I have been super excited for The Hobbit since it's announcement, but have been lamenting the huge cost, which is keeping me out of the pre-order. But now finding out that LOTR Vault Edition is a likely Stern release around the same time, (slightly earlier if they're smart) it takes a weight off my shoulders. Damn, I can get a $5kish game instead!
I like LOTR better than The Hobbit as far as movies are concerned (although both are awesome), plus it has mature code and a VE will assure a lot more parts and troubleshooting support, LED lights and probably some alternative art. 5k for an 11 year old game seemed too much to me, but for a NIB of a great theme and #6 pin on the top 100? Seems like an awesome deal.
So is Stern about to hit one out of the park on this VE? Vote and comment, let me know your thoughts. Keep in mind - I would love Hobbit! But LOTR at a far lower price point is a good alternative, right? At least until Hobbit starts showing up on the used market with completed code?