Lord of the Rings: Battle for Middle Earth Mission Game (TV Game)
Lord of the Rings: Warrior of Middle Earth
Published by Tiger Games, 2004
Ages 8 and up
This is not a board game, but more like a video game. But it looks so fun, that I wanted to add it to the list. You get a sword with a wireless remote (RF remote I think) that moves a sword on the screen, like a video game. From some of the reviews that I have read, it can get quite tiring, in a fun way, swinging the sword around fighting off evil in Middle Earth. I wanted to get this game for Christmas, but alas, I did not get it. I think I will still go out and find it. Toys R Us on-line carries it for around $45 or $50. I've seen it upwards of $60 on ebay. As usual, more later.
Here is a review by Robert Hatchitt (thanks Robert!)
Lord of the Rings
Warrior of Middle Earth
By Tiger Games
Turn your TV into the Epic Battlefield.
Object of the Game
Journey through Middle-earth, defeat evil creatures and learn new sword moves along the way.
Complete one stage and then move on to the next stage. Finish your quest by defeating Sauron himself.
Stages
Stage 1 The Ringwraiths at Weathertop
Stage 2 The Ring Goes South
Stage 3 The Mines of Moria
Stage 4 Amon Hen
Stage 5 The Road to Helms Deep
Stage 6 The Paths of the Dead
Stage 7 The
Stage 8 Mordor
Life Energy Power Bars
Power bars at the top of the screen keep track of your energy level, the energy level of your
special sword powers, and the energy of certain powerful enemies. Obviously when your power
bar goes to zero your game is over. Your power decreases as enemies that you fight hit you for damage.
Special Sword Moves
As you advance through the game, special new sword powers will be given to you.
Training screens will appear to teach you how to call upon the new powers. The names of the
special powers are: The Fire of Arnor, The Axe of Durin, The Sword of Gondor, the Arrow of Valar,
and Command of the Dead.
Game Review
This is a fun basic game of hand-eye coordination. The game console plugs into the front
of any TV which has the familiar RCA jacks used by Xbox, Nintendo, etc The game takes four AA
batteries in the console base. You synchronize the sword with various swings in front of the
infrared base prior to playing the game. The booklet with the games demonstrates how to calibrate the
system. The game starts with the company walking down the road away from the Shire. You start off
fighting bats and crows. This basic combat teaches you how to swing at enemies and block their attacks.
At each stage the map shows the progress of the company. The game follows the movie story line.
Graphics are based on what was seen in the movies (i.e. what an Orc, Cave Troll, or Sauron looks like.).
Graphics and movement are basic at best. Do not expect Xbox/Gamecube level of visually graphic beauty.
Think more along the lines of Nintendo 64 graphics capability. My family and I have had the game a little
over a month and we have not passed the Moria stage as of yet. My wife, children, and I continue to be
pulverized to mush by the Cave Troll. The game itself can become physically taxing because of the
wrist and arm movement needed to continually swing the sword. My wife the next day, after her first
sojourn into Middle Earth, could not write for any length of time because her sword arm would cramp up.
What a weenie! The game is rated for ages 8+, but my two children being 7 years old and 4 years old love it.
They also picked up the game rather fast and do quite well. I think overall it is a good basic game.
Anyone having fun playing Atari retro or old Nintendo would be pleased. Anyone wanting the
latest, realistic, blazing graphics will be disappointed. Watching your kids take up the sword to protect
Middle Earth is a must for any Tolkien fan.
Editorial by Robert Hatchitt
