The Lord of the Rings, The Third Age

 Game Boy Advance
The Lord of the Rings, The Third Age Image
Metascore
67

Mixed or average reviews - based on 7 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 21 Ratings

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  • Summary: In The Lord of the Rings: The Third Age, you can travel in the wake of the Fellowship while exploring your own path and periodically intersecting the major events of the film trilogy. Through both familiar and new locations, you must fight to save or destroy Middle-earth in an epicIn The Lord of the Rings: The Third Age, you can travel in the wake of the Fellowship while exploring your own path and periodically intersecting the major events of the film trilogy. Through both familiar and new locations, you must fight to save or destroy Middle-earth in an epic adventure. Encounter the demonic Balrog in the Mines of Moria, defend the fallen city of Osgiliath, or try to destroy Helm's Deep. These choices and many more will confront you as you align yourself with the people of Middle-earth or undertake missions on behalf of Sauron.… Expand
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 7
  3. Negative: 0 out of 7
  1. GBA Central
    100
    Comparable in many ways to Fire Emblem, The Third Age betters it in many ways, offering a more in-depth character management system, deeper tactical options and a greater variety in mission objectives.
  2. Nintendo Power
    82
    The story is very engaging. [Jan 2005, p.140]
    All this publication's reviews
  3. Game Informer
    80
    A pure strategy game, I loved the combat's flank system, where you receive a semi-random amount of command points to spend on actions per flank. [Feb 2005, p.125]
    All this publication's reviews
  4. Nintendojo
    70
    If you are looking for a challenge and do not care that the game isn’t teeming with personality, then it is for you.
  5. IGN
    60
    It at least keeps with the theme and style of the LOTR videogame universe, and offers a different take from the past two LOTR games from Griptonite. But it's just not nearly as fun or polished as the team's "The Two Towers" and "Return of the King."
  6. GamePro
    60
    Merely an interesting take on The Lord of the Rings license instead of the great game it could have been. [Jan 2005, p.103]
  7. Cheat Code Central
    50
    It's challenging and there are strategic elements that rival that of Fire Emblem but it fails miserably to capture the essence of the Rings movies. Basically it's a generic turn-based strategy game using the Rings in the same way that kart racers attach to various franchises.
    All this publication's reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 9
  3. Negative: 1 out of 9
  1. [Anonymous]
    Nov 5, 2004
    10
    There are far worse games on this console, that goes without saying. However there are few better games than this as well. That is There are far worse games on this console, that goes without saying. However there are few better games than this as well. That is surprising, since EA developed this nifty SRPG. This gives a unique vantage to this series, with a nice feel and a great musical score. Near perfection for LOTR fans and RPG folk as well. Plus, you can take it with you whenever and wherever you want. … Expand
  2. Tradnux
    Nov 9, 2022
    10
    What the developers did in this game was something good to the SRPG genre, there is this commander flank which is I think is a great additionWhat the developers did in this game was something good to the SRPG genre, there is this commander flank which is I think is a great addition to the mechanics of a top down tactical game, it reminds me of one my favorite strategy RPG called Brigandine. Also I think they made good use of the LOTR IP as it still follows upon what happened in the trilogy movies, the plot, the locations, the scenarios, etc. though the character likeness is not spot on but so are other LOTR games, other than that it still feels Middle-earth all over it.

    This game is addicting, and such a fun time I had with it. I hope they make rebirth of this, even if not LOTR IP as I really like the gameplay a lot.    … Expand
  4. BenD.
    Jul 5, 2006
    10
    Really a new kind of game for this system. There has never really been one like it out there. It still follows the guidlines of the movie so Really a new kind of game for this system. There has never really been one like it out there. It still follows the guidlines of the movie so it really isn't that bad of a game.… Expand
  5. Red-Rocket
    Jun 23, 2013
    10
    Its impressive that this game is more difficult than Fire Emblem but yet still be fun. This game isnt for everyone, be prepared for a bit ofIts impressive that this game is more difficult than Fire Emblem but yet still be fun. This game isnt for everyone, be prepared for a bit of rough around the edges even though the look and sound and presentation of it is impressive for a GPA game… Expand
  6. ApathyAbound
    Feb 2, 2016
    10
    This game is hands-down one of my all-time favorites. Extremely addictive, and it follows the source material fairly well. Very reminiscent ofThis game is hands-down one of my all-time favorites. Extremely addictive, and it follows the source material fairly well. Very reminiscent of Fire Emblem, it can be very challenging or very relaxed, depending on what you look for. It also introduces the element of flanks, with heroes granting a range of command points that inserts some uncertainty in the mix. With hidden content that you must fight on harder levels to unlock, this game packs a whollop, and is sure to keep you entertained for a long time.… Expand
  7. Warlock84
    Feb 21, 2020
    9
    More challenging and complex than Fire Emblem but with the same addictive elements of tactical strategy. It has excellent replay value as wellMore challenging and complex than Fire Emblem but with the same addictive elements of tactical strategy. It has excellent replay value as well since you can play for either the side of good or evil and have a range of different characters at your command. My expectations for this game were exceeded.… Expand
  8. SuperMothman
    Dec 25, 2004
    4
    Peter Jackson's ego really ruined this game. First it was his face appearing as a warrior of Rohan in the movie, now it's him as Peter Jackson's ego really ruined this game. First it was his face appearing as a warrior of Rohan in the movie, now it's him as highly populated woodsmen. Ruined the experience for me, to see the face of the director of the movie. Totally destroyed the believability of the LOTR fantasy and game.… Expand

See all 9 User Reviews

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Awards & Rankings

46
#46 Best Game Boy Advance Game of 2004
27
#27 Most Discussed Game Boy Advance Game of 2004
22
#22 Most Shared Game Boy Advance Game of 2004