Play J.r.r. Tolkien’s War In Middle Earth Online

J.R.R. Tolkien's War in Middle Earth is a real-time strategy game released for MS-DOS in 1989. Developed by Synergistic Software and published by Melbourne House, it is a licensed title based on Tolkien's fantasy world. The game presents a loose adaptation of the quest to destroy the One Ring, beginning with Frodo Baggins's departure from the Shire.

The player directs the forces of the West across a top-down map of Middle-earth, with the primary objective of guiding a ring bearer to Mount Doom. Control is exercised over heroes like Frodo and allied armies, represented as colored dots or icons. Progression is not strictly linear, allowing players to make strategic decisions about movement and engagements despite the overarching narrative. The game employs three distinct map levels for different functions. The full map provides an overview of all units and terrain. The campaign level offers detailed views of locations and armies, where most strategic orders are issued for moving groups and initiating combat. The animation level handles character encounters, story events, and inventory management for equipping items that are sometimes required to mobilize certain units.

Victory is achieved solely by destroying the Ring in Mount Doom, a goal that can be pursued through various strategic approaches. The ring bearer can be any hero, and if that character falls in combat, the Ring passes to another. The enemy seeks to capture the Ring and deliver it to Sauron's fortress, which results in defeat for the player. Additionally, losing three major allied citadels to enemy forces will also end the game. Combat between armies is resolved with simple commands such as charge or retreat, concluding when one side is destroyed or withdraws. Random events and encounters occur throughout the campaign, presenting players with choices that can influence their strategic position.