Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-Earth II is another solid offering from Electronic Arts (EA). This is an elegant, stylish game that should please real-time strategy (RTS) fans, providing hours of riveting gameplay.
This game is an improvement on the original in a number of ways, and gives players the opportunity to play new races and heroes, as well as to explore never seen before locations, while replaying battles from the movie trilogy.
With the focus on a different part of the war for the ring, the action is played out between elves, dwarves and goblins, setting the stage for hardcore battles between the forces of good and evil.
The graphics in the game are alluring, providing spectacular visual effects and an overall smooth feel, while the sound effects provide awesome moments.
Either side of good (elves and dwarves) or evil (goblins and forces of Mordor) can be chosen, depending on mood, while fighting the war in the north on a grander scale.
The fight for Middle Earth is the main focus of the game, but it is played out in a more traditional structure than in the first game. Repetitive and boring skirmishes no longer interrupt the fast-paced attack and defence missions of the game.
The addition of elves, dwarves and goblins adds new playing styles and stunning advantages, as well as new challenges, such as the slow speed of the dwarves and vulnerability of the goblins.
Campaign settings, such as The Shire, Rivendell, Celduin and Erebor, as well as new powers, units and heroes which can be unlocked to make missions all the more exciting are included.
Well designed cut-scenes which appear before and after each mission are provided for entertainment and enlightenment. These include information regarding the location and strategic value of the mission.
Gameplay has been changed dramatically with the introduction of features, such as the ability to build walls and to build bases free-form, not to mention being able to change constructed buildings. Buildings can be placed at will and changes can be made to resource collection too.
Going back to basics was definitely a successful strategy for EA in this case. The game is charming, aesthetically pleasing, fun to play and will be a hit with RTS fans.
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