Gaming Sunday: Battle for Middle Earth

Introduction

After enjoying Battle for Middle Earth II, I decided to give its predecessor a try. Suffice to say that I was given as much of a shock as Battle for Middle Earth II gave me. In my honest opinion, Battle for Middle Earth trumped it's successor in many ways. As for why they changed as they did, I don't know what was in there minds. But, then again, it might be just me. Other people might prefer BFME II though. It all comes down to personal choices I guess.

Story
By and large, the story follows the films. The campaign is played over a map of middle earth, much like how the War of the Rings mode plays in BFME II. Except this map is more detailed and more appealing to the eye. Players will click on locations to start mission following the film storyline. Starting from Mines of Moria to the Black Gate. There are also what can be seen as optional missions. In these optional missions, players get to command either the Rohan army under Eomer or the Gondor army under Faramir. Defend lands such as West Emnet or Eastfold in Rohan or places like South Ithilien or Cair Andros in Gondor. We also get to experience Helm's Deep and Minas Tirith first hand.

There are also some changes that contradicts the lore. Such as Gandalf slaying the Balrog in Moria instead of Zirakzigil, and actually lives through the ordeal. Or saving Boromir from the Orcs at Amon Hen, leading to him joining the Fellowship at Helm's Deep and Minas Tirith. Don't even get me started on the Evil Campaign.

Gameplay
The first noticeable difference is that in BFME, buildings are built on fixed places. Players start by building a citadel, where the surrounding lands will become build plots. Clicking on build plots will allow players to build a building there. Therefore, there can only be a limited number of building that can be built. Another big difference in the smaller battalions and smaller command point limit. Battalions can also merge to form a bigger battalion. For example, putting Gondor Tower Guards with Ithilien Rangers can be useful as the Tower Guard will defend the Ithilien Rangers when enemies come to close. This style greatly differs from BFME II. It suites me better since one can have more variety of troops as well as a bigger need to create troops, where as in BFME II, the command limit is reached after around 10 battalion.

Portraits are also much nicer, since they are more pictures than drawings. Each of the four faction, namely Gondor, Rohan, Isengard and Mordor greatly differ from one another. Gondor being the more defensive type, Rohan being a speedy cavalry type, Isengard focusing more on siege and Mordor more on rushing and numbers.

Graphics
I think that the graphics are of a lesser tier than BFME II, but nonetheless, it is enough for me. The beauty of the architectures of Minas Tirith and Helm's Deep are quite a sight to beheld. Units are also adequately modeled and textured. However zooming in might make the models look awkward.

There are some bugs around. Like in Cair Andros. My battalion of Gondor Knights got stuck in one of the ruins and was unable to be used for the rest of the mission. Worst still, when enemies attacked, they were helpless pelted by arrows and catapults.

Conclusion
Excluding building on build plots and a lesser number of factions, in my honest opinion, BFME is the superior of the two. Factions are more unique, campaigns much more interesting and skirmishes much more exciting compared to the sequel. Although the sequel is also quite a good game, just that I think that BFME is much more enjoyable to play. Either way, get both games and decide for yourselves.