Blacksmith Features
December 22nd, 2008 by Lord Basse

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Birth of the Uruk-Hai

By morgoth bauglir

Put the Santa Claus dress and wrapping paper aside fellows, it’s time for a new Blacksmith Feature. This fortnight, we will take a look at one of the countless Lord of the Rings scenarios in the Blacksmith and, undoubtedly, one of the best. Many have been complaining that there are so few good LotR adaptations for Age of Kings, they seem to be able to count the good ones on one of their hands. But fear not dear readers, this feature will bring you the scenario that makes sure you need to use both hands when counting the best LotR scenario!

Today, we will look at 2475 – Birth of the Uruk-Hai, a unique build and destroy scenario by morgoth bauglir. Having received two reviews and an overall score of 4.1, which may actually tell too little about the high level of entertainment this game possesses, Birth of the Uruk-Hai has been given top ratings for playability, map design and story by at least one of the reviewers. The map design is a strategic masterpiece as you can use the narrow paths and hills for great effect against your enemy, and they can use it against you, if you don’t watch out. The actual style of the map is unique and there are split comments on it, out of which you’ll have to make your own decision if it’s an admirable beauty or a mish-mash of various terrains.

The scenario revolves around the birth of the Uruk-Hai (obviously), a smarter and fiercer breed of the Orchs, created with the sole purpose of striking fear into the humans and, of course, slaughtering them into pieces. You play the role as Khamul, leader of the newly established legions of Uruk-Hai troops, and your goal is to sack the human city of Osgiliath. To do this, you will have to cross an entire map filled with enemy troops and ambushes. Every situation you get into needs strategic thinking and when you finally reach Osgiliath and start the pillaging, you’re going to feel very content about finally succeeding. While the description I’m giving may make this look like a Fixed Force scenario, where you march your army from point A to point B and then win, this scenario is actually a Build & Destroy scenario. Your main base produces the Uruk-Hai forces and requires defenses not to fall. While you do spend most of the time in the field, fighting human forces, you can’t afford to forget about your base.

To accompany the action and to enhance the atmosphere of the scenario, Birth of the Uruk-Hai comes with both self-made dialogue from several AoKH forumers, and an awesome soundtrack that, surprisingly to some, isn’t borrowed from the films. Before you pick up the torches and hayforks and accuse morgoth bauglir for treason to the genre, let me tell you how incredibly great the music suits the scenario. If you try it yourself, you’ll notice as well, so that is my advice to you, as always; download and play. Described by reviewers as one of the best LotR scenarios there is, a rough diamond in designing terms speaking, Birth of the Uruk-Hai is certainly worthy of your click on the download button.