Well, before I go any further here I need to include the following bit RIGHT up in the top bit here...
*Possible SPOILERS Ahead*
Right. All done. Let's get on with a bit of an update on what I've been up to here, shall we? I've spent a few hours this evening sitting behind my PS2, trying to get a bit further ahead in this game. I've managed to achieve a degree of success as well, which is always nice. :)
When we last left off, it was still early days for our intrepid band of Adventurers. Berethor and Idrial were still running around near the Elf Outpost early in the game. Since then, I've managed to acquire a couple of fellow wanderers to join them in their quest. Elegost - a Dunedain Ranger - and Hadhod - a Dwarven warrior. Each of them have their own skills and special attacks, which have proved interesting.
Just as a general comment on abilities. It takes a while to build 'em up, doesn't it? I've managed to level up my characters a few times this evening, and even managed to add some new special abilities in there while I'm at it. Just seems you gotta remember to keep USING them for them to advance. Seems to work pretty well, although the Crafting Skills take AGES to increase...
Currently, I've managed to work my way into Western Moria. I've managed to find all seven of the Dwarven Runes, and am just about to head down into the Balrog Pit (or whatever this fiery area seems to be hiding). Most of my characters are just over Level 15, and I seem to be progressing nicely. Found some nice weapons and armour along the way, but some of them seem to be a bit unbalanced. (For example, Idrial the Elf seems to be a walking fortress, with an Armour Rating of somewhere just under 200. On the flip side is our Ranger Elegost. His AR is just under 75. What's the deal there?)
I'm proud to announce that I have completed 100% of the first stage of the game, and currently am at 40% for Western Moria. Also managed to complete Evil Mode for the first area, which was kinda interesting. Evil Mode, for those of you who haven't tried it (and are willing to read past the word SPOILER up above... *grin*) is basically a series of battles between the party and some ne'er-do-wells. Various Orcs, Goblins, Trolls and even a Nazghul bash it out with the good guys. Funny thing is that in each battle, you beat the good guys. And in each subsequent battle, they're back for more. C'mon people, why won't these do-gooders stay DEAD, I ask you? :P
NEhow, quite enjoying the game still. I'm a completionist, so having only achieved 7% of the total game means I have my work cut out for me. More on this one another time...