Although "mixed reactions" imposes a negative image, it is quite the contrary. It's a great game, but has its
User Rating: 8.2 | The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King PS2
If you're a big fan of the LOTR books, movies, etc. this is the game for you. It's definitely not the first of its kind, but it brings a few add-ons and the brilliant, imaginative environments that Tolkien described and Peter Jackson visualized, to the table. It's a movie tie-in, and although the reputation for games hastily produced for movies are low, this isn't a bad idea for a hack n' slash. ROTK builds off the Two Towers game and neutralizes the faults. The interviews and unlockable content has increased by a large margin to my satisfaction. Another new feature (that increases the incentives for completing the game) involves the unlocking of Merry, Pippin, and Faramir for play. Add this to being able to play as any character on any level and having the cap level at 20, and you've still got some fun ahead of you. That and the intense unlocked levels: Palantir of Saruman, and Palantir of Sauron bring a little extra playtime to the game. Of course, i still havent been able to understand what increasing your level from 10 to 11 (and so on) does. If you disregard the lack of knowledge on that factor the levels take a little while to do. That is, if you dont do the "Southern Gate" level. 202 perfects with Sam!!! Good ole' banes! Overall this game is great, but I wouldnt buy this game above $25... 18's about the right value. Play it! 
