The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King

 PlayStation 2
User Score
8.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 204 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 173 out of 204
  2. Mixed: 21 out of 204
  3. Negative: 10 out of 204
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  1. JimmyW.
    Aug 20, 2004
    2
    1 of the most greatest games on the planet.......untill u finish it...what an overrated game.
  2. JOSEPHS.
    May 25, 2004
    0
    Hard= unbeatable normal=unbeatable easy=unbeatable this game is a shame to EA games.
  3. SunnyS.
    Aug 21, 2004
    4
    "That was really good......if only I had rented it instead!!!!!!!!!!" }:¬# If you've played the Two Towers then don't be expecting too much from this game. EA rehash games not make them. Unless of course you want to experience an additional 2 characters (the hidden characters are a sham and are merely "reskinned" versions of the characters with the same moves etc) in the "That was really good......if only I had rented it instead!!!!!!!!!!" }:¬# If you've played the Two Towers then don't be expecting too much from this game. EA rehash games not make them. Unless of course you want to experience an additional 2 characters (the hidden characters are a sham and are merely "reskinned" versions of the characters with the same moves etc) in the third movie. However if you're new to the lotr games then this is the best one yet, the gameplay is good if a little repetive but short lived which is its ultimate downfall. If you literally got 2 weekends to burn then you can easily squeeze this rental of a game in. Its a shame that EA didn't make one big lotr game but like Disney they have a motto "Sorry, But There's Profit To Be Had."… Expand
  4. JakGLaDOS29
    Dec 30, 2016
    3
    What is this monstrosity? Controls are everywhere, gameplay is laggy and it feels clunky and like a cash grab to exploit the movie. Unstoppable cutscenes were just the end for me.
  5. GGAGG
    Dec 9, 2021
    0
    I personally really enjoy the Lord of the Rings movies. Without spoiling anything my favorite part of the movies are the graphics and vfx, the characters and the plot. They all are amazing in the movies and perfectly done. You can rarely see a weird looking vfx character in the movie and all the scenes are breathtaking. Every character is represented perfectly within the plot. Speaking of,I personally really enjoy the Lord of the Rings movies. Without spoiling anything my favorite part of the movies are the graphics and vfx, the characters and the plot. They all are amazing in the movies and perfectly done. You can rarely see a weird looking vfx character in the movie and all the scenes are breathtaking. Every character is represented perfectly within the plot. Speaking of, the plot is amazing and represents a struggle that many of us can relate to. That is why the Lord of the Rings movies are my favorite.… Expand
  6. The_D4RknesS
    Oct 23, 2022
    0
    the game has a **** cutscene and the worst thing is that you can't jump, it looks more like you're watching garbage from a movie

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

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
85

Generally favorable reviews - based on 31 Critic Reviews

Critic 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]
  2. GamePro
    90
    The controls for all versions do a masterful job of managing the fierce action. Even in battle so pitched that you literally lose sight of your character amid the multitudinous combatants, you still feel you’re the master of your fate.
    Read full review
  3. eToychest
    90
    This is without a doubt the best game based on a book/movie that I have EVER played. You can really tell that EA went to great pains to ensure its authenticity, and they truly went beyond the call of duty this time.
    Read full review
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