It took what the first game was able to do and just vastly improve every aspect, apart from the missions. Actually being able to play as the factions of elves, dwarves, goblins etc was so refreshing.
The community surrounding this game is what really elevated it to a whole new tier. Mods added everything a LOTR fan could ever dream of to the game. Using characters and factions from the 1st, 2nd, 3rd ages that weren't in the original game was awesome.
GOAT