The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II [X360]

Although it's beloved by millions of PC gamers all around the world, making the classic real-time strategy formula work on a console is no easy task. More than almost any other game genre, RTS games demand flexible, responsive, and precise control systems -- and that always entails some complexity. They just don't translate well to the relatively simple joypads found on modern-day consoles... or that used to be the case. With Battle for Middle Earth II, EA has demonstrated that it's can beat this challenge, and has produced a highly innovative and surprisingly playable port of what was always a great PC game.

Released back in February, Battle for Middle Earth II on the PC proved popular, and acquired a significant following for its tight, intense multiplayer gaming. The Xbox 360 version is pretty much a straight port, with the exception of the controls and the multiplayer features, which were overhauled to work with the 360's controller and Live online service respectively.

The disappointing War of the Ring meta game mode has been dropped, but the game's six factions, range of skirmish maps, and two solo campaigns have made the jump from PC to console without significant alterations. In other words, the good and evil campaigns are engrossing, the game's balance is good and the range of forces is excellent, but the computer-controlled opposition could certainly be stiffer. Check out the PC review if you're looking for a little more detail.

So to the $64,000 question: How are the controls? Not perfect, but still an awesome achievement is the answer. BFME uses every single button on the 360's controller, and could probably use several more if it had them. The camera movement is familiar, using both sticks for complete control, and the A button handles most things relating to movement and attacking. Beyond that, it gets a little more tricky.

So yes, you need to read the manual. You're probably going to want to have it on your knees for the first few hours of play, and within arm's reach for a day or two more. The controls are well thought out and comprehensive, but the advanced functions are not intuitive. Many commands rely on double or triple combinations of face buttons and triggers or bumpers. You'll need to learn them.

But if the alternative to complex controls was losing features, as it surely must have been, there's no doubt that EA made the right decision. Although it may be confusing, just about every RTS-standard control element is here, from waypoints and patrol routes, to teams and umpteen multiple-unit selection options. Because of the nature of the gameplay -- you'll often need to select just the right combination of units at a few seconds' notice -- you'll want them all.