Though each mode offers something different, the core game follows established genre conventions in the building phase, where individual structures are purchased and erected anywhere on the land to generate various unit types. Battle for Middle-earth II includes good and evil single-player campaigns, a turn-based War of the Ring mode that involves conquering territory on a dynamic world map, and skirmish options for players to select maps, opponents, and starting conditions. Men, dwarves, and elves are pitted against goblins and the dark forces of both Isenguard and Mordor, with each faction offering its own technology, powers, buildings, and units to master.
Players will command one of six factions in a choice of game modes. Fans will return to the besieged world of Middle-earth to actively participate in the War of the North, where dwarves and elves struggle to repel invasions in the Misty Mountains, Dol Guldur, Mirkwood, Rivendell, and other notable locales. This sequel to 2004's real-time strategy game from publisher Electronic Arts expands on the events depicted in New Line Cinema's film trilogy to incorporate scenes, characters, and battles found in J.R.R.
