Lego Lord of the Rings

Game review by Christopher Healy, Common Sense Media
Lego Lord of the Rings Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 10+

Action and humor abound in funny rendition of LOTR films.

Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo DS, Nintendo Wii, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Vita, Xbox 360 2012
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Parents say

age 9+

Based on 2 reviews

Kids say

age 9+

Based on 10 reviews

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  • Lego Lord of the Rings Game: Screenshot #1
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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this game.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that Lego Lord of the Rings is one of those games that has a crazy amount of synergistic marketing going on; it's a video game based on a toy line that is based on a movie trilogy that is based on a classic series of books. But like most titles in the Lego line of video games, it's a quality product that -- outside of the packaging -- doesn't feel like an advertisement. Keep in mind, though, that the source material can get pretty dark at times, and even though all the characters here are Lego minifigures, there's a ton of fighting and quite a few spooky scenes. The story follows the movies closely, meaning characters die as well -- though violent deaths are portrayed here with tongue-in-cheek humor (such as a character who is shot with bananas instead of arrows).

Community Reviews

Cultt
Cultt Adult
September 10, 2013
age 8+

Great review of a great game!

I really enjoy the Lego games. I was going to pass on this one, I really disliked the LotR movies (read the books over 20 years ago in my D&D days), but I bought a new Sony Vita and it was the only one I didn't have yet. I'm glad I did! The game is fantastic! I don't really agree with the consumerism part of the review, everything now is about consumerism (like that new Disney game that you have to buy figures to play the game, no wonder they bought Star Wars, they ARE the Empire)! I think Lego sets a standard for their games (TT is a great company), and as far as encouraging kids to want Lego sets, I can think on no better toy line to spark a creative streak in young minds!

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
Too much violence
johnjt
johnjt Adult
January 4, 2013
age 9+

Excellent and wide ranging game

I have played several of the Lego Wii games with my son, and like them all. But, the Lord of the Rings surpasses all of these in both graphics and breadth of play. There is terrific opportunity for exploration, and to work on team play and problem solving. I do wish the puzzles were a bit more mentally taxing, rather than smash everything until you find what you need, but still great fun. When it comes to playing with kids, I think my 9 year old son is right in the sweet spot age for the game - even a bit younger would be OK as long as there's some discussion about the fighting. They also temper some of the more gruesome scenes in the movie so as not to be too much for kids. For example, in the movie where Boromir is killed by multiple arrows from the Uruk-Hai and Aragorn very gruesomely fights and kills the attacker is way too strong for my son right now. But, in the game, while Boromir is still shot several times they lightened it up by having the Uruk-Hai shoot him first with an arrow, then some silly things like a banana and almost a live chicken. My son is a plow-right-through sort of player, so I personally am looking forward to going back into free play mode and finding all of the many things we missed on the first run.

This title has:

Too much violence
See all 2 parent reviews

What’s It About?

LEGO LORD OF THE RINGS presents a surprisingly loyal adaptation of Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings films. When an ancient evil being named Sauron returns to take over Middle Earth, a team of humans, elves, dwarfs, and hobbits trek across kingdoms to destroy the magical ring that gives Sauron his power. With the exception of scenes in which violence has been traded for comedy (like a hero being shot with a launched chicken), the plot stays pretty much the same. The Lego characters even speak with dialogue straight from the movies.

Is It Any Good?

Lego Lord of the Rings should appeal to fans of both the game's source material and the previous Lego video games. Those games have always been good, but the developers have made some wonderful improvements. Most appreciated is the ability to save within levels -- some of which are very long. Plus you've got a complete vast map of Middle Earth to explore openly. The sheer size of it is astounding. They've added role-playing game elements, like side-quests that can be started by talking to random townspeople, and the ability to craft new weapons and armor that can then be equipped by your characters. It helps the experience feel more like, say a Legend of Zelda game, than just a retread of the typical Lego formula. The story is told beautifully (and hilariously) through a Lego lens, which is sure to appeal to hardcore Rings fans. But thanks to the great use of movie dialogue, it's also told in a clear, concise manner that can serve as a newcomer's introduction to the classic tale.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about marketing tie-ins. Does playing this game make you want to buy Lego toys? Does it make you want to see the Lord of the Rings films? Or read the books? Are any of those outcomes inherently better than the others?

  • Talk to your kids about the story's message of teamwork and cooperation. What does each member of the Fellowship of the Ring bring to the team? What obstacles do the members have to overcome in order to work well with one another?

  • Parents can also talk to children about violence in video games. Is the violence here less impactful because the characters are portrayed as toys?

Game Details

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