Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)I've been skeptical about the LotR games since I bought the PC version of Fellowship of the Ring -- not a bad game, but definitely not what I was expecting.I waited a couple of days before opening this one because I was preparing myself to be let down.Wow!Was I wrong...
LotR: Tactics is a turn-based, combat-centric strategy game based on the movies more so than the books.If you leave all the geeky fact-checking behind (trust me, I know how difficult that is... the LotR movies without Tom Bombadil???Arwen with a sword???) and just concentrate on the game, you'll get much more enjoyment out of it.
There are six playable heroes - Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, Gandalf, Sam, and Frodo - that appear in the Fellowship portion of the game, some are required for certain missions, others are selectable.I haven't played the other side yet, but you are also able to run the game playing the evil forces (cool!).Each character has skills that can be upgraded by purchasing buffs between battles, and all characters have access to a common pool of items you can purchase.Each character is ideally suited for one specific purpose, but mastering the game requires knowing the right combinations of skills that will accomplish goals fastest.
The combat system is pretty straightforward, as is the movement system.It is imperative to master movement strategies, as this will determine what skills and attacks are usable in various situations.Characters typically move 3 spaces per turn, but may have their movement limited by the movement of opponents or other characters.When a player character moves into contact with an opponent, the move ends for that character, which may impact other movement for the round.Because the game simultaneously moves all players/opponents, the axiom applies that the best laid plans go out the window when the battle starts.
After moving, a character can elect to attack, use an item, or make use of a skill.A melee attack can be waged against an opponent in base-to-base contact with a character, while a missile attack (bow & arrow or thrown object) can be waged against remote targets, subject to line of sight.Any character can use an item purchased between battles, but forfeits the right to an attack on that turn.Just so, skills may be used in place of an attack, with a wide variety of results, based on the character performing the act.The skill may be a special attack, a magic spell, a performance booster for one or more characters, or a special ability (Legolas and Aragorn can do light healing and provide fear resistance bonuses to allies).Each skill use requires action points (AP), which each character has to a certain degree.Controlling AP use is almost as important as monitoring character health.
Unlike real-time strategy games, the turn-based format is fantastic for a handheld console.RTS would require a larger view area or constant panning, with little time to actually enjoy the game.The turn-based design allows the player to get a larger scope of control with a big-picture mentality.It also gives you the essential time you need to link movements and skills together.Fans of CCGs will quickly master the integration of these skills into unique and devastating combinations.
The controls are very easy to grasp, and the tutorial does a fantastic job of showing you almost everything you need to play the game.Graphics are excellent, despite a couple of comments I've read elsewhere.Try using the joystick to zoom in and out on characters, or to rotate your battlefield view; make sure to scan the battlefield for terrain features, layout of obstacles, and premium sniper positions for your archers.
Game play roughly follows the advancement of the story, interspersed by clips from the films.I haven't purchased any UMD-based movies yet, but if the picture is as crisp as the clips in the game, I'll be out picking up some titles this weekend.
Finally, keep in mind that the name of the game is "tactics."This should be enough to remind you that it centers on combat, uses only items and skills related to combat, and features playable content only related to battles.
I've had this game for five days now, and have stopped only to sleep and let my battery recharge (much to the chagrin of my wife).To this point, I have only played the hero missions, but I'm preparing to go back now and play as Sauron's minions.Should be a blast.Don't hesitate: pick up this game!!!
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The Lord of the Rings: TacticsProduct Description: Lord of the Rings Tactics puts players in the universe of Middle-Earth, for adventures that go beyond the books and films. This tactical RPG game lets players guideAragorn, Legolas, Gimli, Frodo, Gandalf and Sauron, among others. In turn-based action, you'll use your strategic abilities to gain advantage over the enemy and determine the future of Middle-Earth.Simultaneous turn-taking in single and multiplayer
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