay isn't enough to go on you playing. Thankfully, this gainsay heavy RPG delivers the goods, although some die difficult RPG fans may exist put off by its overly streamlined approach."^{[64] [65] [66]}

Sales [edit]

Co-ordinate to Electronic Arts, The 3rd Historic period was a commercial success, with sales higher up i million units worldwide by the finish of 2004.^[lxx]

References [edit]

1. ^ ^{a b} "The Lord of the Rings: The Third Age". Eurogamer. Retrieved November 26, 2014.
2. ^ ^{a b} "The Lord of the Rings, The 3rd Historic period goes golden". GameSpot. Retrieved November 26, 2014.
3. ^ "Lord of the Games". IGN. December 2, 2002. Retrieved October 27, 2014.
4. ^ ^{a b} Sulic, Ivan (May 13, 2004). "E3 2004: Third Age Hands-On". IGN. Retrieved Dec three, 2014.
5. ^ ^{a b} Massimilla, Bethany (September 16, 2004). "The Lord of the Rings: The Third Historic period Hands-On". GameSpot. Retrieved December 4, 2014.
6. ^ ^{a b c} "Adventuring". The Lord of the Rings: The Third Age PlayStation 2 Educational activity Manual. EA Games. 2004. p. 6. Retrieved Feb 22, 2016.
7. ^ ^{a b c d e} "Battle System". The Lord of the Rings: The Third Age PlayStation 2 Instruction Manual. EA Games. 2004. p. seven. Retrieved February 22, 2016.
8. ^ ^{a b} "Bill of fare System". The Lord of the Rings: The Third Age PlayStation 2 Instruction Manual. EA Games. 2004. p. ix. Retrieved February 22, 2016.
9. ^ ^{a b c} "Skills". The Lord of the Rings: The Tertiary Historic period PlayStation two Instruction Manual. EA Games. 2004. pp. ix–10. Retrieved February 22, 2016.
10. ^ "Evil Fashion". The Lord of the Rings: The Tertiary Age PlayStation two Didactics Manual. EA Games. 2004. p. 11. Retrieved February 22, 2016.
11. ^ Torres, Ricardo (May 28, 2004). "The Lord of the Rings: The 3rd Age Update". GameSpot. Retrieved Dec three, 2014.
12. ^ ^{a b c} Sulic, Ivan; Dunham, Jeremy (June 3, 2004). "Lord of the Rings: The Third Preview". IGN. Retrieved December 3, 2014.
13. ^ "Epic Scenes of Middle-earth". The Lord of the Rings: The Third Age PlayStation ii Instruction Transmission. EA Games. 2004. p. 10. Retrieved February 22, 2016.
14. ^ EA Redwood Shores. The Lord of the Rings: The Third Age. EA Games. Scene: Riding to Rivendell. In Eregion long agone the elves were given secret knowledge to forge nifty Rings of Ability. They were precious across all else, for inside each was spring the strength and will to rule. But they were all of them deceived, for the giver of this knowledge was evil's smashing servant, Sauron. In the fires of Mordor he forged in hush-hush I Ring to rule them all, and with it Sauron enslaved the races of Middle-earth. Only non all light diminished, for some stood fast. In one final resistance, the Ring was cutting from Sauron's hand. Isildur, ruler of all gratis men performed this deed. But he became weak and the line of men failed. The Band escaped him every bit history became legend, legend became myth. And some things that should not take been forgotten, were lost. Thus the Third Age of Heart-earth began, but the realms of man were divided and their great cities were weakened, and in this historic period the evil powers again arise. Yet some hoped for unity in the face of coming darkness. To Rivendell the elves chosen the greatest of all races, with them came Boromir, son of Gondor's steward. And there at a council of elders, a corking and drastic plan was conceived.
15. ^ "Characters". The Lord of the Rings: The Third Age PlayStation 2 Instruction Manual. EA Games. 2004. p. v. Retrieved February 22, 2016. As a Helm of the Citadel Guard, Berethor fought alongside Boromir during the before Boxing for Osgiliath. After Boromir departed Gondor, Berethor was ordered by the Steward to search for him in the far northlands.
16. ^ "Characters". The Lord of the Rings: The Third Age PlayStation two Instruction Manual. EA Games. 2004. p. 5. Retrieved February 22, 2016. Idrial serves the Lady Galadriel in times of dire need. She encounters Berethor south of Rivendell, where she helps him survive an assault by the Nazgûl. She then joins with him in an attempt to render to Lothlórien — through the treacherous paths of Moria — and warn the elves of the dangers upon the roads to the Grayness Havens.
17. ^ EA Redwood Shores. The Lord of the Rings: The Third Age. EA Games. Scene: Betrayal. The elves abdicate Middle-earth, never to return. Some of them shall briefly shelter at Rivendell. But evil grows strong in the belfry of Orthanc, for one of my kind at present serves the enemy. Saruman the White has embraced madness, and rages confronting this state. He covets greater power than y'all can imagine.
18. ^ "Characters". The Lord of the Rings: The Third Age PlayStation 2 Educational activity Manual. EA Games. 2004. p. 5. Retrieved February 22, 2016. Similar Aragorn, Elegost is a member of the Dúnedain, the small ring of Rangers whose duty is to defend the lands east of the Shire from enemy incursions.
19. ^ EA Redwood Shores. The Lord of the Rings: The Third Age. EA Games. Scene: The Fellowship'south Camp. We pressed on, forsaking the easier southern route for a more dangerous passage over the mountains. But the White Wizard held other plans, and that route was denied united states of america.
20. ^ EA Redwood Shores. The Lord of the Rings: The Third Historic period. EA Games. Scene: Moria Today. Now dauntless friend, your band must enter a charnel house, for here lie the bodies of many dwarven generations. Many were slaughtered by invading orcs that bred and multiplied in Moria's darkness. At present they rule the vast halls and spread through the corridors and mines. Only they do not rule Moria. That is the province of some other and more powerful being.
21. ^ EA Redwood Shores. The Lord of the Rings: The 3rd Historic period. EA Games. Scene: Hadhod's Sorrow. Your dwarven friend's life is wreathed in sorrow. His sons travelled with Balin to Moria. No mirth did they find at that place; the goblins slew his sons, and I fright the trolls devoured them. You shall discover petty warmth in this dwarf equally this night story has turned his eye to stone.
22. ^ EA Redwood Shores. The Lord of the Rings: The Third Age. EA Games. Scene: Gandalf's Return. Aye, I do return, for my job is not finished. Long in Moria, I grappled with the Balrog of Morgoth. His ability is a corrupt version of my ain. He could not prevail, so I threw him downwardly to his utter ruin. And in the time thereafter, I found myself returned to this world. I shall shortly detect my friends and atomic number 82 them on their journey.
23. ^ EA Redwood Shores. The Lord of the Rings: The 3rd Historic period. EA Games. Scene: Price of Passage. I know who it is that you seek; Boromir, son of Denethor has come to their realm, and we have taken his full mensurate. Others too accept visited theses woods; some have found what they sought, others know what they must do. They accept left Lothlórien and journeyed southward. Theirs is a long road filled with danger. Yous autumn behind for they have taken the river, and passed through hostile lands to the Falls of Rauros. The elves will grant you and your small company gifts to aid you in your quest. They will guide you to Rohan's plains, and if your center is truthful you volition find a style to keep on the path they have opened before you.
24. ^ EA Redwood Shores. The Lord of the Rings: The Third Age. EA Games. Scene: Boromir Has Fallen. You lot need non tarry in this place. Boromir, eldest son of Denethor volition never accomplish these lands, for he has passed from this world. He travelled in the company of great warriors, but in his centre, he desired their overthrow. To his redemption, he fell defending the weakest of them. He was struck down by the Uruk-hai of Saruman, who now roam freely in these lands. The mission you were given has concluded, yous are complimentary of your brunt.
25. ^ EA Redwood Shores. The Lord of the Rings: The Third Historic period. EA Games. Scene: Éomer is Banished. These are perilous times for Éomer, Primary Align of the Mark, and nephew to Rex Théoden. He alone challenges the kings' advisor, Gríma Wormtongue, a base of operations and deceitful tool of Saruman. Through Gríma, the White Wizard has captured the listen of the king, and past Théoden's feeble hand, Éomer and his virtually loyal men have been banished upon pain of death.
26. ^ EA Redwood Shores. The Lord of the Rings: The Third Age. EA Games. Scene: War Comes to Rohan. Long has Rohan been the ally of your kingdom of Gondor, merely like their male monarch, the ties abound weak. Saruman prepares war for Rohan and it shall come soon. Already he incites the Wildmen, Rohan's aboriginal enemy.
27. ^ EA Redwood Shores. The Lord of the Rings: The 3rd Age. EA Games. Scene: Gandalf and Galadriel'due south Programme. I must gather Éomer's scattered strength. In this you can lend your help. Our hopes travel with y'all. But you must search Rohan, for their legacy is scattered, their powers dispersed. I shall become to Edoras and gratuitous their king while you lot do this. The elves will ready their people for the struggle that comes. War looms. And while I shall attempt to persuade Théoden otherwise, I suspect he will retreat to Captain's Deep for a final stand.
28. ^ "Characters". The Lord of the Rings: The Third Historic period PlayStation 2 Instruction Manual. EA Games. 2004. p. half-dozen. Retrieved February 22, 2016. Morwen's village burned to the ground and her life destroyed, this beautiful warrior's but source is common cold wrath. Joining Berethor's party, she drives them forward towards Helms'south Deep in search of the remaining members of her family unit.
29. ^ EA Redwood Shores. The Lord of the Rings: The Third Historic period. EA Games. Scene: Morwen's History. In times of needs, all able bodied men ride to war, every bit did the brothers of this woman who you lot aided. Scarce in material goods, her family unit was forced to trade far and wide for necessities. And now their whereabouts are unknown. She now must travel s and search the plains.
30. ^ EA Redwood Shores. The Lord of the Rings: The 3rd Historic period. EA Games. Scene: The Golden Hall and Gríma. Wormtongue has not the ability nor cunning to bar my entry. His men possess neither the strength nor will to master my companions. Saruman cannot withstand the power of the true white sorcerer who supplants him. He shall be bandage down, his spells cleaved. The king of Rohan is the first restored. At present you must help his people escape the coming storm.
31. ^ EA Redwood Shores. The Lord of the Rings: The Third Historic period. EA Games. Scene: Saruman's War Plan. You shall now witness a terrible thing, for the wisdom of the Maiar has been corrupted to perfect the killing of other beings. Saruman breeds an army of his own invention. His cunning arms them with weapons for the open up plain. He crafts rams, shields, and other tools of warfare that shames my society. And he brings terrible new devices to Centre-world, weapons that volition change your world. In one bold stroke, Saruman hopes to crush Rohan. This is the regular army he plans to unleash upon the elves, and then upon the globe of men.
32. ^ EA Redwood Shores. The Lord of the Rings: The Third Age. EA Games. Scene: Final Retreat. Yous conspired with these creatures. Your treachery is far worse than that of the worm, Gríma. I burned both Ent and Huorn to forge my ground forces's steel. With their bodies, I created a new power. At present, you are an instrument in its ruin. For this you shall pay. You lot are mine and obey my will. None dare resist me.
33. ^ EA Redwood Shores. The Lord of the Rings: The Third Age. EA Games. Idrial: Information technology is first light on the fifth day. At this moment, the Ents smash into Saruman'southward fortress. His power is overthrown by a more ancient one.
34. ^ EA Redwood Shores. The Lord of the Rings: The 3rd Age. EA Games. Saruman: Yous are mine Gondorian. You lot shall obey my will. There are none who can resist me. Find Boromir, son of Denethor, for he shall capture an item of nifty value. Bring information technology to me. Nothing else matters. Volition you practice this? / Berethor: Yeah. I obey the White Paw of Saruman.
35. ^ EA Redwood Shores. The Lord of the Rings: The Third Age. EA Games. Gandalf: Do you now understand? She was your guide while you walked in shadow. The darkness has lifted.
36. ^ EA Redwood Shores. The Lord of the Rings: The Tertiary Age. EA Games. Scene: Yous Are Free of His Possession. Saruman sought to entrap you, as he himself was ensnared. But nosotros saw from afar your quality, and nosotros sought to preserve it. When Saruman revealed his malice, nosotros moved in reply. The Lady Galadriel spoke to Idrial, who consented to protect y'all.
37. ^ EA Redwood Shores. The Lord of the Rings: The Third Age. EA Games. Scene: Expect to my Coming. The power of Mordor grows. Sauron's gaze now falls upon Minas Tirith. I shall hasten to its aid for there the hammer will fall hardest. All warriors in these lands must come to its defense. It is your futurity Gondorian.
38. ^ EA Redwood Shores. The Lord of the Rings: The Third Age. EA Games. Scene: Osgiliath Assault. You have traveled far Berethor, to the ruins of Gondor's once proud capital, Osgiliath. The men of Gondor are valiant, merely they are outnumbered in the contest to come. You aid their cause with warriors and artifacts from the northward. But bravery volition non be enough against the Dark Lord this time. Sauron opens broad his gates and sends forth a slap-up and terrible horde. Events I helped set in movement force his hand. He strikes early on, but nosotros must stop him at Minas Tirith. His first waves already stir the Anduin.
39. ^ EA Redwood Shores. The Lord of the Rings: The Third Age. EA Games. Scene: A Long Planned Invasion. In his first assault, Sauron tested Osgiliath and the will of Gondor to respond. And then in his second set on, he moved catapults into the eastern ruins. He sent patrols across the river, only only as feints to test Faramir, who led the defense after Borormir. Merely now Sauron attacks in earnest, ordering them to cross in rafts built in hole-and-corner. They will overwhelm Faramir's forcefulness here. Gondor is too weak to concord such an extended defence. Such is Denethor's folly.
40. ^ EA Redwood Shores. The Lord of the Rings: The Third Age. EA Games. Berethor: I have fought in this metropolis before. But it has faded in my mind. Dim - wraith-like. / Éoaden: I traveled to Osgiliath often every bit an Outrider, and was caught up in the battle that Boromir led here. / Morwen: I was ordered to ally a warrior who deserted when fighting on this isle. For that, my family was banished from Gondor. As was he. / Éoaden: You know, my friend, yous could perhaps be his brother.
41. ^ EA Redwood Shores. The Lord of the Rings: The Tertiary Age. EA Games. Scene: Realization of Past Cowardice. My friend, it is time that y'all learned a terrible secret about yourself. You fought here with Boromir in his terminal victory, and it is true that some fled the field in dishonor, escaping across Pelennor Fields to the safe of Minas Tirith, to the outrage of Denethor. Y'all were ane of those men.
42. ^ EA Redwood Shores. The Lord of the Rings: The 3rd Age. EA Games. Scene: Spawn of Sauron. Gothmog is the most evil of Sauron's lieutenants. His center is more terrible than his visage. He leads the Mordor army as it crosses the Anduin. He will direct the assail upon Minas Tirith. They will not besiege it, they will assail the walls with great machines of war. Gothmog will leave no survivors. The Nighttime Lord intends to intermission the power of Gondor forever. You must fight your way to the metropolis. They will need yous there. I volition need you there.
43. ^ EA Redwood Shores. The Lord of the Rings: The Third Age. EA Games. Scene: Revelation of Morgul Possession. Beneath your flesh you nevertheless behave a Morgul wound. This is what yous practise not retrieve from Osgiliath. This drove you lot forth in madness. This made yous their servant. Now is the time, Berethor, when you must face your hidden fears. When you win freedom from Sauron's curse. You lot must do this or they will claim you. Draw yous to them, for your terminal examination.
44. ^ EA Redwood Shores. The Lord of the Rings: The 3rd Age. EA Games. Berethor: I experience I've been here before. What vile sorcery has been done to me? / Idrial: You shall learn. The Witch-rex of Angmar comes. / Witch-male monarch: I come to claim you Gondorian. You fought here with Boromir. He was driven abroad. You were chosen. / Berethor: A Morgul bract. Expect, I have seen this earlier. I was struck past this. Here, on this island. / Witch-king: Yous heed has journeyed in shadow. We wanted you here Gondorian, full of power. To throw open the Gates of Minas Tirith and sow terror. At present, fulfill the will of Sauron; submit to the ability of the Nazgûl. Bow to me. / Berethor: I cannot harm him. / Idrial: He is allowed to your power. He created you. We elves held dorsum his enchantment with our artifacts, so he could non turn you lot into i of his kind. But his fell ability still exists within you, embedded deep upon the tip of a Morgul blade. / Berethor: And then I shall remove it.
45. ^ EA Redwood Shores. The Lord of the Rings: The Third Age. EA Games. Scene: Gandalf Rallies the Urban center. To a higher place the battle rages. Every bit we withdraw upwardly the levels, I provide what hope that I can. The infantry breaks, merely the citadel and fountain guard volition concur at the top of the urban center. I know not what night thoughts fill up their ruler'south mind. All of Gondor's dooms collide tonight.
46. ^ EA Redwood Shores. The Lord of the Rings: The Third Age. EA Games. Scene: The 6 G. Six yard spears ride to accolade their ancient friendship with Gondor. Six yard warriors hold their spears knowing well few will return to their homes. Retrieve well the charge of the Rohirrm my friend, for yous are about to get part of it.
47. ^ EA Redwood Shores. The Lord of the Rings: The 3rd Historic period. EA Games. Scene: Render of the King. The hands of the king are healing hands. The return of the Dúnedain shall heal Gondor.
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