Fight for the fate of Middle Earth! In this epic card game of high-stakes strategy, players choose a unique “Faction Deck” represented by Frodo, Aragorn, Sauron, and Saruman (the Fellowship & Shadow). Each round, “Paths” and “Battlegrounds” emerge – these represent the journey of the Fellowship and the key battles being waged across Middle Earth. These are what the players fight over.
Each Faction Deck contains characters, armies, items, and events, each with unique abilities. Players take turns playing these cards to the available Paths and Battlegrounds in an attempt to win them and score victory points. However, like poker, players are partially controlled by the luck of the draw and must choose their battles carefully. This combination of strategy and “luck of the draw” makes for a tactically deep, endlessly replayable game. Like Wingspan, players gradually figure out what cards work well together and how best to use them.
While the mechanics are not complex, the breadth and depth of the game will put off casual players. If you like to think, analyze, and bet your way to victory, this is definitely the Lord of the Rings game for you! For 2-4 players. 90-120 minute playtime.
