The world ofGame of Thronesis returning to the spotlight thanks toHouse of the Dragon, but Westeros has remained relatively absent from video games. A couple of games have tried to whisk players off to the seven kingdoms, but the majority of them fell flat. None of them have tried to follow the example of 2009’sLord of the Rings: Conquestby delivering a bloody, multiplayerGame of Thronestitle.
In 2009, Pandemic Studios tried to deliver aStar Wars Battlefront-like game set in Middle-earth, and while it was not great, it offered fans the chance toengross themselves inLord of the Rings' largest battles. Players got to serve as a soldier for multiple armies in Tolkein’s fantasy world, but the concept has not been revisited. WhileLord of the Ringsmay never try again, perhaps it is better suited forGame of Thrones. Politics is the name of the game in Westeros, but the series is not short on bloody battles that fans could play a role in.
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Lord of the Rings: Conquest Brought Battlefront to Fantasy
Pandemic Studios’Lord of the Rings: Conquestwas a pretty unique Middle-earth game. The developer isbest known forStar Wars Battlefront, and it wanted to adapt those mechanics to the world ofLord of the Rings.Conquestlet players embark on a single-player campaign during the War of the Ring, or head online to duke it out against other players.
They were able to select from one of four playable classes that each offered something different, and could also take control oficonic characters like Legolas or Gandalfdepending upon the rules of the match. Players would have to compete for objectives to beat back their foes, and they could do this across multiple different maps. It played almost exactly likeStar Wars Battlefronton Middle-earth with a bit less content on offer.
The concept ofLord of the Rings: Conquestwas interesting, but it failed to make a huge impact. The gameplay could feel very repetitive, and the multiplayer was also pretty lackluster with bland maps to explore. While it gave players the feeling of being a soldier in giant fantasy battles, online servers were shut down a year after release.
Game of Thrones Should Improve the Conquest Formula
Lord of the Rings: Conquestleft much to be desired, but the concept was strong. Some of the most popular episodes ofGame of Thronesdepict large, important battles throughout Westeros. Most fans remember the bloody Battle of the Bastards, theBattle of Winterfellagainst the Night King, the explosive Battle of the Blackwater, and the intense battle at Hardhome. These conflicts played a pivotal role in the history of Westeros, and viewers had to watch as some of their favorite characters fought desperately to survive.House of the Dragonpromises to offer even more hard-hitting battles that video games should show off in their full glory.
Fans of the franchise should be able to control one of the many soldiers in these battles and say they took part inevents that shaped Westeros.Lord of the Rings: Conquestcame the closest to giving fantasy fans that experience, so it would be fun to seeGame of Thronesreplicate its mechanics. It could take the concept and deliver a high-stakes bloody ride through Westeros history, and fans may just flock to that idea.
