Siege Pack adds much more to the game than new maps. Among the additions are: a more challenging AI, a custom series of games, twenty new maps, a map editor, faster Internet support, Skirmish Mode, sieges with ten new castle designs, as well as enhanced diplomacy and more random events.

The designers turned the difficulty up a notch for the new campaign, making it very challenging for LOTRII veterans. In addition to new (and much improved) random events such as embezzling, there is a new terrain feature in battle maps: pitch, which can be set aflame, adding a strategic angle to battles. But the best feature in SP is the Skirmish Mode. In this mode, you can choose either open-field battles or castle sieges, then play the battles with a computer-generated army or your own composition. You can customize skirmishes, and even build battle maps using the intuitive map editor. Unfortunately, you cannot design new castles or strategic-level maps, making it impossible to create new campaigns.

Siege Pack adds more of what made LOTRII a classic, and new elements that will make it worthwhile for every strategy fan to visit medieval Europe. If only more expansion packs today gave as much bang for your buck. Two thumbs up, way up!