The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-Earth

 PC
The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-Earth Image
Metascore
82

Generally favorable reviews - based on 42 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 332 Ratings

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  • Summary: The Lord of the Rings, The Battle for Middle-earth is an unprecedented real-time strategy game that delivers the epic scope and depth of J.R.R. Tolkien's amazing world. You are in complete control of the epic battles as depicted in all three installments of the blockbuster The Lord of theThe Lord of the Rings, The Battle for Middle-earth is an unprecedented real-time strategy game that delivers the epic scope and depth of J.R.R. Tolkien's amazing world. You are in complete control of the epic battles as depicted in all three installments of the blockbuster The Lord of the Rings movie trilogy. From waging all-out combat among Middle-earth’s vast armies to controlling your favorite heroes while managing the resources of your side, the fate of a living, breathing Middle-earth is in your hands. Built upon the acclaimed "Command & Conquer Generals" 3D game engine, The Battle for Middle-earth allows you to command the forces of light or darkness in two separate campaigns. You'll have to choose your forces wisely, since each army has its own unique strengths and weaknesses. Complete with all of the epic music, actor voices, and other film assets seamlessly integrated into the game, The Battle for Middle-earth offers a truly memorable entertainment experience. Command the heroes and armies of Middle-earth in over 25 missions based on all three films. Control one of four unique sides, each with its own playing styles, resource management, and base-building techniques. [Electronic Arts]… Expand
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 37 out of 42
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 42
  3. Negative: 0 out of 42
  1. Detroit Free Press
    100
    Middle Earth isn't a strategy game for hardcore fans, but it's a well-thought-out, well-designed, well-animated entry. And the atmosphere, visuals and sounds from the movie trilogy definitely make that simplicity both welcome and worthwhile.
  2. Pelit (Finland)
    90
    Great! The AI issues that plagued the European review version are long gone. Last year's second best RTS. The only thing lacking is modelling the morale of the troops. [Jan. 05]
    All this publication's reviews
  3. PC Gamer
    86
    What it lacks in complexity, it more than makes up for with intense action and ease of lay that consistently draws you back for more. [Feb 2005, p.48]
    All this publication's reviews
  4. GamerFeed
    80
    Even though the missions may sometimes seem like an exercise in patience than of strategic might, this is still a great looking game that is a great experience to play.
  5. GameSpy
    80
    While veteran RTS players may have some nits to pick with the relatively solid gameplay, those same fans of The Lord of the Rings series should find that the game shines as a playable re-creation of Tolkien's work.
  6. Yahoo!
    80
    Although its approach may irritate some purists, the movies' army of fans will lap it up.
  7. Computer Games Magazine
    60
    May not be the reinvention of the wheel, but it's certainly the best "Tolkien game" to date. [March 2005, p.70]
    All this publication's reviews

See all 42 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 37 out of 54
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 54
  3. Negative: 7 out of 54
  1. AndyS.
    Dec 11, 2004
    10
    This game is cool the best player you can be on this is the gondor people because you can have a well fortified base.
  2. Carl
    Feb 23, 2006
    10
    sipley the best game ever great grapics and sounds this game is the best game in the world!
  4. Sesshomaru764
    Sep 27, 2010
    10
    Battle For Middle-Earth is a really fun and enjoyable game it is very well made and has years upon years of gameplay and has stunning graphicsBattle For Middle-Earth is a really fun and enjoyable game it is very well made and has years upon years of gameplay and has stunning graphics for such an old game. This games campaign will drag you inside MIddle-Earth and allow you to follow in the footsteps of the movies. If you are a Lord Of The Rings fan this is a must get, I have been playing it for some time now and I enjoy it much more then any other game like StarCraft2. It has a few problems because if you have a large monitor for whatever reason doesn't let you start up the game but that can be fixed my going to the EA website and finding the solution to that problem. The people of EA LA are a great game developer and hopefully they will keep up the great job.… Expand
  5. CharlesH.
    Dec 8, 2004
    9
    This game offers a unique balance of figuritive characters and an epic RPS, truly remarkable.
  6. Shadran
    Feb 11, 2020
    8
    Very well made game. It makes you feel like you are watching the good parts of movies and then give you some extra on top of that. Sound isVery well made game. It makes you feel like you are watching the good parts of movies and then give you some extra on top of that. Sound is good voice acting is good visuals are good. AI and game balance is little bit off. Veteran system is nice in late game as you can pursuit perfect army thats getting stronger as you fight for middle earth. Overall the replayability is low but as fan of the movies and books its really nice game.… Expand
  7. erdogfu96
    Feb 9, 2020
    7
    Most enjoyable strategy game of its time. It already playable now.

    Graphics4/10
    Sounds: 8/10
    Gameplay: 9/10
    Story: 10/10
  8. RTSFAN
    Dec 26, 2004
    1
    What a horrible game. The gameplay is long and boring, the ingame interface is terrrible with minimal functionality. The units are What a horrible game. The gameplay is long and boring, the ingame interface is terrrible with minimal functionality. The units are unintersting and lack any sort of stratigic depth. On top of the fact the game is riddled with all sorts of bugs. The only thing going for this game is that it's in the LOTR universe and the graphics are nice on a high-end machine. Conclusion: Unless you are a hard core LOTR fan, avoid this game like the plague. It is truly one of the worst RTS games on the market. EA should be ashamed of itself. Do yourself a favor and stay away from this stinker. … Expand

See all 54 User Reviews

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Awards & Rankings

35
#35 Best PC Game of 2004
22
#22 Most Discussed PC Game of 2004
35
#35 Most Shared PC Game of 2004

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