Multiplayer game-types and customization options for this new RTS title are revealed.
Real-time strategy finally has a legitimate home on Xbox 360™, thanks to Electronic Arts' masterful transition of a hardcore PC genre to the powerful next-gen console. Having a Westwood Studios veteran at the helm should have been enough to legitimize bringing an almost exclusively PC genre to Xbox 360, but EA didn't stop there. The console version of The Lord of the Rings™, The Battle for Middle-earth™ II has revved up its online features and game modes as well, offering much more than simple versus play. Here's what you can look forward to.
Troll: 15, Elves: 0
Game Modes The meat and potatoes of most RTS games are the various multiplayer game-modes, which don't disappoint here. Test your wits against opponents in the following game types:
Versus: This old standard is still the fan favorite and for good reason. Pitting two to four players against one another, the goal is simple: Utterly destroy your opponent's fortress and camp. The last faction standing wins.
Tip: Learn to use and defend against the ever-popular rush tactic. You can find more about it here in our Combat Strategy article. linky
King of the Hill: No doubt the familiar game type is a blast in Halo® 2 or Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter™, but now imagine whole armies duking it out to take control of an outpost. This unique take on a classic game mode brings an exciting new fight to online RTS multiplayer.
Tip: Taking control of the hill first is crucial, as you can then easily set a way point to filter units in from your barracks for reinforcements. Make sure you buy a Power just as the game begins and utilize on your first rush to the hill.
Capture and Hold: Similar to King of the Hill, but with multiple capture points, this game type is most fun with three or four players, where chaos and frenzy can be found at every turn. Try this game-type on for size and you'll be waging battles on multiple fronts simultaneously.
Tip: Try using a moderate force to surprise an enemy encampment in the beginning. You might miss out on a capture point or two as the match starts, but you can cripple the enemy's ability to produce units with a quick strike.
All told, you've got a game ready to own months of rotation on your Xbox 360.
Resource Race: If time is limited, the Resource Race game-mode can offer a frenetically paced match as you sprint to achieve the targeted amount of resources.
Tip: This isn't all about building resource structures willy nilly. You'll need at least a few troops to strike out against the enemy's resources as well as to protect your own. You may fall behind early, but get the barracks built in a hurry and it will pay off in the end.
Hero vs Hero: If you want a break from massive armies and marathon sessions of Versus play, try pitting the best of the best against one another in this game, as four heroes from each represented faction battle for supremacy.
Tip: Try not to group your heroes together, or all of them can be caught in a single area effect spell. Likewise, if you spot your enemies operating as a group, put a hurt on them with a giant fireball, a hail of arrows, or some other area effect attack.
Laying siege, Tolkein style.
Custom Options Matches aren't always as simple as choosing a game type. There are other options that influence the experience as well. With each match, you can customize the following options:
Game Type: Simply enough, this cycles through the aforementioned game types.
Number of Players: You can select from two to four players as well as arrange teams as you see fit.
Map Selection: Choose among the 39—yes, that's right—maps available. No worries about getting bored with variation here. BFMEII has you covered and then some.
Match Type: Ranked or Unranked is offered here. This major distinction being that with Ranked, you'll affect your overall ranking and the stats for the match will be tracked. With Unranked games, you'll be able to invite folks from your Friends List.
Initial Resources: The default is 1,000, but you can go as high as 4,000 if you want a faster paced, more immediate match.
Command Point Factor: Here you can choose among one-half X, one-third X, or 1 X. This affects how many Command Points each unit will cost. The less the Command Point Factor, the cheaper the units.
One Ring Mode: Enable this feature if you want to search out the One Ring during a match. If you find it, you'll have access to the devastatingly powerful Sauron or Galadriel heroes, wielding the might and unstoppable power of the One Ring.
Heroes: Turn this feature on if you want access to one of the heroes you've unlocked.
Elven calvary to the rescue!
The Lord of the Rings, The Battle for Middle-earth II offers a pitch-perfect home console real-time strategy game with online options that don't just match, but exceed what was offered on the PC. In addition to what we've already mentioned, there are leaderboards that can track you, your friends, and the best players online in each game type, as well as overall, and achievements to boost your Gamerscore for performing well online. All told, you've got a game ready to own months of rotation on your Xbox 360.
