Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle Earth 2The Basics:
Platform: PC
Developer: EA Games
Price: $49.99
ESRB rating: T (Teen)
Summary: Good storytelling with average
RTS gameplay.
Note: Parents should know that this
Real-Time-Strategy game contains many battles, but they
are typically seen from a distance. The plot of the game
works well with the classic Lord of the Rings books
and movies. An online component allows players to challenge
others over the Internet, so parents need to be aware that
this game is online enabled.
Families who purchase this game may want to discuss the
art of storytelling in video games. How is the story told,
and how does it compare to books, movies and other forms
of media? How important is a good story in a game? Is it
easier to identify with characters when playing out part
of the story, or does it make it more confusing?
Further Breakdown:
Overall rating: 3 out of 5 stars
Best for ages: 13+
Playability: Low. Easy to learn and play.
Graphics: High. Represents the wonders of middle-earth
well.
Reading Level: Light. Occasional reading.
Ages 3-7: Red
Ages 8-12: Yellow
Ages 13-17: Green
Violence Amount: Yellow
Fear: Yellow
Illegal/harmful: Green
Language: Green
Nudity: Green
Sex: Green
Review:
LORD OF THE RINGS: THE BATTLE FOR MIDDLE EARTH 2 returns
fans of the books, movies and games to the fantastical land
of Middle Earth. Working as an extension of the books and
movies, the game expands on the world J.R.R. Tolkien created.
Much of the game focuses on the battles not described in
detail in the books or movies. It's a good strategy, since
the game's plot can work with the existing material of the
books, but still add something new.
Several options for play exist: a skirmish mode, a single-player
campaign, a multi-player Risk® style game and an online
mode. Each mode uses a real-time-strategy (RTS) type of
gameplay. Players build up a force of troops to rally around
familiar heroes, like Elrond and Legolas or Saruman and
the Nazgul (if they play the forces of Mordor). Using the
magical powers of their heroes and strategic placement of
their troops, players work to defeat the enemy on the battlefield.
During campaign play, animated cutscenes (sometimes fleshed
out with scenes from the movies) reveal the objective of
each battle, telling the story as the player progresses.
Parents will find little to be concerned with. Kids could
be frightened by the appearance and repulsive nature of
some of the evil heroes/characters. Plenty of battles unfold
between the forces of good and evil, but most violence is
seen from a bird's eye view.
The story telling is well done, but the gameplay can be
a bit lacking. Experienced RTS players might find the game
a bit simplistic or even too easy. Parts of the game seem
out of balance with ultra-strong hero characters making
some battles lopsided.
Overall, the game tells a good story and lets players in
on some interesting battles. It doesn't add a lot to the
RTS genre of games, but has an interesting story line that
Tolkien fans might enjoy.
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Jeremy
Gieske has been an avid game player since the
days of the Apple II+ and Karateka. Recently,
however, his interests have developed beyond simply
playing the games, but also trying to understand
the historical, social and cultural impacts of
video games. He recently acquired his Masters
degree with distinction from the University of
Salford in Manchester, England, where he conducted
research on videogames. Jeremy has a background
in design and marketing, and has worked with several
Internet and publishing companies. Recently, he
has written articles for DIGA-the Digital Game
Archive and has worked with the Computerspiele
museum in Berlin, Germany.
