An Unlikely Heir: How a D&D Game Became the Spiritual Successor to The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers

The iconic PlayStation 2 classic, The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, is a game that holds a special place in the hearts of many. Its fast-paced, hack-and-slash combat and cinematic set pieces made it a perfect video game adaptation of the beloved film. However, for years, PC gamers have lamented the fact that the game was never officially ported to their platform. While a PC version of the sequel, The Return of the King, was released, the first title remained a console exclusive. Fortunately, the gaming community has found a worthy substitute, a “next best thing” that not only scratches that same fantasy brawler itch but is now readily available on Steam: Forgotten Realms: Demon Stone.

From Middle-earth to Faerûn

The reason Demon Stone is such a close parallel is no coincidence. Both games were developed by Stormfront Studios and share a remarkably similar design philosophy and gameplay engine. Released in 2004, Forgotten Realms: Demon Stone is a linear action game that takes place in the fantasy world of Dungeons & Dragons, with a story penned by the legendary author R.A. Salvatore. While the plot is entirely new, the game’s mechanics will feel instantly familiar to anyone who played The Two Towers.

• Dynamic Trio: Instead of controlling a single character from the film, Demon Stone puts you in charge of a trio of adventurers: the fighter Rannek, the rogue Zhai, and the sorcerer Illius. You can switch between them on the fly, a core mechanic that adds a layer of strategy to the chaotic combat.
• High-Impact Combat: The game’s combat is all about stylish combos and large-scale battles. You will hack and slash your way through hordes of goblins, trolls, and other mythical creatures. Each character has their own unique abilities and fighting styles, and you can even unleash powerful, room-clearing “super” moves.
• Cinematic Presentation: Much like its Middle-earth counterpart, Demon Stone is a highly cinematic experience. The game’s levels are filled with action, epic boss fights, and a dramatic narrative, all elevated by an impressive voice cast that includes Patrick Stewart and Michael Clarke Duncan.

A Timely Re-Release

While Forgotten Realms: Demon Stone was originally a console-focused title, a recent re-release by the publisher SNEG has brought the game to PC via Steam. This new version includes a number of modern features, such as a separate volume slider for music and borderless windowed display modes. The game is also priced at an incredibly affordable price point, making it an easy recommendation for anyone who missed out on the original. While it is locked to the original 30 frames per second, it is a small price to pay for the chance to experience a true classic.

While it’s unlikely we will ever see an official PC port of The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers due to licensing and other factors, the re-release of Forgotten Realms: Demon Stone is the next best thing. It’s a nostalgic journey back to an era of high-production-value, linear action games, and a perfect reminder of what made that style of game so special.