LotR BfME

[E.T.]

Anyone own this yet?

Overall opinion? Known bugs? Hows Support? Should it be considered as a bargain bin purchase only[if at all]?

Thanks

[Renzatic Gear]

I've heard it looks cool, but overall is pretty shallow on the strategy front.

[Hieremias]

That's generally the truth of it. I bought it for my brother for Christmas. He's a Lord of the Rings nut and an RTS nut, and not a hardcore gamer, so he likes it a lot. I've played it a bit, about a half-dozen missions so far.

It has a VERY high level of polish, clearly high production values, it's obviously a big-budget title. It runs smoothly, very slick. It has a very high cinematic feel to it, the animations are excellent and you really do feel like you're controlling the battles in Lord of the Rings.

But the strategy is quite shallow, it's absolutely nothing more than Zerg rushing your opponent. I mean it's an RTS, so strategy is never going to be a big factor. Basically the game looks great, sounds great, and puts you into the movies. For delivering a "Lord of the Rings experience", it gets an A. For delivering good, fun gameplay, it gets a C+. I guess you have to figure out which side of that scale means more to you.

I've had fun playing it, but I wouldn't buy it for myself at full price. (I bought it for him because I knew he'd like it.)

[Mochan]

I heard that you're better off with Rome than this one.

[Hieremias]

I heard that you're better off with Rome than this one.
You can't compare them. Rome is an uber-complicated strategy game, Battle for Middle Earth is a put-you-in-the-movies experience. If you want a complex strategy game, get Rome. If you want a cinematic experience, get BfME. If you want both, uhhh.... you're outta luck.

[Mochan]

According to Black and White Studios they intend to make B&W2 a "cinematic feel" wargame on top of the Tamagochi thing. Dunno if it'll be as complex but having a 100m gargantuan creature should help some. :)