The Lord of the Rings: The Third Age (2004)

by Ji-yeong
written by Ji-yeong 6 minutes read

Summary

The Lord of the Rings: The Third Age (2004): A Comprehensive Review

Introduction

Released in 2004, The Lord of the Rings: The Third Age is an action role-playing game that takes players on an epic journey through Middle-earth, the beloved fantasy realm created by J.R.R. Tolkien. Developed by EA Redwood Shores and published by Electronic Arts, the game allows players to create their own fellowship of seven characters and relive iconic moments from the Lord of the Rings trilogy.

Gameplay

The Third Age is a classic RPG, with gameplay elements similar to the Final Fantasy series. Players control a party of characters, each with a different set of skills and attributes. As the game progresses, characters gain levels and become stronger. Battles are turn-based, and players can make strategic decisions to change the outcome of combat.

The game features a wide variety of locations, from the peaceful Shire to the fiery depths of Mount Doom. Players will travel through forests, mountains, swamps, and deserts, fighting orcs, trolls, and other creatures of Middle-earth.

Story

The Third Age tells an original story that takes place alongside the events of the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Players create their own fellowship of seven characters, each with their own unique backstory and motivations. The fellowship travels across Middle-earth, completing quests and battling the forces of Sauron.

Along the way, the fellowship encounters many of the iconic characters from the Lord of the Rings trilogy, including Gandalf, Aragorn, and Frodo. The game also features new characters created specifically for the game, such as Elegost the Elf and Idrial the Dwarf.

Characters

The Third Age features a diverse cast of characters, each with their own unique skills and abilities. Players can choose from seven different character classes:

  • Warrior: A melee fighter who specializes in dealing heavy damage.
  • Rogue: A nimble fighter who can deal high damage to a single target.
  • Ranger: A ranged fighter who can attack from a distance.
  • Healer: A support character who can heal allies and remove debuffs.
  • Mage: A spellcaster who can deal damage, heal allies, and control the battlefield.
  • Elf: A versatile character who can fight with melee weapons or bows, and has access to powerful magic.
  • Dwarf: A tough and sturdy character who specializes in melee combat and can use heavy armor.

Each character has their own unique backstory and motivations, and players can develop their characters in different ways depending on their playstyle.

Combat

Combat in The Third Age is turn-based, and players can make strategic decisions to change the outcome of battle. Each character has a variety of abilities that they can use, and players must carefully consider which abilities to use in each situation.

The game also features a unique “Gambit” system, which allows players to chain together multiple abilities to create powerful combos. Gambits can be customized, allowing players to tailor their combat strategy to their own playstyle.

Graphics and Sound

The Third Age features impressive graphics for its time, with detailed character models and environments. The game’s soundtrack is also excellent, with sweeping orchestral pieces that perfectly capture the epic scope of the Lord of the Rings universe.

Reception

The Lord of the Rings: The Third Age was met with positive reviews upon its release. Critics praised the game’s engaging story, diverse cast of characters, and strategic combat system. The game was also a commercial success, selling over two million copies worldwide.

Legacy

The Third Age is considered one of the best Lord of the Rings games ever made. It was followed by a sequel, The Lord of the Rings: War in the North, in 2011. The Third Age remains a popular game among fans of the Lord of the Rings universe, and it is still played by many today.

Conclusion

The Lord of the Rings: The Third Age is a classic RPG that offers an epic journey through Middle-earth. With its engaging story, diverse cast of characters, and strategic combat system, the game is a must-play for fans of the Lord of the Rings universe.

Review Score

8/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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Ji-yeong is a passionate gamer and whose love for video games blossomed during her childhood. Growing up in the midwest, without many friends, she spent countless hours exploring the enchanting worlds of classic JRPGs like Final Fantasy and Chrono Trigger, which sparked not only an enduring love for gaming but also a keen insight into its evolving landscape. Today, Ji-yeong channels her deep-seated passion and nostalgia into thoughtful, engaging reviews that resonate with both longtime gamers and newcomers alike. Her unique perspective, rooted in a rich history of gaming, offers readers a heartfelt journey through the pixels and stories that have shaped her love for this dynamic medium. Her favorite game series of all time is Harvest Moon.

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