Summary
- Release Year: 2009
- Genres: Adventure, Hack and slash/Beat ’em up
- Platforms: Nintendo DS, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
- Developers: Artificial Mind & Movement, Pandemic Studios
- Publishers: Electronic Arts
The Lord of the Rings: Conquest – A Triumphant Return to Middle-earth
Prepare to embark on an epic journey through the realm of Middle-earth once more, as The Lord of the Rings: Conquest invites you to relive the iconic battles of J.R.R. Tolkien’s masterpiece from a refreshing perspective. Developed by Pandemic Studios and released in 2009, Conquest offers a thrilling blend of real-time strategy and action gameplay, immersing you in the eternal conflict between good and evil.
A Tale of Two Campaigns
Conquest presents two distinct campaigns that provide contrasting experiences. The “Good” campaign follows the familiar narrative of the Lord of the Rings trilogy, allowing you to command the forces of Gondor, Rohan, and other allied factions as they fight to destroy the One Ring and defeat Sauron’s armies.
In a unique twist, the “Evil” campaign flips the script, casting you as the commander of Mordor’s legions. Experience the might of orcs, trolls, and other fearsome creatures as you conquer Middle-earth and spread darkness across the land. This original perspective sheds new light on the events of the War of the Ring, showcasing the strategies and motivations of Sauron’s forces.
Command Epic Battles
Conquest’s gameplay revolves around large-scale battles that pit hundreds of units against each other. You’ll command a variety of troops, from foot soldiers and archers to powerful heroes and siege weapons. Each unit has unique strengths and weaknesses, requiring you to carefully plan your strategies and adapt to the ever-changing tides of battle.
The game’s controls are intuitive and accessible, allowing you to quickly master the basics of unit control and resource management. As you progress, you’ll unlock new abilities and upgrades for your units, further enhancing your tactical options.
Heroes and Villains
One of the standout features of Conquest is the inclusion of iconic heroes and villains from the Lord of the Rings universe. Gandalf, Aragorn, Legolas, and many others join the fray, each possessing unique abilities that can turn the tide of battle.
Commanding these heroes is a thrilling experience, as you unleash their devastating powers upon the enemy. Gandalf can call down lightning strikes, Aragorn can inspire his troops with his leadership, and Legolas can rain down a deadly hail of arrows from afar.
Similarly, the Evil campaign features its own roster of formidable villains, including the Witch-king of Angmar, Saruman, and the Dark Lord Sauron himself. Each villain brings their own set of abilities and strategic advantages, allowing you to experience the dark side of Middle-earth in a whole new way.
Conquest and Domination
Beyond the campaign mode, Conquest offers a variety of other gameplay options. Engage in intense online multiplayer battles, where you can put your strategic skills to the test against other players from around the globe.
The game also features a cooperative mode, allowing you to team up with friends and tackle challenging missions together. Coordinate your strategies, combine your forces, and conquer Middle-earth as a united front.
A Visual Spectacle
Conquest captures the epic scale and grandeur of Middle-earth with stunning graphics that bring the world of Tolkien to life. The environments are detailed and immersive, from the lush forests of Lothlórien to the fiery wasteland of Mordor.
The character models are equally impressive, showcasing the distinct appearances and abilities of each unit. The animations are fluid and realistic, adding to the overall immersion of the gameplay experience.
The Verdict
The Lord of the Rings: Conquest is a triumphant return to Middle-earth, offering a unique blend of real-time strategy and action gameplay. With its epic battles, iconic heroes and villains, and stunning visuals, Conquest is a must-play for fans of the Lord of the Rings universe and strategy gaming enthusiasts alike.
Whether you choose to fight for the forces of good or embrace the darkness of evil, Conquest provides an unforgettable journey through the realm of Middle-earth, allowing you to experience the War of the Ring from a fresh and exhilarating perspective.
Review Score
7.5/10