Platform: PC

Genre: RTS

Publisher: Electronic Arts

Developer: Electronic Arts

ETA: Fall 2004

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Can I stand it? Another Lord of the Rings game; I’m sure that no matter how good or bad this game is it will no doubt be another huge capital gain for EA. My cynicism aside, I thought that the last couple of Lord of the Rings game that I played were excellent and I really enjoyed them.  The Battle for Middle Earth (BFME) is set for a fall release date, no doubt right near the release date for the Return of the King Special Edition DVD. You can’t blame EA for having the business sense to pick up the license to make the games based on the movies, but you can bet there will be backlash if this game stinks.

Having played the War of the Ring game based on the official Tolkien novel licenses, the approach set for this game is quite different. While it is an RTS game it will take place during the events found in the movies. You will get to play through the huge epic battles waged in the movies, and if you take a look at some of the screenshots, you will know that this game will be far from ugly.  The game will run on a modified and improved version of the game engine that powered C&C Generals. It will support up to a whopping 500 units on the map at one time.

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Players will also be able to steer the events of the game in one direction or another, as the outcome of the game can be changed. Also to look forward to will be the requisite hero and special units that will turn the tide of a battle.

Features:

- Command the heroes and armies of Middle-earth in over 25 missions based on all three films of The Lord of the Rings trilogy.

-  Control one of four unique sides from the Riders of Rohan to the forces of Sauron, each with its own playing styles, resource management, and base-building techniques.

- Tolkien's world comes alive in a persistent 3D real-time map featuring clouds, waves, day cycles with sunrises and sunsets, and trees blowing in the wind. Zoom in anywhere and anytime.

- Be the architect of the battle for Middle-earth and orchestrate the memorable, epic battles from the movies, including the unforgettable siege of Minas Tirith, the battle of Helm's Deep, and the desperate last stand at the Black Gate.

- Experience the most convincing RTS combat to date with straight-from-the-movie melee and range animations and unprecedented siege warfare.

- Balanced gameplay with deep strategy mixed with pick up and play ease of use.

- Online multiplayer battles.

- Immersive musical score composed by Academy Award-winner Howard Shore.

Clear up some of your schedule this fall as the Battle for Middle Earth will look to make a perfect chaser to a daytime Lord of the Rings trilogy marathon.

- Mark Leung

(March 27, 2004)