Absolutley the best RTS in a very long time.
BMEII follows the war to the north, a vicious war that pitted the dwarves and elves against the goblins and mordor. The game offers two different campaigns (the good and the evil). Each campaign follows the same general storyline of the war, just with different outcomes. The campaigns offer some of the same levels for each side as well as several ones that are unique for each campaign. For instance, both campaigns feature a fight to control Rivendale, while only the evil campaign offers the destruction of the Shire. The campaigns both have around eight different levels to play.
The game play of the series is surprisingly well done. Each one of the six races has a completely different set of buildings and races. Everything that can be built or bought is paid be the single currency known as resource. Resource is acquired through building special resource producing structures. These structures also raise the command limit, which is the number of units that you can control. The six races play in different ways. For instance, the goblins are best used for applying constant pressure to the enemy starting early in the game, while the elves really show their true colors with a strong army in the end of the game. While the single player is fun, the multiplayer is just as good. Along with the standard king of the hill, and deathmatch modes, the game also features unique heroes battles and capture and hold matches. This extra type, along with a large amount of maps, helps to keep the action flowing. Graphically, BMEII is amazing. With the ability to be broadcast in 1080i, the battles look absolutely stunning. The field of view will be filled with burning buildings and shining arrows. The weapons and armor of upgraded units will glow. Forests will glint, and rocks will look charred and decrepit. Popular to contrary belief, the frame rate of the game isn’t affected too much. Sure, it might slow down a little bit when the large-scale battles take place, but it isn’t enough to actually hinder the gameplay. The sounds of the game are really very well done. The various units will say different lines and the music is exceptional. The arrows will make a swishing noise as they fly through the air and buildings under construction will have the sounds of earth being moved. All in all, BMEII is an excellent game that everyone should look into. You don’t have to be a fan of RTS or LOTR games to appreciate this one.