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

The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle Earth II (known as BFME2) is a real-time strategy video game developed by EA Los Angeles and published by Electronic Arts; the game is inspired by the novels The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit J. R. R. Tolkien, as well as the film trilogy of Peter Jackson. The game can be played in single-player (“Skirmish” and “Campaign” modes) or multiplayer “Skirmish” mode (up to 8 players can play online or via LAN connections)

Not loyal to Tolkien’s world?

The game scenario develops the minor events of the Ring War taking place in the northern regions of Middle-earth. For the purposes of the game, many liberties are taken with the works of J. R. R. Tolkien as with the film trilogy of Peter Jackson: some characters have different appearances, and their abilities or their role are changed; for example, Tom Bombadil participates in combat. The novel The Hobbit also provides elements to the game, such as the Giant Spiders of the Black Forest.

New factions of good and evil added

The first Battle for Middle-earth allowed players to select between four factions: Rohan, Gondor, Isengard and Mordor; BFME2 merges the first two under the name Men of the West, and adds Goblins (Misty Mountains), Dwarves, and Elves.

Factions of good

Faction of the Elves

The Elves are from Lothlórien and the Black Forest, and have Elrond as their leader. Elven archers are effective at inflicting damage from a distance, and their support units, the Ents, can perform combinations of melee and siege attacks. Their heroes are Glorfindel, Thranduil, Elrond, Haldir, Legolas, Arwen, and Sylvebarbe.

Faction of Men of the West

The Men of the West are under the command of Aragorn and King Theoden. Gondor troops represent a solid base of attack and defense, with standard infantry and archers, and the Rohan Rohirrim play the role of elite cavalry. Their heroes are Theoden, Eomer, Eowyn, Gandalf, Boromir, Aragorn, Faramir, and the four Hobbits Merry, Pippin, Frodo, Sam, who only appear when using the power of “Summoning Hobbits.”

Faction of the Dwarves

The Dwarves have Erebor as their main city under the leadership of King Dáin. Although they are slow and expensive, infantrymen, pikemen and minion axes are very powerful and well protected. Their heroes are Gimli, Glóin, and King Dáin.

Factions of evil

Goblin Faction

The Goblin faction is led by Goblin King Gorkil, and includes various wild beasts of Middle-earth: Goblins, Trolls, Spiders and Dragons. These troops are effective in their numbers. Goblins have three heroes: Gorkil (Goblin King), Drogoth (Lord of Dragons), and Arachne.

Faction of Isengard

The troops of Isengard are highly trained Uruk-hais, under the command of Saruman. Berserkers are used by Isengard as unique armies, which move very fast, and inflict significant damage. In addition, Isengard is the only evil faction that can build walls. Isengard has the following playeable heroes: Saruman, Lurtz, Sharkou, and Serpent-tongue.

Faction of Mordor

Mordor’s forces are a mixture of Orcs, Men, Trolls and Sauron lieutenants. Like goblins, Mordor Orcs have strong armor, making them useful for absorbing enemy damage, while more powerful units are used to attack the enemy. The Trolls are the heart of the Mordor’s forces, with their powerful melee attacks and their ability to throw rocks. Mordor’s troops are under the command of the Witch-king and the Nazgûl, and have as their heroes: the Witch-king, Nazgûl on winged mounts, the Mouth of Sauron and three Nazgûl on horseback.