1st May 1989
The beginning of this story isn't exactly earth-shattering. A hobbit burglar, by the name of Bilbo Baggins, tricks a pale-faced creature called Gollum out of a small, golden ring. This ring just happens to be the most powerful magical artifact on Middle Earth. Sauron, the ultimate evil force, had attempted to use it in a bid to take over Middle Earth but his plan failed and the ring was lost - until now.
The only way to ensure that its powers aren't used for evil again is to throw it into the crack of the volcano, Mount Doom. Unfortunately, Sauron has since got wind of the ring's discovery and has sent out his ghostly messengers, the black riders (or Nazgul) to find and retrieve the ring which is now in the possession of Bilbo's nephew Frodo.
And it's as Frodo that you're charged with the mission of carrying and ultimately destroying the dangerous level.
Play is divided into three map-based sections. The main map shows the whole of Middle Earth, with units under your control shown as flashing dots. Using icons, you have the power to move the units, be they individual characters or whole battalions, by means of the second playing area.
This is a blown-up version of the first screen, showing the main map in more detail. As it covers severl screenfuls of information, you use the mouse to scroll from location to location.
When meetings between characters or armies occur, the third playing area is utilised. This takes the form of an animation screen which displays the characters themselves as they interact: chat, rest, collect objects and fight. Further icons and menus (giving you a selection of possible fighting moves, for example) appear as your choice of action makes them necessary.
Much of your strategy will involve proving yourself to other forces of good and getting them to trust you. At the start of the action, the map is brimming with large numbers of potentially helpful people which you haven't yet got the power to control. Until you've taken them, objects which prove your allegiance to the cause, they won't be interested in offering any aid.
There are an almost infinite number of ways to complete War In Middle Earth. Are you hobbit enough to try them out?
Gordo
I'm glad the latest adaptation of Tolkien's works wasn't another adventure because, fun as they may be, they don't have much scope for continued play once you've finished them.
Which can't be said for War In Middle Earth: it might not be impossible to complete, but there are loads of different ways to approach the game, so you'll be playing for ages to come.
Every little thing you do affects the eventual outcome, and a silly move, like forgetting to go to Rivendell for the rest of the Fellowship, could (and usually goes) spell bitter defeat later on.
The programmers have definitely made the most of the animation screen with lots of well-implemented touches such as characters limping if they've been wounded in battle!
As long as you're not a totally way-out joystick junkie, give this a really good go.
Kati
I can't say I was mad keen on the C64 version of War In Middle Earth, but I was impressed by its good points - especially the way it manages to co-ordinate everything and still stay fast enough to be playable.
Well, the Amiga version's just as playable and it's got loads and loads of good points. The best thing about it is that it manages to combine different elements of strategy, adventure and arcade action and still come across as a really gripping wargame.
It really manages to capture the atmosphere of the book: the struggles, the agony of defeat and the jubilation of victory. The graphics are of a high standard, especially on the animated screens and sound is admirable.
They also make this a lot more accessible to people (like me) who wouldn't go out and buy a more traditional sort of strategy game. In other words, it's dead good. Go out and buy it.
Randy
I'm not a staunch strategist, but I thoroughly enjoyed War In Middle Earth. Its sheer depth is just incredible! With the amount of events happening at the same time, the whole thing must really eat away at the computer's processing power.
Everything is presented in a neat and concise way, from the informative and entertaining manual, to the uncluttered screens, to the limited icon use needed to carry out orders.
Graphics are well above average (pretty unusual for a game of this type) with some lovely landscapes on the animation screens. And as if that's not enough, there are a veritable host of smashing tunes and effects that capture the game's atmosphere almost perfectly.
You don't deserve an Amiga if you miss out on War In Middle Earth.
Verdict
Presentation 92%
Useful and entertaining instruction manual, with loads of information on people, places, strategy, etc. Well laid-out screens and very simple icon control.
Graphics 79%
Detailed but easy to follow map screens. Colourful animated sprites against beautiful backdrops.
Sound 73%
Masses of atmospheric tunes and effects - some of which are sampled.
Hookability 92%
Everyone loves the theme of the game, and it's just soooo easy to get into.
Lastability 90%
A large number of possible strategies should keep you engrossed for a very long time.
Overall 93%
A superb game, which fully captures the spirit of the original novels. Do not miss it!
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