Described by the developers as a modern version of Gauntlet, The Return of the King is a hack and slash action game. The game is very similar to its predecessor. The levels are twice the size of the largest level from The Two Towers and less linear. A major change from The Two Towers is the interactive nature of the game environments. The player can operate machinery, for example bridges and catapults, to complete objectives, and use environment objects as weapons, such as spears and cauldrons, to kill enemies.
Each character has their own set of combos and attributes. After the end of each level the player can upgrade their characters' abilities and combos using experience points earned in the game. The number of experience points available to the player depends on the efficiency of their kills in the game. Interviews with the film's cast and similar DVD-style extras are unlocked as the player progresses through the game.
The game's combat was praised by most critics. Crispin Boyer of 1UP.com described the game as "a thrill ride... And not just 'cause Return of the King unleashes larger hordes of foes than last year's equally slick Two Towers prequel. Many of Return of the King's levels actually force you to multitask while you hack and slash." Tony Ellis of PC Gamer UK commended the combat: "Combat in RotK is superbly satisfying. Your blows connect with a solid, visceral thud you can almost feel." Ellis also noted the variation between levels.
The combat system in Lord of the Rings, Return of the King really appeals to me as an example of how I would like the battle system to work in my own game. The battle system allows for multiple players to have unique battle styles, abilities and kill moves. Allowing each player to see how they are affecting the group dynamic, and therefore helps to create a team atmosphere and cooperation.
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