15 years ago, The Lord of the Rings missed a perfect video game opportunity

Missed potential.

Licensed video games often vary in quality, but some stand out. The Lord of the Rings seems perfect for gaming, offering an expansive fantasy world. However, 15 years ago, Lord of the Rings: Conquest failed to capitalize on this opportunity. Developed by Pandemic Studios, known for Star Wars Battlefront, Conquest aimed to bring the epic battles of Middle-earth to life. Despite a solid concept, the game’s mediocrity, imprecise controls, unbalanced classes, and lackluster presentation disappointed fans.

Conquest featured four classes for both sides, but their design lacked polish and balance. The Scout class, with its sneaking abilities, often had an unfair advantage, while the Warrior’s melee attacks felt imprecise. Despite competent functionality, the overall experience felt off, coupled with a subpar presentation and limited content.

One commendable aspect was Conquest’s map design, showcasing iconic locations like Minas Tirith. However, the excitement waned due to mundane gameplay. The disappointment stems from seeing glimpses of greatness amidst the monotony, with memorable moments like Hobbits facing the Balrog. Conquest’s campaigns, recreating film battles, lacked the depth seen in other games like Battlefront 2.

Pandemic Studios’ timeline, marked by its 2007 acquisition by EA and subsequent closure in 2009, suggests pressure and tight budgets during Conquest’s development. The game fell victim to time constraints and industry shifts toward multiplayer-centric experiences. The game’s core idea remains compelling, evidenced by a fan-made concept demo in 2022. As the Lord of the Rings franchise expands with Rings of Power and a War of the Rohirrim anime, perhaps revisiting the Conquest concept could yield a more successful outcome.

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Elrond, Galadriel, Celeborn, Gollum, Bilbo Baggins,