Review by Brian Bradford (BBradf3021@aol.com)



SAURON--This game simulates the great battle at the end of the second age betwwen Sauron and the last alliance.  The map is also hexagonal and shows the gates of Mordor.

There is a initial setup.  Starting positions of the pieces are recorded by hex in the scenario booklet.  The pieces include Elves, Men, and Dwarfs for the alliance, and Slaves, Goblins, Wargs, Trolls, and Orcs for Sauron.  reinforcements for the Alliance come turn two (elves)  For the Sauron player, additional troops are marching towards the battle; they must pass through the gate to the board.  These troops may start entering turn one, but not all can arrive at once, do to space limitations.

The only difference in the rules between Gondor is that there is no siege phase, there is magic weapons for the leaders, and the spells are different.  But standard play; combat, rally, ect. remain the same.

In this game only Sauron is magical.  He may cast sinister visions, Wrath of the ringwraith, total eclipse of sun, and may summon the "beast of Mordor."  For Sauron to cast a spell he must be stacked with his pedestal.  Sauron has 45 spell points!

The game looks more linear than gondor, since both sides are fighting in the open.  The game lasts 18 turns; the last four turn are night.

The "Beast" is controlled by Sauron.  It is conjured for 5 points.  It has armor protection of 4, morale of X and a move of four hexes.  Its attacks are special; each one must be cast by Sauron:  

Flight--may move 12 spaces
Horn attack--A attack ability
Magic armor--may only be attacked by magic weapons
Death breath--automatic death to all in its radius.

Victory is achieved by having the most victory points at the end of the game.

I find the game to be fun, but Gondor is better.  The "beast" is fun to play and adds some humor to the game.