Battle For Middle Earth II

If only all film licensed games were as wonderful as this thoroughly enjoyable game!

The anticipated sequel to the original Battle for Middle Earth II RTS builds upon the original to provide one of the best RTS games to date. The game eeks detail out of every ill-gotten pore -- hoardes of Uruk Hai raise their weapons and cheer as each enemy of Mordor is felled, Elven warriors practice complex sword maneuver in the barracks, snow covered battlements and fast flowing rivers adorn the battlefield. Everything is alive, and it looks beautiful.

Each of the six 'races' sports a unique play style accustomed to their strengths and weaknesses -- goblins, for example, can't build walled fortresses but can call on the mighty power of Drogoth the Dragon Lord -- a huge, armoured death-dealing dragon. By contrast, the Dwarves are excellent builders and can build fortified walls with mountable turrets and artillery, and can trundle out beastly catapults to level their enemies.

Heroes play a big part where special units unique to each race can be called upon to tip the tide of battle. At the extremes the side of light can call on Gandalf and Galadriel, while darkness can call on Saruman and Sauron himself. The latter of whom can swing his mace and send troops flying just like the opening scene of the movie of the first film.

Aside from the range of heroes that come with each race, you can also create your own and call upon them in the game. This is great if you want to personalise your own adventures, charging into the battlefield and swinging the tide of battle.

Special powers also play a role, with each race being able to call upon special abilities like hoards of Hobbits or the Balrog. Used in conjunction, these abilities at higher levels can wreck massive devastation against your foes, be they your friends or the enemy AI.

Speaking of which, the enemy AI is the only real let down of the game. Its basic strategies are easily out-maneuvered, and it doesn't take advantage of fortress building to strengthen its chances.

In addition to the RTS element BFME2 also includes both a good and evil campaign, and a 'War of the Rings' conquest mode which allows you to conquer the realm of Middle Earth one territory at a time. It's like Diplomacy, only you get to fight it out up close and personal when two forces meet.

By far the greatest asset of BFME2 is the brilliantly detailed 3D engine which brings all of the characters and lore to life. It's an absolute blast to play, and the six races and campaign modes will keep you coming back for more, even after you've defeated your friends online.