As the first game to bring the traditional MOBA (Multiplayer Online Battle Arena) genre over from PC, Guardians of Middle-Earth faced the tough test of adapting the formula for console controls while marrying it to the Lord of the Rings franchise. We’re happy to report that it’s a successful union all around, delivering not only the best series release in years, but also a great, strategic new style of play.
Landing somewhere between raucous action and measured real-time strategy, Guardians’ five-on-five online skirmishes take place on a single-line or three-lane map, both with a home base on opposite ends. Each player commands a powerful guardian from J.R.R. Tolkien’s fantasy universe — wizard Gandalf, archer Legolas, or the towering Sauron, for example — and then charges toward the enemy lair, knocking down defensive towers while upgrading their own. You can also level up your character’s abilities (such as rooting foes in place or launching a powerful combo attack) mid-battle.
Working together to topple towers and repel enemy forces — without dying, of course — is absolutely crucial. Luckily, the controls won’t be to blame when you bite it in a three-on-one smackdown, although the MOBA genre’s generally steep learning curve means early missteps are inevitable. Experimenting with player classes and learning the intricacies of the action is a lot of fun, though, and a hard-fought team victory proves incredibly satisfying.
With just one map for each lane approach (split between two play styles), Guardians’ limited scope left us itching for just a bit more variety. But the game rewards obsessive, repeated play with extensive tactical depth, making such a streamlined approach remarkably effective.
Common grunt soldiers spawn steadily on both sides, adding to the mayhem. Kill them for vital XP that’ll let you upgrade and unlock abilities in battle.PUBLISHER: WB Games • DEVELOPER: Monolith Productions • ESRB: Teen • MULTIPLAYER: 10 on Xbox Live • ACHIEVEMENTS: Time-consuming • COST: 1,200 Microsoft Points ($15) • RELEASE DATE: December 5, 2012
+ Smart, tactical combat that requires teamwork.
+ Great variety between the available Guardians.
– Limited maps and modes; focus on repetition.
? Can downloadable content add breadth to this excellent core?
