The Lord of the Rings, The Third Age

 Xbox
The Lord of the Rings, The Third Age Image
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 38 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.3

Mixed or average reviews- based on 29 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: 24 out of 38
  2. Mixed: 14 out of 38
  3. Negative: 0 out of 38
  1. Just RPG
    98
    The game definitely has replay value. You'll want to go back and finish every mission, smite every foe and look for every treasure chest.
  2. GameBiz
    88
    It's not quite the free-range RPG that we've been hoping for where we can prance along the fields on horses playing as Gandalf, Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli permanently, but its close enough to make for a great game.
  3. GameZone
    85
    I didn't keep track of the time I spent with The Third Age, but one thing's for certain ' you can't beat this game in a few nights.
  4. GameSpot
    77
    While there are some rough edges, the result is mostly a nice little role-playing jaunt into the world of Tolkien.
  5. Gaming Age
    75
    You will not find much of a challenge, or even a particularly long adventure as far as RPGs are concerned. What you will find is a game that will make you lose track of time, as you will be too engulfed in the experience.
  6. GameSpy
    70
    For most of the game I felt like I was too powerful and things never really felt challenging. Again, I'm thinking that this is partly by design since the game has a mainstream license and will attract many casual gamers.
  7. Game Revolution
    50
    As promising as a role-playing game based on The Lord of the Rings mythos sounds, The Third Age's reality is one of strict linearity, wacky plot foibles, and generic turn-based action.

See all 38 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 14
  3. Negative: 3 out of 14
  1. BillyC.
    Nov 5, 2004
    10
    One of the best lotr games i have played.
  2. HarkA.
    Nov 1, 2004
    9
    Lord of the Rings meets Final Fantasy. If you don't like turn based RPGs with random encounters then don't buy it.
  4. DanTheSpeakerman
    Nov 22, 2004
    9
    A fun ride through Middle Earth. I would almost consider this more of an action game with RPG elements than a straight RPG. EA really did a A fun ride through Middle Earth. I would almost consider this more of an action game with RPG elements than a straight RPG. EA really did a job on this one technically, immersing you in Middle Earth's beauty and treachery with outstanding graphics and perfect sound/music. If you roll into this with the right expectations and love LOTR, you should really enjoy this.… Expand
  5. [Anonymous]
    Nov 1, 2004
    8
    Pretty cool rpg. almost repetitive game. nice graphics.
  6. notsolittlejon
    Feb 8, 2013
    7
    A moderately fun turn-based RPG that felt somewhat held back from reaching its full potential. It was fun to follow just behind theA moderately fun turn-based RPG that felt somewhat held back from reaching its full potential. It was fun to follow just behind the fellowship's great adventure and see some of the sights of Middle-Earth, but I feel it could have been more successful if it had been designed as a real-time hack and slash game (such as Lord of the Rings: Return of the King) rather than the turn-based random encounter engine. Still a good game though.… Expand
  7. J.S.
    Jan 27, 2005
    5
    Tolkien would roll over in his grave if he knew how far fetched his universe had been stretched. Over the top effects and poor writing make Tolkien would roll over in his grave if he knew how far fetched his universe had been stretched. Over the top effects and poor writing make this a "must not have" for any true fan. Gameplay and graphics are average.… Expand
  8. RazlugA.
    Aug 7, 2005
    0
    Ever play a game where u want to throw it away 2 minutes in? i felt that i played knights of te old republic and i played this kotor was atEver play a game where u want to throw it away 2 minutes in? i felt that i played knights of te old republic and i played this kotor was at leest 3 million times better.… Expand

See all 14 User Reviews

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Awards & Rankings

63
#63 Best Xbox Game of 2004
38
#38 Most Discussed Xbox Game of 2004
50
#50 Most Shared Xbox Game of 2004