This game was released just before the Peter Jackson movies.
It is based on the books and not the movies.
It was designed by the legendary board game designer Reiner Knizia.
It is recognised as not only a very good game, but was also ground breaking in its cooperative gameplay.
The artwork for the game was done by the renowned Tolkien artist John Howe, who then became a consultant for the Jackson movies.
Expanded rules by Chris Lawson https://web.archive.org/web/20070203021441/http://freespace.virgin.net/chris.lawson/rk/lotr/faq.htm
Reviews
Video review:
Editions
The following is a list of the different English language versions (UK and USA).
There are a lot more foreign language versions
UK First Edition 2000
Published by Hasbro
US First Edition 2000
Published by Hasbro/Wizard of the Coast
UK Second Edition 2001
Published by Hasbro
US Second Edition 2001
Published by Fantasy Flight Games
Limited Edition 2001
There were 250 US copies, 250 UK copies and 250 German copies produced.
It featured a box signed by the designer Reiner Knizia and the artist John Howe, a signed Lithograph by the artist John Howe and a 22k gold ring playing piece.
Silver Line Edition 2010
Published by Fantasy Flight Games
Small Box Edition 2012
Published by Fantasy Flight Games
smaller box (see size difference)
Anniversary Edition 2020
Expansions
Friends and Foes
Sauron
Battlefields
Promos
Promo for the expansions
4 card pack with exclusive "Black Gate" card
Magazines
Movies 106
Designer Reiner Knizia
Reiner is a German games designer who has designed 100s of games.
He has designed 2 other Tolkien board games:
Lord of the Rings (Children's Game)
Confrontation
Also illustrated by John Howe
Artist John Howe
John Howe is a renowned Tolkien artists who has produced numerous paintings, illustrated many Tolkien publications and was an advisor on the Peter Jackson movies.
Examples of Tolkien books he illustrated:
