Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, The

G4 TV

A top-quality production on every level, and is arguably the best hack-and-slash game since the original "Golden Axe."

GameZone

From the spark of a parried attack, to the whirr of a blurred blade slashing through the air and a kick that knocks opponents back and off-balance so the killing blow can be struck, this game is a visual delight.

Game Informer

Sometimes the fighting gets so intense, you can feel the fate of Middle Earth weighing down on you more and more wtih each blow. [Dec 2002, p.111]

Cinescape

It’s filled with action, and has enough RPG elements to keep it interesting (although the replay value would be subdued for a non-fan because the extras are for the fans).

Cheat Code Central

Hack'n slash fans and Tolkienites will go nuts over this.

Play Magazine

I've never experienced so much in the way of trimmings from the source material. [Dec 2002, p.61]

GamePro

Two Towers isn’t perfect, and it’s pretty far from groundbreaking, but it’s undeniably awesome to delve into such an authentic representation of this universe and whup some orc backside.

Official U.S. Playstation Magazine

The last level at Helm's Deep is possibly one of the most incredible-looking levels I've ever seen in a game...It's simply breathtaking. [Dec 2002, p.163]

Cincinnati Enquirer

A solid pick - especially for players who enjoy nonstop action - that lives up to the expectations set by the movie on which it's based.

Playboy

Should appeal to nerdy D&D chicks and foxy fantasy fans alike... Brainy babes who dig "Myst"-like games need not apply.

GamingTrend

The graphics are excellent in this game and I noticed no slowdown even with lots of Orcs on-screen at a time.

Game Over Online

Easily one of the most striking titles of the year.

GamingWorld X

Though not the deepest action game we've played, it's well worth the time for 'Rings' fans and action game gurus alike. We're not completely satisfied; the game is much too short, and is in dire need of a second player.

GameNow

May be the best directly movie-based title I've ever played. [Jan 20003, p.42]

Entertainment Weekly

A gaming experience that works with - rather than exploits - the source material. [Oct 25, 2002, p.82]

IGN

Good, twitchy action-fun. Based on the movie, this fast-action style beat-'em-up is well adorned with great supporting elements from quality sound, graphics and other movie-related resources.

Electronic Gaming Monthly

A basic hack-'n'-slash game, albeit a really good one. [Jan 2003, p.174]

GameSpot

Fans of the first film will definitely want to pick this one up, but those who enjoy action games in general will also find a lot to like here, in spite of the game's short length.

GMR Magazine

Anything bearing the valuable Lord of the Rings license will sell well. Happily, there's more to this beat 'em up than just the license. [Feb 2003, p.93]

netjak

A good game to rent for a rainy weekend; you’ll certainly get $5 of fun out of the game, and you should be done with it one way or the other by the time it needs to go back.

Games Radar UK (Pre-2006)

With so much chasing and fighting in the movie, the scrolling slasher genre seems ideal. However, the result is a simplistic and repetitive game. [PSM2]

GameCritics

Despite the logic issues, the lack of a two-player mode, and the utterly disappointing "secret" level and character, I still consider the game to be a success.

Into Liquid Sky

The action is quality and the story is told, even if in small portions and with very little in the way of depth.

GameSpy

It's somewhat short (maybe five hours per character) and isn't the best action game you'll ever play, but it is the best action game based on "The Lord of the Rings."

Electric Playground

The shortness of the game is partially forgiven by the richness of its production.

Eurogamer

It’s fun while it lasts, but requires relatively little skill – just an iron will and determination to progress through 16 lavish, on rails, scripted levels.

PSM Magazine

The game, as a whole, doesn't feel totally balanced. [Holiday 2002, p.32]

PSX Nation

Only its short length (a meager 7-8 hours) and lack of multiplayer support keeps The Two Towers from overtaking Koei’s “Dynasty Warriors 3” as the system’s best mindless hack-and-slash action/adventure.

Game Revolution

Perhaps the most impressive aspect of the game's delivery is the sound, which is some of the best ever.

Yahoo! Games

It isn't so attractive after you sit down to play it. Still, the glitz and intense combat can make you forget that there is no substance here for at least a few hours.

All Game Guide

With graphics prettier than Arwen and gameplay shorter than Bilbo Baggins, The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers ends up a mixed bag.

Maxim Online

The graphics and sound (enhanced by the actual voices of the movie’s stars) were well-rendered and intricate indeed, but players soon grew bored with repetitive thrusting and parrying against evil Sauron’s monstrous hordes.