An Epic Lord of the Rings miniature battle. Middle Earth Strategy battle game, Gondor vs Mordor

They are now running a Black Friday Sale. Go to establishedtit... and get an additional 10% off on any purchase with code PLAY. Thanks to Established Titles for sponsoring this video!
Thank you to Andrew, Jamie and the crew at GW for letting us have early access to the new box set.
Also a big thank you to Charles for painting up all the new minis for us!
Charles Lin, a Vancouver based commission painter, offers a painting service for fantasy miniature ranges, from single character commissions to full armies.
The miniatures in this battle report are examples of his work. To see more of his work or to request a quote, please send a message to Charles on instagram or facebook at his account, "heroichighlights", or send him an
email at [e-mail].
/ heroichighlights
heroichighlights
And lastly thank you to Jind and Brent for all the help in creating this board.
Shout out to West Coast Hobbits on Facebook in the Vancouver Canada area.
Enjoy what we do and want to support us in our quest to make it even better and more often? Want to see 40k in 40m early, or get exclusive content or access to our Discord community? Consider joining our patreon: / playontabletop
Alternatively, if you want to access Exclusive Content and some KZbin perks here consider KZbin Membership.
/ @playontabletop
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[@ConquestCreations]

Amazing game guys! So glad to be seeing more people getting into Middle Earth. I wish I could press the like button more than once!

[@brotherskar7632]

Thanks to your battle reports especially your conquest league me and my gaming group are all getting middle earth armies. So thankyou.

[@indonesiaops7276]

We want more quality mesbg reports!

[@4TheLion]

This video is helping me learn the game EXPONENTIALLY

[@donluca4507]

Without you, middle earth yputube scene would die! Keep up!!

[@alexandreroma8118]

More LotR content please! Absolutely amazing match. This game system definitely deserves a spot in your regular content slot.

[@knightcinema2231]

Yup

[@travellinghousehobbies]

100% Agree!!

[@Eruidraith]

i am a huge fan of that one ranger just fighting for his life the entire game on that wall. what a friggin hero

[@PlayOnTabletop]

He was a hero for sure. Held off almost the entire flank by himself!

[@indonesiaops7276]

Moments like this are one of the many great things about this game 😅

[@chrisbaird4204]

Middle Earth is probably the best ruleset GW produce, and it is certainly miles ahead of 40k and AoS. Would love to see you do more games.

[@HolyMith]

It gets less bitching from the fanbase, so they have room to find out what works without excessive "feedback".

[@jesuschristsupersta1]

The turn order/priority changing is a better system imo than I hit u, u hit me with 40k It's also rather simple even with hero models and magic, but the simplicity doesn't detract from the strategy

[@indonesiaops7276]

The fact that lead designer is also a top level competitive player may or may not have something to do with the system being and staying healthy.

[@TheBronf]

the only problem is power creep when they make a new faction. when the hobbit realsed the heros out classed the old stuff. azog and bolg were to strong for there point cost at the time for example. its not as bad now since the older armys and heros have been updated a bit to keep in line with the newer stuff but im seeing the problem again with those beornings at the moment.

[@chrisbaird4204]

@@TheBronf Beornings are only good at a certain points value. You also don't see them win many big events.

[@PureBrawler]

Is it weird I'm enjoying every non-40k game they play far more? Seeing all these cool new rules and styles of wargaming is awesome!

[@chriswilson6486]

Not weird at all!

[@leiziru9642]

MESBG, Legion and 2.0 X-Wing all have superior rulesets to 40k, quite frankly. Warhammer is all grim and dark and fun but the tabletop ruleset isn't the most immersive or intriguing. I still like 40k but other games are simply better regarding some mechanics

[@PureBrawler]

@@leiziru9642 I agree. I switched over to OPR a few months ago, and it's amazing how fast and streamlined the matches go. I wish GW would trim some of the fat off the rules to make games shorter and keep players more immersed in each phase of the game.

[@phigu198]

Please play more of this! MESG is a great game with many gorgeous miniatures and it lends itself uniquely well to the cinematic PlayOn Style. Also Try AoS again in the 40 minute formate, it deserves it.

[@leiziru9642]

Some Battle Companies on this channel would be cool, especially with these guys getting so deep into narrative and immersive scenarios!

[@maxanderson2180]

Those sentries are mvps, held up several orks and blocked lines if ingress the entire game. Truly the courage of Gondor stands!

[@tjsmith8348]

This battle report is probably one of my favourites, it doesn't feel like nothing is happening and keeps flowing

[@heleti0000]

Zorpazorp’s Osgiliath is epically huge and extremely well constructed. Watching your guys play this morning has proven to me “size does NOT matter”. Your setup is equally awesome - really enjoyed the playthrough. Well done indeed.

[@lohkirlohkir7679]

Zorps is going to be nuts though and he just wants the scale to reflect the lore :) Both great boards !

[@grimnartusk265]

i mean it's still a massive board in my opinion lol

[@HuckleBeary55]

You can tell the love that went into this video….as someone who was also introduced into war gaming from the middle earth strategy battle game I’m absolutely elated to see this. Please keep these on the channel!

[@bengamingames5002]

Agreed!!

[@_OldWorldCharm_]

This video was by far the most fun I’ve had learning a new system of tabletop gaming. Middle Earth is one of my favorite fantasy settings and it helped that the terrain and models were truly immersive in their beautiful details.

[@scotsraven1990]

i love this system. please please please id love to see you try a story of the fellowship choosing your own heros and ring bearer

[@mikey_vengenz]

This was great. I love MESBG, but it's been a bit of a niche game in recent years. To see a channel with the ability to put this much love into MESBG is awesome. More please!

[@Breakdown10000X]

Awesome to see MESBG content, especially the high quality you guys bring. Only problems I noticed was the Fellbeast moving and attacking twice. He can do that with either a heroic combat or a barge power attack, which both work a little differently than shown, and the trebuchet can't target someone in combat because they're a good army, but over all an amazing video

[@JakobDrawitsch]

I suspect that they knew but were applying rule of cool. Another example: They also didn't reduce the Nazgul's Will after fighting, I assume because they wanted to showcase it and not worry about that.

[@kingbonezai4925]

I am pretty sure the beast called a couple heroic combats As for the tebuchet, no he can’t target a mini in combat, but if I recall correctly this was due to an FAQ where for a while good forces could fire swigs weapons into combat. I remember it being a thing before the first FAQ

[@PlayOnTabletop]

The fell beast did call heroic combat. Though we did miss the treb firing into combat. We were a little caught up in the moment. It was kinda fun anyways :)

[@koendejong1294]

@@kingbonezai4925 oh what faq? Because as far as i know good can actually use treb into "danger zones" as an exception, not specifying combats to be a no no. Just a call to players to think like a good guy when deciding where to fire

[@mikewilliams5723]

Also the banner re-roll doesn't apply if the bearer is knocked prone

[@G0lia7h_at]

Its just so beautiful seeing so much fresh wind coming into MESBG lately. I hope this is lasting and will build a stronger and broader community base. I want more opponents to crush!!

[@oldvacher]

Fantastic Battle Report, loved it. The music was so much more dramatic than every other game.

[@TiagoRamosVideos]

Extraordinary video and painting job on both the miniatures and the scenario 👌 congratulations to all 👏

[@theeviloverlord7320]

I love lotr theme battles, I hope you continue to use systems other than 40k

[@whiteboyfrik5864]

Awesome board and game, really happy to see Middle earth Strategy on this channel, got into the game a few months ago and i´m loving it. Hopefully we can see more of this games on the channel, the more the merrier. Cheers

[@sokratisbaltas8730]

Even though your first MESBG report, it ranks easily on the top. Great narrative, no rules mistakes, excellent board, engaging editing. Everything on the spot. Keep it up!

[@keyne444]

MORE MORE OF THIS Honestly this is more interesting than the Star Wars or the Conquest game.

[@odharrison23]

In the previous video for this video series you (Nick) being concerned about how the board would look (and I’m just throwing production, rules explanation, over all content quality). You (Nick) and the play on team 100% have set a standard for tabletop gaming videos on KZbin. I have enjoyed everything you guys have done. Thank you all!!

[@caseybox7816]

Absolutely love the game!! Best Middle Earth Batrep on KZbin. Please give us more!

[@Miranda_Ghost]

Fantastic game! Stunning map and miniatures, and the battle was uncannily dramatic! I hope we'll see many more scenarios from Middle Earth! (Elves! Rohan! An Oliphant! Galadriel!) Thank you very much - it was a treat to watch.

[@Zarulaian]

I am getting back into the game and appreciate not only the high quality editing/structure of the video, but also that it is so beginner-friendly and easy to follow. Please keep making MESBG videos!

[@thiskid12345]

Absolutely obsessed with all things LOTR and LOVE this video! Please please please keep it up! So much fun. You guys got me hooked with WH40K and this is just my absolute dream come true to see LOTR miniatures and battles! Keep it up! "FOR GONDOR! - FOR GONDOR! - FOR GONDOR!!!"

[@CthulhuOnCam]

I hope this does well. I have a lot of love for this setting. There's a whole start to finish campaign that you can run taking the players from the Shire to Morder and I'd love to watch Nick lead the heros through it while various guests take cracks at him as the forces of evil. ALSO there's a pretty fun campaign system with warbands. I played it a bit as a youngling. Be great to see all the play on guys take on a warband and see who comes out on top.

[@akaisamurai]

Amazing work ethic. I can't believe how many different rule sets you guys are playing and yet the quality does not dip. Keep up the good work and of course play on.

[@GarmrKiDar]

Loved seeing this game here, it is easily my favourite GW game and to see it with this channel's extremely high production standards is great. I would really love for it to become a regular feature.

[@daniellogue8365]

I'm so happy you guys are moving into KT, Legion, and LOTR! Your batreps are such high quality

[@HaevyGlow]

As someone who never played wargames before, watching this video made me an instant fan! Rules are super simple to understand - to finicky cards / economy to deal with, everything is clear and streamlined. Now, I'm gonna go and pick up my own Battle for Osgiliath box!

[@ricardomedina5922]

Great battle report and the table you guys made looks great! So hyped to see more lotr content.

[@JaayB]

As someone who collected LOTR Warhammer as a kid (and getting those awesome magazines) but never getting to actually play it, I very much appreciate you bringing it to the channel. Fantastic game!

[@positronisomer206]

I wonder if the other content creators just scream into a pillow in despair when you put up a new game and instantly create a new standard for batreps. 40k, Star Wars legion, now MESBG. Amazing quality. Board was insane

[@TheEldarGuy]

Every Middle Earth game has emotion and an energy behind it. That moment in the game when Might has run out, Fate is gone, and all that's left is that roll for priority, there's nothing better.

[@inquisitormalleus6435]

The little moments that this system produces are so cool, I wasn't expecting to love this system but this turned out great!

[@randomdudette1726]

YES!!! FINALLY! Please keep the MESBG-content coming, I can't get enough of this

[@Levelochef]

People frustrated with 40K and GW should play this. I’ve been a MESBG since the movies dropped. The rules have changed twice since then. It’s an incredibly well balanced game and relies so much more on player skill than a mega army.

[@dalerocks13]

That witch king base is amazing i think i will be copying that gem Amazing table and a great battle guys

[@Jazzistandersful]

This is a Dream come true. Love to see more from middleearth

[@simonwiltshire3674]

Really enjoyed seeing some Middle Earth strategy battle game and would like to see more. Mines of Moria would be great to see as a skirmish!

[@someonesusingmyname]

I didn't think I would have any interest in this system, but you sold me. Hope to see more LOTR batreps

[@purerel]

I love Lord of the Rings! So happy you guys are showing Middle Earth some much needed support. I am so excited for this new series keep it up!

[@rileypompa2023]

I never comment please make more of lord of the ring videos it’s made me even more interested in playing

[@rabidmuffincn]

Love seeing you guys playing GW's best game (and best kept secret). Looking forward to seeing more!

[@brotherskar7632]

Great battle report. Board was truly amazing. More middle earth.

[@ishpulc]

Great video! Had not seen LotR played on tabletop. Loved the books and movies, so it's neat seeing how the tabletop game captures those thematic moments. The board turned out great! Hopefully we will see more of Middle Earth on the channel again in the future.

[@Bearded_Boba]

Was fantastic to finally see some MESBG with Play on! briliant board excellently demonstrating how great the game is! Great work Nick and team!

[@Quijanos1]

That was a phenomenal display of sportsmanship, a game. I didn't even consider ever buying. But now it's on my wish list. Love the channel, love the personalities, keep doing what you're doing and don't change. I think you've got the winning combination. One of the things I do enjoy, it's not absolutely necessary, but it's absolutely enjoyable to see, is when you add those special effects to the recording. The recording. I'm talking about arrows or the sound of arrows flying through the air, explosions or rock shattering,.. I've seen it done in others. Gameplays but you've hit it right on the head of the nail. Take care, keep smiling, and all the best in your success.

[@Solarflare333]

This was awesome to be able to watch! I've never seen much of this game but I found it just as fun to watch if not more so than your 40k stuff.

[@katelystt]

Such a thematic battle on what's honestly the best board on Play On. I personally would love to see a ME campaign fought on it.

[@Morgulvale_]

This is one of my favourite battles you've filmed! please keep doing more Middle Earth batreps!

[@colbyrunk1845]

More MESBG please! Such an excellent game, maybe the best GW has to offer

[@PhatC44t]

Great batrep guys well done. And what a board! Looking forward to more of this

[@Revanger133]

Thank you for this great Battle Report! Would be amazing, if there would be more MESBG content :-) Can you tell us, how you modified the felle beast? I would like to modify one to a very similar pose to yours and it would be really helpful to get some tips. If I fiure it out correctly, you modified the legs and the neck quite significantly.

[@jamesm8250]

Really glad you're doing MESBG, I dont have any friends that play it so its great to check it out in such dramatic fashion!

[@evropaheart]

a great LOTR palate cleanser. thank you for giving us all great content in such a dark time for tolkien fans.

[@patrickdavis8271]

Loved this game. More please! 😃👍

[@richardpas6425]

here to see more of LoTR. brings me back to my childhood

[@michaelerickson7364]

I’ve always been into painting minis but have never played a tabletop game with them. After watching this I’ve realized how much I’m missing out. This was awesome!

[@JakobDrawitsch]

I'm coming back to this video to say that I love to see how many people have watched it! Gives me hope that there will be more MESBG matches in the future!

[@PlayOnTabletop]

Us too! I'm hoping to do more as well!

[@kingbonezai4925]

49:00 Love the zaboomafo reference! Brings back childhood memories!

[@Nigelius]

The troll throwing the Osgiliath vet into the river is one of the reasons I love this game system so much, so many opportunities for funny moments. It could be kicking Aragorn off a cliff, accidentally shooting your own orcs, hobbits killing knights with a rock (and ungodly good dice rolls) and catapulting riders of Rohan off their horses.

[@Hakazu]

So fun to see more of this game! I really like the game and would love to see more of this :)

[@inaki6404]

Great stuff you guys! MESBG is also my favourite game and the one that introduced me to the hobby way back then. Shoutout to everyone that contributed to this great match!!

[@TheRealNiel]

You can really feel the passion put into this project! I really hope we see more iconic battles in the future!

[@jameldean4212]

This is the best editing for a battle report I've ever seen. Exceptional quality.

[@SuperJeplin]

I’ve been looking forward to this all week!

[@KjcKiesh]

Excellent timing, I got into MESBG as of last month so seeing more content on YT related to it is always appreciated!

[@jinofthesheep]

Great game!! Love Ian’s emotion and engagement too - matching Nick’s enthusiasm is hard, but he did it!!

[@sylntghost007]

This was spectacular. More middle earth please.

[@naphtoe622]

This was fun. Looking forward to more Lord of the Ring.

[@ssteve76]

That was a fun match to watch. The winged nazgul conversion is really awesome. Looking forward to more LOTR on your channel.

[@Eiweing]

Just returning here to encourage you to do more Middle-earth content, because this is still such a great video :)

[@Kolealstraz]

After watching this, I'd LOVE to see Play On to make a Khazad Dum game. Dwarves reclaiming the lost kingdom of Moria and facing the dreaded Durin's Bane. That aside - wonderful game here. Tau Nick....now Orc Nick?

[@deanlarge1671]

Guys, your battle reports are arguably the best on KZbin right now, and I stumbled on this one. MESBG is arguably one of the best games GW has ever produced and the set up was phenomenal! Great game with the rules tips popping up really explaining gameplay well. Personally, I'd LOVE to see more from Middle Earth and the factions it has to offer. Play on!!

[@wrathofbruinen2787]

So great to see you guys getting into MESBG! By far the best game gw makes - please please please make more middle earth content

[@kingbonezai4925]

I loved this battle report! So glad you are doing middle Earth! It was the first game I got into!

[@knightcinema2231]

So cool! I want more MESBG!

[@RavenCammenga]

Absolutely amazing work. Crazy how you guys managed to work on so much detail and effects , absolutely the best that happened to YT in the last year.

[@SJGvP]

I can definitely watch more of these battles. I hope you will turn it into a regular series.

[@SuperHeavyBox]

This was my first ever battlereport on this system, and I can say with certainty that I would like more! This was fantastic!

[@mjhsinclair]

Great addition to the channel - love the theme

[@davidbreslin435]

Absolutely over the moon to see yall play MESBG. Our local group has just gotten into it, and are smitten by it. Seeing it played to the level of production that yall always bring, is such a treat.

[@stewartriley4690]

Really enjoyed watching this, would love to see more

[@briarsandbantams]

Absolutely more MESBG content!

[@bellportbattlebunker4682]

Such a visual feast. Thanks for sharing.

[@abigfish1620]

This was freaking awesome. And I also have to say its the best LOTR tabletop battle I have ever seen played. It was truly epic, and very close, more of this!

[@jstray2321]

This was so pleasant and I picked the word pleasant thoughtfully. I would watch more videos on this game. The way the alternating actions works with this, it really keeps the banter and personal interaction going back and forth and it makes it so fun to watch. Great table and great game. Please do more of this.

[@evana6689]

Your videos are by far the best available. Inspiration for all the other bat reps, which is great. Thanks for making these.

[@TiagoRamosVideos]

Awesome awesome awesome! The scenario, the game, the vibe! It was great watching this video! Thank you! 😀

[@PlayOnTabletop]

Your welcome!

[@ratz30]

Great game, great board! Really hope we see more Middle Earth on the channel, it really is my favourite GW ruleset

[@hecatepetrichor9563]

Amazing game, thank you for finally playing Middle Earth ! I really hope to see some more !

[@dovahfett5919]

I got into this game way before Warhammer, I love this game and I'm glad you guys are playing it

[@Inxx89]

Amazing game! I love it, and now I must play it! Thanks guys

[@spazmaster1996]

I had no idea that the lord of the rings game had so many fun rules! Keep doing more of these!

[@Breazer_]

This is one of my favourite games too. I love that you guys picked it up, same goes for MCP and I really hope you will do more battles. Your edits and voice overs make these so good to watch and very easy to follow without having to know any of the rules. Happy to see ME-SBG made it on the channel!

[@danielwhite8407]

Fantastic game guys great fun to watch, loved the editors notes and how to game play commentary…..Thanks.

[@kaz9357]

Love seeing both MESBG and Legion on this channel. Keep it up!

[@abra_frank]

Please do more of Middle Earth. The video is amazing. The models, the terrain and the video effects. Really cool to follow you through the battle.