The console version was plagued at launch and the weeks after with connection and lag issues, which was a shame, because when you got a good match going GoME was a blast to play with friends. Having played a ton of Guardians on the console I was anxious to see how the game has improved. For an intimidating genre, Guardians of Middle-Earth is a worthwhile title for both MOBA rookies or even Lord of the Rings fans that want to see their favorite characters in action. MOBAs have a terrifying learning curve, and this turns away most of the curious players. This makes it a very good starting place for new players looking to get into the genre. As I mentioned, it is a nice break from the bigger games with the lighter gameplay but the core mechanics are still there.

It’s obvious the Guardians of Middle-Earth isn’t going to contend the top MOBAs such as DOTA 2 or League of Legends, but it does have a place in the genre. Why wouldn’t Bilbo run with Bert the Troll while the Mouth of Sauron is healed by Galadriel? The lesser known demi-humans, supporting characters and villains really fill out the roster and make for some interesting team combinations.

The staples like Legolas, Gandalf, and Strider are present, but the fun comes from the unsung heroes of Middle Earth. My favorite part of the game has to be the characters, and the cast really sets Guardians apart from the other games of this style. Again, a nice change from the usual 40-60 minute games usually seen in MOBAs. Laning time is decreased, and towers fall quickly to a full team push ultimately resulting with an average game time around 20 minutes. This also changes the flow of the game, with each of the phases condensing in time. Guardians of Middle-Earth’s map is smaller than most, making it easier for players to shift lanes for ganks, pushes, or to defend. The map comes in two flavors the single lane and the MOBA default three lane setup. With this emphasis on abilities, it gives players a chance to learn the heroes without having to learn item builds. There are no items in game to worry about buying, as there is a focus on hero abilities to make the plays and shift the tide of battle. I would describe it as a MOBA-lite since you have to worry about less while playing. Almost a year later the large cast of Lord of the Rings adventurers come to PC to battle creeps and take down some towers.Īfter 500 hours of DOTA 2, playing a Guardians of Middle-Earth match is a nice break. There is a lack of presence of the genre on the consoles, so the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 focused Guardians of Middle-Earth was a welcome addition to those platforms. Guardians of Middle-Earth joins the pantheon of MOBA (Multiplayer Online Battle Arena) games that have become quite popular for PC players over the past couple years.

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