Metascore
59

Mixed or average reviews - based on 19 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 19
  2. Negative: 4 out of 19
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  1. Even though the graphics and sound are splendid, the almost across-the-boards flat acting and boring enemies along with the used and abused game play elements combine for one lame game touting more of the same.
  2. 40
    The lackluster presentation combined with the clunky and often frustrating gameplay makes Fellowship of the Ring more of a chore to play than anything else.
  3. Game Informer
    30
    The story is delivered witih all the emotion of a grade school play. This woldn't be such a bad thing, if the gameplay weren't absolutely abysmal. [Dec 2002, p.122]
  4. 45
    Couple the control and camera issues with the bland and slapped-together feel of the graphics, the glitchy control scheme, and a protagonist who does nothing for long stretches of time and then runs from danger, and it's hard to come up with a single reason (other than the big Lord of the Rings logo on the box) why anyone would want to purchase this game.

Awards & Rankings

54
#54 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2002
75
#75 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2002
User Score
5.0

Mixed or average reviews- based on 41 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 41
  2. Negative: 17 out of 41
  1. Nov 29, 2022
    0
    Anyone who says this game is the "best" or even remotely good is lying to you. Assume they're trolls.

    This game is a pile of **** and is
    Anyone who says this game is the "best" or even remotely good is lying to you. Assume they're trolls.

    This game is a pile of **** and is the reason EA won the licensing war for the franchise's movie adaptation rights.
    Full Review »
  2. Oct 28, 2022
    7
    Really fun game. It did a great job of setting the atmosphere and universe of lord of the rings.
  3. Mar 7, 2022
    4
    I confess; this game has some magic in it, but it could've been a lot more. It starts off quite nicely, in the Shire, introducing it's manyI confess; this game has some magic in it, but it could've been a lot more. It starts off quite nicely, in the Shire, introducing it's many habitants, and their way of life. It can be relaxing and surprisingly good to just walk around the place and explore it's surroundings.

    The lore is great, and it follows the book in a satisfying way, but the gameplay itself is the real problem in here... especially the combat, and it's COMPLETELY failed attempt of a stealth. It can be absolute hell to control Frodo in a fight, and less of a tragedy for the other characters, such as Gandalf and Aragorn. "Oh, but Frodo can't fight", I know he can't, but the gameplay is still trash all the same.

    The level design has some inspired segments, but the graphics themselves are not really that great to look at (and that's putting it mildly). By the end of 2001 (a year ago at that time), we already had games like Final Fantasy X and Shadow Hearts, so there's no excuse for such mediocrity from a respectable IP such as this one; you could feel the developer did put a certain small amount of passion in some aspects of this title though.

    I had some fun in it, but that's probably 'cause I just love the theme it's based, so I went in with all the patience in the world.

    Anyway; there are a lot of semi, or full RPG games out there in the PS2 market that would completely obliterate this guy, but do give it a try if you're a LOTR fan, or you'd just like to experience the Fellowship of the Ring story arc in a video-game.

    It is a BELOW AVERAGE game.
    Full Review »