 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle Earth 2
- Windows
- Price: $49.99
- Genre: Real Time Strategy (RTS)
Common Sense Media says
Good storytelling, average gameplay for teens-up.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this game contains many battles, but they are typically seen from a distance. There are campaigns for good and evil, and some characters can have repulsive looks and natures that may frighten young players. An online component allows players to challenge others over the Internet; Common Sense Media does not recommend online play for kids under 12.
What's it about?
LORD OF THE RINGS: THE BATTLE FOR MIDDLE EARTH 2 returns fans of the fantastical land of Middle Earth. Working as an extension of the books and movies, the game expands on the world J.R.R. Tolkien created.
Much of the game focuses on the battles not described in detail in the books or movies. But fans will recognize the source material: Players build up a force of troops to rally around familiar heroes, such as Elrond and Legolas, or Saruman and the Nazgul (if they play the forces of Mordor). Using the magical powers of their heroes and strategic placement of their troops, players work to defeat the enemy on the battlefield.
Is it any good?
Players will find the storytelling engaging, which is enhanced with cut scenes often taken right from the big screen. But experienced gamers might find the game a bit simplistic and grow frustrated by lopsided battles (thanks to some ultra-strong hero characters). Overall, Tolkien fans will enjoy this bigger, badder version -- which includes larger wars and fun features, like the ability to create a personalized hero.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the art of storytelling in video games. How is the story told, and how does it compare to books, movies and other forms of media? How important is a good story in a game? What common themes and character types do you see in the video games you play?
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AGE
Great for almost all ages!
This game is barely considered violent, because their is no blood, corpses disappear almost instantaneously, and the battles are seen from a bird's eye view. Their is no swearing, and no drinking, drugs, or smoking. This is a great game for almost all ages!
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AGE
Great game!!
Its the best, good for boys who love fantasy!
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AGE
Great game -- but watch the online messaging
Hands-down, the game is great and appropriate for a wide audience. Violence is minimal and the strategic element is accessible even to younger kids. My concern is the messaging during online play. I don't see enough controls for monitoring or avoiding inappropriate speech or screen names by players. There is supposed to be a chat monitor, but there aren't good ways of contacting this person and I've never seen them intervene. No info given on chat rules, either. The online play is great, but be careful!
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AGE
Horrible follow-up to one of the best games ever
This game eliminated all that made the first game good in favor of cliched gameplay, horrible story, and abysmal single-payer. Avoid like the plague.
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AGE
That is a lie there is no movie clips amd the consumerism is unnoticeable if there is any. all battles are seen from a birds eye view and the bodies disapear almost instantly. There is no blood or gore and the game is great.
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AGE
Very fun!
My dad, brother, sister, and I really enjoy this game.
The strategy of the levels are fun to figure out and some levels are tough when you aren't allowed many men to fight with.
The violence isn't something to really worry about;no blood, no body parts flying, etc. Enemies simply fall to the ground and disappear.
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AGE
Great game
This game is good.great graphics,sound,plot,andgameplay.The only thing bad about is that the presequal had the storyline of the books and movies but in this one youll be doing the storyline with charechters and in places that were mostly in the Hobbit so if you want a video game with the plot of the movies you should get the first one.
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April 9, 2008
AGE
Good Lord of the Rings RTS
Overall a good RTS and better than the sequel I gave it educational value becuse of the information about tha books and the different characters which sounds kind of stupid now that I think about it but oh well, overall a good game and only slightly violent, no blood at all but obviously death, if you can watch the movies you can play the game.
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AGE
AMAZING Sequel
This is one of the most amazing sequels I have ever played. Usually game sequels are just a new version of the first with a new character or two. This one adds lots of new features and factions. It is great for anyone who is a fan of the movies or just enjoys a good RTS. It is a must-buy! I have owned this for about 2-3 years and still play it!
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AGE
Get the Expansion Pack, then it's a 5 star
The Head line said it all.
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| Topics: | magic and fantasy |
| Platforms: | Windows |
| Available online? | Available online |
| Genre: | Real Time Strategy (RTS) |
| Developer: | Electronic Arts |
| Release date: | March 2, 2006 |
| Price: | $49.99 |
| ESRB rating: | T for Fantasy Violence |
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