Введение
1995 коллекционная карточная игра
1995 collectible card game
Middle earth Collectible Card Game (MECCG) – это вышедшая из печати коллекционная карточная игра, выпущенная компанией Iron Crown Enterprises в конце 1995 года. Это первая ККИ, основанная на вымышленной вселенной Дж. Р. Р. Толкина «Среднеземье», с дополнительным контентом из ролевой игры «Среднеземье» от ICE. Карты в игре содержат оригинальные иллюстрации множества художников, в том числе известных иллюстраторов произведений Толкина, таких как Джон Хоу, Тед Насмит и Ангус Макбрайд.
Middle earth Collectible Card Game (MECCG) is an out of print collectible card game released by Iron Crown Enterprises in late 1995. It is the first CCG based on J. R. R. Tolkien's fictional universe of Middle earth, with added content from ICE's Middle earth Role Playing Game. The cards used in the game feature original artwork by a multitude of artists, many of them longtime Tolkien illustrators such as John Howe, Ted Nasmith, and Angus McBride.
Обзор
В своей основной форме это игра для одного-пяти игроков, каждый из которых выбирает одного из пяти волшебников, чтобы представлять себя. Ход в игре состоит в том, что один игрок перемещается по Средиземью с помощью известных персонажей Средиземья, пытаясь собрать влияние и силу, чтобы помочь в битве против Темного Властелина, в то время как другой игрок пытается досаждать и, в конечном итоге, уничтожить его персонажей с помощью специальных карт опасностей. Затем, с каждым ходом игрока, роли меняются по часовой стрелке вокруг стола (игрок, перемещавший своих персонажей, затем применяет опасности к игроку справа от него). Это может быть развращенный волшебник, играющий по своим правилам (МЕВХ), злобный Бальрог (МЕБА) или даже сам Саурон. Игра несколько отличается от большинства других коллекционных карточных игр (ККИ) использованием двух шестигранных костей для случайности и получила награду "Лучшее графическое оформление карточной игры или дополнения" в 1996 году за MECCG: The Dragons. Производство игры было прекращено в 1999 году, когда ICE потеряла лицензию, позволявшую ей использовать контент "Властелина колец" и "Хоббита" Толкина. Позже эту лицензию приобрела Decipher, которая использовала её для выпуска другой ККИ. В игре было 121 редкая карта, 121 необычная карта и 242 карты, которые были либо обычными, либо фиксированными.
In its basic form, it is a game for one to five players, each choosing one of the five wizards to represent themselves. A turn in the game consists of one player's wandering around Middle earth with the help of famous characters of Middle earth, trying to gather influence and power to aid in the battle against The Dark Lord, while another player tries to harass, and ultimately kill his characters with specific hazard cards. Then, for each player's turn, the roles change clockwise around the table (the player who was moving his characters then throws hazards at the player to his or her right). a corrupted wizard playing by his own rules (MEWH), the malevolent Balrog (MEBA), or even Sauron himself. The game is somewhat distinguished from most other CCG's with the use of two six sided dice for a random factor and Best Graphic Presentation of a Card Game or Expansion of 1996 for MECCG: The Dragons. The game's production ended in 1999, when ICE lost the license that allowed them to use the content of Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. This license was later bought by Decipher, who used it to bring out another CCG. with 121 rare cards, 121 uncommon cards, and 242 cards that were either common or fixed. The Dragons (METD) (June 1996): The first expansion set for METW. As the name implies, deals mostly with dragons, their treasure and the northern regions. The 180 card set was sold in 15 card booster packs having one rare card, 4 uncommons, and 10 commons and a six page rules addendum. Dark Minions (MEDM) (1996): Adds many powerful hazard cards including more undead and introduces the agents a subtle group of Sauron's servants, concentrating on intrigue and influence. Also adds an underground network of site cards, The Under Deeps, which later becomes The Balrog's realm. This set had 180 cards. The Lidless Eye (MELE) (June 1997): The second basic set. Adds the possibility to play as a Ringwraith of Sauron. The 417 card set was sold in 76 card fixed starter decks and 15 card booster packs. Against the Shadow (MEAS) (August 1997): The only expansion to MELE, although it also contains hero cards. Mostly balances the game by adding resources for and hazards against the minion player as well as some support resources for the hero. Notable are the hazard creature versions of the five wizards. The set, consisting of over 160 cards, was sold in 12 card booster packs. The White Hand (MEWH) (December 1997): Introduces a third faction, the corrupted Fallen Wizard, whose player can use both hero and minion resources and characters, although with restrictions. The 122 card set was sold in 12 card booster packs each containing two rare cards. Middle Earth Challenge Decks (MECD) (1998): Ten decks for tournament play. These were sold as 110 card starter decks with cards reprinted from earlier sets fixed to a particular character (one of five Wizards or one of five Ringwraiths), and also included a map and a rulebook. The Balrog (MEBA) (1999): Adds a new sub faction to the minions, Balrog, who mainly depends on the brute strength of his orcs and trolls. It is argued by the player base that since the production of MECCG ended after MEBA, the set remains a bit overpowered because it didn't get a "balancing set" published afterwards. An expansion set named The Dwarf Lords was planned for September 1998, and the set The Elf Lords was scheduled for mid 1999. Both were indefinitely postponed in November 1998.
The Dragons (METD) (июнь 1996 г.): Первый набор дополнений для METW. Как следует из названия, он в основном посвящен драконам, их сокровищам и северным регионам. Набор из 180 карт продавался в бустерах по 15 карт, содержащих одну редкую карту, 4 необычные и 10 обычных, а также шестистраничное дополнение к правилам.
In its basic form, it is a game for one to five players, each choosing one of the five wizards to represent themselves. A turn in the game consists of one player's wandering around Middle earth with the help of famous characters of Middle earth, trying to gather influence and power to aid in the battle against The Dark Lord, while another player tries to harass, and ultimately kill his characters with specific hazard cards. Then, for each player's turn, the roles change clockwise around the table (the player who was moving his characters then throws hazards at the player to his or her right). a corrupted wizard playing by his own rules (MEWH), the malevolent Balrog (MEBA), or even Sauron himself. The game is somewhat distinguished from most other CCG's with the use of two six sided dice for a random factor and Best Graphic Presentation of a Card Game or Expansion of 1996 for MECCG: The Dragons. The game's production ended in 1999, when ICE lost the license that allowed them to use the content of Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. This license was later bought by Decipher, who used it to bring out another CCG. with 121 rare cards, 121 uncommon cards, and 242 cards that were either common or fixed. The Dragons (METD) (June 1996): The first expansion set for METW. As the name implies, deals mostly with dragons, their treasure and the northern regions. The 180 card set was sold in 15 card booster packs having one rare card, 4 uncommons, and 10 commons and a six page rules addendum. Dark Minions (MEDM) (1996): Adds many powerful hazard cards including more undead and introduces the agents a subtle group of Sauron's servants, concentrating on intrigue and influence. Also adds an underground network of site cards, The Under Deeps, which later becomes The Balrog's realm. This set had 180 cards. The Lidless Eye (MELE) (June 1997): The second basic set. Adds the possibility to play as a Ringwraith of Sauron. The 417 card set was sold in 76 card fixed starter decks and 15 card booster packs. Against the Shadow (MEAS) (August 1997): The only expansion to MELE, although it also contains hero cards. Mostly balances the game by adding resources for and hazards against the minion player as well as some support resources for the hero. Notable are the hazard creature versions of the five wizards. The set, consisting of over 160 cards, was sold in 12 card booster packs. The White Hand (MEWH) (December 1997): Introduces a third faction, the corrupted Fallen Wizard, whose player can use both hero and minion resources and characters, although with restrictions. The 122 card set was sold in 12 card booster packs each containing two rare cards. Middle Earth Challenge Decks (MECD) (1998): Ten decks for tournament play. These were sold as 110 card starter decks with cards reprinted from earlier sets fixed to a particular character (one of five Wizards or one of five Ringwraiths), and also included a map and a rulebook. The Balrog (MEBA) (1999): Adds a new sub faction to the minions, Balrog, who mainly depends on the brute strength of his orcs and trolls. It is argued by the player base that since the production of MECCG ended after MEBA, the set remains a bit overpowered because it didn't get a "balancing set" published afterwards. An expansion set named The Dwarf Lords was planned for September 1998, and the set The Elf Lords was scheduled for mid 1999. Both were indefinitely postponed in November 1998.
Dark Minions (MEDM) (1996): Добавляет множество мощных карт опасностей, включая больше нежити, и представляет агентов – скрытую группу слуг Саурона, сосредоточенных на интригах и влиянии. Также добавляется подземная сеть карт локаций, Подземные глубины, которая позже становится владениями Бальрога. В этом наборе было 180 карт.
In its basic form, it is a game for one to five players, each choosing one of the five wizards to represent themselves. A turn in the game consists of one player's wandering around Middle earth with the help of famous characters of Middle earth, trying to gather influence and power to aid in the battle against The Dark Lord, while another player tries to harass, and ultimately kill his characters with specific hazard cards. Then, for each player's turn, the roles change clockwise around the table (the player who was moving his characters then throws hazards at the player to his or her right). a corrupted wizard playing by his own rules (MEWH), the malevolent Balrog (MEBA), or even Sauron himself. The game is somewhat distinguished from most other CCG's with the use of two six sided dice for a random factor and Best Graphic Presentation of a Card Game or Expansion of 1996 for MECCG: The Dragons. The game's production ended in 1999, when ICE lost the license that allowed them to use the content of Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. This license was later bought by Decipher, who used it to bring out another CCG. with 121 rare cards, 121 uncommon cards, and 242 cards that were either common or fixed. The Dragons (METD) (June 1996): The first expansion set for METW. As the name implies, deals mostly with dragons, their treasure and the northern regions. The 180 card set was sold in 15 card booster packs having one rare card, 4 uncommons, and 10 commons and a six page rules addendum. Dark Minions (MEDM) (1996): Adds many powerful hazard cards including more undead and introduces the agents a subtle group of Sauron's servants, concentrating on intrigue and influence. Also adds an underground network of site cards, The Under Deeps, which later becomes The Balrog's realm. This set had 180 cards. The Lidless Eye (MELE) (June 1997): The second basic set. Adds the possibility to play as a Ringwraith of Sauron. The 417 card set was sold in 76 card fixed starter decks and 15 card booster packs. Against the Shadow (MEAS) (August 1997): The only expansion to MELE, although it also contains hero cards. Mostly balances the game by adding resources for and hazards against the minion player as well as some support resources for the hero. Notable are the hazard creature versions of the five wizards. The set, consisting of over 160 cards, was sold in 12 card booster packs. The White Hand (MEWH) (December 1997): Introduces a third faction, the corrupted Fallen Wizard, whose player can use both hero and minion resources and characters, although with restrictions. The 122 card set was sold in 12 card booster packs each containing two rare cards. Middle Earth Challenge Decks (MECD) (1998): Ten decks for tournament play. These were sold as 110 card starter decks with cards reprinted from earlier sets fixed to a particular character (one of five Wizards or one of five Ringwraiths), and also included a map and a rulebook. The Balrog (MEBA) (1999): Adds a new sub faction to the minions, Balrog, who mainly depends on the brute strength of his orcs and trolls. It is argued by the player base that since the production of MECCG ended after MEBA, the set remains a bit overpowered because it didn't get a "balancing set" published afterwards. An expansion set named The Dwarf Lords was planned for September 1998, and the set The Elf Lords was scheduled for mid 1999. Both were indefinitely postponed in November 1998.
The Lidless Eye (MELE) (июнь 1997 г.): Второй базовый набор. Добавляет возможность играть за Призрака Кольца Саурона. Набор из 417 карт продавался в стартовых колодах по 76 карт и бустерах по 15 карт.
In its basic form, it is a game for one to five players, each choosing one of the five wizards to represent themselves. A turn in the game consists of one player's wandering around Middle earth with the help of famous characters of Middle earth, trying to gather influence and power to aid in the battle against The Dark Lord, while another player tries to harass, and ultimately kill his characters with specific hazard cards. Then, for each player's turn, the roles change clockwise around the table (the player who was moving his characters then throws hazards at the player to his or her right). a corrupted wizard playing by his own rules (MEWH), the malevolent Balrog (MEBA), or even Sauron himself. The game is somewhat distinguished from most other CCG's with the use of two six sided dice for a random factor and Best Graphic Presentation of a Card Game or Expansion of 1996 for MECCG: The Dragons. The game's production ended in 1999, when ICE lost the license that allowed them to use the content of Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. This license was later bought by Decipher, who used it to bring out another CCG. with 121 rare cards, 121 uncommon cards, and 242 cards that were either common or fixed. The Dragons (METD) (June 1996): The first expansion set for METW. As the name implies, deals mostly with dragons, their treasure and the northern regions. The 180 card set was sold in 15 card booster packs having one rare card, 4 uncommons, and 10 commons and a six page rules addendum. Dark Minions (MEDM) (1996): Adds many powerful hazard cards including more undead and introduces the agents a subtle group of Sauron's servants, concentrating on intrigue and influence. Also adds an underground network of site cards, The Under Deeps, which later becomes The Balrog's realm. This set had 180 cards. The Lidless Eye (MELE) (June 1997): The second basic set. Adds the possibility to play as a Ringwraith of Sauron. The 417 card set was sold in 76 card fixed starter decks and 15 card booster packs. Against the Shadow (MEAS) (August 1997): The only expansion to MELE, although it also contains hero cards. Mostly balances the game by adding resources for and hazards against the minion player as well as some support resources for the hero. Notable are the hazard creature versions of the five wizards. The set, consisting of over 160 cards, was sold in 12 card booster packs. The White Hand (MEWH) (December 1997): Introduces a third faction, the corrupted Fallen Wizard, whose player can use both hero and minion resources and characters, although with restrictions. The 122 card set was sold in 12 card booster packs each containing two rare cards. Middle Earth Challenge Decks (MECD) (1998): Ten decks for tournament play. These were sold as 110 card starter decks with cards reprinted from earlier sets fixed to a particular character (one of five Wizards or one of five Ringwraiths), and also included a map and a rulebook. The Balrog (MEBA) (1999): Adds a new sub faction to the minions, Balrog, who mainly depends on the brute strength of his orcs and trolls. It is argued by the player base that since the production of MECCG ended after MEBA, the set remains a bit overpowered because it didn't get a "balancing set" published afterwards. An expansion set named The Dwarf Lords was planned for September 1998, and the set The Elf Lords was scheduled for mid 1999. Both were indefinitely postponed in November 1998.
Against the Shadow (MEAS) (август 1997 г.): Единственное дополнение к MELE, хотя оно также содержит карты героев. В основном балансирует игру, добавляя ресурсы для и опасности против игрока, играющего за приспешников, а также некоторую поддержку для героя. Примечательны версии существ-опасностей пяти волшебников. Набор, состоящий из более чем 160 карт, продавался в бустерах по 12 карт.
In its basic form, it is a game for one to five players, each choosing one of the five wizards to represent themselves. A turn in the game consists of one player's wandering around Middle earth with the help of famous characters of Middle earth, trying to gather influence and power to aid in the battle against The Dark Lord, while another player tries to harass, and ultimately kill his characters with specific hazard cards. Then, for each player's turn, the roles change clockwise around the table (the player who was moving his characters then throws hazards at the player to his or her right). a corrupted wizard playing by his own rules (MEWH), the malevolent Balrog (MEBA), or even Sauron himself. The game is somewhat distinguished from most other CCG's with the use of two six sided dice for a random factor and Best Graphic Presentation of a Card Game or Expansion of 1996 for MECCG: The Dragons. The game's production ended in 1999, when ICE lost the license that allowed them to use the content of Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. This license was later bought by Decipher, who used it to bring out another CCG. with 121 rare cards, 121 uncommon cards, and 242 cards that were either common or fixed. The Dragons (METD) (June 1996): The first expansion set for METW. As the name implies, deals mostly with dragons, their treasure and the northern regions. The 180 card set was sold in 15 card booster packs having one rare card, 4 uncommons, and 10 commons and a six page rules addendum. Dark Minions (MEDM) (1996): Adds many powerful hazard cards including more undead and introduces the agents a subtle group of Sauron's servants, concentrating on intrigue and influence. Also adds an underground network of site cards, The Under Deeps, which later becomes The Balrog's realm. This set had 180 cards. The Lidless Eye (MELE) (June 1997): The second basic set. Adds the possibility to play as a Ringwraith of Sauron. The 417 card set was sold in 76 card fixed starter decks and 15 card booster packs. Against the Shadow (MEAS) (August 1997): The only expansion to MELE, although it also contains hero cards. Mostly balances the game by adding resources for and hazards against the minion player as well as some support resources for the hero. Notable are the hazard creature versions of the five wizards. The set, consisting of over 160 cards, was sold in 12 card booster packs. The White Hand (MEWH) (December 1997): Introduces a third faction, the corrupted Fallen Wizard, whose player can use both hero and minion resources and characters, although with restrictions. The 122 card set was sold in 12 card booster packs each containing two rare cards. Middle Earth Challenge Decks (MECD) (1998): Ten decks for tournament play. These were sold as 110 card starter decks with cards reprinted from earlier sets fixed to a particular character (one of five Wizards or one of five Ringwraiths), and also included a map and a rulebook. The Balrog (MEBA) (1999): Adds a new sub faction to the minions, Balrog, who mainly depends on the brute strength of his orcs and trolls. It is argued by the player base that since the production of MECCG ended after MEBA, the set remains a bit overpowered because it didn't get a "balancing set" published afterwards. An expansion set named The Dwarf Lords was planned for September 1998, and the set The Elf Lords was scheduled for mid 1999. Both were indefinitely postponed in November 1998.
The White Hand (MEWH) (декабрь 1997 г.): Вводит третью фракцию, испорченного Павшего Волшебника, игрок которого может использовать как ресурсы героя, так и ресурсы и персонажей приспешников, хотя и с ограничениями. Набор из 122 карт продавался в бустерах по 12 карт, каждый из которых содержал две редкие карты.
In its basic form, it is a game for one to five players, each choosing one of the five wizards to represent themselves. A turn in the game consists of one player's wandering around Middle earth with the help of famous characters of Middle earth, trying to gather influence and power to aid in the battle against The Dark Lord, while another player tries to harass, and ultimately kill his characters with specific hazard cards. Then, for each player's turn, the roles change clockwise around the table (the player who was moving his characters then throws hazards at the player to his or her right). a corrupted wizard playing by his own rules (MEWH), the malevolent Balrog (MEBA), or even Sauron himself. The game is somewhat distinguished from most other CCG's with the use of two six sided dice for a random factor and Best Graphic Presentation of a Card Game or Expansion of 1996 for MECCG: The Dragons. The game's production ended in 1999, when ICE lost the license that allowed them to use the content of Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. This license was later bought by Decipher, who used it to bring out another CCG. with 121 rare cards, 121 uncommon cards, and 242 cards that were either common or fixed. The Dragons (METD) (June 1996): The first expansion set for METW. As the name implies, deals mostly with dragons, their treasure and the northern regions. The 180 card set was sold in 15 card booster packs having one rare card, 4 uncommons, and 10 commons and a six page rules addendum. Dark Minions (MEDM) (1996): Adds many powerful hazard cards including more undead and introduces the agents a subtle group of Sauron's servants, concentrating on intrigue and influence. Also adds an underground network of site cards, The Under Deeps, which later becomes The Balrog's realm. This set had 180 cards. The Lidless Eye (MELE) (June 1997): The second basic set. Adds the possibility to play as a Ringwraith of Sauron. The 417 card set was sold in 76 card fixed starter decks and 15 card booster packs. Against the Shadow (MEAS) (August 1997): The only expansion to MELE, although it also contains hero cards. Mostly balances the game by adding resources for and hazards against the minion player as well as some support resources for the hero. Notable are the hazard creature versions of the five wizards. The set, consisting of over 160 cards, was sold in 12 card booster packs. The White Hand (MEWH) (December 1997): Introduces a third faction, the corrupted Fallen Wizard, whose player can use both hero and minion resources and characters, although with restrictions. The 122 card set was sold in 12 card booster packs each containing two rare cards. Middle Earth Challenge Decks (MECD) (1998): Ten decks for tournament play. These were sold as 110 card starter decks with cards reprinted from earlier sets fixed to a particular character (one of five Wizards or one of five Ringwraiths), and also included a map and a rulebook. The Balrog (MEBA) (1999): Adds a new sub faction to the minions, Balrog, who mainly depends on the brute strength of his orcs and trolls. It is argued by the player base that since the production of MECCG ended after MEBA, the set remains a bit overpowered because it didn't get a "balancing set" published afterwards. An expansion set named The Dwarf Lords was planned for September 1998, and the set The Elf Lords was scheduled for mid 1999. Both were indefinitely postponed in November 1998.
Middle Earth Challenge Decks (MECD) (1998): Десять колод для турнирной игры. Они продавались в виде стартовых колод по 110 карт с картами, перепечатанными из более ранних наборов и привязанными к конкретному персонажу (одному из пяти волшебников или одному из пяти Призраков Кольца), а также включали карту и книгу правил.
In its basic form, it is a game for one to five players, each choosing one of the five wizards to represent themselves. A turn in the game consists of one player's wandering around Middle earth with the help of famous characters of Middle earth, trying to gather influence and power to aid in the battle against The Dark Lord, while another player tries to harass, and ultimately kill his characters with specific hazard cards. Then, for each player's turn, the roles change clockwise around the table (the player who was moving his characters then throws hazards at the player to his or her right). a corrupted wizard playing by his own rules (MEWH), the malevolent Balrog (MEBA), or even Sauron himself. The game is somewhat distinguished from most other CCG's with the use of two six sided dice for a random factor and Best Graphic Presentation of a Card Game or Expansion of 1996 for MECCG: The Dragons. The game's production ended in 1999, when ICE lost the license that allowed them to use the content of Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. This license was later bought by Decipher, who used it to bring out another CCG. with 121 rare cards, 121 uncommon cards, and 242 cards that were either common or fixed. The Dragons (METD) (June 1996): The first expansion set for METW. As the name implies, deals mostly with dragons, their treasure and the northern regions. The 180 card set was sold in 15 card booster packs having one rare card, 4 uncommons, and 10 commons and a six page rules addendum. Dark Minions (MEDM) (1996): Adds many powerful hazard cards including more undead and introduces the agents a subtle group of Sauron's servants, concentrating on intrigue and influence. Also adds an underground network of site cards, The Under Deeps, which later becomes The Balrog's realm. This set had 180 cards. The Lidless Eye (MELE) (June 1997): The second basic set. Adds the possibility to play as a Ringwraith of Sauron. The 417 card set was sold in 76 card fixed starter decks and 15 card booster packs. Against the Shadow (MEAS) (August 1997): The only expansion to MELE, although it also contains hero cards. Mostly balances the game by adding resources for and hazards against the minion player as well as some support resources for the hero. Notable are the hazard creature versions of the five wizards. The set, consisting of over 160 cards, was sold in 12 card booster packs. The White Hand (MEWH) (December 1997): Introduces a third faction, the corrupted Fallen Wizard, whose player can use both hero and minion resources and characters, although with restrictions. The 122 card set was sold in 12 card booster packs each containing two rare cards. Middle Earth Challenge Decks (MECD) (1998): Ten decks for tournament play. These were sold as 110 card starter decks with cards reprinted from earlier sets fixed to a particular character (one of five Wizards or one of five Ringwraiths), and also included a map and a rulebook. The Balrog (MEBA) (1999): Adds a new sub faction to the minions, Balrog, who mainly depends on the brute strength of his orcs and trolls. It is argued by the player base that since the production of MECCG ended after MEBA, the set remains a bit overpowered because it didn't get a "balancing set" published afterwards. An expansion set named The Dwarf Lords was planned for September 1998, and the set The Elf Lords was scheduled for mid 1999. Both were indefinitely postponed in November 1998.
The Balrog (MEBA) (1999): Добавляет новую подфракцию к приспешникам, Бальрога, который в основном полагается на грубую силу своих орков и троллей. Игроки утверждают, что, поскольку производство MECCG закончилось после MEBA, этот набор остается немного перегруженным, поскольку не получил последующего "балансирующего" дополнения. Планировалось выпустить дополнение под названием "Властелины гномов" в сентябре 1998 года, а дополнение "Властелины эльфов" – в середине 1999 года. Оба были отложены на неопределенный срок в ноябре 1998 года.
In its basic form, it is a game for one to five players, each choosing one of the five wizards to represent themselves. A turn in the game consists of one player's wandering around Middle earth with the help of famous characters of Middle earth, trying to gather influence and power to aid in the battle against The Dark Lord, while another player tries to harass, and ultimately kill his characters with specific hazard cards. Then, for each player's turn, the roles change clockwise around the table (the player who was moving his characters then throws hazards at the player to his or her right). a corrupted wizard playing by his own rules (MEWH), the malevolent Balrog (MEBA), or even Sauron himself. The game is somewhat distinguished from most other CCG's with the use of two six sided dice for a random factor and Best Graphic Presentation of a Card Game or Expansion of 1996 for MECCG: The Dragons. The game's production ended in 1999, when ICE lost the license that allowed them to use the content of Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. This license was later bought by Decipher, who used it to bring out another CCG. with 121 rare cards, 121 uncommon cards, and 242 cards that were either common or fixed. The Dragons (METD) (June 1996): The first expansion set for METW. As the name implies, deals mostly with dragons, their treasure and the northern regions. The 180 card set was sold in 15 card booster packs having one rare card, 4 uncommons, and 10 commons and a six page rules addendum. Dark Minions (MEDM) (1996): Adds many powerful hazard cards including more undead and introduces the agents a subtle group of Sauron's servants, concentrating on intrigue and influence. Also adds an underground network of site cards, The Under Deeps, which later becomes The Balrog's realm. This set had 180 cards. The Lidless Eye (MELE) (June 1997): The second basic set. Adds the possibility to play as a Ringwraith of Sauron. The 417 card set was sold in 76 card fixed starter decks and 15 card booster packs. Against the Shadow (MEAS) (August 1997): The only expansion to MELE, although it also contains hero cards. Mostly balances the game by adding resources for and hazards against the minion player as well as some support resources for the hero. Notable are the hazard creature versions of the five wizards. The set, consisting of over 160 cards, was sold in 12 card booster packs. The White Hand (MEWH) (December 1997): Introduces a third faction, the corrupted Fallen Wizard, whose player can use both hero and minion resources and characters, although with restrictions. The 122 card set was sold in 12 card booster packs each containing two rare cards. Middle Earth Challenge Decks (MECD) (1998): Ten decks for tournament play. These were sold as 110 card starter decks with cards reprinted from earlier sets fixed to a particular character (one of five Wizards or one of five Ringwraiths), and also included a map and a rulebook. The Balrog (MEBA) (1999): Adds a new sub faction to the minions, Balrog, who mainly depends on the brute strength of his orcs and trolls. It is argued by the player base that since the production of MECCG ended after MEBA, the set remains a bit overpowered because it didn't get a "balancing set" published afterwards. An expansion set named The Dwarf Lords was planned for September 1998, and the set The Elf Lords was scheduled for mid 1999. Both were indefinitely postponed in November 1998.