Over the years and decades, there has been a slew of properties that have crossed over between the realms of film, TV, and video games. These efforts have seen mixed results, though some tend to bring more success than others. Franchises like Tolkien's Lord of the Rings have translated well for the most part. It makes sense, as the rich, imaginative settings and fantasy premise mesh with the video game medium. It sets the foundation for some memorable and immersive gaming experiences.

So without further ado, let's journey to Middle-Earth as we explore the best LOTR games ever, according to Metacritic.com.

Keep in mind - this list will pool multiplatform releases together and showcase the highest or most common score among the multiple releases. If one version has a drastically higher score than other console versions, the entry header will specify which console has the better offering.

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Updated on July 7, 2022, by Jeff Drake: When the Lord of the Rings movies released in the theaters it immediately became the trilogy of that generation; much like Star Wars was two decades before. Along with this critical acclaim came a mountain of games to try and cash-in on the franchise's reinvigorated fame. Some of these games were hailed as genre defining, others were instantly recognized as shovelware. In other words, 13 games isn't enough to fully cover the best of the Lord of the Rings games. This update has added four additional entries to make this list more comprehensive.

17 The Lord Of The Rings: Tactics (64)

Lord of the Rings Tactics

When one thinks of a "tactical RPG" based on the epic LOTR series, Sony's first handheld gaming console doesn't exactly come to mind. Yet PSP's The Lord of the Rings: Tactics stands out as an underrated franchise spinoff. The game plays akin to a virtual game of fantasy chess, as players are tasked with strategically moving units around a grid. Battles are triggered when opposing forces are positioned next to each other.

This one has fallen under the radar for being somewhat slow-paced and rough around the edges. Still, many have regarded it for its rewarding tactical gameplay and the neat ability to play as either the Fellowship or the minions of Sauron.

16 The Lord Of The Rings: Middle Earth Defense (iOS) (65)

Lord of the Rings: Middle Earth Defense for the iOS

Middle Earth Defense is a tower defensive type strategy game. First you place obstacles and heroes on the battlefield in strategic locations. Then the onslaught begins, and you discover if your obstacle and hero placements were successful. Next, place reinforcements on the battlefield and wait for the next wave of enemy units.

The gameplay is super simplistic, yet many reviews state this is an enjoyable and fun game. However, there are also reviews stating this is possibly the worst Lord of the Rings game ever made.

15 The Lord Of The Rings: War In The North (PC) (66)

lord rings war in the north

By 2011, the fan buzz surrounding Tolkien's creations had largely shifted to the upcoming Hobbit film, which would release just a year later. Still, that didn't stop WB Interactive and Snowblind Studios from crafting this fun 12-hour action romp.

While the game isn't flawless, War in the North's appeal lies in its simple-yet-satisfying hack 'n' slash combat. With some enjoyable co-op, solid visuals - and the novelty of experiencing a brand new story set in Middle-Earth, this lesser-known LOTR title is worth a look.

14 Lord Of The Rings: War Of The Ring (67)

Lord of the Rings: War of the Ring for the PC

Anyone who's played Battle Realms and enjoyed it will probably enjoy this game. The reason for this is that War of the Ring is almost identical to those two games. In terms of graphics anyway. In the gameplay department Battle Realms is arguably superior.

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War of the Ring is a fairly standard real-time strategy game from the early 2000s. This game, like Pokemon games, was available in two versions. There was a good version with an elf on the cover, and an evil version with an orc on the cover.

13 The Lord Of The Rings: The Third Age (GameBoy Advance) (67)

Lord of the Rings: The Third Age for GameBoy Advance

The Lord of the Rings: The Third Age is a strategy game along the lines of Fire Emblem and Shining Force. You move units around the battlefield trying to get a strategic advantage over the enemy. The critic rating is nine points lower than the PSP version; which is much different. The user score for this game is actually 0.2 points higher than the PSP version.

This game was held back by the pre-rendered graphics, and a horrendous color pallette of grays and browns. The actual gameplay is quite fun though. Many reviews also praise the game for following the source material.

12 The Lord Of The Rings: The Third Age (Xbox) (75)

Lord of the Rings the Third Age battle

Middle-Earth-mania was still in full force by 2004, coming off the heels of the epic conclusion in the film trilogy, The Return of the King.

While this game for PS2, Xbox, and GameCube doesn't quite measure up to those towering heights, it's a delightful RPG in its own right. The game more-or-less follows the beats of Peter Jackson's film trilogy - setting the stage for a thrilling adventure and captivating narrative. Yet the gameplay is similarly appealing, providing a linear role-playing experience with turn-based combat a la Final Fantasy.

11 The Lord Of The Rings: Adventure Card Game (75)

Over the years, Magic the Gathering has seen a slew of appealing gaming efforts. Fantasy Flight Interactive decorated this formula with a fun LOTR overlay.

This game takes place between the events of The Hobbit and The Fellowship of the Ring. This gripping premise is enhanced with some colorful card pictures and mechanics that balance depth and accessibility. A deep campaign, engaging gameplay, co-op features, and various customizations give this romp staying power. Though it's been described as being a bit rough around the edges and bordering on repetition, this is a delightful card game that LOTR fans should enjoy.

10 Guardians Of Middle-Earth (PS3) (75)

Guardians Of Middle-Earth

Given the constant action and hordes of powerful fighters, a MOBA seems like a natural fit for a Lord of the Rings game. This 2012 effort largely proves this notion, with some satisfying battle mechanics and plenty of depth. Once players get acquainted with its tricky interface, Guardians of Middle-Earth makes for a feverishly engaging game, with a great presentation to boot.

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Critics have noted that while there are better MOBA options on PC, this is one of the stronger efforts of the genre you'll find for consoles.

9 Lord Of The Rings: The Battle For Middle Earth 2 - The Rise Of The Witch-King (78)

Lord of the Rings: Rise of the Witch King for the PC

Yes, this is an expansion to The Battle for Middle Earth 2. It is included on this list due to the amount of content this expansion introduces into the base game (which is also on this list). This has a user score of 8.6 on Metacritic; with a lot of comments claiming this is the definitive version of The Battle for Middle Earth.

This expansion adds an entire new campaign, the ability to play on the evil side, a new faction, new units, and improved A.I. Any gamer who enjoys a well-crafted real-time strategy game should check out Battle for Middle Earth 2 - just make sure to get this expansion.

8 Middle Earth: Shadows Of War (81)

The follow-up to the epic action-adventure, Shadow of Mordor, this game ups the ante in terms of scope and complexity, rounding out an engaging journey. While it received some heat for being a bit buggy and loot box-heavy at first, the overall experience is a positive one.

New RPG elements, dynamic conditions, more enemy types, and added multiplayer beef up this already robust foundation. Players can even transfer their top Nemesis and most loyal follower from Shadow of Mordor to bridge these two titles.

7 Lego: The Lord Of The Rings (82)

A number of franchises have been given the Lego treatment over the years. Given its fantastical elements, Tolkien's franchise would seem to mesh well with this kid and teen-friendly property. Traveler's Tales' Lego Lord of the Rings from 2012 proves this notion, with a Metacritic score over 80.

Though players shouldn't expect cinematic sleekness or realism, this game is a treat for fans of the film trilogy, as it follows the major beats of the movies. The action-adventure gameplay, while not particularly deep, is enjoyable and offers tons of orc-slaying fun.

6 The Lord Of The Rings: The Two Towers (82)

Following the tepid Fellowship of the Ring adaptation, fans' expectations weren't too high when a game based on the sequel arrived that same year. Yet, Stormfront Studios managed to deliver with a surprisingly fun and compelling adventure. The game hinges on the rich narrative in the film, literally integrating dialogue and cutscenes from the movie.

But it doesn't sacrifice on the gameplay front either. While some critics have noted it can verge on repetition, the hack 'n' slash mechanics usually prove satisfying and fun. Players get to slice and dice hordes of orcs as Aragorn and his powerful Fellowship companions.

5 The Lord Of The Rings: The Battle For Middle Earth (82)

The Lord Of The Rings The Battle For Middle Earth

One can't help but think of the potential of a great RTS experience when watching the epic LOTR battles unfold during the films. And while it's not a perfect translation, EA's PC game shines as a worthy adaptation with its large scale battles and elaborate, appealing gameplay.

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With Tolkien's rich worlds and the chaotic War of the Ring providing the backdrop, the game offers a captivating RTS romp of nearly 30 hours.

4 The Lord Of The Rings: The Battle For Middle Earth 2 (PC) (84)

The Battle For Middle-Earth II

Though this sequel shortens the overall experience, EA refines and fleshes out many of the gameplay elements of its LOTR series. The result is a deeper, more interesting game overall.

The game actually makes for a solid RTS experience on the Xbox 360, with some controls that are in-depth while being fairly easy to manage. Still, The Battle for Middle-Earth II shines most with the intuitive keyboard and mouse interface on PC. With the new ability to craft unlimited structures - and the addition of Goblins, Dwarves, and Elves - battles are more epic than ever here.

3 The Lord Of The Rings: The Return Of The King (85)

One can't help but watch the Minas Tirith fight or the thrilling charge of the Rohirrim and not want to play these scenes out. This 2003 ARPG allows you to do exactly that.

While it may look a bit crude to modern eyes, the on-screen action and cinematic qualities are impressive for software nearly 2 decades old. As far as film-to-game adaptations go, it's tough to beat this effort by EA Redwood Shores. You will be able to take on the roles of many of the saga's key characters as you fight through many of RotK's rich, engaging scenes. The solid multiplayer features only add to the fun.

2 The Lord Of The Rings Online (86)

The Lord Of The Rings Online game

It seemed inevitable that the grandiose LOTR would receive a similarly grand MMO adaptation. And like most other renditions mentioned - this effort proves to be a great fit for the property, featuring loads of addictive gameplay.

The game has seen a steady stream of expansion packs since its debut in '07, starting with the Shadows of Angmar. Mines of Moria (85 on Metacritic) brought new additions to the already expansive game with Legendary items, while 2012's Riders of Rohan (88) added exhilarating mounted combat.

A rewarding system of crafting and magic, various quests, and even house decoration help round out this satisfying adventure. With a blend of complexity and fast-paced combat, along with vast Middle-Earth settings, LOTR Online takes hold and rarely lets go.

1 Middle-Earth: Shadow Of Mordor (Xbox One) (87)

When it comes to LOTR games rich in terms of presentation and gameplay, Shadows of Mordor for the Xbox One and PS4 reigns supreme. It favors thrilling, enjoyable combat, as opposed to its sequel which gets a bit more convoluted.

At the same time, it doesn't sacrifice in terms of depth - offering a slew of moves, combos, and abilities, along with countless orc captains to fight. The creepy, ominous atmosphere takes hold as players venture through Mordor and clash with gaggles of orcs. The cinematic qualities and a blend of stealth, action, and exploration make Shadow of Mordor a truly engaging experience. This is generally considered the best Lord of the Rings game out there.

NEXT: Lord of the Rings: Games That People Have To Play