Massively http://massively.joystiq.com Massively http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Massively http://massively.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Get creepy with new Lord of the Rings: Rise of Isengard Monster Play screens]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/03/get-creepy-with-new-lord-of-the-rings-rise-of-isengard-monster/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/03/get-creepy-with-new-lord-of-the-rings-rise-of-isengard-monster/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/03/get-creepy-with-new-lord-of-the-rings-rise-of-isengard-monster/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Today we've got a few new screenshots for you Lord of the Rings Online fans out there. The focus of said screenshots is on the creeps of Middle Earth as Turbine shows off the upcoming updates and changes being made to Monster Play in the Rise of Isengard expansion.

On top of the new Monster Play enhancements, Rise of Isengard brings much more along with it. Three new regions will be at the players' beck and call as they traverse the forests and foothills of Dunland, the Gap of Rohan, and of course the eponymous Isengard. In the process of doing this, players will be able to advance all the way to level 75, after which point they can attempt to ford the dangers of Draigoch in a brand-new 24-player raid. Players will be able to take the Hobbits to Isengard on September 27th.

Gallery: Lord of the Rings Online Core Gallery

MassivelyGet creepy with new Lord of the Rings: Rise of Isengard Monster Play screens originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 03 Aug 2011 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>creepsf2pfree-to-playisengardlord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromonster-plaympoh-god-its-stuck-in-my-headpvprise-of-isengardturbineturbine-entertainmentWed, 03 Aug 2011 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[E3 2011: A ride through LotRO's Rise of Isengard]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/09/e3-2011-a-ride-through-lotros-rise-of-isengard/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/09/e3-2011-a-ride-through-lotros-rise-of-isengard/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/09/e3-2011-a-ride-through-lotros-rise-of-isengard/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

With the news that Lord of the Rings Online's third expansion, Rise of Isengard, was finally given a release date, it became our quest to hunt Turbine down at E3 and make the team give up the One Ring of Info. We spoke with a couple of the devs about the lands and wonders that we'll get to experience come this fall.

We began our journey at a village in one of the starting destinations in Dunland. It's there, Turbine told us, that an army had recently pulled out to fight the Rohirrim, leaving so-called "Oathbreakers" behind for you to handle. Players are tasked with figuring out what's going on and how these left-behind invaders will fit in with the local populace.

The devs told us that one of the recurring themes of LotRO's latest expansion is the influence of others on the Dunlendings. With the war stirring across the world, suddenly this isolated area has become a major thoroughfare for enemies and good guys alike, and both sides are seeking to woo the Dunlending tribes. If you're thinking "tug o' war," you're not far off.

Continue reading E3 2011: A ride through LotRO's Rise of Isengard

MassivelyE3 2011: A ride through LotRO's Rise of Isengard originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 09 Jun 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aaron-campbellcreepsdunlanddunlendingse3e3-2011ettenmoorsexpansionf2pfeaturedfree-to-playinterviewisengardlord-of-the-rings-onlinelotrolotro-storemobile-questgiversmonster-playoathbreakersphasingpvmppvprise-of-isengardRohirrimsarumanturbineturbine-entertainmentvirtuesThu, 09 Jun 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Blogging into Mordor: Finding the perfect name for your Monster Character]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/20/blogging-into-mordor-finding-the-perfect-name-for-your-monster/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/20/blogging-into-mordor-finding-the-perfect-name-for-your-monster/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/20/blogging-into-mordor-finding-the-perfect-name-for-your-monster/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,



While playing one of the Free Peoples (elves, dwarves, hobbits, and men) is usually what comes to mind when one wants to role-play in The Lord of the Rings Online, there is another part of the game that is sometimes overlooked - Monster Play. Once you reach level 10 on a server you are able to play instead as a servant of Sauron and participate in the game's PVP system (known as PVMP). Those of us looking to role-play a character on the evil side of the story can become an orc, a spider, an uruk, or a warg.

Most people participating in PVMP choose a name for their monsters that reflects its "pwning ability" in the Ettenmoors rather than actually abiding to the lore. You frequently see names such as "Pewpewpew" and "Hobbitmuncher". However, for those of you who wish to choose a name that is lore-appropriate, this guide will help you in doing that! So if you want a creative name for your monster rather than "Saruon" or "Wormtongxx" keep reading!

Continue reading Blogging into Mordor: Finding the perfect name for your Monster Character

MassivelyBlogging into Mordor: Finding the perfect name for your Monster Character originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 20 Jul 2008 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>creepsettenmoorsfeaturedjoystiqfeatureslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromonster-playnamingnaming-policyturbineSun, 20 Jul 2008 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[LotRO PvP guide: The basics of Monster Play]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/27/lotro-pvp-guide-the-basics-of-monster-play/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/27/lotro-pvp-guide-the-basics-of-monster-play/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/27/lotro-pvp-guide-the-basics-of-monster-play/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


In the realm of Tolkien's Middle-earth, the ideals of general PvP get a bit complicated. For instance, you would never see bands of Hobbits battling with Elves, or vice versa. It's just not something Tolkien ever envisioned. This is a sticky situation for the developers of an MMO based on Tolkien lore, as PvP is a staple in the massively multiplayer genre. The solution, of course, is to allow players to play as the evil creatures that inhabit these lands. Of course, it is still possible to do a one-on-one duel with another player at any time during the game. This is seen as more of a private skirmish deal, which would happen in any land between any two people for any reason. Perhaps a drunken binge at The Prancing Pony enabled the loosening of your tongue a bit too much? Perhaps that ruffian bloke in the alley over there was eye-balling you a bit too long? Whatever the reason, dueling is a perfectly viable option in Lord of the Rings Online. For the sake of this guide though, we will focus on PvP on a much larger scale.

PvP in LotRO is referred more accurately as PvMP (player versus monster player) and it takes place in one specific area known as the Ettenmoors. It is really unlike most other types of PvP found in more traditional MMOs, as it could almost be considered PvP for PvEers. There are quests to pursue, areas to explore and skills to unlock, yet they're done in a way that is essentially separate from the rest of the game.

Continue through to our PvMP gallery for a complete visual tour of the basics of Monster Play.

Gallery: Lord of the Rings Online Monster Play

MassivelyLotRO PvP guide: The basics of Monster Play originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 27 Jun 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>codemasterscreepsettenmoorsfeaturedfreepsgalleryguidejoystiqfeatureslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromonster-playturbineFri, 27 Jun 2008 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[LotRO Player Survey #1 looks at MonsterPlay]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/02/lotro-player-survey-1-looks-at-monsterplay/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/02/lotro-player-survey-1-looks-at-monsterplay/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/02/lotro-player-survey-1-looks-at-monsterplay/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Upon opening the Lord of the Rings Online launcher, you should be offered the chance to fill out a survey for Turbine. It is the first in what we're told will be a series over the coming weeks and months, and focuses on Monster Play, or PvMP. They're hoping to find out what players think of monster play as it is right now, and get a feel for where they should take it in the future.

Taking about 5 minutes to fill out, the survey goes over many aspects of the PvMP experience, asking very specific things like in the picture above, as well as more general questions to gauge player enjoyment and the amount of time spent in the 'Moors. Turbine has always seemed very interested in what players have to say, so hopefully the results of this survey will help steer PvMP in the right direction.

MassivelyLotRO Player Survey #1 looks at MonsterPlay originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 02 Apr 2008 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>creepsettenmoorsfreepslotromonster-playplayer-surveypvmpsurveyturbineWed, 02 Apr 2008 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Angmarim fortress exposed by new Lorebook entry]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/20/angmarim-fortress-exposed-by-new-lorebook-entry/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/20/angmarim-fortress-exposed-by-new-lorebook-entry/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/20/angmarim-fortress-exposed-by-new-lorebook-entry/#commentsFiled under: , ,

A new lorebook entry has graced the official Lord of the Rings Online website, this one focusing on Rhunendin. Long ago when the hosts of Angmar were driven from the North-kingdom, the they were scattered to the wind. Even though the Angmarim numbers were few, time was on their side. The many years that would pass gave these scattered remnants time to re-multiply into a strong force.

Continue reading Angmarim fortress exposed by new Lorebook entry

MassivelyAngmarim fortress exposed by new Lorebook entry originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 20 Feb 2008 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>angmarcreepsfreepslord-of-the-rings-onlinelorebooklotromonster-playrhunendinturbineWed, 20 Feb 2008 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively hands-on LotRO Book 12 tour]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/04/massively-hands-on-lotro-book-12-tour/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/04/massively-hands-on-lotro-book-12-tour/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/04/massively-hands-on-lotro-book-12-tour/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,


Recently I was taken on a tour of the Lord of the Rings Online upcoming content patch, Book 12 "The Ashen Wastes." And I came back with exclusive screenshots, lewt info and more video than you can shake a Balrog at.

Joined by LotRO developer Aaron Campbell and Executive Producer Jeffrey Steefel, I was first taken to the new public PvP dungeon, The Delving of Frór. This is a new design concept for LotRO. One side in the Player vs Monster Player war must take and defend three of the five control points in the Ettenmoors to be able to enter the new dungeon. Once inside, there is a wealth of content for PvE play: solo mobs, more than fifteen group mobs and five raid mobs.

But here's the hitch: if the other side gains control of the majority of the control points, their side can flood into the dungeon and attack you while you are hip deep in a raid encounter. At the same time, your side is shut out from helping if they aren't already in the dungeon. So not only do you have to coordinate your raid, you have to coordinate the defense of the zone at the same time. Gives a whole new twist to the raid strategy, eh?

Read on for seven videos and a full tour write up.

Gallery: Lord of the Rings Online Book 12 Tour

Displayable trophy of ThorogMountable trophies of Cave Troll and BogberethDisplayable trophy of Balrog raid bossNew outfits to wear over armor in Book 12Battle with Gaergoth the Unbound in the Delving of Fror

Continue reading Massively hands-on LotRO Book 12 tour

MassivelyMassively hands-on LotRO Book 12 tour originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 04 Feb 2008 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amarthielangmarashen-wastesbalrogbarbershop-systembarter-systembook-12creepsdelving-of-frorelrondepic-quest-lineettenmoorsfeaturedfellowship-maneuversfreepsjoystiqfeatureslotrolotro-chapter-10lotro-raidoutfit-systempvmppvp-setsthorogturbineMon, 04 Feb 2008 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EU LotRO dev chat predicts infamous Shaman fishing]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/03/eu-lotro-dev-chat-predicts-infamous-shaman-fishing/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/03/eu-lotro-dev-chat-predicts-infamous-shaman-fishing/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/03/eu-lotro-dev-chat-predicts-infamous-shaman-fishing/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

German Lord of the RIngs Online site Lotro-welten hosted its monthly dev chat with LotRO devs and community managers. Many of the questions for this dev chat focused on the new public PvMP dungeon, the Delving of Frór and the changes to the Creeps system. But most were requests for features that the devs didn't have any immediate plans to implement (translation: you no get!)

One participant complained that many questions were asked covering information that has already been announced. The devs explained that not all players read patch notes, etc. and the dev chats are another way to get information out to the public. So be prepared for a certain amount of repetition.

That being said, there was little new information to be gleaned. The few nuggets we found are:
  • The Hobbies system will be introduced in Book 13 with the long requested Fishing ability. More Hobbies are planned in the future.
  • A Shaman PvMP class is in the works for Book 13. That may not be the final name of the class, but the basic skills and abilities are in place.
  • Monster play Infamy/Reknown costs will be lowered considerably in Book 12 to allow players to level faster in PvMP.
A full transcript of the chat can be found on Lotro-welten's site.

Gallery: Lord of the Rings Online Book 12 Gallery

Elrond of Rivendell

MassivelyEU LotRO dev chat predicts infamous Shaman fishing originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 03 Feb 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>book-12book-13codemastercreepsdelving-of-frordev-chatfishinghobbiesinfamylotrolotro-weltenreknownshamanturbineSun, 03 Feb 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Player compiles LotRO PvMP Creep ranks]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/30/player-complies-lotro-pvmp-creep-rankings/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/30/player-complies-lotro-pvmp-creep-rankings/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/30/player-complies-lotro-pvmp-creep-rankings/#commentsFiled under: , ,


There's a post on the official Lord of the Rings Online forums compiling lots of high-resolution PvMP creep images from Rank 0 all the way to Rank 15. It's nice that there's a lot of different ranks, but some of them seem to repeat once or twice as you look through the actual tiers. We can't help but wonder if it's a little bit of a lazy solution for trying to keep a lot of variety in LotRO players' world. Don't get us wrong, there's nothing wrong with some of the skins - in fact some of them are great looking. However, others leave a lot to be desired as well. All we're trying to say is some consistency would be nice.

MassivelyPlayer compiles LotRO PvMP Creep ranks originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 30 Jan 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>creepslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromidwaymonster-playmonstersPvMPturbineWed, 30 Jan 2008 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Community-driven PvMP guide helps you kill good guys]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/21/community-driven-pvmp-guide-helps-you-kill-good-guys/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/21/community-driven-pvmp-guide-helps-you-kill-good-guys/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/21/community-driven-pvmp-guide-helps-you-kill-good-guys/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The Lord of the Rings Online's PvP system is unique. In the main PvE game, you can't play as an evil soldier who serves Sauron, the Witch-king, or Saruman; you can only play as a member of the Free Peoples of Middle-earth. Obviously, when every one's on the same side, coming up with a good PvP scenario becomes problematic.

Turbine solved the problem by letting players log into pre-made but customizable evil characters whose functions are limited to PvP. Other players take their normal good-guy characters into the battlefield to fight the "Monster Players." It works pretty well. The PvP in LotRO is surprisingly deep for something that at present occurs in only one zone.

Deep means complex, though; there's a lot to learn. That's why fans at the official LotRO forums decided to put together a comprehensive strategy guide to playing a Monster Character. It's a great resource, and the community is still updating it with new strategies.

MassivelyCommunity-driven PvMP guide helps you kill good guys originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 21 Nov 2007 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>communitycreepsforumsfreepslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromonster-playpvmppvpstrategyturbineWed, 21 Nov 2007 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[LotRO: Troll and Ranger Session Play out for now]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/15/lotro-troll-and-ranger-session-play-out-for-now/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/15/lotro-troll-and-ranger-session-play-out-for-now/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/15/lotro-troll-and-ranger-session-play-out-for-now/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Session Play in Lord of the Rings Online is a feature that allows you to take the form of a different character, and experience Middle Earth from a new perspective. From the official website, "You could play as a Ranger, a Troll, or... a chicken." Well, it looks as though your only option for now may be of the feathered farmyard variety, according to this post on Turbine's official LotRO forums.

The announcement from Turbine Community Specialist Saffron tells us little other than that there have been unspecified issues with Trolls and Rangers in Session Play, and that they will not be available until further notice. These two character types were formerly playable in the Ettenmoors Monster Play (PvP) zone, with Rangers for the Free Peoples and Trolls for the Monsters. A quick visit to the Monster Play forums shows that Trolls and Rangers have already been a topic of hot debate, with many feeling they were overpowered. Perhaps they will be tweaked along with other PvMP updates due with Book 12 -- we will have to wait and see what changes have been made when they are made available for play once more.

MassivelyLotRO: Troll and Ranger Session Play out for now originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 15 Nov 2007 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>creepsettenmoorsfree-peoplesfreepslord-of-the-ringslotromonster-playmonstersPvMPrangerssession-playshadows-of-angmartrollsturbineThu, 15 Nov 2007 13:30:00 EST