The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King

 PlayStation 2
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King Image
Metascore
85

Generally favorable reviews - based on 31 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 204 Ratings

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  • Summary: 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.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]… Expand
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 28 out of 31
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 31
  3. Negative: 1 out of 31
  1. GameNow
    100
    The graphics are first rate, and the action is intensely frenetic. Most important, ROTK turns up the LOTR authenticity full blast. [Jan 2004, p.55]
    All this publication's reviews
  2. GameZone
    91
    There is so much to do, and players will be drawn into the game, and it won't let them go until they unlock everything. This is the best movie to game conversion that has come out in a long time.
  3. GameSpy
    90
    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.
  4. My Gamer
    84
    EA has done an exceptional job creating a game around the movie, and their efforts are certainly deserving of your attention.
  5. Game Revolution
    83
    It’s bigger, longer and smarter than The Two Towers.
  6. PSM Magazine
    80
    A beautiful hack-and-slasher that lives up to the considerable scope and grandeur of the filmic source material. [Holiday 2003, p.32]
    All this publication's reviews
  7. Gamestyle
    40
    The combat system is extremely shallow, and Gamestyle can find little in depth to favourably commend it.

See all 31 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 37 out of 48
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 48
  3. Negative: 6 out of 48
  1. JohnS.
    Dec 31, 2003
    10
    It was great everything about it the stages were much bigger and longer which was an excellent improvment from the 2 towers but the problemIt was great everything about it the stages were much bigger and longer which was an excellent improvment from the 2 towers but the problem with the long levels was it was harder to stay alive that long which means you need to give it a couple of goes to finally finish it and when you die you have to go from the start or in some stages the checkpoint which is about halfway and have to do the same thing over. there is also a lot of different types of levels not just fight a few guys and get to the end. it hasnt got many stages but the stages are long and harder so it seems like a normal game length.… Expand
  2. BenP.
    Jul 11, 2004
    10
    This game is easily one of the best close combat action games i ever played. different powerups and choice of characters gives this game theThis game is easily one of the best close combat action games i ever played. different powerups and choice of characters gives this game the advantage over other similar games. Well Done EA, this is the most enjoyable games i've ever played (except n64 007)… Expand
  4. RCBobs
    Nov 22, 2013
    10
    I give very few games a ten but going back and playing this game again ten years later, I am reminded how a truly brilliant co-op game canI give very few games a ten but going back and playing this game again ten years later, I am reminded how a truly brilliant co-op game can give my friends and I a more fulfilling experience than many available today.… Expand
  5. DanielL.
    Jun 30, 2005
    9
    It's really good and if u don't use cheats the challenge of the game is at it's best i also liked wen you could watch movie It's really good and if u don't use cheats the challenge of the game is at it's best i also liked wen you could watch movie clips and u could watch the interview as well the thing i most liked was co-op mode cuase u can become a great team with a friend.… Expand
  6. VLG
    Aug 22, 2023
    8
    I played the whole thing over and over with my HS friends, such a good time back then!
  7. KennyH.
    Jan 9, 2004
    8
    Magnificently fun, but extremely and ridiculously hard. When I die on this game, I want to smash my PS2 into about 8495783 and a half pieces.
  8. JOSEPHS.
    May 25, 2004
    0
    Hard= unbeatable normal=unbeatable easy=unbeatable this game is a shame to EA games.

See all 48 User Reviews

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Awards & Rankings

31
#31 Best PS2 Game of 2003
29
#29 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2003
23
#23 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2003