by Sheila Robinson

Created on: March 31, 2010

Lord of the Rings: Conquest is a third person action adventure game that allows you to experience some of the most exciting battles in the series. Scenarios can be experienced using a variety of characters that have special abilities. You can choose to play in single or multiplayer from the perspective of the evil Sauron or with the heroes of the Fellowship of the Ring.

Game Play

Lord of the Rings: Conquest offers the option to play short “quick start” missions or a full campaign mode. Clips from the Lord of the Rings movies are shown at the beginning of each scenario with dramatic narration.

Game play action is fast paced, regardless of which mode you choose. Mission objectives are given by voice narration and textual description. If you have played Star Wars Battlefront , you will see a lot of similarities. For instance, many of your mission goals involve protecting or gaining control over areas marked by a colored border on your game map.  Directional arrows and voiceovers guide you to where you need to go.

Characters can also be swapped at select locations after completing a section of a mission. You can play as a mage, warrior, archer or scout .For those that need help, a tutorial available to assist you with basic game play and Xbox 360 control actions.

Hero characters are also available in the campaign missions after successful completion of series of tasks.  These include Aragorn, Gandolf, Legolas and Sauron.

Combos and Abilities

Special combat attacks and abilities are available with each character. These are dependent on the default weapon carried. Combos for attacks vary from long combinations with mixed sequences on your Xbox 360 controller to a simple single button push.  Special abilities open up the opportunity for your character to enhance their weapons with fire, lightning or poison as well as have access to additional combat moves.

Is Lord of the Rings: Conquest Worth Playing?

The interesting thing about Lord of the Rings Conquest is you can play both the good and evil characters from the series.  The idea of playing Sauron or a Ring Wraith makes this title stand out.  Missions are fast paced with lots of action. However, even though there are cool special abilities and characters, some gamers may find this game to be a bit repetitive. If you enjoyed the Star Wars Battlefront games, play style will be very familiar. There is no break between the barrages of combat missions.  This game can wear you out, even after only twenty minutes of play. 

Should you buy it? Fans of the series or casual gamers may want to rent this Xbox 360 title before purchasing.  Hardcore gamers who are looking for a challenging, strategic game may find it too repetitive or easy and should pass on it.   

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