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How Metascores Are Calculated
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Return to Middle-earth in the only video game based on the epic final chapter of the highly-acclaimed The Lord of the Rings movie trilogy. Developed using the same digital assets as the films, The Return of the King re-creates in stunning detail the final events of the War of the Ring. Become the heroes who determine the fate of Middle-earth as you traverse the haunted Paths of the Dead, defend Minas Tirith from the onslaught of thousands of Sauron's minions, and even play co-op multiplayer with a friend as you march against the impenetrable Black Gates of Mordor. Eight playable characters, including Gandalf, Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, Sam, and Frodo with exclusive voice-over provided by the films' actors. The fate of Middle-earth is in your hands. [Electronic Arts]
All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more... 91
Play Magazine
Few games are as excitingly presented, as gorgeously constructed, as intensely visceral as the extraordinary The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King. [Dec 2003, p.52]
90
1UP
The core of the game is based on this frenetic, nonstop action that propels you from one area to the next, and it is this same sense of mayhem-driven progress that can allow a non-fan like myself to have such a good time.
 90
Nintendo Power
The graphics are a wonder, but at times the graphics are so complex, it's difficult to make out your character from the others. [Jan 2004, p.158]
90
GameZone
The interactive battles are nothing short of being an astonishing work of art. They'll take your breath away, both in how the game is played and how it looks.
90
GameSpy
It's one of the finest crossover titles I've ever played; mainstream gamers will enjoy it for its excellent use of the movie license, sharp visuals, and easy-to-pickup gameplay, but it also has enough challenge and variety for hardcore players to soak up.
90
GMR Magazine
Takes everything The Two Towers did well and improves upon it in every way.
90
GamePro
A nicely executed adventure worth fighting for, just be prepared to suffer inglorious defeats until you get used to the game cam.
89
Ferrago
They have concentrated on distilling the best action they can out of Tolkein's, (or should that now be Jackson's) masterpiece and presenting it in a well executed package. Lord of the Ring fans could surely want for nothing more this Christmas.
87
Just RPG
With lots and lots of unlockable specials in the game, including interviews with the cast, still shots, and three extra characters, Return of the King can keep players going for longer than a normal hack-n-slash.
87
IGN
The hack-and-slash action game is still very much just that, a twitchy combo-fest derived from arcade sensibilities, but now it's surrounded by a superior level of production quality that cannot be mistaken, it's got co-op, and it's filled with interactive backgrounds and newly playable characters.
84
My Gamer
The game doesn’t live up to the qualities resplendent in either the book or the movies, but it’s still a technically competent game and fun to play.
83
Entertainment Weekly
Fans will find much to enjoy, but don't blame us if you're as haggard as Gollum by the time you actually finish the game. [19 Dec 2003, p.L2T 20]
83
Electronic Gaming Monthly
Does a fantastic job of putting you into the world of the movie through its graphically stunning reproductions of the film's war-torn sets, smooth transitions from thriling cinema clips, into exciting gameplay, [and] top-notch voice work. [Dec 2003, p.181]
83
Game Revolution
It’s bigger, longer and smarter than "The Two Towers."
83
Game Informer
This title is absolutely stuffed with content. [Dec 2003, p.156]
82
GameCube Europe
Aside from seeing the film on big screen, this is the most intense Lord of the Rings experience available.
80
GameSpot
It's still a relatively simple and short action game at heart, but a solid combat system, some extremely intense and cinematic levels, cool extras that fans of the movies will enjoy, and the option to play cooperatively with a friend all add up to make The Return of the King deserving of its name.
80
Edge Magazine
If you take away the window dressing, the epic sounds and the preordained surprises this is a derivative, one-note and sometimes flawed game, but see it as a spectacular amusement ride and you can play and it's a distinguished achievement. [Christmas 2003, p.110]
80
Yahoo! Games
Rife with action and bursting at the seams with bonus content, the title will also go down in history as one of the most intense products ever created for hobbyists' consumption.
76
Next Level Gaming
The presentation is just outstanding. It's just a shame that the gameplay was a little off, and that you couldn't skip the movie cutscenes.
75
Weekly Famitsu
8 / 7 / 8 / 7 - 30 silver [Vol 786]
70
NintendoWorldReport
A fun and intense game at heart. If only its missions were more understandable, balanced, and streamlined.
58
TotalGames.net
If though you're after more than eye catching cosmetic gloss and an ear stroking cinematic score, if, in short, you're after a brilliantly playable game based on one of the most celebrated, loved and epic fantasies in living memory, then sadly this isn't what you're looking for.
Ryan M. gave it a 9: Danny E. gave it a 10: Booger Snot gave it a 10: Annonymous Guy gave it a 9: Starwarsspiderman gave it a 10: Chris M gave it a 4: Justin S. gave it a 10: |
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