I wanted to try descent but I noticed it is out of print and the 2nd edition isn't coming out till some time 2nd quarter 2012. I also heard if you play dnd, which my group does, then descent just feels lacking.
Then I saw this game and we all love the LoTR lore and setting and my group would go bonkers for this game. I just need to know what I should be expecting. I have Runebound and Talisman so far as board games and really haven't played any others.
I know one player plays as Sauron. Is that a fun role, or does he more or less babysit and run the game?
Is it the best with 3 players and 1 Sauron?
Is the game just random crazy like Talisman or does the combat have a nice strategy feel to it?
How long does the game usually take?
What exactly do you do in the game?