The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II (2006)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 6 minutes read

Summary

The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II (2006)

The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II is a real-time strategy (RTS) video game developed by Electronic Arts Los Angeles and published by Electronic Arts. It is the sequel to The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth and is based on J. R. R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings. The game was released for Microsoft Windows on March 2, 2006.

The Battle for Middle-earth II introduces several new features to the series, including the ability to play as the evil factions of Mordor and Isengard, new heroes and units, and a new campaign mode. The game also features improved graphics and sound, and a more streamlined user interface.

Gameplay

The Battle for Middle-earth II is an RTS game in which players control armies of units to defeat their opponents. The game features a variety of unit types, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Players must carefully manage their resources and build a balanced army in order to be victorious.

The game’s campaign mode follows the story of the War of the Ring from the perspective of both the forces of good and evil. Players can choose to play as either the forces of good, led by Aragorn, Gandalf, and Frodo Baggins, or the forces of evil, led by Sauron, Saruman, and the Witch-king of Angmar. The campaign mode features a variety of missions, each with its own unique objectives.

In addition to the campaign mode, The Battle for Middle-earth II also features a number of multiplayer modes. Players can compete against each other in online or LAN matches, or they can play cooperatively against the AI. The game also features a map editor, which allows players to create their own custom maps.

Features

  • New factions: The Battle for Middle-earth II introduces two new factions to the series: Mordor and Isengard. Mordor is the home of Sauron and his legions of orcs, trolls, and other creatures of darkness. Isengard is the stronghold of Saruman and his army of Uruk-hai and Dunlendings.
  • New heroes and units: The game also features a number of new heroes and units. These include powerful heroes such as Gandalf the White, Sauron, and the Witch-king of Angmar, as well as new unit types such as trolls, oliphants, and eagles.
  • New campaign mode: The Battle for Middle-earth II features a new campaign mode that follows the story of the War of the Ring from the perspective of both the forces of good and evil. The campaign mode features a variety of missions, each with its own unique objectives.
  • Improved graphics and sound: The game features improved graphics and sound over its predecessor. The graphics are more detailed and the sound is more immersive, which helps to create a more realistic and engaging experience.
  • Streamlined user interface: The game’s user interface has been streamlined to make it easier to play. The menus are more intuitive and the controls are more responsive, which makes it easier for players to get into the game and start playing.

Reception

The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II received generally positive reviews from critics. The game was praised for its improved graphics and sound, its streamlined user interface, and its new features, such as the ability to play as the evil factions. However, some critics found the game to be too similar to its predecessor, and they felt that it didn’t do enough to innovate the RTS genre.

Despite the mixed reviews, The Battle for Middle-earth II was a commercial success. The game sold over 1 million copies worldwide, and it was one of the best-selling PC games of 2006.

Legacy

The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II is considered to be one of the best RTS games ever made. The game’s innovative features, such as the ability to play as the evil factions, helped to set it apart from other RTS games at the time. The game also had a significant impact on the Lord of the Rings franchise, as it helped to introduce the series to a new generation of fans.

The Battle for Middle-earth II is still played by many fans today, and it remains one of the most popular RTS games in the world. The game’s legacy is likely to continue for many years to come.

Conclusion

The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II is a classic RTS game that is still enjoyed by many fans today. The game’s innovative features, such as the ability to play as the evil factions, helped to set it apart from other RTS games at the time. The game also had a significant impact on the Lord of the Rings franchise, as it helped to introduce the series to a new generation of fans.

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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Christopher has carved a niche for himself as an authority on retro pre-2000 computer games. With a passion that borders on reverence, Christopher delves deep into the pixelated past of gaming, unearthing gems and sharing insights that resonate with both nostalgic players and curious newcomers. His articles serve as a time machine, transporting readers back to an era where gameplay and creativity often trumped graphical fidelity. Cristopher's expertise isn't just in cataloging these classics; he analyzes their design, the context of their creation, and their impact on the gaming landscape, offering a comprehensive look at the evolution of digital entertainment. Beyond mere retrospectives, Christopher champions the relevance of these retro games in today's high-definition world. He skillfully draws parallels between the foundational mechanics of yesteryear's titles and the modern gaming innovations they inspired. His work goes beyond mere preservation; it's an ongoing dialogue between the past and present of gaming. Christopher's content educates, entertains, and ignites discussions within the gaming community. His dedication not only keeps the legacy of pre-2000 games alive but also highlights their importance in shaping the future of video gaming.

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