This game is based on the popular Mage Knight system, but utilizes Lord of the Rings characters from the JRR Tolkien Universe and is compatible with the figures from other Heroclix sets. The game is a miniatures skirmish game played on a grid (ie, no rulers). Most of the details for each miniature are printed directly on each miniature base. As the characters take damage, their base can be rotated thereby (typically) weakening their characteristics to reflect wounds or fatigue. From the publisher's website: “The Lord of the Rings" HeroClix miniatures game will be sold in two different packages: a campaign style box set and the traditional booster format. The all-in-one campaign style box set will include everything a player needs, including NEW epic level rules and maps. The booster format includes the figures, similar to other previous HeroClix releases. With whichever format chosen, all of the twenty or more figures will be compatible with other HeroClix miniatures games.