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 to LOTRO) is a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) for Microsoft Windows set in a fantasy universe based upon J. R. R. Tolkien's Middle-earth writings. It takes place during the time period of The Lord of the Rings.

The Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar was developed by Turbine and is subscription-based and requires Internet access. It launched in Canada, the United States, Australia, Japan and Europe on April 24, 2007. In China, beta testing started in July 2007, and the game was released by the end of 2007. The first expansion pack, Mines of Moria, has been announced to be released in Autumn 2008.

Gameplay

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 any other works in Tolkien's legendarium, such as The Silmarillion or The Children of Húrin.

The player controls a character avatar which can be moved around the game world and interacts with other players, non-player (computer-controlled) characters (or "NPC's") and other entities in the virtual world. Camera angles can be switched between first-person and third-person options. Player's characters are improved by gaining "levels". A character's level increases after it earns a set amount of experience points through the player versus environment (or "PvE") combat and storyline adventures. Characters abilities are improved by increasing in level, but character skills must be purchased from specified NPC's after gaining a new level.

The main storyline (also known as the "Epic Quest Line") is set up as a series of "Books", which feature quests called "Chapters". There were initially eight Books when the game was released, with each major update has adding a new Book.

Player versus player (PvP) combat is included in the form called "Monster Play" or "Player vs Monster Player (PvMP)". Monster Play is unlocked at level 10, when players can automatically become level 50 monsters that are restricted to a few areas of the game. Players control playable monster characters, which can complete quests and attack other non-monster player characters.

Another aspect of character development are the inclusion of Destiny Points. Destiny Points are awarded for leveling and completing quests and can be used to temporarily increase some of your abilities or skills. These points can also be earned through combat in Monster Play.

Tolkien's Middle-earth as represented in Lord Of The Rings Online implements magic in a different manner than other MMORPG's such as World of Warcraft. There are only five "wizards" in the fictional world, none of which are player controlled. Instead, there are active skills which require "power" (the equivalent of magic points). Some skills behave like magic (like healing or throwing a burning ember at an enemy), but are based on "lore". In addition, objects and artifacts are used to create effects similar to magic.

Other features include a fast travel system and a detailed quest log with tracker and history.

Deeds

Characters obtain titles and traits by completing "deeds" in the game. Deeds can be achieved by completing multiple tasks, such as killing a set amount of monsters, using a certain ability a set number of times, completing a number of quests in a given time period or finding certain locations or unique items.

Titles

Titles have no direct impact on gameplay. Instead they provide another means of customization by adding additional information to your name. Some titles are common while others can be difficult to obtain. Each character starts with one title that indicates their origin. Titles are earned by completing deeds and quests and by mastering tiers in professions. Only one title can be active at a time.

Examples of titles:

• <your name> of Bree (One of the many origin titles that players start with)
• <your name> the Undying (received by attaining level 20 without being defeated)
• <your name>, Spider-Foe (received by defeating 30 spiders in the Bree-lands)
• <your name>, Pie-eating Champion (received after winning a pie-eating contest)
• <your name>, Master Apprentice Woodworker (received after finishing both the basic and master-level tiers of Apprentice Woodworking)
• <your name>, Vanquisher of Thaurlauch (received after defeating the final raid boss in the Rift of Nurz Ghashu)

Traits

Each character has the ability to equip traits earned during the game. Traits give characters a myriad of different bonuses or abilities. Any trait combination can be equipped as long as they have enough trait slots. The number of free trait slots depends on their level. The first virtue trait slot is available at level 7, for example. Virtue, class and racial traits offer a maximum of five slots, and legendary traits offer two slots. Traits can be easily changed by visiting a bard found in most towns, and equipping traits costs a certain amount of money.

Types of traits include:

• Virtue

Virtue traits are common amongst all races and classes and can be earned by completing general goals, such as killing a set number of monsters, or completing enough quests in an area. These traits generally improve stats, resistances and total morale and power, including regeneration. There are a large variety of goals, and each has multiple levels that can be earned during the course of the game.

• Class

Class traits are 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 improve the power of certain abilities and often give an additional passive bonus to character statistics.

• Racial

Racial traits are specific to each of the races. These traits confer special abilities or improvements, and only a relatively limited number can be used at one time.

• Legendary

Legendary traits confer rare bonuses. They are obtained by collecting class-specific books and their pages which drop from specific enemies, or from a series of level 45 class-specific quests.

Music System

Characters that reach level 5 can learn to play the lute and, depending on their class, other instruments. Minstrels can learn to play all of the instruments, including bagpipes and cowbells. Using macros, the instrument can be played in real time on three octaves and abc notation, with the music broadcast to nearby players who have not disabled hearing it.

Setting

As of Book 12, The Lord of the Rings Online is set during The Fellowship of the Ring. The player starts simultaneously with Frodo and company leaving The Shire. Later on the timeline freezes with the Fellowship waiting for their departure in Rivendell. Players are able to meet the characters from Tolkien's story, including all of the Fellowship at varying points in-game.

In the initial release, only the area of Eriador was available. Eriador was further divided in Ered Luin, The Shire, Breeland (this included the area around Bree, the Old Forest and the Barrow-downs), North Downs (Fornost), Lone Lands (the area around Amon Sûl), Trollshaws (the area surrounding Rivendell), Misty Mountains (including Goblin Town), Angmar and the Ettenmoors. The Shores of Evendim update added the region surrounding Lake Evendim and Annúminas, about 100 miles north of the Shire. Expansion packs will follow the journey of the Fellowship: Rhovanion, Rohan, Gondor, and Mordor.

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.

• Man
• Elf

• Dwarf
• Hobbit

Classes

There are 7 classes that can be played in Lord of the Rings Online: Burglar, Captain, Champion, Guardian, Hunter, Lore-master, and Minstrel. The following section will give a description of each of the 7 classes, and then a matrix giving useful information about the classes.

• Burglar:

A stealthy trickster, the Burglar can dart in and out of the shadows to befuddle, weaken, or damage foes. An unexpected strike from behind by a burglar can stun or trip enemies, allowing others in his party to combine their efforts for a devastating attack. Unassuming on his own, a burglar would be wise to not be caught alone.

The Burglar is the class of choice for players that enjoy using cunning and tricks to defeat their opponents. Using concealment, a Burglar can strike from the shadows, taking his opponents unawares. With his wit, a Burglar can show his allies where a foe's weakness lies — or trap someone in a riddle. A Burglar's combat style hinges on his ability to outmaneuver and outwit opponents while hitting them where it hurts.

• Captain:

Bearing their banner into battle, a Captain provides hope and leadership to their fellows, inspiring them to greater deeds. A skilled Captain can rally a party back from the brink of defeat, or seal a victory against many foes. While a Captain is a respected fighter on his or her own accord, they are primarily driven by their powerful sense of leadership to those fighting around them.

The Captain is the class of choice for players who enjoy supporting their fellows while participating in melee combat. Their battle cries allow them to take advantage of certain events in combat to aid the morale or combat ability of their fellows. A Captain's style of combat focuses on inspiring those around them to glory.

• The Champion:

A true master of arms, Champions excel at combat, focusing on little other than destroying their foes. The Champion's whirling blades can strike fear into the heart of even the foulest orc, cutting down swaths of their numbers at once. While a Champion's training and armor grants them some survivability, it is not their focus, and a Champion can quickly find themselves in trouble when facing several foes on their own.

The Champion is the class of choice for players that enjoy fast-paced combat with multiple options available at any given moment. Champions can use various weapon styles, but focus on using two weapons simultaneously. With their active play-style Champions are able to consistently cause large amounts of damage to both single and multiple opponents in combat. Their style of combat revolves around the idea that the best defense is a good offense.

• Guardian:

A doughty fighter and protector of the weak, a skilled Guardian can face even the toughest foes and survive. The Guardian is one of the few classes willing and able to try to draw more blows onto themselves, so they can retaliate with devastating maneuvers in response.

The Guardian is the class of choice for players that enjoy drawing the attention of their foes in combat and taking advantage of their missteps. Masters of the defensive arts, Guardians use taxing attacks and irksome taunts to draw and hold opponents' attention, relying on their shield and weapon to turn aside incoming attacks with blocks and parries. A Guardian's combat style depends on creating openings during an opponent's attack to provide the opportunity for their own counter attack.

• Hunter:

Woodsman, pathfinder, and master of the bow, the keen-eyed Hunter can use arrows to devastating effect from a distance. Archery is not the only thing the Hunter excels at, for they can lead their companions through the forest at greater speed than they could on their own, and can set up traps to ambush enemies. The archer is no close-quarters fighter, however, and would generally rather let their bow do the work than resort to a sword.

The Hunter is the class of choice for players who enjoy striking a target at range. Clever by nature, the Hunter is known to lure targets into traps to hinder them, giving themselves time to use a bow to deadly effect. A Hunter's knowledge of nature also provides skills that help his fellows survive in the wild. A Hunter's combat style depends on the ability to injure a foe while staying out of harm's way.

• Lore-Master:

A keeper of ancient lore and otherwise lost knowledge, the Lore-master uses knowledge of the lesser and greater powers of the world to stave off the advances of the shadow for a time, and to treat the wounds of their companions. In dire need, a Lore-Master can use this knowledge to hurt foes; but this task being extremely difficult, a wise Lore-master would rarely attempt it.

The Lore-master is the class of choice for the player that enjoys using the power of ancient lore to aid their allies and hinder their foes. Steeped in the histories of Middle-earth Lore-masters are able to aid their fellows in recovering from maladies caused by the forces of the Dark Lord. They can also use their knowledge to daze, harm, or hinder their enemies, as well as give of themselves to strengthen another. Some Lore-masters are even said to be able to communicate with animals and request their aid. A Lore-master's combat style is anchored in the power of knowledge and using it intelligently to defeat evil.

• Minstrel:

With song and tale, a Minstrel brings hope to places thick with gloom. They can inspire those with desperate minds and heavy hearts to great deeds. In battle, the Minstrel can turn the tide with songs that strengthen allies and dirges which strike fear into the hearts of enemies.

The Minstrel is the class of choice for players who want to aid their friends, inspiring them to keep going through the darkest of times. With a vast repertoire of tales both fair and foul, Minstrels restore the morale of their fellows, as well as causing enemies to despair. Though able to wield weapons, Minstrels prefer to let words, rather than swords, speak for them. A Minstrel's style of combat is based on maintaining hope no matter what the odds.

• Warden:

A new class, wardens, will be added on the Mines of Moria Commercial Expansion. Information has yet to be released.

• Rune-Keeper:

A new class, rune-keeper, will be added on the Mines of Moria Commercial Expansion. Information has yet to be released.

Class	Races	Armor	Shields	Weapons	Role
Burglar	Man, Hobbit	Light, Medium		Daggers, 1H Swords, 1H Maces, Dual Wielding, 1H Clubs	Debuffer
Captain	Man	Light, Medium, Heavy	Light	Daggers, 1H Axes, 1H Clubs, 1H Hammers, 1H Maces, 1H Swords, 2H Axes, 2H Clubs, 2H Hammers, 2H Swords, Spears, Halberds	Buffer / Pets / Off-Tank
Champion	Man, Elf, Dwarf	Light, Medium, Heavy	Light, (Heavy with Class Trait)	Daggers, 1H Axes, 1H Clubs, 1H Hammers, 1H Maces, 1H Swords, 2H Axes, 2H Hammers, 2H Swords, Spears, Bows, Dual Wielding	AOE / Melee DPS / Off-Tank
Guardian	Man, Elf, Dwarf, Hobbit	Light, Medium, Heavy	Light, Heavy	Daggers, 1H Axes, 1H Clubs, 1H Hammers, 1H Maces, 1H Swords, 2H Axes, 2H Clubs, 2H Hammers, 2H Swords, Spears, Bows, Crossbows	Tank/DPS with 2H Axes, Swords
Hunter	Man, Elf, Dwarf, Hobbit	Light, Medium		Daggers, 1H Axes, 1H Clubs, 1H Hammers, 1H Maces, 1H Swords, Spears, Bows, Crossbows, Dual Wielding	Ranged DPS / Utility / Nuker
Lore-Master	Man, Elf	Light		Staves, (1H Swords, Dual Wielding with Legendary Trait)	CC / Pets
Minstrel	Man, Elf, Dwarf, Hobbit	Light, (Medium with Class Trait)	Light	Daggers, 1H Swords, 1H Maces, 1H Clubs, (1H Axes with Dwarf Base Passive Skill)	Healer

Crafting

In LOTRO, characters cannot choose a single profession, but they choose a vocation which is comprised of three professions.

Vocations

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

	Forester	Prospector	Farmer	Scholar	Metalsmith	Weaponsmith	Woodworker	Jeweller	Tailor	Cook
Armorer		x			x				x
Armsman		x				x	x
Explorer	x	x							x
Historian			x	x		x
Tinker		x						x		x
Woodsman	x		x				x
Yeoman			x						x	x

Professions

Professions are either a gathering or a crafting one. Gathering professions are used to harvest raw materials, which in turn are used to create items using a crafting profession. The higher the tier in this skill, the better raw materials can be used and more advanced items can be made. Each profession requires a specific tool.

• Cook

Cooks create food items consumed to recover morale and power when not in combat and give temporary bonuses to stats. They also make lute strings that reduce minstrels' threat. Materials for this skill are harvested by farmers.

• Farmer

Farmers grow crops used by cooks. This skill differs from the other harvesting professions in that it requires seeds to grow items. Farmers also provide scholars with rare harvests used to make dyes and straw to make traps for hunters.

• Forester

Foresters gather and work randomly scattered wood. They are also able to treat leather found as loot from animals for use by a tailor.

• Jeweller

Jewellers create various pieces of jewelry, which confers benefits to the wearer, such as additional stats. They also craft hope tokens and runes for champions. Jewellers get gems and metal from prospectors.

• Metalsmith

Metalsmiths create heavy armor and shields made of metal. They get materials from prospectors.

• Prospector

Prospectors mine randomly scattered ores, gems and salts. They smelt ore into metal ingots, which are used by jewellers, weaponsmiths, and metalsmiths.

• Scholar

Scholar combines both harvesting and crafting. Scholars decipher lore usually found near ruins. Scholar uses lore items and other ingredients to make potions, bow chants and scrolls that give other crafters a higher critical chance to make a better - 'critted' - item. They also make dyes from plants, animal organs and mineral salts.

• Tailor

Tailors make light and medium armor. Light armor requires cloth from vendors, and medium armor requires leather from foresters.

• Weaponsmith

Weaponsmiths craft weapons such as swords, axes, and maces. They also produce tricks for burglars, traps for hunters, and shield spikes for guardians.

• Woodworker

Woodworkers make wooden weapons (bows, spears, hammers) and other crafting components needed by other professions. Woodworkers require treated wood from foresters.

Storyline

The main story line, the Epic Quests, focuses on some events that are completely made up by the makers of the game.

Book I - Stirrings in the Darkness:

After the introductions, the player is sent to Aragorn, who needs you help to weaken the Blackwolds, a hostile gang within Breeland, loyal to Saruman. After helping Aragorn and the Rangers, they send you to Tom Bombadil to destroy the evil in Othrongroth, The Great Barrow of the Barrow-downs. Though the Wightlord Sambrog is defeated, the Witch-king, Ivar and Skorgrim escape. Upon returning to Bree, you discover Aragorn has left with the Hobbits and the player meets Gandalf, who was too late to help. As he leaves for Rivendell too, he instructs you to find one of his fellow Istari.

Book II - The Red Maid:

Radagast the Brown asks for your help in cleansing Garth Agarwen from the evil wights that inhabit it. Ultimately you and Radagast will fight Ivar the Bloodhand, their leader and servant of the Witchking. After succeeding, you are quickly hurried to the North Downs to aid the Rangers there.

Book III - The Council of the North:

You are asked to aid Halbarad in uniting the three main armies of the North Downs, the Men of Trestlebridge, the Dwarves led by Dori and Gildor's Elves, to fight in the defence of the North Downs, keeping Angmar's forces out. After this, You are send to Rivendell, where the Fellowship has arrived by now.

Book IV - Chasing Shadows:

The Black Rider that survived the Flood of Elrond, is still in the Trollshaws, making it impossible for the Fellowship to leave. With the help of Legolas, Elladan and Elrohir, you chase the Nazgûl, destroying the Trolls he has corrupted, and forcing the Ringwraith to retreat to the Misty Mountains. You are sent to pursue him, where Glóin and Gimli have set up camp.

Book V - The Last Refuge:

Your search for the Nazgûl brings you to the final stronghold of Skorgrim and the Dourhands. An assault led by Gimli will result in the fall of Skorgrim and the Dourhands. But the Nazgûl has fled to Helegrod, where the ancient Dragon Thorog has been revived in order to serve the Dark Lord. You arrive just in time to stop the Nazgûl, defeating him and making the Dragon harmless, for now. Now that Rivendell is safe, it is time to move on to Angmar itself.

Book VI - Fires in the North:

A group of Rangers, led by Daervunn and Golodir, has gone to Angmar and their kinsmen want to know what has become of them. Upon entering Angmar, you find Daervunn safe in a friendly Hillmen village. He begs you to find his lost company, who passed through Rammas Deulon: a great series of statues that weakens (or even kills) those who pass it. But after destroying the spirits within them, you are able to resist the power of Rammas Deulon, and find the Ranger camp of Gath Forthnír. You are welcomed by Lorniel, who has bad new of her father Goldir.

Book VII - The Hidden Hope:

Lorniel reveals that Golodir has been captured by Mordirith, Steward of Angmar, and locked away in Carn Dûm. As leader of the remaining Rangers, and with the help of the Laerdan, Lorniel launches an assault on Carn Dûm, where she is slain by Mordirith, who then releases Golodir, to continue his torture.

Book VIII - The Scourge of the North:

Golodir's grief for the death of his daughter has almost destroyed him, yet he sees a chance to avenge her. Reclaiming an ancient sword, he travels with you to the heart of Carn Dûm, defeating Mordirith with the blade. Mordirith drops his palantír, a great seeing stone, which is quickly taken by the mysterious Sara Oakheart.

Book IX - Shores of Evendim:

You learn Sara Oakheart is no less than Amarthiel, a mighty champion of Angmar. She has set up a plot from Barad Gularan to use you to weaken Mordirith. Now she has the palantír, she can communicate with Sauron and challenge Mordirith's position. You are sent to kill all of Mordirith's Knights, in an attempt to further weaken his power. But despite your victories over Mordirith, Amarthiel only grows stronger. After losing Fornost and Barad Gularan, she moves to Annúminas, the ancient capital of Arnor. The Rangers there, led by Calanglad, need your aid.

Book X - The City of Kings:

A massive battle in Annúminas ensues, the wise Elf Laerdan offers his services to Calenglad. One of Amarthiel's captains is captured, but while in captivity, he angers Laerdan, making the Elf decide to fight Amarthiel on his own, in an attempt to make up for his mistakes in the past. Again the Free People have been tricked by Amarthiel and her servants. Together with the Rangers of Evendim, you are able to wrestle the palantír from Amarthiel's clutches, but Laerdan is lost. But within the palantír, Amarthiel saw a glimpse of where Narchuil, her ancient ring, lies. She is now determined to possess it's power once more.

Book XI - Prisoner of the Free Peoples:

Amarthiel's captain breaks free, killing many rangers. Soon he leads an army out of Annúminas, to find Amarthiel's Ring. You attempt to find the Narchuil before Amarthiel can, searching Trollshaws' ancient ruins. After much searching, it turns out Amarthiel is Laerdan's daughter, turned to evil. But all searching seems in vain, when it is revealed Amarthiel has already found it. However, Elrond does not fall for this trickery again, he realises Narchuil is still out there, and Laerdan knows where.

Book XII - The Ashen Wastes:

Amarthiel has Laerdan transported to Angmar, where she learns from him under torture where her Ring is. In a brave attempt to save both Laerdan and the Narchuil, you are able to get to them before Amarthiel does, despite losing another Ranger. But only half of the ring was found. Laerdan confesses to Elrond he has broken the Ring in two, and where the other part should be. But then he swears an oath upon Elbereth that he will not rest before he has saved his daughter, and leaves the Council.

Development

Sierra On-Line first announced the development of a licensed Middle-earth MMORPG in 1998. Sierra had financial troubles in 1999 and replaced the staff working on the game. Sierra continued to confirm development of the MMORPG but did not release any development details.

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. 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 bought the rights to make an MMORPG based on Tolkien's literature and that Turbine would publish The Lord of the Rings Online instead of Vivendi.

A closed beta was announced on September 8, 2006. An open beta began on March 30, 2007, and was open to all who pre-ordered the game's Founders Club edition. On April 6, 2007, the beta opened to the public.

Mines of Moria Expansion

Main article: The Lord of the Rings Online: Mines of Moria

On March 14, 2008, Turbine announced the first commercial expansion. This expansion will, in addition to adding new areas set in Moria, add two new classes and leveling items.

Free Updates

Approximately once every two months a major update is added to the Lord of the Rings Online. Each update is an extension to the epic quest called a book.

Book 9: Shores of Evendim

The first free content update was released on June 14, 2007.

Updates included:

• Discovery of Evendim
• Over 100 new quests
• Raid in the Battle for Helegrod
• Nine new monsters
• Collectible armor sets

Book 10: The City of the Kings

The second free-content update was released on August 21, 2007 in North America and on August 24, 2007 in Europe.

Updates included:

• Continuation of the Story Line.
• Legendary Play – Players can now use Destiny Points to play as a Ranger of the North or as a Troll.
• Critter Play – Players can now explore Middle-earth from a different viewpoint as a chicken.
• New Reputation and Bartering Systems – The Reputation system enables players to earn positive and negative standing with different races and groups in Middle-earth based on both monster kills and quest completions. The Bartering system allows players to trade trophies earned in battle for rewards, such as armor sets or mounts.
• Over 100 new quests
• Customizable user interface

Book 11: Defenders of Eriador

The third free-content update was released on October 24, 2007 in North America and October 25 in Europe.

Updates include (complete release notes):

• 13 new epic quests
• Player housing – players will be able to customize their houses with items such as furniture and doormats.
• Second raid called "The Rift" – 12-player raid in which players encounter a Balrog for the first time. Turbine has stressed that this is not the Balrog from Khazad-dûm.
• Two new areas – Tâl Bruinen in the Trollshaws, where Gollum will be introduced for the first time, and Goblin-town in the Misty Mountains, featured in The Hobbit .
• More than 100 new quests

Book 12: The Ashen Wastes

The fourth free content update was released on February 13 2008 in the US; and February 14 2008 in Europe.

Updates include (complete release notes):

• Continuation of the Story Line.
• Character customization - Increased character customization "ranging from haircuts, to some (possible) additions to the trait-system." In addition, the Outfit system, along with many special social clothing designed just for it, will be introduced where a second or third set of clothing can be slotted and displayed while retaining the statistical bonuses of the currently equipped items.
• The Delving of Frór - A new Monster Play PVE (and PVMP under certain circumstances) area will be introduced: An expanse of caves and catacombs located beneath the Ettenmoors.
• The Great Angmar Revamp - A revamp of the most high-level region of the game's current 9 PvE regions. The revamp included the reworking many quests, areas and other changes, such as new horse routes.
• Barbershop - You can customize the look of your avatar in-game with around 50 new haircuts and second set of details.
• Updates to the Burglar, Guardian, and Champion classes

Book 13: Doom of the Last King

The fifth free content update has been discussed by developers on Turbine's LOTRO Forum.

Updates discussed were:

• A new playable map area: the Ice Bay of Forochel.
• Players being able to see the ocean for the first time, confirmed as the Ice Bay of Forochel in recent developer chats
• Fishing - the first hobby of the game
• New PVMP Monster Healing Class - Orc Defiler

Book 14: Ring Forged of the Elven Rings

The sixth free content update has been discussed in an interview with developers and is schedules to come out during the summer of 2008.

Updates discussed were

• A Completion to the Shadows of Angmar storyline

Reception

Publication	Score
1UP.com	8.7/10
G4's X-Play	4/5
GamePro	4.4/5
GameSpot	8.3/10
IGN	9.0/10
Game Rankings	87%

The Lord of the Rings Online has been received very positively thus far, as reviews continue to appear since the game's initial release.

GameDaily awarded the game 9/10, 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, while 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. IGN.com ranked it a similar 8.6/10, praising it for its solid experience, though criticizing it for its lack of major improvements to the genre. GamerNode.com awarded the game an 8.8/10, calling it the best MMO launch experience since Ultima Online. The New York Times called the game "a major achievement of interactive storytelling, the first game truly worthy of the ‘Lord of the Rings' franchise and a must-play for just about anyone with an interest in Tolkien or the future of online entertainment." In a GameSpot review, the product was awarded an 8.3/10, praising its appealing polish and intriguing Monster Play feature. Gamepro.com's review gave it an overall 4.25/5, pointing out how engaging the epic quests are, as well as how faithful to the novels the game managed to stay. GameSpy declared The Lord of the Rings Online 'Game of the Month' for May 2007.

Midway announced that the game sold over 172,000 copies in North America during its second quarter.

In August 2007, Codemasters announced that The Lord of the Rings Online had received five Golden Joystick Awards nominations for the five applicable categories for the game, and in October 2007 that it had won the "PC Game of the Year" at these award.

In December 2007, GameSpy awarded The Lord of the Rings Online 6th place in the top 10 PC games of 2007. On December 18, Turbine announced it had also won the GameSpy MMO of the Year award.

Releases and subscription model

In North America, players who pre-ordered the game were offered a special founder's offer, a lifetime subscription for $199 or reduced cost of $9.99 per month. Standard month fee is $14.99 with three, six and twelve month discounts available. European players had a similar program from Codemasters. A Holiday subscription was available in December of 07 and January of 08 for $9.99/month for a 3 month commitment.

The special edition, which costs $10 more than the regular edition, includes a full-color manual, an item called "Glass of Aglaral", a cloak of regeneration, which is visually different from the one in the regular edition, a "Making of" DVD, soundtrack, and a free 10-day buddy key.

External links

• US LOTRO Official Website / Forums / Fansites

• European LOTRO Official Website / Forums / Fansites

• Japan LOTRO Official Website

• Lorebook – official wiki