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The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King

(2003, Video Games - Action/Adventure, Rated T, Play it on: PlayStation 2, Xbox)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 13, age appropriate for kids over 14; suggested age 14.
  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    High-intensity play enjoyable for teen LOTR fans.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 14 and Up

The good stuff

  • Educational value:

    Object of game is focused on fighting and mayhem; lacks the softer aspects of the movie.
  • Messages:

    Not an issue.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Graphic fantasy violence involving all characters, even ones who did not engage in as much fighting in the movie. Grotesque characters as seen in movie, probably not disturbing to teens.
  • Sex:

    Not an issue.
  • Language:

    Not an issue.
  • Consumerism:

    Some tie-ins with the movie.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

This review of The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King was written by Erik Lande

Parents need to know that this is a violent game, an epic fantasy of good versus evil. The game attempts to let the player join the story, but it lacks the softer aspects of the movie and book. This game has an online option; Common Sense Media does not recommend online play for anyone under 12.

Families Can Talk About

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  • Families can talk about how the game compares with the movie and the book. Which do you like best? Why? How does the violence in the game compare with the other versions of the story?
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More on The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King

What’s the Story?

This fantasy adventure game is a sequel to, and improvement on The Two Towers video game. The game provides intense graphics and allows the player to step into the game as any of a multitude of characters. As players advance, they unlock numerous extras about the movie and game, including interviews with the actors and filmmakers, movie photos, and secret missions.

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Is It Any Good?

Developers have kept the best features of The Two Towers and improved on it by including new characters, new missions and abilities, and the opportunity to play online as a team. Unfortunately the game is still quite violent. It would have been nice to see the inclusion of some puzzle or exploration tasks that were less dependent on violence.

The game will be very enjoyable for most teenage players, but could be scary for younger children. The violence is very realistic, but at least limited to use in the missions, rather than generalized. Players cannot attack each other or the environment in general. While this game is visually intriguing and lets players become a part of a favorite movie, parents will need to decide if they are comfortable with the amount of violence presented here.

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Publisher’s Details

Released on 09/24/2003, price $45.99, not online enabled
ESRB rating: T

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See all 21 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Parent Reviewer
    I rate this title on for age 7 and give it 3.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence

    Good game for any age

    This is a fun game for all ages not too much blood and gore and no bad language or sex either.

  2. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    Lives in Virginia
    I rate this title on for age 10 and give it 5.0

    14+??

    I think i first played this game when i was 9 or 10

  3. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    Lives in North Carolina
    I rate this title on for age 4 and give it 5.0

    Idk how i got 14

    my 6 year old brother plays it there is barely any blood in it and the violence isn't bad at all

  4. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    Lives in California
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    Fun Fun Fun 4 ages 10+!

    what i dont get is how this game got 14+ and the movies got 10+. While there is a lot of battle-violence, its against very dark orcs which arent nearly as creepy as in the movies. i know a 6-year old who plays it and isnt scarred at all by it. Overall, it is very cool game for preetens.

  5. Kid Reviewer Age 12
    Lives in Oklahoma
    I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it 4.0

    Pretty good game

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