Forums > Game Forums > J.R.R. Tolkien's War in Middle Earth > War in Middle Earth - Two versions?
Indra was here (20755) on 3/17/2014 11:59 PM · edited · Permalink · Report
Any reason why this one is separated from the other game?
I can't speak for the Amiga, Apple IIgs, and Atari ST versions, but the DOS version is exactly (well, most of it anyway, can't remember the details) as described in Terok Nor's description.
Also, not an RPG.
Игги Друге (46653) on 3/18/2014 3:09 AM · Permalink · Report
Then the PC version should be put with the 8-bit versions.
Indra was here (20755) on 3/18/2014 6:56 AM · edited · Permalink · Report
Judging from the screenshots of all the platforms, looks like the only difference is the upgraded graphics. Gameplay-wise, for the most part still the same. Could use the exactly same description for this version too. Except the joystick part (didn't have a joystick so wouldn't know either).
Indra was here (20755) on 3/18/2014 10:11 AM · Permalink · Report
[Q --start Rwolf wrote--]...looks more like adventuring with the hobbits & others from the book. [/Q --end Rwolf wrote--]Yeah, those screenshots are a bit misleading gameplay wise. At least 80% of gameplay is still strategy based played from the main main. Can totally ignore all those third person close ups throughout the game.
Terok Nor (42006) on 3/18/2014 8:34 AM · edited · Permalink · Report
[Q --start Indra was here wrote--]...can't remember the details... [/Q --end Indra was here wrote--]
You don't say. Come on people, trust me on this. The two are superficially the same (same overall game map, same end goal, both defined by the source material) but the details are very different. 8-bit is by Mike Singleton and gang, 16-bit only credits Singleton for "Game Concept".
On 16-bit, a large part of the game is you controlling characters from the book and sending them on quests to fetch items, thus gradually unlocking your armies. None of that is on 8-bit, where you control your entire force from the start. During these character encounters there is chit-chat and whatnot. They don't exist on 8-bit. 16-bit begins with the Hobbits in the Shire, 8-bit begins with the Fellowship formed in Rivendell. In 16-bit combat you give general orders like Charge/Engage/Withdraw/Retreat and then watch the outcome. On 8-bit you direct your forces to attack specfic enemies and you can control every character yourself. On 16-bit the Nazgul can take the ring and you can then try to reclaim it - you only lose if they reach Barad-Dur. On 8-bit you lose immediately if the ring is taken. On 8-bit Sauron wins if Minas Tirith is lost. On 16-bit he has to take at least three strongholds (which might or might not include Minas Tirith).
That enough?
Indra was here (20755) on 3/18/2014 10:07 AM · Permalink · Report
Basically just items. :p I'll do a revise.
Pseudo_Intellectual (66360) on 3/18/2014 2:43 PM · Permalink · Report
On 16-bit the Nazgul can take the ring and you can then try to reclaim it - you only lose if they reach Barad-Dur.
I remember a review claiming this to be one of the game's more effective winning strategies -- instead of the hard business of keeping Frodo alive, you let them have the ring and then just get your ducks in a row and take the ring back in Mordor with more overwhelming forces.
Indra was here (20755) on 4/12/2014 8:16 AM · Permalink · Report
Revision done.