Before LOTR, most games didn’t catch and keep my interest for long. Having a background in 3D Graphics Tool Kit development as well as International Project Management, I enjoyed checking out new games, but few if any were able to hold my interest. While browsing Best Buy or some other such store, I ran into a boxed set that included LOTR 1, LOTR 2 and the expansion battle chest for around $20.00. Decided to give it a try and I’ve always been glad I did. This game has it all. If you come from any sort of management background, especially if you have tendencies to micro-manage (I’m not as bad as I used to be. ;-) ) you will love the resource management detail in this game. The game also requires a well-developed expansion plan with contingencies to successful win the game at the higher difficulty levels. For its’ time, the graphics in LOTR II are outstanding, the game play, while turned based, will keep you captivated for hours and hours (Married guys and gals beware, this game can get you in the hot seat with your spouse). Anyway, since then I’ve tried dozens of RTS games and while the graphics and game play features have continued to improve, I’ve never found an RTS that was more captivating than this one. BTW, even though it was included in the boxed set, LOTR II was so good, I have never actually given LOTR I a play. Once you complete the main campaign, the Battle Chest expansion will allow you to play some custom scenarios along with several notable castle sieges/defenses from history.
Notable features included the ability to allocate serfs to cattle herding, farming, tool making or fighting and instantly see the impact on your economy and the overall health of the county. As mentioned before this is a turn based RTS, so you have plenty of time to think through your next step. LOTR II also gives you full control over the game’s difficulty settings. For new players, I’d suggest turning off most of these features, until you’ve gotten a handle on resource management and strategic planning. One of the other things that I’ve always enjoyed in this game is that while you don’t have much control over building in your towns, beyond specifying the type of castle, when you do so the campaign map accurately depicts the type of stronghold as well as the size of the town. As towns prosper and increase in population, the graphics change to depict the additional development. The fighting is probably the games weakest point, but it never reaches a point where it has a negligible impact on the overall enjoyment. If you have never played this game, give it a try, I’m sure you will be glad you did! ;-)