A modern sequel, built from the ground up with current-generation technology, has the potential to be a truly breathtaking experience. The first and most obvious improvement would be in the visuals and scale. Imagine the battlefields of Middle-earth, from the rolling plains of Rohan to the fiery depths of Mordor, rendered with stunning detail. We could see thousands of units clashing on screen simultaneously, dynamic lighting and weather effects adding to the atmosphere, and destructible environments that react realistically to the chaos of battle. The power of modern hardware could finally deliver the truly epic scale that The Lord of the Rings conquest 2 deserves, making the player feel like a small part of a truly massive conflict.

The combat system, while functional in the original, would need a significant overhaul to meet modern expectations. The core four classes (Warrior, Archer, Scout, Mage) could remain as a foundation, but expanding them with subclasses or specializations would add much-needed depth. For example, a Warrior could choose to specialize as a heavily armored Defender, wielding a shield and focusing on defense, a two-handed Berserker, sacrificing defense for raw damage, or even a mounted Knight, utilizing the speed and power of a warhorse. Each class, and subclass, should have a wider array of abilities, both active and passive, allowing for greater customization and build variety. The melee combat itself should be more robust, incorporating parrying, blocking, dodging, and a variety of attack combos, moving beyond the simple button-mashing of the original.

The roster of heroes and villains is another area ripe for expansion. While the original Conquest offered a taste of playing as iconic characters, a sequel should go much further. The list should include not only the main heroes and villains of the film trilogy, but also characters from The Hobbit, and potentially even figures from the deeper lore of the First and Second Ages (licensing permitting, of course). Imagine playing as Frodo, Sam, Gimli, Éowyn, Faramir, Glorfindel, Elrond, Galadriel, Beorn, Bard the Bowman, Thorin Oakenshield, or Thranduil on the side of good. On the side of evil, we could have Sauron (in his physical form!), Gothmog, the Mouth of Sauron, Shelob, Smaug, Azog, Bolg, and a variety of the Nazgûl, each with unique abilities and playstyles. Each hero and villain should have their own unique skill tree, allowing players to customize their abilities and further define their role on the battlefield. Furthermore, specific in-game events or objectives could trigger powerful, cinematic moments for these characters, bringing their legendary feats to life.

The scope of the battles and campaigns themselves could be vastly expanded. While revisiting and reimagining the iconic battles of the films with updated technology would be essential, a sequel should also introduce new conflicts. Battles from The Hobbit, such as the Battle of Five Armies, would be a natural fit. Exploring lesser-known conflicts from Tolkien’s writings, like the Fall of Gondolin or the Battle of Dagorlad, could offer fresh and exciting experiences. The campaigns should be dynamic and branching, with player choices impacting the storyline and leading to multiple endings. This would allow players to truly feel like they are shaping the fate of Middle-earth, rather than simply replaying a fixed narrative. Siege warfare should be a major focus, with complex and multi-stage sieges that feature destructible walls, siege engines, and a variety of tactical options.

The concept of factions should extend beyond a simple “good versus evil” dichotomy. A sequel could allow players to control specific factions within those broader categories, such as Rohan, Gondor, Mordor, Isengard, the various Elven realms (Rivendell, Lothlórien, Mirkwood), and the Dwarven kingdoms (Erebor, the Iron Hills). Even factions like Dale, the Easterlings, and the Haradrim could be included, each with a unique roster of units, reflecting their distinct cultures, strengths, and weaknesses. Each faction could have specific bonuses relating to their playstyle.

Finally, the multiplayer experience could be revolutionized. Large-scale online battles, supporting dozens or even hundreds of players, would be a natural fit for the Total War style that a Conquest sequel could draw inspiration from. A co-op campaign mode, allowing players to team up and tackle the story together, would be a welcome addition. And of course, a variety of competitive modes, from team deathmatch to objective-based scenarios, would provide endless replayability. The inclusion of a mount system would be integral to the improved gameplay. Imagine charging accross the battlefield.

The echoes of the original Conquest still resonate with many players – a reminder of the raw, chaotic fun of those large-scale battles. A sequel wouldn’t just be a return to that formula; it would be an opportunity to perfect it. Imagine the sun glinting off the armor of the Rohirrim as they charge across a fully realized Pelennor Fields, or the chilling shadow of a Balrog looming over a meticulously crafted Moria. Lord of the Rings: Conquest 2 could be a chance to truly live the battles of Middle-earth, to experience the scale, the intensity, and the emotional weight of Tolkien’s epic saga in a way that no other game has quite achieved. It’s a chance to forge a new legend, to write a new chapter in the history of interactive Middle-earth, and to deliver an experience that fans have been dreaming of for years. The foundations are there, the world is rich, and the technology is ready.