War in Middle Earth

War in Middle Earth is a real-time strategy game based on J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, released in 1988 by Melbourne House . You control the forces of good in the War of the Ring, beginning with the Fellowship just formed in Rivendell and Frodo carrying the One Ring . The ultimate goal is to get the ring bearer to the Cracks of Mount Doom to destroy the Ring . The game features three levels: the Middle Earth Map for overview, the Campaign Map for detailed unit orders, and the Battle Screen for real-time combat . If battles involve fewer than 100 units, you can watch on ground level and directly control individual characters . You can also give orders to army units, move them across a scrolling map, and manage heroes including Aragorn, Gandalf, and the entire Fellowship .

ZX Spectrum

Released in 1988, this version was developed by Maelstrom Games and designed by Mike Singleton, known for Lords of Midnight . It omits the adventuring elements found on 16-bit systems, focusing purely on strategic wargaming . The battle screen shows numerous soldiers on field, letting you select and move them singly to attack specific opponents . Your Sinclair magazine gave it 82% overall, praising the enormous scope, addictive gameplay, and value for money with 9/10 . Crash reviewed it in March 1989, while Microhobby awarded Originality 80% and Difficulty 100% . Enemy armies cannot be seen until encountered, adding uncertainty . A massive, meaty strategy game for Spectrum owners who prefer depth over arcade action .