War of the Ring : Lord of the Rings Boardgame

Best game ever! However it is a war game, moving miniatures and setting up can be a little fiddly, and be prepared to allow about 5 hours to play. Playability is top notch and combat works quickly and is fairly simple. Both players have to balance up the war of middle earth against the progress of the ring, so there is lots of different strategies and techniques to consider throughout the game. The event cards make the game even better and allow each player to surprise the other, even when you have played the game several times. The only negative comment are some of the rules are not clear and are difficult to work out to begin with, particularly between 2,3 and 4 player games.

This game is a must for any Tolkien fan who has ever wanted to guide the destiny of Middle Earth through the War of the One Ring. The game is lavishly presented with hundreds of detailed miniatures, full-colour illustrated cards and excellent quality components. The game remains as faithful to the texts as possible while staying fun and very playable. Unfortunately while this attention to lore established in the books is part of the appeal it is also the main drawback, one that may deter many casual wargamers. Fans of the saga will enjoy the use of quotes and iconography from the world and the board is a wonderfully faithful map of Middle Earth all of which lends an engrossing atmosphere to every game. However those not familiar with the original works may not appreciate the many symbols and references, and occasionally the aesthetic elements of the game are not always conducive to smooth play. That said it is still an excellent game and very few who enjoy war games would be disappointed.

On first inspection War of the Ring looks to be little more than a RISK clone set in middle-earth, however it quickly becomes apparent that this is a much more varied, complex, detailed and ultimately satisfying game.

The basic concept of the game is that you get wage the War of the Ring in the manner that you see fit, rather then the course taken by the book (or film). As the free peoples of middle-earth you can push the ringbearaer and his companions closer to Mordor, or raise armies and assault the dark lord directly. Or you can play as the forces of darkness and despoil the land.

Though the rules seem bewildering complex at first, they are surprising quick and easy to learn when you start playing. This doesn’t mean the game is simple, it has a depth and complexity that few strategy games manage, with multiple tactics and many different paths to victory.

The components are top notch; the game includes over 200 finely sculpted miniatures, as well as high quality cards and markers. As a bonus the artwork is by renowned Tolkien illustrator John Howe.

Any complaints are minor, similar looking miniatures that are sometimes difficult to tell apart at a glance, very small text on the cards and a little ambiguity to the rules. But none of these are a deal breaker.