The Lord of the Rings Online

The Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar
File:Lotro box.jpg
Developer(s)	Turbine, Inc.
Publisher(s)	Turbine, Inc., Midway Games, Codemasters
Engine	Turbine G3
Platform(s)	Windows
Release	April 24, 2007
Genre(s)	MMORPG
Mode(s)	Multiplayer

The Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar (commonly abbreviated as LOTRO) is a PC video game characterized by the genre commonly referred to as massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG). It is set in a fictional fantasy universe created by J. R. R. Tolkien named Middle-earth, during the time-period of The Lord of the Rings. The Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar was developed by Turbine, Inc and is a subscription based game which requires a connection to the Internet. It launched in the United States and Europe on April 24, 2007. The game is currently only released for Windows-based PC platforms.

Gameplay

File:ScreenShot00008.jpg

A screenshot of the game.

Common to other games in this genre, the player controls a character avatar which can move around anywhere in the game world and interact with other player characters. When the player exits the game, the game world continues to exist and other players around the globe continue to interact, making it a persistent world. The main emphasis of the game is to improve your character by increasing in level, which simultaneously increases character skills and other abilities. The method of increasing character level in The Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar is commonly referred to as player versus environment (PvE) combat and storyline adventures. This refers to the type of play in which the player character interacts within the game by defeating monsters or collecting items and returning them to computer characters, as opposed to a player versus player (PvP) type of interaction.

In fact there is a form of PvP combat included called "Player versus Monster-Player (PvMP)". Monster Play is unlocked at level 10, when players can automatically become level 50 monsters that are restricted to one area of the game. Players temporarily control playable monster characters which can complete quests and attack other non-monster player characters within the area designated for Monster Play. These monster characters may be enhanced by the use of Destiny Points, which are awarded while leveling and completing quests as your monster character as well as your normal character.

Unlike most fantasy settings, there is no widespread magic use in the Lord of The Rings books and that has been carried over into this game. There are only five wizards in the fictional world and the player cannot play as one of them. This has instead been replaced with "Lore" system where objects and artifacts are used to create effects seen in other fantasy games. In addition to physical or magical item effects, there is also the 'Power' system. The power system is much like magic in other MMOs, in that you have a power bar, and power is used by all classes to perform their special attacks. The Minstrel and Loremaster class skills behave much like magic in other games, for example healing a friend, or throwing magical fire at an enemy.

The game is based on, but is not limited to, The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. However, Turbine does not have rights to The Silmarillion. There are seven crafting professions and three gathering professions bundled in pre-made groups of three professions called vocations. Turbine currently does not plan to release any expansion in which evil races are fully playable. Camera angles can be switched between first-person and third-person options by simply rotating the scroll wheel to adjust the camera zoom level.

Other features include a fast travel system, which links both the larger cities and smaller outposts, and a quest history and tracking feature which allows the player to review the history of the quest in case they have forgotten.

Deeds

Characters obtain traits or titles by completing deeds within the game, such as killing so many spiders, using a certain ability a set number of times, or completing a number of quests in a given time period.

Titles

Titles in LOTR are largely cosmetic and have no direct impact on game play, instead they add diversification to your character by adding to your name in the game world. Some titles are common whilst others can be very difficult to obtain. Each character starts off with one title, which indicates their origin. As characters complete deeds they can obtain more titles. Only one title can be active at a time.

Traits

Each character has the ability to equip traits that they have earned while playing the game. These traits are fairly free-form, and give the character a myriad of different bonuses or abilities. Any trait combination can be equipped as long as they have enough trait slots. The number of trait slots a character has is dependent on level. The first virtue trait slot is available at level 7 for example. Traits can be easily switched and changed by visiting a bard found in most towns.

Virtue traits are common amongst all races and classes, and can be earned by completing general goals such as killing enough spiders, or completing enough quests in an area. These Traits generally improve Stats, resistances, as well as total morale and power, including regeneration. There is a large variety of these traits, and they have multiple levels that can be earned as you progress through the game.

Class Traits are traits specific to a certain class. These are generally earned by using a class skill or power often enough, or meeting certain conditions with these skills often enough. (Such as achieving enough critical strikes with a certain skill.) These skills tend to improve the power of certain abilities, generally making them more effective.

Racial Traits are traits that are specific to each of the races. These traits confer special abilities or improvements to the user though there are several traits in this category per race, only a relatively limited number can be used at one time. However, since the traits vary based on how useful they are for the players class, this is not an issue.

Legendary Traits are rare and much harder to obtain, as a result, they confer stronger bonuses to the user than general traits do.

Music System

There also exists a music system. Characters that have reached level 5 can learn to play a lute and one other instrument depending on their class. Using a command, the player can play the instrument in real time on two octaves, with the music broadcast to nearby players.

Setting

The Lord of the Rings Online is set during The Fellowship of the Ring after Frodo and company leave The Shire. Players are able to meet the characters from Tolkien's story, including some of the Fellowship. There are four playable races with seven different classes.

In the initial release, only the following regions of Middle Earth are playable: Eriador including Blue Mountains, the Shire (Old Forest included), South Downs (located east of the Old Forest and south of Bree), Breeland, North Downs (Fornost included in this area), Trollshaws (the forests surrounding Rivendell) and Angmar. The player is even able to travel into the ghostly Barrow Downs, an old set of hills inhabited by the spirits of dead soldiers. Expansion packs will follow the journey of the Ringbearer: Rhovanion, Rohan, Gondor, and Mordor.

Development

Sierra On-Line first announced the development of a licensed Middle-earth MMORPG in 1998. This caused some excitement among fans, who were awaiting The Lord of the Rings films, and was also slightly controversial for a few design decisions. The most debated design idea was the planned use of "permadeath": When a player character would die in the game, that character would be permanently dead (most MMORPGs resurrect a dead character with minor penalties). Sierra had financial troubles in 1999 and replaced the staff working on the game.

Sierra continued to confirm development on the MMORPG was progressing, but did not release any development details over the next few years. Vivendi Universal Games, the parent company of Sierra, secured eight-year rights to produce computer and video games based on The Lord of the Rings books in 2001. Finally, Vivendi announced an agreement with Turbine in 2003 to produce Middle-earth Online (at that time expected to be released in 2004). In March 2005, Turbine announced that it had bought the rights to make massively multiplayer games based on Tolkien's literature and that Turbine would assume publishing duties on The Lord of the Rings Online from Vivendi. A closed beta was announced on September 8 2006, and rumored to have begun on September 12, 2006.

An open beta began on March 30, 2007, and was open to all who have pre-ordered the game's Founders Club edition. On April 6, 2007 the beta opened to the public and could be downloaded for free and used until release. The game eventually launched on April 24, 2007, following the completion of beta testing.

Shores of Evendim

The first free content update has been announced for release in June 2007.

• New area - Evendim
• Over 60 new quests
• Raid area - Battle of Helegrod
• 9 new monsters
• Upgraded music system
• Collectible armor sets

Races

There are four playable races in Lord of the Rings Online. Players can choose a male or female gender for each race except for Dwarves, who appear to only be male. They include:

• Man
• Elf
• Dwarf
• Hobbit

• Hobbit of the Blue Mountains (Not a playable race in game, this was a April fools joke played by Turbine. These hobbits had blue skin and resembled Smurfs the cartoon series.)

Classes

Class	Races	Armor	Weapons	Role
Burglar	Man, Hobbit	Light, Medium*	Daggers, 1H Swords, 1H Maces, Dual Wield*	Debuffer
Captain	Man	Light, Medium, Heavy* Light Shields*	All 1H and 2H weapons except spears and halberds (may be used later after proficiency is acquired).	Buffer/ Pets/Off-Tank
Champion	Man, Elf, Dwarf	Light, Medium, Heavy Armor* & Light Shields*	Most 1H weapons with dual wield, two handed weapons* and bows*	AOE/DPS/Off-Tank
Guardian	All	Light, Medium, Heavy Armor* and Heavy shield*	Almost all weapons except Staffs/Halberd. Cannot Dual Wield. Skills are built for shield use.	Tank
Hunter	All	Light, Medium*	Bow and Melee weapons. Dual Wield*	Nuker
Lore-Master	Man, Elf	Light	Staff, off-hand Sword*	CC / Pets
Minstrel	All	Light, Medium* / Light Shield*	Dagger, 1H sword, mace, 1H club, 1H ax(Dwarf Only)	Healer

^*Class feature unlocked through leveling/unlocking traits.

Burglar

The Burglar is a group support character, with a variety of moves that weaken or expose an opponent, are very effective against single enemies (where the burglar can use his debuffs to his advantage), but weak against multiple foes. The burglar gains a form of stealth (Sneak) and, presumably the ability to open locked items. Burglar is the major conjunction starter. The Burglar's skill Trip, which is used while sneak appears to be their main conjunction starter (Powerful attack used in groups). Burglars have a skill called "Riddle". Riddle is a skill that works on humanoid targets; it's a stun that turns into mesmerise, you ask an Orc "What have I got in my pockets?" and he ponders this point, if you do not attack but simply walk away he will continue to ponder it for a while.

Captain

The Captain is a well balanced class, with the ability to both solo and group effectively. A captain's strength lies in beneficial effects for his party. A major focus in group combat is the captain's herald, a combat "pet" who also carries a banner that buffs the fellowship, colloquially known as "mansam". The captain has a lot of things in combat that it can react to; it designates the main target, uses beneficial cries when enemies fall and can heal and protect its fellows. The captain is effectively the group leader.

Champion

The Champion is a master of offense. Champions specialize in dual-wielding or two-handed combat and emphasize on dealing consistent damage. They can also grab a shield and play off-tank, since they possesses almost as much morale as a Guardian. Some champion skills are best for one versus one fighting, others "Engage the Tide" ("area of effect" skills). His fervour can increase the damage he does, but leaves him open for any attacks. In the end, a Champion's best defense is a strong offense.

Guardian

The Guardian is the sturdy defensive warrior, able to taunt monsters into attacking them over their more vulnerable team mates. A Guardian's more advanced skills are based off of response events, specifically Block and Parry. For instance, when a Guardian blocks an enemy blow, a shield swipe can be played during a small window of opportunity. Such skills, and the skills that chain off of them, are what makes the Guardian so effective. Parry skills tend to do higher damage, while Block skills are better for defense.

Hunter

Hunter is a ranged combatant, with powerful damaging abilities at range but very limited in close combat. The hunter also has wilderness skills such as traps and tracking. Special traps can be purchased or made by crafters. Due to their ability to use traps Hunters are excellent at soloing against a single target, even of higher level. However because their main damage dealing abilities are highly interruptable, Hunters have difficulty dealing with large groups of opponents even of slightly lower levels. Hunters inventory is not cluttered with arrows, due to the usual inventory hassle. Hunters may choose to carry particular consumables for special shots (flame arrows, for example). The Hunter has an aiming system called Focus. As long as the Hunter stays in one place, each shot of his bow increases his Focus, which can then be used to fire special shots. Another way of gaining focus is through the use of certain skills either just before or during combat. The Hunter and the Champion share the titles of main damage dealers.

Lore-Master

Lore-master is considered to be the party's main buffer/de-buffer and also the best crowd controller in game. With his knowledge of nature and lore he can befriend animals amongst which include Ravens (useful for distracting, and can make a ranged foe switch to melee), Bears and eventually an Eagle. The Lore-master can use his mastery of ancient lore to produce simple magical and quasi-magical effects. He knows the ancient names and sings the ancient songs. The Lore-Master has a major heal known as "Beacon of Hope" which transfers morale from his Morale pool to another player's. He can also use "Share the Power" to transfer some of his power to another player.

Minstrel

Randy takes it in the ass

Crafting

Unlike most other MMORPG, in LotRO, characters cannot choose a single profession, instead they choose a vocation which is comprised of 3 professions that in most cases work together in some way, but are incomplete in such a way as to foster interdependence on others of a different vocation.

Vocations

Professions are bundled into groups of three called vocations. Most vocations include a gathering profession and a crafting profession that complement each other. Vocations create interdependence in the economy, forcing players to trade for resources. A given character can only specialize in one vocation at a time.

• Armorer: Contains the Prospector, Metalsmith, and Tailor professions.

• Armsman: Contains the Prospector, Weaponsmith, and Woodworker professions.

• Explorer: Contains the Forester, Tailor, and Prospector professions.

• Historian: Contains the Farmer, Scholar, and Weaponsmith professions.

• Tinker: Contains the Prospector, Jeweller, and Cook professions.

• Woodsman: Contains the Forester, Woodworker, and Farmer professions.

• Yeoman: Contains the Farmer, Cook, and Tailor professions.

Professions

Professions can either be a gathering profession or a crafting profession. Gathering professions are used to harvest raw materials, which in turn are used to create items using a crafting profession. Players cannot choose a particular profession, instead they choose a vocation.

• Cook

Cooks create food items that can be consumed to recover morale and power in between fights, to reduce down time, and can give temporary stat bonuses. This is very useful in difficult quests, and especially while soloing. Materials for this skill are harvested by Farmers.

• Farmer

Farmers use farming tools to grow food items in patches of farmable land found throughout Middle Earth. The food can then be used by the cooks to make food. This skill differs from the other harvesting professions in that it requires seeds to grow items, which must be purchased before growing food.

• Forester

Foresters obtain wood from wood nodes throughout Middle Earth, which are used to create items by the woodworking profession. They are also able to treat leather found as loot from monsters for use by a tailor. The higher your level in this skill, the more advanced the wood and leather you can harvest and make.

• Jeweller

Jewellers create various pieces of jewelry. After sufficient levels of this skill are obtained, the crafter can make jewelry that confers benefits to the wearer, such as additional stats. Jewellers get their materials from Prospectors.

• Metalsmith

Metalsmiths create heavy armor and shields made of metal. As the skill of the metalsmith increases, so does the quality of these items, though even basic items can be useful to the crafter or lower-level characters. Metalsmiths get their materials from Prospectors.

• Prospector

Prospectors mine metals from various 'nodes' found throughout Middle Earth. The raw ore can then be turned into metal ingots, which are used by jewellers, weaponsmiths, and metalsmiths. The higher your level in this skill, the more advanced metals you can mine and smelt.

• Scholar

Perhaps the most unique of the professions, it is both a harvesting profession and a crafting profession. The scholar harvests lore from lore nodes found throughout Middle Earth. He then uses lore and other ingredients to make potions, and scrolls that improve other professions. The scholar is also the profession that allows dropped recipes to be converted for use by other professions.

• Tailor

Tailors make light and medium armor as well as clothing. Cloth armor requires cloth to be bought or found, while medium armor requires leather from foresters.

• Weaponsmith

Weaponsmiths craft weapons such as swords, axes, and maces, but not all weapons, since woodworkers craft bows and other wooden armaments.

• Woodworker

Woodworking is the profession concerned with making wooden weapons, primarily bows. The woodworking skill requires treated wood harvested by foresters.

Reception

The Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar has been received positively thus far, as reviews continue to appear since the game's release. GameDaily awarded the product a 9.0/10, praising its rich, fantasy-themed universe, well-integrated trait and title system, and a story that remains true to the works of Tolkien. Yahoo! Video Games wrote a review with few negative mentions, awarding the game a score of 4/5. Computer and Video Games called the game an essential purchase for Lord of the Rings fans, scoring the game a 9.2/10. EuroGamer scored the game a 9.0/10, calling it tough to resist. Gamespy gave it 4.5/5 stars, claiming the game "opened up Middle-Earth to the masses" but commented negatively on its weak PvP content, while GameTrailers awarded it 8.5/10, citing its interesting tweaks to the MMO genre. On May 10th, 2007 Codemasters, and Turbine inc. released a statement declaring that the game was ranked No.1 in North America & Europe in sales, according to Industry Reports.

Trivia

• In North America, players who pre-ordered the game were granted access to the Open Beta on March 30th, while others had to wait until April 6th. Those who pre-ordered before the official launch on April 24th were also offered a special founding member offer (lifetime subscription for $199 USD or reduced cost of $9.99 USD per month), and also received two special in-game items (a cloak of regeneration and ring of agility). Those who purchased the game after the release pay a standard $14.99 per month charge (three, six and twelve month discounts are available for all members, founder or not). European players had a similar though slightly different program from Codemasters.

• A Special Edition of the game was made available which included a full color manual, an exclusive item called "Glass of Aglarel" (when activated it gives the bearer a +1 to their Hope for 5 minutes with a 2-hour cool down). A "Making of" DVD, a soundtrack featuring all of the tunes and melodies from throughout Middle-earth, and a free 10 day buddy key were also included in the Special Edition, which was priced at an additional $10 more than the regular edition.

• The June issue of PC Gamer magazing includes with an activation code to get two special in-game items for all of one's characters: a bauble and a cloak.

See also

• List of Games for Windows

External links

• US LOTRO Official Website / Lorebook / Forums / Fansites

• European Community LOTRO Official Website / Forums / Fansites
• LOTRO MMO DB Online Database Largest LOTRO Database
• LOTRO Allakhazam
• LOTRO-Wiki dedicated to all things LOTRO