J.R.R. Tolkien's War in Middle Earth

The Good
If you didn't read the novel, J.R.R. Tolkien games like this one can give you an interesting point of view on how the story goes.

Unlike most J.R.R. Tolkien games, that are "centered" on the main characters of the novel, aka Frodo and the gang, this game takes you to the next level: Comander-in-Chief for the War in Middle Earth!

Besides controlling several individual characters on the big map, you control massive armies in Middle Earth, devising ways of defence and attack against Sauron and his "almost" countless armies. Since the game is mostly focused on the "Map Mode" interface, you know where all the cities are, where all the troops come from and where all the enemies come from.

The game is divided into 2 main interfaces: The Map Mode as I mentioned earlier (where you can see all the characters, enemies and stuff) and the Battle Mode interface. There's not much you can do in the Battle Mode but watch, as it's automatic...

Character's in this game play an interesting role, as they can 'provoke' certain events to occur. Some instances, they can even provoke cities to join your cause...all of this is a trial and error sequence, so don't expect to finish this game in one try!

The Bad
Most of the strategy of this game is based on where and when you place your armies. Like a true general, that's probably the only thing you can control when it comes to war. Unfortunately, that also means, you are not involved what so ever in the battles that take place: You just watch and see the out come.

Overall, this game to my opinion was a rare jewel when it comes to Mass Battles!

The Bottom Line
A must for both the strategist or a J.R.R. Tolkien fan! I recommend this game.