Guardians of Middle-earth

Pros

• Exciting entrance into the world of LoTR
• Easy-to-grasp mechanics and controls
• Good pre-game customization options
• Familiar class and combat system

Cons

• No incentives for teamwork and group combat
• Some technical and UI problems with matchmaking
• No options to change items or buffs in-game

For gaming enthusiasts who are ready to hop into the multiplayer online battle arena genre, Monolith Productions has created an excellent segue title with Guardians of Middle Earth.

When a game producer decides to make a game based off of Lord of the Rings they are going to be presented with a number of unique challenges as well as some advantages. While the avid fans of J.R.R. Tolkien's fictional world will undoubtedly flock to the game, they will also have extremely high expectations. Guardians of Middle Earth did not break any barriers when it comes to the multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) genre, but it is surprisingly easy to pick up and a great option for those that would like to immerse themselves in Middle Earth. For those still unsure, here is a glimpse at the gameplay and where exactly this title stands against other MOBA games.

The concept of a MOBA is unique in the fact that they have similarities with quite a few game genres ranging from RPGs to real-time strategies. This often gives them appeal to a wide range of gamers, but also means that they are held to a much different and often higher standard. In Guardians of Middle Earth players are going to be thrown into teams of anywhere from 2 to 5 and compete against other players from around the world. The overall objective is simple as players must fight and defeat their opponents with a handful of other goals dependent on the game type.

One of the major differences between Guardians of Middle Earth and many other MOBAs is the fact that there is no way to purchase items once the game has started. Instead, players are going to go through various classes before the game and then choose and alter items for various buffs and perks. This is the period of the game that is often exceedingly complex for other titles, but relatively straightforward in Guardians of Middle Earth. Overall, it helps to lessen the steep learning curve without removing too much of the complexity in tactics for each individual player.

For those interested in delving into the genre and a fan of the fictional world of Lord of the Rings, it is tough to go wrong with Guardians of Middle Earth. While the game does lack some of the nuances of other similar titles, it also presents an entry point that is not too intimidating, will be entertaining for avid gamers, and remains a great way to play with friends and strangers from around the world.

Pros

• Exciting entrance into the world of LoTR
• Easy-to-grasp mechanics and controls
• Good pre-game customization options
• Familiar class and combat system

Cons

• No incentives for teamwork and group combat
• Some technical and UI problems with matchmaking
• No options to change items or buffs in-game