A quick view of the game reveals that BFME 2 wants to have an identity besides being a movie game. It uses its own artwork everywhere, has a unique storyline, has its own creatures and characters. However, the new inventions aren't entirely arbitrary, they are vaguely inspired by the canon lore one way or another. For example, "drake" and "wrym" are words which was used in Tolkien's writings to talk about dragons, so in the game they exists as distinct creatures. It makes sense that Goblins would have a leader of sorts, so the game gives us a Goblin-King, (different from the one in the Hobbit) Isengard used a bomb in the film, why smaller bombs for throwing from fortresses can't exist? Overall, the game uses Middle Earth as a theme to ground itself while retaining familiar to movie/book aesthetic. I really like the result. Both visually and gameplay-vise, the game has a unique identity while also having a "LOTR feel" at the same time. With its art style, drawings of cut scenes and unit portraits are really nice. The animations feel lively and does not have the slight stiffness of the first game. t With increased unit sizes , it often achieves to deliver the epic battles it promises.
The story missions in BFME 2 concern the battles in the north of BFME 2, inspired from the notes of Tolkien. There is no campaign map in story, it follows typical mission + cut scene structure used often in RTS games and you don't carry units from mission to mission. At first, I got somewhat upset at these decision but now, I actually like the campaign of the sequel more. While it has some questionable parts --like why would you have Lorien[1] as the first mission in evil campaign, like it shouldn't be easier than heckin' Shire -- it overall feels great to play, without feeling repetitive and restricted to be similar to movie or book. Erebor, Eriador, Gray Havens, Lothlorien, Rivendell... Each level feels distinct, memorable and there is actual level design and attempt to challenge the player without pure spam. Defending or attacking large cities actually feels grand. Especially, the last Evil mission really feels like a final clash, you should see for yourself, it's really cool if you are a Middle Earth nerd like me.
Being a Middle Earth nerd, I was actually disappointed at the state of the game when I saw it for the firs time. Dragons in a period Smaug's[2] death? Heresy. Goblins riding giant spiders? Unforgivable! A lot of mods for the game seem to have same opinion as me, BFME 2 modders really don't like spider riders? They also usually reject original drawings in favor of movie screenshots. The books are sacred, the PJ movies are too; anything else just doesn't "feel" like LOTR. I have changed however, slowly from "actually this is fine" to "spider riders are actually awesome" as time went on. An adaptation is a different work than the original version and has its own value to consider LOTR movies are a different entity than books, they would be different even they tried to follow books to letter, they would be different if they were slideshows of pictures with text instead of books. Adaptations are original creations in on themselves or at least they are enjoyed the best when viewed as such. BFME 2's recreation of the Middle Earth as an RTS is a worthy addition to Middle-Earth themed media, in large part thanks to their own vision, and *spider riders*
With its new breath of life on Middle Earth, vastly expanded content, slick and well-designed RTS gameplay, a niche but rich multiplayer scene, it's a truly classic pc game, a one that people still care about it this day. And it's a classic that got an expansion pack that's as classic as itself. Due to licensing issues, the game isn't really sold officially anymore, so just go grab it for free somewhere. It virtually runs on everything and even if you don't particularly enjoy RTS games, you will probably have a fun time on it.
I am aware I did not discuss the game in great detail, I will do that once I talk about the expansion pack, and I promise to go in real detail then, so this is my first real cliffhanger... Let's meet again for Rise of the Witch King then!
This article is written thanks to my dearest Patrons and special thanks to: Acelin, Alexandra Morgan, Laura Watson, MasterofCubes, Maciej Paszkowski, Otakundead and Spencer Gill.
[1] Lothlorien/Lorien is the name of elven town which Galadriel resides, it is said that it would take Sauron himself coming to conquer there.
[2] The dragon in the Hobbit, also the last dragon in Middle-Earth by the book canon.
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