Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (Xbox)

By JON MINIFIE

(Herald Rating * * * *)

Several months ago, giant US games publishers EA released The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers for the PlayStation 2.

It was a beautiful looking game but anyone hoping for a gripping RPG found a big-budget, beat'em up instead.

But as beat'em ups go, Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers is one of the best, featuring full-on battles where players take control of one of three stars from Peter Jackson's films.

Academy Award-winning effects wizards Weta provided digital doubles of the three playable characters (Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli) and the Orcs.

This has translated to flawless character animation and an authentic look.

The gameplay is all about combat.

Expect non-stop third-person action set against the now-famous landmarks of Tolkien's Middle-earth.

The Two Towers uses a smart tactical combat system that far exceeds the limitations of the masher.

Players use high-speed attacks, ranged weapons, defensive techniques and special combination moves as you fight your way through the 13 levels.

Players can upgrade various abilities and weapons.

My one minor complaint is the game is over too soon.

If you're persistent enough, you can defeat Lord Sauron, destroy the ring of power and restore peace to Middle-earth all in a rainy afternoon.

But with three very different playable characters there is plenty of replay value and it should be a while before you tire of hunting Orc.

The game appears almost exactly as it did on the PS2 so don't expect modifications.

Graphically it is difficult to see any difference between the two.

If anything, Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers appears a little darker, maybe a littler moodier on the Xbox.

It is still extraordinary to see so many expertly animated characters moving on screen at once, without any obvious slowdown.

If you were bored by Vivendi's Tolkien-inspired The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (released for Xbox last year), you should check out the more intense action that EA has cooked up.

Price: $129.95

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Herald Feature: Lord of the Rings