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Latest Lord Of The Rings Online News Updates and Reviews Updated daily
Lord Of The Rings Online : MMO features that haven't made it into Warhammer OnlineBy: James Egan
Sep 03, 2008 05:00:00 PM News Item: 4949
Filed under: Fantasy, Game mechanics, Warhammer Online, Opinion  Among the legions of fortunate Warhammer Online fans that have played through beta and the preview weekend is Syp from the Waaagh! blog. He's always entertaining and it's clear he's passionate about Warhammer Online. So when he writes about features in other MMOs that he'd like to see in WAR, you know he's not bashing a game that's not even out of the gate yet. Rather, he's genuinely looking at ways the game could be better.
Syp puts forth his ideal WAR feature set, which includes capturable and trainable pets similar to World of Warcraft's system and the player-created content and sidekicks of City of Heroes. Syp would also like to see WAR include an in-game music player like EVE Online, and other features drawn from Everquest 2 and Lord of the Rings Online. Have a look at the Waaagh! "10 features" post and see if you agree with him on what could make Warhammer Online a better title.
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Did you enjoy this? Make sure to check out all of our previous Warhammer Online features, and don't miss any of our ongoing coverage as Massively goes to WAR! |
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Lord Of The Rings Online : One Shots: Night fishingBy: Krystalle Voecks
Sep 03, 2008 02:00:00 PM News Item: 4937
Filed under: Fantasy, Screenshots, Lord of the Rings Online, One Shots
We asked around with the staff, and one of the surprising things they really enjoy in Lord of the Rings Online is fishing! While it isn't necessarily one of the things that jumps to mind when many people think MMO, you have to admit, it's a relaxing way to enjoy your game while chatting with your friends. Today's One Shots comes to us from ReijMan, who was enjoying some down-time recently and writes: I'm sure you got a lot of nice LotRO piccies, and 30% of them [involve] fishing, but I wanted to share this one with you.
Do you have a favorite thing to do to just relax and spend time in your favorite MMO? Perhaps you're all action instead, opting to see just what you can and can't get away with solo. We'd love to see your favorite MMO places -- just send them to us here at oneshots AT massively.com along with a quick description. %Gallery-9798%
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Lord Of The Rings Online : LotRO Mines of Moria ScreenshotsBy: Shayalyn
Sep 02, 2008 06:16:02 PM News Item: 4911
Is that a warg you're
riding or are you just happy to...oh, never mind.
Turbine has delivered new LotRO Mines of Moria Screenshots of the
Broken Stair, including deadly warg riders and other inhabitants of the
dark. See these and other screenshots right now!
The
most interesting of these seems to be screenshot of the warg
riders! Are these going to fight together or are they two
creatures who fight seperately if needed?
- LotRO
Mines of Moria Screenshots
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Lord Of The Rings Online : PAX08: Hands-on with Mines of MoriaBy: Shawn Schuster
Sep 02, 2008 04:00:00 PM News Item: 4868
Filed under: Fantasy, Screenshots, Lord of the Rings Online, Classes, Events, real-world, Expansions, Game mechanics, Interviews, MMO industry, Maps, Hands-on, Education
This weekend at PAX 2008, Massively had the opportunity to be a part of the first-ever public preview of Mines of Moria with Lord of the Rings Online Executive Producer Jeffrey Steefel. During this showing, Steefel showed us many of the main features of this first expansion for LotRO, including the Legendary Weapon system, the two new classes, the vastness of the mines themselves and much more.
The overall impression we got from this presentation was that this expansion is going to be epic. Just the sheer size of the world, which includes the mines themselves, more of Eregion and into Lothlorien, will be immense. This, combined with the game mechanic changes and additions to just about every aspect of gameplay, will speak volumes (pun!) about the potential of Turbine with this franchise.
Follow along on our journey through Moria>>%Gallery-31017% Comments
Lord Of The Rings Online : LotRO Interview with Jeffrey Steefel - Moving into MoriaBy: Morvelaira
Sep 02, 2008 03:40:20 PM News Item: 4907
What does success mean in MMOs?
Jeffrey Steefel, Executive Producer of Lord of the Rings Online, seems to be giving lots of interviews these days, but that's probably because it's convention season. When not pushing Mines of Moria, the coming expansion for LotRO, Mr. Steefel is busy thinking hard about how MMOs can reach out to the console market, and what success means in the MMO industry. Here are some of his more recent thoughts:
Eurogamer: How do you define success, though, when you don't have ten million players to brag about?
Jeffrey Steefel: The first threshold is, can you make a viable game, 90 per cent of people don't get past that. In some respects success is just getting past that. The next is, do you have an ongoing, viable, profitable business that is growing? Definitely hit that mark.
Are you considered one of the leaders in the space? No question we've hit that mark, in fact most articles that you guys and other write, if they're referencing a couple of MMOs it tends to be WOW and Lord of the Rings
And then, there's another level of success, which is reaching a certain mass-market critical mass, which to be totally fair, only Blizzard has achieved completely so far. We think that we are the game that has the most likelihood of being the second to do that, but we're not there yet.
That's a combination of expanding worldwide like we're doing - that's something that'll help expand the critical mass of LOTRO, it's definitely something that helped WOW tremendously, obviously. It's a challenge, but we're confident that we can get there, especially with something of this broad appeal and high quality.
The more and more I read what this guy has said, the more and more I tend to agree with him.
For the full interview, please check here.
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Lord Of The Rings Online : LotRO could be the next 'World of Warcraft' says Turbine's SteefelBy: Michael Zenke
Sep 01, 2008 02:30:00 PM News Item: 4822
Filed under: World of Warcraft, Fantasy, Lord of the Rings Online, Business models, Interviews The MMO industry is a battle with many weapons, and words are as powerful as code or quests in this field. Turbine's Jeffrey Steefel fired another salvo in a recent interview with Eurogamer, saying that he sees the company's Lord of the Rings Online as the next big mass-market MMO success story. Tie-ins with the upcoming Hobbit movie, the company's aggressive patching schedule, and the Mines of Moria expansion all have the game poised, Steefel thinks, for blowout popularity.
In that lengthy discussion with Eurogamer, Steefel also hinted at big changes coming to LotRO that might help with that blowout. The executive producer heavily hinted that their in-development console title is a console version of LotRO, which could be a big win for the MMO. He also intimated that the company's $14.99 subscription fee may be on the way out, with an alternative business model stepping in to take its place. Check out the full interview for all the juicy details! Comments
Lord Of The Rings Online : Terra Nova looks back (and forward) at the Diku legacyBy: Samuel Axon
Aug 30, 2008 12:00:00 PM News Item: 4806
Filed under: Game mechanics, Warhammer Online, MUDs
EverQuest, World of Warcraft, The Lord of the Rings Online, Age of Conan, Warhammer Online and many other MMOs all have one important thing in common. Well, okay; they have a lot of things in common -- like about 85% or more of their gameplay mechanics. But the main thing -- indeed, the reason why they have so much in common -- is that they are all descendants of a kind of text MUD game called Diku.
Acknowledging that, virtual worlds blog Terra Nova published a "State of the Diku" article for the year 2008. The article was written by Timothy Burke. It's mostly a dispassionate look at game design -- serious business. Burke starts out questioning the purpose of "vendor trash" drops (or grey items as they're generally known in many popular contemporary MMOs). Then he analyzes the public quests of Warhammer Online, viewing them as a positive variation on traditional Diku design.
If you're into thnking critically about MMO design, it's worth checking out. We take for granted the fact that most of today's MMOs are based on the Diku formula; maybe that means we're clinging to old ideas that don't make a lot of sense in today's world. Comments
Lord Of The Rings Online : Mines of Moria European Pre-Orders UnderwayBy: Morvelaira
Aug 29, 2008 11:50:35 PM News Item: 4792
Yet again, lacking with USA info
Codemasters, the European distributors of Lord of the Rings Online are now taking pre-orders for Mines of Moria, the much anticipated expansion. Adding to the confusion of there being no information for USA preorders (since that is handled by Turbine) is the impression the source article gives implying that the expansion will be released in 50 days.
Take heed dear travelers of Middle-earth, for news of the greatest kind has been uttered by the town criers in the streets of Rivendale! The all-knowing and all-seeing Codemasters is kindly taking pre-orders for a new adventure which will take you and your Fellowship into the Mines of Moria. Start packing your trusty sword, healing potions, pocket items, bow, plenty of lembas, and lore-master’s cloak now because we will be leaving in mere 50 days, so prepare yourselves well.
Is that a European release date I spy? Even if you look into the Mirror of Galadriel, none can tell the future!
For more information, please check here.
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Lord Of The Rings Online : Mines of Moria Beta Enters Final Phase!By: Morvelaira
Aug 29, 2008 10:05:12 PM News Item: 4786
Opt-in for beta available
Turbine Entertainment announced today that the beta for Lord of the Rings Online: Mines of Moria had entered the final beta stage. As part of this, Turbine is offering a opt-in to become a beta tester!
WESTWOOD, MA – August 29, 2008 – Turbine, Inc. announced today that The Lord of the Rings Online™: Mines of Moria™ has entered the final stages of its Beta Program and that players across North America and Europe are invited to sign up for a chance explore the dark majesty of the world beneath Middle-earth™. The Mines of Moria Beta Program is by invitation only and over time more and more players will be invited. Beginning today, players can register for a chance to participate in the Beta Program by visiting http://www.unlocktheminesofmoria.com.
“Mines of Moria extends the world of Middle-earth into the dark heart of the Misty Mountains where players will explore one of the largest underground worlds ever created. The Legendary Items system where players can craft unique and powerful weapons and armor that will grow in power and value is just one of the breakthrough features that will further establish The Lord of the Rings Online as one of the world’s premium online games,” said Jeffrey Steefel, Executive Producer of The Lord of the Rings Online. “Player enthusiasm continues to exceed our expectations at every milestone and we are very excited to enter this stage of our Beta Program and take the next major step toward our launch.”
For more information about the expansion, please visit Unlock the Mines of Moria.com.
For instructions on how to sign up for the beta, please follow these instructions at the LotRO Source at Ten Ton Hammer!
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More Lord Of The Rings Online News
(Click to read)
Aug 29, 2008 12:00:00 PMLord Of The Rings Online : Turbine offers last chance at Moria beta test, new screens Aug 29, 2008 08:00:00 AMLord Of The Rings Online : The Daily Grind: What are you most excited about seeing at PAX? Aug 28, 2008 06:00:00 PMLord Of The Rings Online : LotRO Lorebook updates players on ancient horrors Aug 27, 2008 02:10:47 PMLord Of The Rings Online : LotRO Bree-Land Quest Item Update Aug 26, 2008 06:30:00 PMLord Of The Rings Online : Mines of Moria pre-order now available in Europe Aug 26, 2008 03:00:00 PMLord Of The Rings Online : Turbine licenses cross-platform Havok engine for new MMO Aug 26, 2008 09:00:00 AMLord Of The Rings Online : The science of farming nodes and playing the market Aug 25, 2008 02:00:00 PMLord Of The Rings Online : One Shots: An epic ending Aug 23, 2008 01:00:00 PMLord Of The Rings Online : LotRO's Summer Festival returns until September 1st Aug 22, 2008 12:00:00 PMLord Of The Rings Online : LotRO Ring-lore collection is finally complete, now what? Aug 21, 2008 02:00:00 PMLord Of The Rings Online : One Shots: Rawhide! Aug 21, 2008 12:00:00 PMLord Of The Rings Online : Newest LotRO patch fixes Auction House bug Aug 20, 2008 06:00:00 PMLord Of The Rings Online : Massively's guide to the LotRO vanity pets Aug 20, 2008 04:00:00 PMLord Of The Rings Online : New Mines of Moria info and screenshots released Aug 18, 2008 02:00:00 PMLord Of The Rings Online : One Shots: We'd rather be fishing Aug 17, 2008 08:00:00 PMLord Of The Rings Online : Making/Money: Unlocking More Money Aug 16, 2008 02:00:00 PMLord Of The Rings Online : One Shots: This is why we love rainstorms Aug 13, 2008 05:00:00 PMLord Of The Rings Online : Exploring Middle-earth: Fashat Laug Aug 13, 2008 02:00:00 PMLord Of The Rings Online : One Shots: A case of schadenfreude Aug 13, 2008 01:00:00 PMLord Of The Rings Online : LotRO: Mines of Moria screenshots from Hollin Gate Aug 11, 2008 06:00:00 PMLord Of The Rings Online : LotRO Competition: Spend your summer in Middle-earth Aug 11, 2008 09:00:00 AMLord Of The Rings Online : Beginner's guide to LotRO housing Aug 09, 2008 02:30:00 PMLord Of The Rings Online : One Shots: A few too many Aug 08, 2008 07:00:00 PMLord Of The Rings Online : Turbine announces player gathering at PAX Jul 28, 2008 08:00:00 PMLord Of The Rings Online : Official Asheron's Call blog is nostalgic Jul 23, 2008 08:00:00 AMLord Of The Rings Online : The Daily Grind: Were you going to play Mythos? Jul 03, 2008 10:30:00 AMLord Of The Rings Online : Massively interviews Adam Mersky on Turbine's E3 no-show Jun 14, 2008 08:00:00 AMLord Of The Rings Online : The Daily Grind: Should MMOGs and virtual worlds be separate? Jun 10, 2008 06:30:00 PMLord Of The Rings Online : Turbine honored in top private companies list Jun 05, 2008 05:30:00 PMLord Of The Rings Online : Turbine raises chunk of cash, working on new title? Jun 01, 2008 03:30:00 PMLord Of The Rings Online : Entropia Universe Ambassador interview: Why play EU? May 30, 2008 08:00:00 AMLord Of The Rings Online : The Daily Grind: Why can't Earth have a fantasy MMO? May 27, 2008 11:01:00 AMLord Of The Rings Online : D&DO Module 7: Other updates, and the future of DDO May 22, 2008 02:00:00 PMLord Of The Rings Online : One Shots: Now that's a bunch of ugly! May 19, 2008 02:00:00 PMLord Of The Rings Online : One Shots: Traveling in style Apr 30, 2008 01:30:00 PMLord Of The Rings Online : From Virtual World to MMO: Gaia Online Apr 18, 2008 04:00:00 PMLord Of The Rings Online : Player vs. Everything: Coolest classes ever Apr 14, 2008 09:00:00 PMLord Of The Rings Online : Turbine is selected as one of the northeast's top 100 companies Apr 13, 2008 11:00:00 AMLord Of The Rings Online : Making/Money: Newbs at Auction Apr 04, 2008 05:00:00 PMLord Of The Rings Online : The saga of Mythica (and other tales of MMO death and delay) Apr 03, 2008 10:00:00 AMLord Of The Rings Online : A glimpse into Quarterstone, the jewel of Spellborn Apr 01, 2008 11:00:00 AMLord Of The Rings Online : Massively Spring Event coverage in pictures (and a video) Mar 24, 2008 08:00:00 AMLord Of The Rings Online : The Daily Grind: monthly fee or microtransactions? Mar 23, 2008 08:30:00 AMLord Of The Rings Online : Massively surveys MMO Easter events Mar 17, 2008 09:00:00 AMLord Of The Rings Online : Celebrating St. Patrick's Day MMO-style Feb 23, 2008 09:20:00 PMLord Of The Rings Online : Scheduled downtime for Turbine games on Monday Jan 30, 2008 09:00:00 PMLord Of The Rings Online : LotRO Book 12 introduces Delving of Frór PvMP dungeon Jan 28, 2008 09:00:00 AMLord Of The Rings Online : Looking ahead during Turbine downtime Jan 04, 2008 09:00:00 PMLord Of The Rings Online : Codemasters announce "Connect 2008", MMORPG event for Europeans Dec 12, 2007 09:30:00 AMLord Of The Rings Online : MMO subscriptions report -- who is beating whom? Dec 06, 2007 03:00:00 PMLord Of The Rings Online : As the Worlds Turn: Neverending Stories Dec 05, 2007 09:30:00 AMLord Of The Rings Online : O Death, where is thy sting? Nov 15, 2007 08:01:00 PMLord Of The Rings Online : Dofus embraces permadeath with new hardcore servers
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