Difference between revisions of "The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth"
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{{Infobox game/row/reception|IGDB|the-lord-of-the-rings-the-battle-for-middle-earth|84}} | {{Infobox game/row/reception|IGDB|the-lord-of-the-rings-the-battle-for-middle-earth|84}} | ||
|taxonomy = | |taxonomy = | ||
− | {{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/monetization | }} | + | {{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/monetization | One-time game purchase }} |
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/microtransactions | }} | {{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/microtransactions | }} | ||
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/modes | Singleplayer, Multiplayer }} | {{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/modes | Singleplayer, Multiplayer }} | ||
Line 28: | Line 28: | ||
|steam appid = | |steam appid = | ||
|gogcom id = | |gogcom id = | ||
+ | |lutris = the-lord-of-the-rings-the-battle-for-middle-earth | ||
|strategywiki = The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth | |strategywiki = The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth | ||
− | |mobygames = | + | |mobygames = 15857 |
|hltb = 10063 | |hltb = 10063 | ||
|wikipedia = The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth | |wikipedia = The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth | ||
Line 36: | Line 37: | ||
}} | }} | ||
− | '' | + | {{Introduction |
− | + | |introduction = | |
− | + | ||
+ | |release history = The game received three official patches, the third of which was produced by the [https://www.gamereplays.org/battleformiddleearth/ GameReplays.org ''BFME'' section]. | ||
+ | |||
+ | As of December 31, 2010, the official [[GameSpy]] service was shut down and all purchases were halted due to [[Company:Electronic Arts|Electronic Arts]]' loss of the ''Lord of the Rings'' license.<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://www.gamereplays.org/battleformiddleearth/portals.php?show=news&news_id=709520|title=Middle-earth Online Server Shutdown Announced - Battle for Middle Earth - GameReplays.org|date=2023-08-11}}</ref> | ||
+ | |||
+ | |current state = Same as with immediate technological predecessor, ''[[Command & Conquer: Generals]]'', the game remains playable on modern Windows versions with some major technical hiccups that can be worked around; issues like [[#Exception Access Violation on startup|errors when starting the game]] and [[#Auto-defeat after 3 minutes and 30 seconds|DRM issues]], and [[#Mouse input lag|input lag]]. [[#Unofficial patches|Unofficial patches]] resolve most of the game's problems save for [[#Off-host delay|off-host delay]]. | ||
+ | }} | ||
'''General information''' | '''General information''' | ||
Line 46: | Line 53: | ||
==Availability== | ==Availability== | ||
{{Availability| | {{Availability| | ||
− | {{Availability/row| Retail | | Disc, Key | {{DRM|SafeDisc|v4}}. | | Windows }} | + | {{Availability/row| Retail | | Disc, Key | {{DRM|SafeDisc|v4}}. Released on 4 CDs or 1 DVD. | | Windows }} |
}} | }} | ||
− | {{ | + | {{--}} All versions include custom {{term|DRM}} code which can sabotage the game by destroying all units and structures owned by the player after 3 minutes and 30 seconds, triggering an automatic defeat. It can occur on legitimate copies under certain circumstances - see [[#Auto-defeat after 3 minutes and 30 seconds|Auto-defeat after 3 minutes and 30 seconds]] for instructions to fix this. |
==Essential improvements== | ==Essential improvements== | ||
===Official patches=== | ===Official patches=== | ||
− | + | {{ii}} The latest official patch for the base game is 1.03, available from [https://www.patches-scrolls.de/patch/4253/7/32883 Patches-Scrolls], [https://www.gamefront.com/games/battle-for-middle-earth/category/v1-03 GameFront], and [https://cncnz.com/downloads/battle-for-middle-earth-downloads/#patches CNCNZ.com]. | |
===Unofficial patches=== | ===Unofficial patches=== | ||
− | + | {{mm}} [https://www.the3rdage.net/item-779?addview Patch 1.05] fixes a lot of bugs and removes the disc requirement. Requires patch 1.03. | |
− | + | {{mm}} [https://www.the3rdage.net/item-787?addview Patch 1.06] fixes more bugs and adds some new maps. Requires patch 1.05. Widescreen interface available [https://www.the3rdage.net/item-788?addview here]. | |
− | + | {{mm}} [https://www.gamereplays.org/battleformiddleearth/portals.php?show=page&name=109%20Patch Patch 1.09] fixes bugs and imbalances, adds new visuals and comes with a patch switcher. Designed for multiplayer. | |
===Skip intro videos=== | ===Skip intro videos=== | ||
− | {{Fixbox|description=Skip intro videos|ref=<ref>{{Refcheck|user= | + | {{Fixbox|description=Skip intro videos|ref=<ref>{{Refcheck|user=Plok|date=2021-09-14|comment=}}</ref>|fix= |
− | # Go to | + | # Go to {{folder|{{p|game}}\data\movies}} |
− | # Delete or rename | + | # Delete or rename {{file|EALogo.vp6}}, {{file|Intel.vp6}}, {{file|NewLineLogo.vp6}} and {{file|THX.vp6}}. |
− | * Alternatively, install the unofficial 1.05 patch. | + | * Alternatively, install the unofficial 1.05 patch or newer. |
}} | }} | ||
Line 104: | Line 111: | ||
|antialiasing = false | |antialiasing = false | ||
|antialiasing notes = | |antialiasing notes = | ||
+ | |upscaling = false | ||
+ | |upscaling tech = | ||
+ | |upscaling notes = | ||
|vsync = hackable | |vsync = hackable | ||
|vsync notes = Can be forced using Nvidia Control Panel (Manage 3D Settings) | |vsync notes = Can be forced using Nvidia Control Panel (Manage 3D Settings) | ||
|60 fps = false | |60 fps = false | ||
− | |60 fps notes = Frame rate is capped at 30 | + | |60 fps notes = Frame rate is capped at 30 FPS, with game speed tied to frame rate. |
|120 fps = false | |120 fps = false | ||
|120 fps notes = | |120 fps notes = | ||
Line 117: | Line 127: | ||
===[[Glossary:Widescreen resolution|Widescreen resolution]]=== | ===[[Glossary:Widescreen resolution|Widescreen resolution]]=== | ||
− | {{Fixbox|description=Instructions|ref=<ref>{{Refcheck|user= | + | {{Fixbox|description=Instructions|ref=<ref>{{Refcheck|user=Plok|date=2021-09-14|comment=}}</ref>|fix= |
− | # Go to | + | # Go to {{folder|{{p|appdata}}\My Battle for Middle-earth Files}} |
# Open {{file|Options.ini}}. | # Open {{file|Options.ini}}. | ||
# Find the following line and set it to the desired value. | # Find the following line and set it to the desired value. | ||
Line 127: | Line 137: | ||
}} | }} | ||
− | {{Fixbox|description=Alternatively|ref=<ref>{{Refcheck|user= | + | {{Fixbox|description=Alternatively|ref=<ref>{{Refcheck|user=Plok|date=2021-09-14|comment=}}</ref>|fix= |
* Use {{Code|-xres #### -yres ####}} [[Glossary:Command line arguments|command line argument]] | * Use {{Code|-xres #### -yres ####}} [[Glossary:Command line arguments|command line argument]] | ||
* Replace #### with the desired width and height respectively | * Replace #### with the desired width and height respectively | ||
Line 204: | Line 214: | ||
|subtitles = true | |subtitles = true | ||
|subtitles notes = | |subtitles notes = | ||
− | |closed captions = | + | |closed captions = false |
|closed captions notes = | |closed captions notes = | ||
− | |mute on focus lost = | + | |mute on focus lost = always on |
|mute on focus lost notes = | |mute on focus lost notes = | ||
|eax support = true | |eax support = true | ||
− | |eax support notes = | + | |eax support notes = EAX3 |
+ | |royalty free audio = unknown | ||
+ | |royalty free audio notes = | ||
}} | }} | ||
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|lan play modes = Versus | |lan play modes = Versus | ||
|lan play notes = | |lan play notes = | ||
− | |online play = | + | |online play = hackable |
|online play players = 8 | |online play players = 8 | ||
|online play modes = Versus | |online play modes = Versus | ||
− | |online play notes = GameSpy | + | |online play notes = The official [[GameSpy]] service has been shut down on December 31, 2010 due to Electronic Arts losing the Lord of the Rings license.<ref>{{Refurl|url=http://www.gamereplays.org/battleformiddleearth/portals.php?show=news&news_id=709520&home|title=Middle-earth Online Server Shutdown Announced|date=May 2023}}</ref>. Replaced by [https://t3a-online.net/ T3A:Online]. |
|asynchronous = | |asynchronous = | ||
|asynchronous notes = | |asynchronous notes = | ||
}}{{Network/Connections | }}{{Network/Connections | ||
− | |matchmaking = | + | |matchmaking = false |
|matchmaking notes = | |matchmaking notes = | ||
|p2p = true | |p2p = true | ||
Line 334: | Line 346: | ||
}}{{Network/Ports | }}{{Network/Ports | ||
|tcp = | |tcp = | ||
− | |udp = | + | |udp = 16000 |
− | |upnp = | + | |upnp = unknown |
}} | }} | ||
− | ==Issues | + | ==Issues unresolved== |
− | |||
===Out of Memory=== | ===Out of Memory=== | ||
{{--}} This error has no proper workaround and is a symptom of the game engine's limitations (restricted RAM indexing) | {{--}} This error has no proper workaround and is a symptom of the game engine's limitations (restricted RAM indexing) | ||
− | {{ii}} Lower graphical settings, and avoid memory-heavy mods. | + | {{ii}} Lower graphical settings, and avoid memory-heavy mods. |
{{ii}} Any mod that uses high-resolution textures are highly susceptible to this crash. | {{ii}} Any mod that uses high-resolution textures are highly susceptible to this crash. | ||
{{ii}} Some users report reinstallation fixes the issue. | {{ii}} Some users report reinstallation fixes the issue. | ||
+ | ===Off-host delay=== | ||
+ | {{--}} All games in this series suffer from a delay when giving commands, measured in seconds, if the player is not the host of the multiplayer match. | ||
+ | {{--}} For ''Battle for Middle-earth'', there is no known fix. | ||
+ | |||
+ | ==Issues fixed== | ||
===Exception Access Violation on startup=== | ===Exception Access Violation on startup=== | ||
− | {{ | + | {{ii}} When first starting the game after the installation, the game instantly crashes with an error. |
+ | {{ii}} Caused by the installer not creating a crucial {{file|options.ini}} file automatically.<ref>{{Refurl|url=http://www.neoseeker.com/forums/6654/t1580573-exception-access-violation-opening-game-halp-bfme-1/|title=Exception Access Violation|date=May 2023}}</ref> | ||
+ | {{--}} If the game is uninstalled and reinstalled on the same system, the file is always deleted and has to be created anew every time the game is installed. | ||
− | {{Fixbox|description=Make missing options.ini|ref=<ref>{{Refcheck|user= | + | {{Fixbox|description=Make missing options.ini|ref=<ref>{{Refcheck|user=Plok|date=2021-09-14|comment=}}</ref>|fix= |
− | # Go to | + | # Go to {{folder|{{p|appdata}}\My Battle for Middle-earth Files}} |
# If the folder is empty, make a new text file called {{file|Options.ini}}. | # If the folder is empty, make a new text file called {{file|Options.ini}}. | ||
# In that file, place this data: | # In that file, place this data: | ||
− | + | <pre> | |
AudioLOD = Low | AudioLOD = Low | ||
HasSeenLogoMovies = yes | HasSeenLogoMovies = yes | ||
Line 360: | Line 378: | ||
StaticGameLOD = VeryLow | StaticGameLOD = VeryLow | ||
TimesInGame = 1 | TimesInGame = 1 | ||
+ | </pre> | ||
+ | }} | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===Auto-defeat after 3 minutes and 30 seconds=== | ||
+ | {{ii}} Is triggered by DRM, even on legitimate installations. | ||
+ | |||
+ | {{Fixbox|description=Use [[#Unofficial patches|unofficial patches]]|ref=<ref>{{Refcheck|user=Plok|date=2022-08-10|comment=}}</ref>|fix= | ||
+ | {{ii}} Circumvents DRM causing this issue. | ||
+ | }} | ||
+ | |||
+ | {{Fixbox|description=Check game's serial key registry entries|ref=<ref>{{Refcheck|user=Plok|date=2022-08-10|comment=}}</ref>|fix= | ||
+ | }} | ||
+ | {{Fixbox|description=Clean reinstall of the game as administrator|ref=<ref>{{Refcheck|user=Plok|date=2022-08-10|comment=}}</ref>|fix= | ||
+ | {{ii}} Fully re-install the game with administrator privileges in hopes the registry keys will be correctly created. | ||
+ | }} | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===Mouse input lag=== | ||
+ | {{Fixbox|description=Install [[#Unofficial patches|unofficial patch 1.06 or newer]]|ref=|fix= | ||
}} | }} | ||
Line 388: | Line 424: | ||
|windows 32-bit exe = true | |windows 32-bit exe = true | ||
|windows 64-bit exe = false | |windows 64-bit exe = false | ||
+ | |windows arm app = false | ||
|windows exe notes = | |windows exe notes = | ||
|macos intel 32-bit app = | |macos intel 32-bit app = | ||
|macos intel 64-bit app = | |macos intel 64-bit app = | ||
+ | |macos arm app = unknown | ||
|macos app notes = | |macos app notes = | ||
|linux 32-bit executable= | |linux 32-bit executable= | ||
|linux 64-bit executable= | |linux 64-bit executable= | ||
+ | |linux arm app = unknown | ||
|linux executable notes = | |linux executable notes = | ||
}} | }} | ||
Line 407: | Line 446: | ||
|input = | |input = | ||
|input notes = | |input notes = | ||
− | |cutscenes = | + | |cutscenes = On2 VP6 |
|cutscenes notes = | |cutscenes notes = | ||
|multiplayer = GameSpy | |multiplayer = GameSpy | ||
|multiplayer notes= Shut down in 2011. | |multiplayer notes= Shut down in 2011. | ||
}} | }} | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===[[Glossary:Command line arguments|Command line arguments]]=== | ||
+ | {| class="wikitable" | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | ! Command !! Description | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | | -win || Runs the game in windowed mode | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | | -mod [path to .big file] || Runs the game with the selected mod | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | | -xres [number] || Sets resolution width | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | | -yres [number] || Sets resolution height | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | | -noaudio || Disables the game audio | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | | -noshellmap || Disables the main menu animation | ||
+ | |} | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===Modifications=== | ||
+ | {{mm}} [https://www.moddb.com/mods/bfme1-hd-edition BFME: HD Edition] | ||
+ | {{mm}} [https://www.moddb.com/mods/shadow-and-flame Shadow and Flame] | ||
+ | {{mm}} [https://www.moddb.com/mods/blue-wizard-mod Legends of the 3rd Age] | ||
==System requirements== | ==System requirements== | ||
Line 424: | Line 486: | ||
|minGPU2 = ATI Radeon 7500 | |minGPU2 = ATI Radeon 7500 | ||
|minVRAM = 32 MB | |minVRAM = 32 MB | ||
+ | |minDX = 9.0b | ||
|recOS = XP | |recOS = XP |
Latest revision as of 03:45, 30 January 2024
Developers | |
---|---|
EA Los Angeles | |
Publishers | |
Electronic Arts | |
Engines | |
SAGE | |
Release dates | |
Windows | December 6, 2004 |
Reception | |
Metacritic | 82 |
IGDB | 84 |
Taxonomy | |
Monetization | One-time game purchase |
Modes | Singleplayer, Multiplayer |
Pacing | Real-time |
Perspectives | Bird's-eye view |
Controls | Multiple select, Point and select |
Genres | RTS |
Themes | Fantasy |
Series | The Battle for Middle-earth |
The Battle for Middle-earth | |
---|---|
Subseries of Middle-earth | |
The Battle for Middle-earth | 2004 |
The Battle for Middle-earth II | 2006 |
Warnings
- SafeDisc retail DRM does not work on Windows Vista and later (see Availability for affected versions).
The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth is a singleplayer and multiplayer bird's-eye view RTS game in the The Battle for Middle-earth series.
The game received three official patches, the third of which was produced by the GameReplays.org BFME section.
As of December 31, 2010, the official GameSpy service was shut down and all purchases were halted due to Electronic Arts' loss of the Lord of the Rings license.[1]
Same as with immediate technological predecessor, Command & Conquer: Generals, the game remains playable on modern Windows versions with some major technical hiccups that can be worked around; issues like errors when starting the game and DRM issues, and input lag. Unofficial patches resolve most of the game's problems save for off-host delay.
General information
- T3A:Online - fan-hosted multiplayer server replacement
- Battle for Middle-earth section on GameReplays.org
Availability
- SafeDisc retail DRM does not work on Windows Vista and later (see above for affected versions).
- All versions include custom DRM code which can sabotage the game by destroying all units and structures owned by the player after 3 minutes and 30 seconds, triggering an automatic defeat. It can occur on legitimate copies under certain circumstances - see Auto-defeat after 3 minutes and 30 seconds for instructions to fix this.
Essential improvements
Official patches
- The latest official patch for the base game is 1.03, available from Patches-Scrolls, GameFront, and CNCNZ.com.
Unofficial patches
- Patch 1.05 fixes a lot of bugs and removes the disc requirement. Requires patch 1.03.
- Patch 1.06 fixes more bugs and adds some new maps. Requires patch 1.05. Widescreen interface available here.
- Patch 1.09 fixes bugs and imbalances, adds new visuals and comes with a patch switcher. Designed for multiplayer.
Skip intro videos
Skip intro videos[4] |
---|
|
Game data
Configuration file(s) location
System | Location |
---|---|
Windows | %APPDATA%\My Battle for Middle-earth Files\ |
Save game data location
System | Location |
---|---|
Windows | %APPDATA%\My Battle for Middle-earth Files\ |
Video
Graphics feature | State | WSGF | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
Widescreen resolution | See Widescreen resolution. | ||
Multi-monitor | |||
Ultra-widescreen | |||
4K Ultra HD | |||
Field of view (FOV) | |||
Windowed | Use -win parameter. |
||
Borderless fullscreen windowed | See the glossary page for potential workarounds. | ||
Anisotropic filtering (AF) | See the glossary page for potential workarounds. | ||
Anti-aliasing (AA) | See the glossary page for potential workarounds. | ||
High-fidelity upscaling | See the glossary page for potential workarounds. | ||
Vertical sync (Vsync) | Can be forced using Nvidia Control Panel (Manage 3D Settings) | ||
60 FPS and 120+ FPS | Frame rate is capped at 30 FPS, with game speed tied to frame rate. | ||
High dynamic range display (HDR) | See the glossary page for potential alternatives. |
Widescreen resolution
Instructions[5] |
---|
Resolution = YourWidth YourHeight |
Alternatively[6] |
---|
|
Input
Keyboard and mouse | State | Notes |
---|---|---|
Remapping | ||
Mouse acceleration | ||
Mouse sensitivity | ||
Mouse input in menus | ||
Mouse Y-axis inversion | ||
Controller | ||
Controller support |
Controller types |
---|
Audio
Audio feature | State | Notes |
---|---|---|
Separate volume controls | ||
Surround sound | ||
Subtitles | ||
Closed captions | ||
Mute on focus lost | ||
EAX support | EAX3 | |
Royalty free audio |
Localizations
Language | UI | Audio | Sub | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
English | ||||
Simplified Chinese | ||||
Traditional Chinese | ||||
Dutch | ||||
French | ||||
German | ||||
Italian | ||||
Japanese | ||||
Korean | ||||
Norwegian | ||||
Polish | ||||
Russian | ||||
Spanish | ||||
Swedish | ||||
Thai |
Network
Multiplayer types
Type | Native | Players | Notes | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Local play | ||||
LAN play | 8 | Versus |
||
Online play | 8 | Versus The official GameSpy service has been shut down on December 31, 2010 due to Electronic Arts losing the Lord of the Rings license.[7]. Replaced by T3A:Online. |
Connection types
Type | Native | Notes |
---|---|---|
Matchmaking | ||
Peer-to-peer | ||
Dedicated | ||
Self-hosting | ||
Direct IP |
Ports
Protocol | Port(s) and/or port range(s) |
---|---|
UDP | 16000 |
- Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) support status is unknown.
Issues unresolved
Out of Memory
- This error has no proper workaround and is a symptom of the game engine's limitations (restricted RAM indexing)
- Lower graphical settings, and avoid memory-heavy mods.
- Any mod that uses high-resolution textures are highly susceptible to this crash.
- Some users report reinstallation fixes the issue.
Off-host delay
- All games in this series suffer from a delay when giving commands, measured in seconds, if the player is not the host of the multiplayer match.
- For Battle for Middle-earth, there is no known fix.
Issues fixed
Exception Access Violation on startup
- When first starting the game after the installation, the game instantly crashes with an error.
- Caused by the installer not creating a crucial
options.ini
file automatically.[8] - If the game is uninstalled and reinstalled on the same system, the file is always deleted and has to be created anew every time the game is installed.
Make missing options.ini[9] |
---|
AudioLOD = Low HasSeenLogoMovies = yes IdealStaticGameLOD = VeryLow Resolution = 800 600 StaticGameLOD = VeryLow TimesInGame = 1 |
Auto-defeat after 3 minutes and 30 seconds
- Is triggered by DRM, even on legitimate installations.
Use unofficial patches[10] |
---|
|
Check game's serial key registry entries[11] |
---|
Clean reinstall of the game as administrator[12] |
---|
|
Mouse input lag
Install unofficial patch 1.06 or newer |
---|
Other information
API
Technical specs | Supported | Notes |
---|---|---|
Direct3D | 9.0b |
Executable | 32-bit | 64-bit | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
Windows |
Middleware
Middleware | Notes | |
---|---|---|
Cutscenes | On2 VP6 | |
Multiplayer | GameSpy | Shut down in 2011. |
Command line arguments
Command | Description |
---|---|
-win | Runs the game in windowed mode |
-mod [path to .big file] | Runs the game with the selected mod |
-xres [number] | Sets resolution width |
-yres [number] | Sets resolution height |
-noaudio | Disables the game audio |
-noshellmap | Disables the main menu animation |
Modifications
System requirements
Windows | ||
---|---|---|
Minimum | Recommended | |
Operating system (OS) | 2000 | XP |
Processor (CPU) | 1.3 GHz | |
System memory (RAM) | 256 MB | 512 MB |
Hard disk drive (HDD) | 3.5 GB | |
Video card (GPU) | Nvidia GeForce2 GTS ATI Radeon 7500 32 MB of VRAM DirectX 9.0b compatible | Nvidia GeForce 6800 ATI Radeon X800 |
Notes
References
- ↑ Middle-earth Online Server Shutdown Announced - Battle for Middle Earth - GameReplays.org - last accessed on 2023-08-11
- ↑ Not Loading in Windows 10; this will break thousands of - Microsoft Community - last accessed on 2017-01-16
- ↑ Microsoft - MS15-097: Description of the security update for the graphics component in Windows: September 8, 2015 - last accessed on 2018-02-16
- ↑ Verified by User:Plok on 2021-09-14
- ↑ Verified by User:Plok on 2021-09-14
- ↑ Verified by User:Plok on 2021-09-14
- ↑ Middle-earth Online Server Shutdown Announced - last accessed on May 2023
- ↑ Exception Access Violation - last accessed on May 2023
- ↑ Verified by User:Plok on 2021-09-14
- ↑ Verified by User:Plok on 2022-08-10
- ↑ Verified by User:Plok on 2022-08-10
- ↑ Verified by User:Plok on 2022-08-10