The Lord of the Rings: The Third Age

Game Overview

The Lord of the Rings: The Third Age was developed by EA Redwood Shores and published under the EA Games banner. Departing from the real-time hack-and-slash action of its predecessors, The Third Age introduced turn-based RPG mechanics inspired by titles like Final Fantasy X, featuring an action-order timeline and party-based command menus.

The story introduces an original cast of characters led by Berethor, a Captain of the Guard of Gondor searching for Boromir. As Berethor journeys across iconic Middle-earth locations—including Moria, Lothlórien, Helm's Deep, Osgiliath, and Minas Tirith—he forms a fellowship of original heroes, including the Elven scholar Idrial, the Ranger Elegost, the Dwarf warrior Hadhod, the Rohan knight Morwen, and the Dunedain warrior Eaoden. Along their path, the party fights alongside key canonical figures like Gandalf, Aragorn, Gimli, and Legolas.

Combat uses the Conditional Turn-Based (CTB) system, allowing players to plan physical attacks, spirit magic, ranged maneuvers, and defensive postures based on turn order. A unique addition is Evil Mode, unlocked after completing chapters, which lets players take control of Sauron's forces—including Orcs, Trolls, Ringwraiths, and the Balrog—to defeat the heroes and unlock rare armor and weapons for the main quest.

On the Nintendo GameCube, The Lord of the Rings: The Third Age spans 2 GameCube Game Discs due to its expansive voice acting, orchestrated musical score by Howard Shore, dynamic camera work, and high-quality full-motion video sequences.

Quick Specifications

Key Features

• Turn-Based Tactical Combat: Command a 3-character active party using physical abilities, weapon skills, item pouches, and powerful Shadow/Spirit magic in conditional turn order.

• Parallel Fellowship Storyline: Experience key battles across Middle-earth concurrently with the original Fellowship, interacting with Gandalf, Aragorn, and Éowyn along the journey.

• Playable Evil Mode: Take control of Sauron's legions (including Trolls, Nazgûl, and the Balrog) in specialized scenarios to unlock elite items for main single-player saves.

• Deep Equipment & Visual Customization: Equipping new armor, weapons, shields, and cloaks updates the visual appearance of all six main party members in real time.

• 2-Player Co-Op & Competitive Battle: Share active party character control during combat in local co-op mode or challenge a friend in special Evil Mode arena battles.

Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)

Is The Lord of the Rings: The Third Age a turn-based RPG or an action game?

The Third Age is a turn-based RPG. Unlike The Two Towers or The Return of the King, combat transitions into distinct battle arenas utilizing turn-based action menus and character action queues.

How does Evil Mode work?

Evil Mode unlocks after clearing chapters in the main campaign. It allows you to play through key chapter encounters from the perspective of Sauron's monsters (such as the Cave Troll in Moria or the Balrog). Winning these battles unlocks exclusive high-tier equipment that transfers into your main hero campaign save file.

Does the GameCube version of The Third Age support 480p progressive scan mode?

No, the GameCube version of The Lord of the Rings: The Third Age does not support native 480p progressive scan output, running at standard 480i resolution.

How many discs is the GameCube release?

The Nintendo GameCube version of The Lord of the Rings: The Third Age is stored across 2 GameCube Game Discs due to the high volume of full-motion video clips, voice acting, and audio data.