Finally a RTS for a console and it works!!!!!
Graphics- 8
The graphics in the game are done very well, but for the Xbox 360 they could have been better. Still, they bring the factor of realism to the game as you play through it. The graphics are done so well that when you are zoomed out all the way, you can still distinguish your units from archers to swordsman or horses to pike men. The structures, terrain and water are all done very well and will make you feel like you are actually in the game. The special effects in the game are simply amazing from the Balrog breathing fire and recking havoc upon its enemies to Gandalfs magic attacks that are simply breathtaking.
Game play- 10
The Game play is simply amazing and it is the best thing about this game. The import of the mouse and keyboard was done very well as the controls and fun and easy to learn and handle. Being able to build where ever you want is a great addition to the game. Another thing that is done well is you gain some benefits by where you place your buildings, thus adding more strategy to the game. My favorite thing about the game play is when you go into battle with the enemy, is that there can be hundreds of enemies on the screen at one time and the game will have a few flaws here and there, but most of the time it runs very smoothly. There is also a campaign mode that allows you to play eight levels for either good or evil and neither campaign is the same.
Fun Factor- 10
The game is very fun in my opinion and the best strategy game to date. I used to be a fan of the Age of Empires series, but after playing Battle For Middle Earth 1 and Battle For Middle Earth 2, i have to say this game series blows AOE away. I have already played over twenty hours on the game and i bought it on the first day it came out. Xbox Live mode is interesting and fun and is the only place if you are looking for a real challenge and having fun at the same time. Playing the CPU over and over again is still fun but you will find yourself having a better time playing against another person than the CPU.
Replay Value- 7
There is some replay value for this game, such as unlocking heroes that you can use when skirmishing, or doing Xbox Live. You can also unlock achievement awards that will add more than enough points to your gamer score. There are also only Xbox Live achievement awards so if you want to get all the points this game has to offer, then you will need Xbox Live to accomplish this. Skirmish mode is always fun as it never gets boring for their are endless map and number of player possibilities as well as different levels of difficulty that will keep you playing skirmish mode for some time.
Overall- 9
This game is a must buy if you are a fan or veteran of RTS games or a Lord of the Ring fan. If you are new to them or have never played the Battle For Middle Earth series than i would suggest you settle for a rental to see if you like the RTS mixed with Lord of the rings. Do not get the idea that the game will be impossible to control for the controls are easy and take ten minutes at the most to master. If you are playing on a HDTV then you will simply be amazed. If you are playing it on a regular tv then i am sorry to say you are missing out on all the capabilities of playing this game on a HDTV for their are some major differences for what i have seen.
Reviewer's Score- 9/10