The gameplay is almost the exact same as Warcraft III. You have your heroes who gain experience in combat and can be resurrected when they die. As a matter of fact, Sauron's forces even need to build on a blight-like surface which actually produce puffs of smoke - just like Warcraft. They also use Goblin Slavemaster units to increase their population limits - just like the Zergs' Overlords of Starcraft. Even hero abilities are similar to Warcraft's, like Gimli's ability to smash his axe on the ground to stun enemies, which is the same as the Mountain King's ability. Unlike Warcraft though, there are fate powers in this game, like the ability to summon Ents or blind a group of enemy units. These powers need fate points to activate, which can be gained through fighting. Some of these powers are really quite destructive if you know how to use them to your advantage.