Lord of the Rings Online a contender?
by Alexander Sliwinski 
{ Feb 17th 2007 at 1:30PM }
On Feb. 12 Turbine officially lifted their non-disclosure on Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar. Early word is that the game is actually a potential contender against the juggernaut known as the World of Warcraft. Turbine has incorporated the best elements from their semi-love-or-totally-hate Dungeons and Dragons Online game, while making LOTRO more accessible.Turbine will begin stress testing the game on Feb. 23, which is the best opportunity to try out the game for those remotely curious. A few of the people we spoke with said that the reason the game works is because the Tolkien lore is solid and robust and it is WoW-esque enough to be accessible to the masses, but different enough to be an alternative. The game has an achievement system like Xbox Live, towns apparently change after major events and the instances have a more cinematic feel (a.k.a plot line). We've contacted Turbine to learn more about LOTRO. It would be nice to see some solid competition in the MMO marketplace.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
John @ Feb 17th 2007 1:58PM
It rules. I've stopped playing WoW altogether. And I'm not even a Middle Earth fanboy. Turbine took all the best parts of all the MMORPG's and made this. It reminds me a lot of Asheron's Call (the first one) which I think was the best MMORPG ever!
Jonah Falcon @ Feb 17th 2007 1:56PM
I was a part of the beta, and it was fairly enjoyable. Of course, I recognized all of the places and names, since I've read LOTR for a while. It's especially sweet at the moment you go, "Oh, no. I have to meet with LOBELIA? (sigh)"
One of the things about it is that the drops are realistic. Animals drop animal drops - you have to kill orcs, goblins, and other humanoids to get the blue loot.
I never did craft a ring, tho.
Cirrus @ Feb 17th 2007 2:41PM
I lost interest in this game when i heard that there would be no pvp.
Also since this is based on an existing license it limits the creativity of the devs, (I know wow is technically based on an existing license too, but Blizzard owns that so they can do whatever they want to the story) whereas the devs for LOTRO will be constrained by the Tolkien license.
Also no game will be able to even come close to the amount of subscribers WoW has or stealing away a chunk of it until people realise one of the many reasons that WoW has so many subscribers is because it has such a low system specification. Look at WoW, its able to run on a Pentium 3.
greatslack @ Feb 17th 2007 3:06PM
I played the beta, and thought it was a nice looking game, somewhere in between morrowind and oblivion, but it's no wow. I did like the lore bits, but lore that casual fans would get excited over tended to be few and far between. With the new caverns of time instances in wow, the lore is both exciting and extremely fun. Rescuing Thrall was the most fun I've had in wow in a while.
Thomas @ Feb 17th 2007 3:07PM
Is it me or is calling LOTR ''WoW-esque'' just seem wrong?
jmf @ Feb 17th 2007 3:10PM
I don't think the license will limit it. The Devs could get into the Silmarillion lore - which is where the heart of LOTR really is, the history and all.
Also I always thought WoW was a rip off LOTR, well basically any game with Orcs and Elves felt like a rip off LOTR.
I want a Mad Max MMO...where are you Twilight Wars??
Mitsuo @ Feb 17th 2007 3:13PM
LotRO can defiantly one up WoW. I played in the first stress test and found it to be a very solid game. Awesome crafting, plenty full quests, hot elf chicks! All you could ask for.
jmf @ Feb 17th 2007 3:12PM
sorry for double post but Cirrus, have you ever heard of Ultima Online? Pretty sure that can run on more systems than WoW...
I also liked Ultima better than WoW.
gLitterbug @ Feb 17th 2007 3:24PM
I doubt this would get any attention at all if it weren't for the license. I guess this is how turbine works these days, get a license or better let's get two so you can cross-develop stuff and save on development costs while bringing in 2 fanbases that will defend the game for the sake of the license used and NOT being WoW alone.
I'm not fan of WoW apart from loving wandering through the landscapes. I really wanted to like DDO, but they messed it up big time. So not liking LOTR much, I doubt I'll even give this game a chance to see if my suspicion of suckage is wrong.
Anonymous @ Feb 17th 2007 3:41PM
I didn't know the NDA was over or I'd have given my two cents about this game earlier.
Basically it's everquest 2 with a Lord of the Rings skin over it. There is absolutely nothing to set this one apart from other games in the genre. The enemies are mediocre, the combat system is mediocre, the graphics are so/so, the abilities you can learn are bland, the "Dungeons" are horrible, the entire thing lags to hell when more than 3 people get near each other (Server side lag, it just can't handle it) the map system is atrocious (Basically it tells you that someone in a city "To the north" is waiting for you, and then you have to run for what feels like days to get there, if you can find "there") the character models are very rigid and stiff, there are alot of pointless buildings all over the place that you can't even go in, and to top it all off, the only chatter you will hear when playing the game is chatter about Naruto. The Lord of the Rings lore runs fairly deep, just deep enough that it's obvious this is an LOTR game. There are Orcs (Which are the enemy of everything) Dwarves (which get into it with the elves and the men I assume) Elves, Humans, and other assorted LOTR beasts.
This game is the next Star Wars:Galaxies-Style Crapfest, please pleaseeeee save yourself the money. Or join the open beta and see for yourself. This game is blannnnnnnnnnd. That NDA cost alot of people good money because myself and others couldn't tell them not to pre-order the game because it's just that bad.
It's your money, it would be better spent on WoW or Lineage II, but do whatever you want.
Jonah Falcon @ Feb 17th 2007 3:42PM
"I lost interest in this game when i heard that there would be no pvp."
Um, yes there is. You temporarily become one of Sauron's minions during a massive battle.
dvnt @ Feb 17th 2007 3:48PM
I too liked Ultima Online more than WoW. It's the only game where your character's progression makes sense. Skill Gain > Exp. It's also the only game that's has a successful housing system and a true feeling of an open world. If they took a pre UO:Renaissance rule set and made it into a 3D world. WoW would be in a heap of shit.
LaughingTarget @ Feb 17th 2007 4:05PM
There is PvP. You can gain control of a monster in the world. There is a guy in Bree that lets you in.
All I have to say is "Thank you Fileplanet for forgetting to turn on the region filters when opening up the LOTRO European-only beta". This American got in just fine.
While LOTRO is the most engating MMO I've ever played, the longevity of it is short. Once you get through the storyline of it, there just isn't any further reason to play. True, there are some PvP elements, but they're minor compared to WoW. Also, the advancement is so quick that the experience is over far too quickly. I shouldn't be able to complete an MMO during the beta period.
Still, it is worth playing for MMO and WoW fans. It is an excellent romp through what was going on in places besides where the members of the Fellowship went.
JD @ Feb 17th 2007 4:38PM
I found it to be pretty ho-hum. I wouldn't say there is anything "bad" about it, but it felt like yet-another-MMO.
The combat did seem a little slow and off-balance, though. I walked away from the computer a couple of times during the "kill 10 of X" quests because my chances of dying were so low.
The mapping seemed pretty worthless too. Lots of walking and walking and walking hoping you might randomly find the person you need.
If you haven't already played a lot of MMOs, this is probably be a good place to start, but I wouldn't recommended it otherwise.
gok @ Feb 17th 2007 5:33PM
I've been playing wow for sometime, and while its great game, quest never feel meanigful. They are just way to get xp. Somehow, thats different it lotro. Even when killing spiders for this farmer it felt like I was doing something meaningful.
Game has awesome graphisc, and I love title system (Kill enoug spider you can "spider foe" title to your name: Mr. example, spider foe.) Ofc since it's in beta, it has its issues, lag is always present, but it certainly is a fun game, try it!
Jeff @ Feb 21st 2007 6:09AM
I've been playing the Beta for over a month now and all I can say is awesome....The graphics are stellar. The first time I wandered into the sight of Weathertop....That was a Kodak Moment! The guys deserve a lot of credit for the world views....Flowing grass, tree branches that move....Snow...There's so much to see that keeps me from completing my quests.
No, It's not going to be a WoW killer. One thing you have to consider is how many games has Blizzard whipped out prior to there ever even being a LOTR movie? There's already an installed base of rabid fans for Blizzard's work. They put in the effort and they deserve the rich rewards that come from that.
Some things to consider $9.99 a month. A little less than most mmo's charge. $200 for a LIFETIME MEMBERSHIP. How many WoW folks have eclipsed that number? If you've read the books you already KNOW WHERE YOUR GOING! No disrespect, WoW is unfathomably huge...would I know where I'm going if I got dropped in the middle.....no, I'd be lost forever. I did start a character on WoW...I was always asking where is this, where is that? I HATE ASKING THE NOOB questions....takes away from the experience.
All I can say is that when I created my character in LOTORO I hit the ground running....haven't looked back yet! (BTW 2 thumbs up from me!) I can't wait until I have a chance to ride my own Mumak!!
Vercin @ Feb 17th 2007 8:08PM
I started playing it yesterday, and I'm enjoying it so far. I'm sort of annoyed by the graphical performance, but it could still be optimized a bit before retail Runs nice and pretty when I'm out questing, but in towns, my pretty darned decent machine can't handle it, even with all the settings turned all the way down. Reminds me of when I played EQ2 at launch. I don't think it's a WoW-killer in any way, but I could see it coming in a strong second, destroying all the other competition.
People don't really realize what makes WoW so successful. Most MMOs I've played (and I've played a lot), don't have the polish and finished feeling of, say, a console platformer, which WoW has. The controls are tight and easy to understand, and the world and quests are extremely accessible. It makes it easy to jump in while still retaining some depth. Hopefully, Turbine will keep fine-tuning LotR until it feels as polished as WoW. My hopes are fairly high for this game, from what I've played so far.
To this comment: "I don't think the license will limit it. The Devs could get into the Silmarillion lore - which is where the heart of LOTR really is, the history and all."
Unfortunately, as Turbine has publicly stated, they do not have licensing rights to use anything from the Silmarillion that was not in LotR. Tolkien sold the movie rights to Saul Zaentz, (which apparently includes video games) who in turn licensed this game, as well as the films from New Line. He does not own any rights to any works from Tolkien besides LotR and the Hobbit, and from what I understand, Christopher Tolkien, who owns print rights to all the books, and all rights to the books besides the Hobbit and LotR, is not eager to see his father's work spread amongst different media and merchandise. He was against the making of the Peter Jackson films, in fact, but did not own those rights, as I mentioned. In short, it's too bad, but we're not getting any Silmarillion love with this game.
Optimus @ Feb 17th 2007 8:38PM
Honestly, the "lore" of a MMORPG isn't enough to hold fans interest. If you make a game the same as Wow, but drop it into the LoTR world, it won't make it. Despite the vast number of LoTR fans, it's the game mechanics that will attract people, or not.
Bill M. @ Feb 17th 2007 10:16PM
Looking at the official site, it appears Turbine has stayed true to the "low magic" nature of the world in the books.
There appear to be only two magic using classes, a fairly traditional MMO-style bard and the "Loremaster" which appears to be a crowd-control/light offensive hybrid.
Not my cup of tea. I love the books, but when I play a fantasy MMO I am looking for worlds where magic is powerful and omnipresent - lots of good caster classes to choose from.
It will be interesting to see how this works out - maybe there is a big demand for a low magic MMO, but I tend to doubt it.
John @ Feb 18th 2007 12:52AM
The graphics are light years ahead of WoW's crappy "cartoony" graphics.
Leshrac @ Feb 18th 2007 3:58AM
I just got into the Beta and I'm not willing to call this a winner over WoW yet... Actually, it's almost the exact same game, but with less classes and races, and no incidental/outside world PvP.
There IS PvP with "Monster Play", which I've heard a little about, but have not had a chance to try yet. Even so, this is obviously a lot different than the WoW PvP system. The WoW PvP system isn't the best, in my opinion, as the incidental PvP is somewhat of a mixed blessing. Overall, though, it definitely adds a fun flavor to the game. in LOTRO, you don't ever have that feeling of randomly running into enemy players.
Like I said, I've only just started playing it, and it's fun, but basically almost identical to WoW so far.
Leshrac @ Feb 18th 2007 4:00AM
@19
I'm not willing to even grant THAT to LOTRO just yet... Characters seem sort of bland looking, and many of the environments and enemies do too. WoW actually has a fair amount of interesting architecture and color in it's environments. There are a few places I've seen so far that look nice, but overall I think I may actually prefer WoW's graphic style so far.
Mercerfy @ Feb 18th 2007 7:28AM
Sorry guys...while playing through the beta my excitement turned to dissappointment. This is by no means WoW's replacement. i really wanted it to work.....drag to recycle bin, back to Azeroth.
John @ Feb 18th 2007 1:34PM
Anyone who thinks LOTRO graphics are "bland looking" must not have a computer capable of running it. Some of the best graphics you'll find *anywhere*.
Jono Stars @ Feb 18th 2007 5:01PM
Playing the LOTRO beta was a bland experience. Average fighting system, average characters, average environments. Nothing really struck me as innovative or even fun. Two thumbs way down.
Goldspire @ Feb 19th 2007 1:40AM
personally, I'm bored as crap from WoW, and my interest is in Age of Conan. Reading the books, or rather short stories, that game has potential to be really damn cool
jmf @ Feb 19th 2007 2:48AM
Vercin
That does suck that they can't use the Silmarrilion Lore :/
I have to disagree with you on the "polished" nature claimed for WoW. I believe two MMOs more polished than WoW are: Final Fantasy XI Online and Eve Online. Now WoW may be the current popular choice for the dungeons, orcs, elves, magic genre of fantasy - but in all honesty aren't you guys bored of the same old same old? Thats what will prevent LOTRO from being a success. Though it is considered the King of dungeons and dragons, its too late in the 'game'. After Ultima Online, and a slew of other swords and magic games, I decided to take a chance with something slightly different with Final Fantasy XI Online. Played it for 2 years and came out of it pretty much the same as any MMO other than Ultima. More than disappointed.
Eve Online on the other hand has been a pleasant surprise, with full support of the dev team, and soon going to a option Direct X 10 engine - Eve Online has everything right. It has perfectly tuned PvP, Empire Building - and though its not as great as Ultima's housing system (which no other MMO has since been able to replicate), Eve does have Player owned stations, structures - and player created ships, empires, and well pretty much anything.
Eve also has a unique skill leveling method. If you want something different, polished an stellar I highly suggest Ultima Online and Eve Online.
Another potential contender in unique MMOs - Twilight Wars: After the Fall... If it ever gets completed.
Jonathan @ Feb 25th 2007 12:14AM
I too have been playing Beta for over a month now, and I have to say, this game is EXCELLENT! I played WoW for awhile, and the only part of it that really intrigued me was the PvP. I'm a big Warcraft fan, and Blizzard has done a great job, but WoW can only take a guy so far.
LotRO is different. This game is far more story and quest intensive than any other MMO I've played or heard about. On the surface it is, as some have stated, just another MMO. But if you stick to it for a little while and look past the user interface (which is very good) and the not totally perfect graphics (though very good, and better than WoW) you find you feel that you are really in Middle-Earth. Everytime I've run into someone I recognize from the books, and particularly when they're a more minor character (Barliman Butterbur, Nob, Bob, Tom Bombadil, Fredegar Bolger, Elrond's sons, etc.) I get excited. On top of it, this game REALLY encourages grouping and cooperating with other players. No player can master any realm of crafting, for example, and in order to make some of the things you want to, you have to get resources another player with another profession can supply you. There are "fellowship quests" which REQUIRE you to be in a fellowship (as groups are called in this game) in order to complete them.
I'll grant you, for PvPers, this game won't be the greatest. PvP is available through the PvMP system, but it really isn't the same as true PvP. That's my only complaint thus far. Sure, there are some glitches, there are some problems, but it's still beta. They're still doing stress tests to minimize the lag issue. Quest issues (regarding finding certain people, length, and rewards) are still all being tweaked still. Right now, it's beta, so cracking on such matters as lag or XP/treasure issues isn't a way to judge the game yet.
LotRO is the best MMO I've seen yet, and while it may not be able to take over WoW, I think it'll be a good competitor.
Germayneo @ Mar 3rd 2007 5:23AM
I havent played the beta or anything yet but i am really anticipating March 30th when the game comes out on open beta because i really want to have a crack at it to judge it myself. I am a pretty big fan of LOTR and am very excited about being able to play as character in the world i have seen so many times. To all the people who harshly knock this game i just want to say "how are you going to judge this game and say it wont contend with WoW when you havent even played the game in its truest form. The freakin game hasnt even started yet and you guys are already judging and labeling it. Give it at least 6 months after the release then make your drastic namecalling and what-not. Jeez give the game a chance.