Summary
- Release Year: 2012
- Genres: Arcade, Hack and slash/Beat ’em up, Real Time Strategy (RTS), Strategy
- Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
- Developers: Monolith Productions
- Publishers: WB Games
Guardians of Middle-earth: A MOBA Worthy of the Tolkien Legacy
Released in 2012, Guardians of Middle-earth is a multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game set in the beloved world of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. Developed by Monolith Productions and published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, Guardians of Middle-earth pits two teams of five players against each other in strategic battles for control of Middle-earth.
Gameplay
Guardians of Middle-earth follows the traditional MOBA formula, with each player controlling a single hero unit with unique abilities. Players must work together to destroy the opposing team’s base while defending their own. The game features a roster of over 30 heroes and villains from the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, including Gandalf, Sauron, Legolas, and Gollum.
Each hero has their own strengths and weaknesses, and players must carefully consider their team composition when selecting their heroes. For example, Gandalf is a powerful wizard with strong crowd control abilities, while Legolas is a skilled archer with high damage output. Players must also purchase items and level up their heroes during the match to improve their stats and abilities.
Guardians of Middle-earth features a variety of maps, each with its own unique objectives. The most common map is the Conquest map, which requires players to capture and hold control points in order to earn points. Other maps include Siege, where players must destroy the opposing team’s base, and King of the Hill, where players must control a central point on the map for a certain amount of time.
Critical Reception
Guardians of Middle-earth received generally positive reviews from critics, with many praising the game’s faithfulness to the Tolkien universe, its strategic gameplay, and its roster of iconic characters. However, some critics found the game to be too similar to other MOBAs and lacking in innovation.
Legacy
Guardians of Middle-earth was a commercial success, selling over 1 million copies worldwide. The game was also well-received by the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit fan base, who appreciated the opportunity to experience the world of Middle-earth in a new way.
However, Guardians of Middle-earth’s success was short-lived. In 2014, the game’s servers were shut down due to the closure of GameSpy, a company that provided online multiplayer services for many games. This effectively killed the game, as it was no longer possible to play online.
Conclusion
Guardians of Middle-earth was a well-made MOBA that captured the spirit of the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit franchises. The game’s strategic gameplay, iconic characters, and beautiful visuals made it a favorite among fans of the books and films. However, the game’s untimely demise due to the GameSpy server shutdown is a reminder of the fragility of online games.
Additional Information
- Developer: Monolith Productions
- Publisher: Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
- Release Date: December 4, 2012
- Platforms: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Microsoft Windows
- Genre: Multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA)
- ESRB Rating: T for Teen
- Metacritic Score: 75/100
Review Score
7.5/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
