The Lord of the Rings, The Third Age

 Game Boy Advance
User Score
8.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 21 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 21
  3. Negative: 1 out of 21
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  1. lordellephino
    Oct 27, 2007
    10
    The only bad quality of this game is how it makes you choose form three awesome caharacters right from the start. I wish just wish I could use Gandalf and Aragorn in the same battle. Otherwise it's outstanding. Five stars.
  2. 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 it really isn't that bad of a game.
  3. [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 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.
  4. 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 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.
  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 of rough around the edges even though the look and sound and presentation of it is impressive for a GPA game
  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 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 youThis 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 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.
  8. steve_kent99
    Mar 23, 2020
    8
    addictive and nostalgic, have so many hours played in this game its insane.
  9. 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 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, theWhat 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

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

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
67

Mixed or average reviews - based on 7 Critic Reviews

Critic 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.
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  2. Nintendo Power
    82
    The story is very engaging. [Jan 2005, p.140]
  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]
See all critic reviews »