DESCRIPTION

Lead Middle-earth's most celebrated heroes to save their world from the darkness of Sauron. Similar to the previous year's The Two Towers, gameplay in this Griptonite Games portable version of the Electronic Arts Lord of the Rings title is reminiscent of the classic home computer game Diablo. From an isometric perspective, players guide their chosen hero through locations based on those of the New Line Cinema feature film, battling foes and collecting gold and equipment in real-time. A character's power is measured by hit point (life) and spirit energy (mana), and a paper-doll interface allows players to equip their heroes with the items they find or purchase.

As in the Two Towers game for GBA, players can chose the role of Gandalf, Eowyn, Gimli, Legolas, Aragorn, or Frodo, each with special powers and abilities appropriate to the character. Two additional, hidden characters may also become available as the game is played and its challenges met. While Return of the King players are not immediately rewarded with full-motion movie clips, as in Griptonite's Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, in-game graphics have been improved slightly in this second title and feature new lighting and reflection effects. Two GBA players can battle one another, through a link cable connection, and this game also offers special features when connected to the GameCube version of the title. ~ T.J. Deci, All Game Guide