The Battle for Middle Earth II

[Gunther]

Xfire downloads demos and trailers of upcoming games at random moments throughout the day. I do not like it when I am in the middle of a firefight and this happens. But I do like some of the downloads they give me. I DLd this RTS game today and was playing it for a few hours this afternoon. You know, I like this game better than AOE series. Why? because you create units rather than individuals. I hated AOE because you have to keep track (micro manage) all those individuals. In Battle for ME II I only have to keep track of six or seven battalion sized formations.

The demo version doesn't allow you custom make your heroes but it shows it a bit in the trailer. this is a game I wouldn't mind picking up when it comes out next week. Anyone else try this demo?

[rhonnin]

I have that auto DL thing disabled.

[JBGetsToPlay]

I'll definitely get this one. I loved the first one, but, let's face it, it's too easy. I was playing skirmishes against three hard armies and pwning. This one is harder, so it should provide a better challenge. Plus you can customize your castle, align your troops in attack formations (see the tutorial in the demo) instead of trying to position them yourself, and like you said Gunther, you can even make a custom hero.

It's worth noting that the Deluxe Edition will be $10 more and allow you to play an additional hero (I think it's a dragon or something) that Standard Edition players can't use.

So, once I get money, I'm gonna get it.

[Gunther]

I forgot to mention the formation part. thanks JB. that is a nice feature. When I attacked the Goblin base today, My army was all online moving in for the attack. It was sweet.

[Gunther]

I've played two games as the Dwarves in the demo version. I have noticed that the Race of Dwarves has increased. I have never seen a game measure the experience level of a people. Dwarves are 2/5ths of the way to Lv2. Therefore, if I play three more battles and defeat the Goblins, I assume they will gain abilities. This is fascinating.

The key element to winning at this game like any other RTS game is proper resource management. Increasing your capacity to generate resources is key to victory. I have found that three mines is sufficient to keep the dwarves going and their is another ability which will allow you to increase one mine's production by 300% for a brief duration. Also mine placement is critical. I try to get as close to 100% as possible but will not settle for less than 90%.

[JBGetsToPlay]

I've played two games as the Dwarves in the demo version. I have noticed that the Race of Dwarves has increased. I have never seen a game measure the experience level of a people. Dwarves are 2/5ths of the way to Lv2. Therefore, if I play three more battles and defeat the Goblins, I assume they will gain abilities. This is fascinating.

Sadly, it's only bragging rights that you get. In the old game, I got up to like level 7 or 8 with Rohan and 6 or 7 with Gondor, but I never got anything out of it, especially when my partition got erased and all that "effort" was lost.

[Gunther]

Such potential wasted. /disgust.

[rhonnin]

I dled this game to give it a try, I haven't played a RTS in a while so it was a nice change, very fun game. I do believe though that you gain some benefits when you level a race similar to when you level your hero and new abilities become available.

[jediknight]

I have the game. its good, almost finished it:)

[Damaen]

i hear its just insane to play.

and lets face it, i need to replace CnC Generals: ZH