I like the overall simplicity of the LotR rules a lot. They also work at the scale I'm interested in: a medium to large skirmish: just bigger than the small warbands in some rules. I like the flexibility of using troops in groups or sending them off individually, and that it isn't a game about formations of troops.
So every now and then I've pulled out the LotR SBG rules and then balked, because of minor things:
* I've sometimes had battles just take shape too slowly. I'm trying to keep my son's interest. :) I believe there were rules for getting closer to start of battle. When/where did those rules appear? What do you think of them? The best innovation to my gaming has been Chain of Command's jump-off points, which get rid of "you line up on that side and I'll line up on this side".
* I know there are point values for each figure, but I get the impression that balance is intended to be across whole armies. But my armies aren't based on theirs, or the movies. I've got goblins on wolves, lots of (Moria) goblin troops, some Uruk scouts as bigger orcs. If I ignore army choice, will we be far off in balance? (I mean any farther off than normal, since point systems are never perfect?)
* I've always felt the wound table was disappointing. Maybe it is an anti-climax for each blow? It felt the number you need to get doesn't change much. This one I should be able to just get over…
* I also don't care that much for special rules for troops, or for how a figure's stats may be set to match a movie that doesn't match my own preferences. I wish there were a nice design system. For some reason, I don't mind choosing from a list of standard special rules.
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