LoTR: Battle for Middle Earth 2 Community Day Writeup

Dying was So Fun

Next up was "Death Star." We all had the chance to record three death screams, and the best of the bunch would be used in the actual game. The winner would receive $350 (because the scream would be used in the game), a name in the credits, and something else cool that I've since forgotten. The runner up would receive a Logitech two speaker, subowoofer system. As chance would have it Ray won with three impressive screams. Lucky man. The runner up was Matt, the modder (who if I recall correctly already had a surround sound system). The screams where done three people at a time while the world builder presentation that was incomplete from earlier was finished. It was interesting to see the sound guys at work when we went into their small studio and screamed into the microphone.

After all the screams were finished we got a 30 minute break and then began the community presentations. There was a huge pile of cookies for eating on the side, as well as a bunch of cokes and diet cokes. Aaron had set up the community presentations to basically let people who'd come to the summit make a presentation on what they'd been doing, and their communities. The presentations were as follows:

GameReplays.org - A presentation dealing with balance of games and catering to the "hardcore" gamer, as having a strong hardcore gamer base will lead to a longer lasting and better community. Interesting presentation, I think generally what they were talking about is very true.

Middle Earth Vault - A presentation on an amazing looking tournament system based on a map of middle earth. Huge kudos for a phenomenal presentation (check out their site!).

Clanwars.cc - A presentation on the clanwars site and their ladder system, which is almost 100% automated. Very cool idea and site.

Derelict Studios - Previews of two modifications for Command & Conquer. Look cool.

Halo Gen - Preview of a modification that turns Command & Conquer into the Halo world. Looks very good

Boss Generals - Preview of an awesome looking and extremely detailed mod that caters to hardcore gamers. Focuses on perception balance; balance that may not be there, but is certainly perceived by the player.

All the presentations were quite well done, although some of the dragged on a bit longer than they needed to. After the presentations were over, it was nearly time for me to head out. I, being the time freak that I am, was a little worried about getting to the airport on time. But before I went anywhere it was time for swag! Aaron led us to the computer room where we each received a nVIDIA backpack, graphics card, logitech keyboard and mouse.

After swooning about the swag (no way are you getting pictures) I got a taxi voucher from Aaron and headed out with Bryan, a modder, to the airport. Apparently we had kept the taxi circling the studio and he was quite unhappy (okay, so the whole taxi deal is extremely cut down in size, it would be complicated to explain). After much consoling from Bryan and myself he shut up and drove us to the airport. Bryan and I parted ways and I headed to the Alaska terminal. I passed through security easily and arrived at my terminal with time to spare (my flight was set to leave at 8:00). I boarded, and after sitting on the tarmac for something like 20 minutes we flew off into the sunset.

Yeah, so maybe we didn't, but flying into the sunset sounds so dramatic that I couldn't resist adding the line. In all the event was a lot of fun, I enjoyed meeting people, having the privilege to preview the game, and of course the swag (huge thanks to nVIDIA for that; they sponsored the event). The game looks like it will be extremely solid from all perspectives, it looks like it will be extremely well supported, and with its multiple bells and whistles will help the game appeal to a large crowd. I await a final product (which won't be out for quite a while, but the fact that everyone working on the game that I met seemed so dedicated to the game is a turning point for myself).

Links

HeavenGames BFME2 Preview

HeavenGames BFME2 Scenario Design/Modding Preview

HeavenGames BFME2 Screenshots

HeavenGames BFME Preview

EA's Official BFME Site

EA's Official BFME2 Teaser Site

Middle Earth Vault

Middle Earth Center

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