The legacy of The Lord of the Rings: The Third Age (2004) remains a unique chapter in Middle-earth gaming, specifically for its departure from standard action-adventure fare into the realm of turn-based RPGs. For players on the , this epic journey was famously split across two discs, with Disc #1 covering the first half of the adventure from Rivendell to the height of the war in Rohan. Setting the Stage: The Parallel Fellowship
: Completing areas on Disc #1 unlocks "Evil Mode," where players take control of Sauron’s forces—such as Orcs, Trolls, and even the Balrog—to battle the heroes they just played as. Lord Of The Rings The The Third Age - Disc #1
Disc #1 is a gauntlet of Middle-earth's most atmospheric early-to-mid-trilogy locations, ending just as the conflict escalates toward Minas Tirith. The legacy of The Lord of the Rings:
: There is no traditional "shopping" in this version of Middle-earth; every weapon and armor piece must be found in chests or won in battle. Disc #1 Story Arc and Locations Disc #1 is a gauntlet of Middle-earth's most
: After escaping Moria, the party travels through the rocky mazes and vast plains of Rohan. This section focuses on gathering scattered Rohan soldiers and confronting Gríma Wormtongue at Snowbourne.
: The adventure begins in the wilderness before plunging into the Mines of Moria . Players navigate the dark halls, battle Cave Trolls, and eventually fight alongside Gandalf against the Balrog at the Bridge of Khazad-dûm.