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[Why I Play: Lord of the Rings Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/25/why-i-play-lord-of-the-rings-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/25/why-i-play-lord-of-the-rings-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/25/why-i-play-lord-of-the-rings-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Lord of the Rings Online - Oatbarton archway
It's confession time, folks. I change MMOs like most people change socks, so while many of my colleagues write about their long-term MMO love and possibly a backup game or two in this column, I'm more inclined to write about four different titles in as many weeks. In fact, by the time you finish reading this, I may well have moved on to something else.

That's OK, though, and that's one of the great things about the modern MMO space: There are just so damn many games that there's really no excuse for ever getting bored. And this week's infatuation is Lord of the Rings Online.

Continue reading Why I Play: Lord of the Rings Online

MassivelyWhy I Play: Lord of the Rings Online originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 25 Apr 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>editorialf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playlord-of-the-ringslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotrolotro-inn-leaguelotro-music-systemmassively-metametamiddle-earthmmo-musicmusicmusic-systemnon-combatnon-combat-gameplaynostalgiaop-edopinionplayer-generated-contentroast-muttontolkienturbineturbine-entertainmentuser-generated-contentwhy-i-playwhy-i-play-lotroWed, 25 Apr 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Do you play classes you don't like?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/17/the-daily-grind-do-you-play-classes-you-dont-like/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/17/the-daily-grind-do-you-play-classes-you-dont-like/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/17/the-daily-grind-do-you-play-classes-you-dont-like/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Lord of the Rings Online - view from the rez pad
I recently returned to Lord of the Rings Online in anticipation of the Rohan-themed expansion pack due later this year.

As I was looking over my character page and deciding which of my toons I should take to 75, I reluctantly decided to abandon my highest level avatar. You see, he's a Guardian, and despite the fact that I'm basically throwing away 58 levels and some pretty decent gear, I simply can't bear the thought of playing what is absolutely the most boring class in any MMO, ever.

Why did I roll one, then? Mainly because my launch-day guild was going for class balance, and no one else wanted to play a tank. And that's my long-winded way of leading into today's Daily Grind question. Do you play classes you don't like (and if so, why)?

Every morning, the Massively bloggers probe the minds of their readers with deep, thought-provoking questions about that most serious of topics: massively online gaming. We crave your opinions, so grab your caffeinated beverage of choice and chime in on today's Daily Grind!

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Do you play classes you don't like? originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 17 Apr 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>classesdaily-grinddo-you-play-classes-you-dont-likef2pfantasyfree-to-playguardianlord-of-the-ringslord-of-the-rings-onlinelord-of-the-rings-online-guardianlotrolotro-guardianmiddle-earthopinionrohanrohan-expansiontankingtankstdgthe-daily-grindturbineturbine-entertainmentTue, 17 Apr 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[See the shores of the Anduin in LotRO's Update 6]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/29/see-the-shores-of-the-anduin-in-lotros-update-6/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/29/see-the-shores-of-the-anduin-in-lotros-update-6/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/29/see-the-shores-of-the-anduin-in-lotros-update-6/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Lord of the Rings Online - Thinglad swamp
Lord of the Rings Online has a lot of ground to cover in its quest to follow the fellowship across the wilds and deep into Mordor. And like the mighty river Anduin, the game is slowly but inexorably snaking its way across the world that Tolkien created. Update 6: Shores of the Great River adds seven new explorable areas to Turbine's digital Middle-earth, and the company has taken the wraps off some new screenshots and videos to whet players' appetites.

The patch brings us to Thinglad, Parth Celebrant, Eorlsmead, Wailing Hills, Limlight Gorge, the Brown Lands, and the Rushgore. Take a look at each of these areas in our Update 6 gallery below, then click past the cut for video tours of Limlight Gorge and Eorlsmead.

[Source: Turbine press release]

Gallery: LotRO - Update 6: Shores of the Great River

Continue reading See the shores of the Anduin in LotRO's Update 6

MassivelySee the shores of the Anduin in LotRO's Update 6 originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 29 Feb 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anduineorlsmeadf2pfantasyfree-to-playgallerylimlight-gorgelord-of-the-rings-onlinelotrolotro-update-6middle-earthscreenshotsshores-of-the-great-rivertolkienturbineTurbine-Entertainmentupdate-6videoWed, 29 Feb 2012 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Turbine releases GameStop-exclusive LotRO Mithril edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/28/turbine-releases-gamestop-exclusive-lotro-mithril-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/28/turbine-releases-gamestop-exclusive-lotro-mithril-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/28/turbine-releases-gamestop-exclusive-lotro-mithril-edition/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Lord of the Rings Online - hobbit on a rooftop
Turbine snubbed box collectors with its last two Lord of the Rings Online expansions, but the company hasn't abandoned retail altogether.

The new Mithril edition is exclusive to GameStop stores, and while it may not be as valuable as Frodo's life-saving waistcoat, it does provide $50 worth of content for a paltry $29.99. Exclusive bonus items include a Steed of the Horse-lords mount, Path of the Fellowship quests, and 2,000 Turbine points to spend in the game's cash shop. It's worth noting that the Mithril edition is basically a starter kit for the full game, as it does not include the Siege of Mirkwood expansion or the Rise of Isengard expansion. Further details are available at the official LotRO website.

[Source: Turbine press release]

MassivelyTurbine releases GameStop-exclusive LotRO Mithril edition originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 28 Feb 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>box-copyf2pfantasyfree-to-playlord-of-the-rings-onlinelotrolotro-mithril-editionlotro-starter-kitmiddle-earthmithril-editionretailretail-boxstarter-kitturbineTue, 28 Feb 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[LotRO producer's letter promises a ton of content in 2012]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/26/lotro-producers-letter-promises-a-ton-of-content-in-2012/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/26/lotro-producers-letter-promises-a-ton-of-content-in-2012/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/26/lotro-producers-letter-promises-a-ton-of-content-in-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Lord of the Rings Online - The Shire
Can you believe that Lord of the Rings Online is nearly five years old? We can't either, but it's true, and Turbine's Aaron "Rowan" Campbell says the best is yet to come in his latest producer letter.

The piece is pretty short, and much of it is devoted to recapping 2011. Campbell touches on the Rise of Isengard expansion and the Turbine Global Service initiative (which unified the North American and European LotRO communities under a single banner).

The most interesting portion of the blurb occurs toward the end, and it features quite a tasty tease for the future. "In 2012, you can expect more content than you've seen at any time since our launch in 2007. We'll be unveiling details with you after the New Year," he writes.

In other LotRO news, Turbine is offering the aforementioned Rise of Isengard content for a whopping 50% off. The catch? It's a one-day sale that starts (and ends) on December 26th, so get it while you can!

MassivelyLotRO producer's letter promises a ton of content in 2012 originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 26 Dec 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aaron-campbellf2pfantasyfree-to-playlord-of-the-ringslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromiddle-earthproducers-lettertolkienupdateMon, 26 Dec 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New LotRO screens and video feature Orthanc, Isengard action]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/21/new-lotro-screens-and-video-feature-orthanc-isengard-action/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/21/new-lotro-screens-and-video-feature-orthanc-isengard-action/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/21/new-lotro-screens-and-video-feature-orthanc-isengard-action/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Lord of the Rings Online - Rise of Isengard orc and man
We're a few days removed from Lord of the Rings Online's latest expansion, and Turbine is ramping up the publicity accordingly. Today we've got a handful of new screenshots and a video for your viewing pleasure. The former focus heavily on in-game action and mayhem, while the latter is a dev diary that features senior producer Aaron Campbell and art director Todd DeMelle.

Lord of the Rings fans will be pleased to know that Turbine has recreated Orthanc to Tolkien's specifications according to DeMelle, and the new expansion will offer plenty of geek moments including the opportunity to rub elbows with luminaries like Gandalf and Wormtongue and to get a glimpse of Saruman's famous palantir. Head past the cut for the video diary, and don't forget to peruse our LotRO gallery below.

[Source: Turbine press release]

Gallery: Lord of the Rings Online Core Gallery

Continue reading New LotRO screens and video feature Orthanc, Isengard action

MassivelyNew LotRO screens and video feature Orthanc, Isengard action originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 21 Sep 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aaron-campbelldesigndev-blogdev-diaryexpansionsf2pfantasyfree-to-playgandalfisengardlord-of-the-ringslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromiddle-earthorthancrise-of-isengardscreenshotstodd-demellevideowormtongueWed, 21 Sep 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Road to Mordor: The unfinished expansion]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/26/the-road-to-mordor-the-unfinished-expansion/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/26/the-road-to-mordor-the-unfinished-expansion/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/26/the-road-to-mordor-the-unfinished-expansion/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

LOTRO Saruman
This week I want to switch from the general optimism of last week's Lord of the Rings Online forecast and future suggestions to something that's been troubling me the more we read about Rise of Isengard.

To put it frankly, it's coming across as an unfinished expansion. An expansion with promise, but one that needs a little more... oomph, for lack of a better grunt. More of an "it" factor, if you will.

Am I excited about Isengard? Oh, most definitely; that's not in question. I'm looking forward to exploring new lands, to meeting new people, and to killing pretty much everything in sight. I wouldn't kill them, but they're refusing to give me that loot, see? I'm pumped for skill consolidation, giving Saruman a taste of rebellion, and a new book in the epic storyline. I'm not going to be complaining come September 27th, I can tell you that.

And yet, I have to be up front and voice a few concerns that need to be said, even if it's just me being a worry-wart. I've been concerned that Isengard is not going to be up to the standards set by previous expansions, and perhaps there are forces of time, pressure, and external competition that have caused this to not measure up to true potential.

Hit the jump and follow my convoluted line of thought, and see if you come to the same conclusion.

Continue reading The Road to Mordor: The unfinished expansion

MassivelyThe Road to Mordor: The unfinished expansion originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 26 Aug 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>comparisonexpansionexpansion-packfeaturedisengardlord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromiddle-earthmines-of-moriamirkwoodmoriaorthancrise-of-isengardsarumansiege-of-mirkwoodturbineturbine-entertainmentFri, 26 Aug 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gamescom 2011: LotRO's Rise of Isengard screen captures on display]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/19/gamescom-2011-lotros-rise-of-isengard-screen-captures-on-displ/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/19/gamescom-2011-lotros-rise-of-isengard-screen-captures-on-displ/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/19/gamescom-2011-lotros-rise-of-isengard-screen-captures-on-displ/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Lord of the Rings Online - Isengard map
If you're not in Turbine's Rise of Isengard beta, A Casual Stroll to Mordor has some Gamescom screen caps you might be interested in seeing. Even if you are in the testing phase for Lord of the Rings Online's next expansion, it's worth a look-see if only to glimpse a few things you might've missed.

The screens were captured on a cell phone camera, so the quality isn't worth writing home about, but they do show off an early version of the Isengard map as well as new wound pots, Forthbrond Village, a portion of the Gap of Rohan, the tower of Orthanc, and Saruman impaled on a giant spike just like in the movies! OK, just kidding about that last part, but it was funny seeing you lore-monkeys twitch.

MassivelyGamescom 2011: LotRO's Rise of Isengard screen captures on display originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 19 Aug 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f2pfantasyforthbrond-villagefree-to-playgamescomgamescom-2011gap-of-rohanisengardlord-of-the-ring-onlinelord-of-the-ringslotromapsmiddle-earthreal-world-eventsrise-of-isengardrise-of-isengard-betaturbinewound-potsFri, 19 Aug 2011 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Road to Mordor: 10 things to do in the Shire before you die]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/29/the-road-to-mordor-10-things-to-do-in-the-shire-before-you-die/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/29/the-road-to-mordor-10-things-to-do-in-the-shire-before-you-die/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/29/the-road-to-mordor-10-things-to-do-in-the-shire-before-you-die/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

A couple of weeks ago I decided to embark on a long-planned project to play through the entirety of Lord of the Rings Online -- or at least a whole heck of a lot more than I ever have previously. My thought was that in the rush to level and progress, I had been skipping much of the content that makes LotRO so unique, and I wanted to force myself to slow down, take it all in, and get over the desire to hit endgame as quickly as possible.

Thus, I created Slyppi, a brand-new level 1 Hobbit Burglar with the intention of experiencing the game in full. My rules with Slyppi are thus: She will clear out every solo quest in a zone (including the epic storyline but excluding tasks) before moving elsewhere. She will go through all three newbie zones and ignore the fact that the quests aren't giving her much XP. She will take detailed notes, package them up, and send them back to me for the purposes of turning them into a guide to the interesting out-of-the-way quests and places in Middle-earth.

If you're anything like me, you probably die a lot, usually in very embarrassing ways (hey, that cliff wasn't there a minute ago...). Since we all have a death warrant on our heads, we might as well get the most out of our journeys, which is why I've come up with 10 things that you should do in the Shire before the inevitable occurs. Why 10? Because it's two in computer-speak!

Continue reading The Road to Mordor: 10 things to do in the Shire before you die

MassivelyThe Road to Mordor: 10 things to do in the Shire before you die originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 29 Jul 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>10-things-to-do-before-you-dieAdelard-Tookbag-endbeginner-areabeginner-zonebilboblack-riderblack-ridersburglarbywaterchickenchicken-playendgamefeaturedfrodogolfguidehaunted-burrowhobbylord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromathommathom-houseMethel-stagemiddle-earthminigamenazgulnewbienewbie-zoneold-tookpie-runningquick-postshirethe-road-to-mordorthe-shiretooktree-huggertuckboroughFri, 29 Jul 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Road to Mordor: Double dragons]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/22/the-road-to-mordor-double-dragons/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/22/the-road-to-mordor-double-dragons/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/22/the-road-to-mordor-double-dragons/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Last week Turbine released the concept art for one of its major bosses from the upcoming Rise of Isengard expansion: Draigoch. With it came a number of appropriate "oohs" and "ahhs," and no doubt raiders began thinking up uses for a giant dragon skull in their homes. But there was also a crowd that popped out to cry foul about lore molestation -- that this was a blatant example of Turbine pandering to MMO players by including the expected dragons even when the lore shouldn't support it.

A couple examples of quotes, first. "Yet whatever way you cut this idea, how can you integrate another dragon into the story? Smaug was the last one of his kind," Contains Moderate Peril complains. A commenter on our article sniped, "So Turbine's decided to entirely drop the pretense of sticking to the lore, then?"

Ouch.

As much as I am totally not attached to MMO lore in general, I feel like this might be a good time to both address this particular argument and also the larger one of Turbine's approach to Tolkien's world. Are giant dragons lore-breaking? Does Turbine simply not care about remaining faithful to source material? Do you have my decaf light mocha with cinnamon sprinkles?

Continue reading The Road to Mordor: Double dragons

MassivelyThe Road to Mordor: Double dragons originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 22 Jul 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adaptationberephoncontains-moderate-perildragondragonsdraigochdwarveselvesfeaturedgollumhobbitsjefJonathan-Rudderjrr-tolkienlord-of-the-ringslord-of-the-rings-onlinelorelore-breakinglore-masterlore-monkeylotromeomiddle-earthmiddle-earth-onlinemochapeter-jacksonrune-keeperssmaugsoapboxsource-materialthe-hobbitthird-agetolkienturbineturbine-entertainmentvivendiFri, 22 Jul 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Turbine announces LotRO's Rise of Isengard release date]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/07/turbine-announces-lotros-rise-of-isengard-release-date/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/07/turbine-announces-lotros-rise-of-isengard-release-date/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/07/turbine-announces-lotros-rise-of-isengard-release-date/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

The road goes ever on for fans of Lord of the Rings Online, and as of September 27th, that road will lead to Isengard. Turbine has just announced the official launch date for its Rise of Isengard expansion, and the update will add Isengard, Dunland, and the Gap of Rohan to the expanding Middle-earth map.

There's also a new level cap in the offing (75) as well as a new 24-player raid in the works. If September seems far away, take heart. Turbine has also announced that pre-orders are available today, and bonus items including a new cloak, title, mount, and bonus XP will be available in-game immediately after your purchase.

The pre-order comes in three flavors (the Base, Heroic, and Legendary editions), and each includes the full expansion and an escalating array of the bonus items listed above. Head to the official Rise of Isengard website for more and check out the trailer after the cut!

Continue reading Turbine announces LotRO's Rise of Isengard release date

MassivelyTurbine announces LotRO's Rise of Isengard release date originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 07 Jun 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>24-man-raidbreakingdunlandf2pfantasyfree-to-playgap-of-rohanisengardlord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromiddle-earthpre-orderpre-order-bonusrise-of-isengardtolkientrailerupdatesvideoTue, 07 Jun 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Road to Mordor: Four more years, four more years!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/22/the-road-to-mordor-four-more-years-four-more-years/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/22/the-road-to-mordor-four-more-years-four-more-years/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/22/the-road-to-mordor-four-more-years-four-more-years/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

While four years is not a nice round number -- or even a halfway number like five -- it's a substantial milestone for any MMORPG. Debuting in early 2007, Lord of the Rings Online introduced something we'd never seen before: a fully realized 3-D virtual Middle-earth where we could not only enjoy a deep MMO but explore the lands and meet the people we'd only read about before.

It might not be a universal truth that all LotRO players are big Tolkien fans, but I'm sure enough that it's a sizable chunk of the playerbase. There's something special about the IP that gives a weight and richness to the game, especially when a long-time reader of the books is given leave to actually go on adventures through Eriador, Moria and Mirkwood. It's a giant sight-seeing tour of lore, a thrill with every brush one has with the source material.

It's heady to consider that four years ago we were but starting on this journey, feeling out the mechanics of combat, crafting and pie-running. Four years later, LotRO has emerged to be one of the most significant MMOs of the past decade, growing strong with no signs of slowing down.

Hit the jump as we reminisce about the ups, the downs, and the off-the-beaten-path hikes of our beloved game as it celebrates its fourth anniversary.

Continue reading The Road to Mordor: Four more years, four more years!

MassivelyThe Road to Mordor: Four more years, four more years! originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 22 Apr 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4th-anniversaryaaron-campbellacadam-merskyanniversaryasherons-callatlas-of-middle-earthblizzardddodungeons-and-dragons-onlineepic-storylineeriadoreurogamerf2pfeaturedfourth-anniversaryfree-to-playgame-chroniclesjeffrey-steefeljrr-tolkienlegendary-itemslord-of-the-ringslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotrometacriticmiddle-earthmirkwoodmoriapvmpradianceseoulshadows-of-angmarskirmishessouth-koreatolkienturbineturbine-entertainmentwarner-broswbworld-of-warcraftwowwow-cloneFri, 22 Apr 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Lord of the Rings Online anniversary bringing double XP, beer]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/19/lord-of-the-rings-online-anniversary-bringing-double-xp-beer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/19/lord-of-the-rings-online-anniversary-bringing-double-xp-beer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/19/lord-of-the-rings-online-anniversary-bringing-double-xp-beer/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

The 2011 version of Lord of the Rings Online's Spring Festival may have passed into legend, but hope remains for Hobbits, Men, and fair folk when it comes to having a good time in the month of April (OK, Dwarves are invited too).

Beginning this weekend, Turbine is offering double XP on monster kills to celebrate LotRO's four-year anniversary (yes it has been that long) as well as a number of events designed to put even the grumpiest denizens of Middle-earth in a festive mood. In addition to featuring horse races, new cosmetic items, and anniversary tokens galore, the event marks the return of the much-loved beer fight -- sorry, the Battle for Glorious Beer -- wherein players are tasked with clubbing their fellows around an ale-soaked arena in Thorin's Hall.

The official LotRO website has a few details, as do the folks at A Casual Stroll to Mordor. The celebration runs from April 19th through May 2nd, while the double XP event runs from April 21st to the 24th. You can check out some new anniversary shots in our gallery below.

Gallery: Lord of the Rings Online Core Gallery

MassivelyLord of the Rings Online anniversary bringing double XP, beer originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 19 Apr 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4-year-anniversaryanniversaryanniversary-eventbattle-for-glorious-beerbeerbeer-fightdwarf-tossingf2pfantasyfree-to-playlord-of-the-ringslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromiddle-earthtolkienturbineturbine-entertainmentTue, 19 Apr 2011 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Find a little bit of Lord of the Rings Online all across Europe]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/07/find-a-little-bit-of-lord-of-the-rings-online-all-across-europe/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/07/find-a-little-bit-of-lord-of-the-rings-online-all-across-europe/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/07/find-a-little-bit-of-lord-of-the-rings-online-all-across-europe/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

If you're a player of Lord of the Rings Online on the European servers, Codemasters has a very simple request for you -- find Middle-earth. And before you get in your head to try to be a tricksy hobbitses by just logging in, you should understand a bit more context. The European player community is being encouraged to take part in a new contest to find Tolkien's setting all around, looking for the parts of the real world that most closely resemble Middle-earth in feel and appearance.

Running from April 7th to April 20th, the contest asks players to find a location that reminds them of a place within the game's setting, take a photo, and submit it to Codemasters with a description and an explanation. The best entries will win a variety of goodies, including Siege of Mirkwood hoodies and a variety of in-game prizes. Lord of the Rings Online was in no small part inspired by the landscape of Europe, so players should find plenty of opportunities to find the fantastic right in their own backyards.

MassivelyFind a little bit of Lord of the Rings Online all across Europe originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 07 Apr 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>codemasterscontestf2pfree-to-playlord-of-the-rings-onlinelotrolotro-europemiddle-earthphoto-contestturbineturbine-entertainmentThu, 07 Apr 2011 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Road to Mordor: Fashion show! Fashion show! Fashion show at lunch!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/25/the-road-to-mordor-fashion-show-fashion-show-fashion-show-a/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/25/the-road-to-mordor-fashion-show-fashion-show-fashion-show-a/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/25/the-road-to-mordor-fashion-show-fashion-show-fashion-show-a/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Major patch weeks are always a great deal of fun in Lord of the Rings Online as everyone digs into the new content, looks for hidden gems, and goes on grand new adventures. As much as I appreciate most everything in this week's Echoes of the Dead update, I have to say that, hands-down, the additional outfit slots made me the happiest.

Yes, I'm weird, but I can't be the only one who had an inner squeal of joy when Turbine announced that it was going to expand (via the store) the number of outfit spots from two to five. I've always, always loved the outfit system in this game as a way to give my characters a unique and aesthetically pleasing look versus having to stare at the mismatched armor they seem to pick up along the way.

In celebration of the additional outfit slots, I wanted to finally dig into the outfit system and look at the basics of Middle-earth fashion: where you get these pieces, how colors come into play, and where you might go for inspiration. So let's put on our finest frippery and strut the catwalk, ladies and gentlemen!

(I promise, next week I'll be much more manly. Probably.)

Continue reading The Road to Mordor: Fashion show! Fashion show! Fashion show at lunch!

MassivelyThe Road to Mordor: Fashion show! Fashion show! Fashion show at lunch! originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 25 Mar 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auction-housecolor-wheelechoes-of-the-deadered-luin-bluefall-festivalfeaturedfestivalgandalfhauberkindiana-joneslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotrolotro-storemiddle-earthmr-potato-headoutfitoutfit-systemoutfitsoutfitterpatch-weekpiratepiratessafari-hatspring-festivalthe-fellowship-of-the-ringthe-road-to-mordorturbineturbine-entertainmentwardrobeFri, 25 Mar 2011 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Road to Mordor: You're the best around, nothing's gonna ever keep you down!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/04/the-road-to-mordor-youre-the-best-around-nothings-gonna-ever/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/04/the-road-to-mordor-youre-the-best-around-nothings-gonna-ever/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/04/the-road-to-mordor-youre-the-best-around-nothings-gonna-ever/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Two semi-stunning thoughts hit me this week. The first is that March 5th marks the debut of my very first column on Massively a year ago, and I still have my life and sanity intact. The second is that even with the release of RIFT, which I'm playing, I still feel compelled to play Lord of the Rings Online just as much -- if not more -- than the new shiny on the block. These thoughts are related after a fashion, so just hang in there with me.

When I first came on board Massively and chose the game I'd be following for a presumably lengthy stretch of time, only LotRO seemed as though it would fit the bill. I knew it was a great game from experience and that I had a lot to do, see and learn about it, and I'd hoped that it had a lot in store to keep me from getting bored. Still, I was worried that I would lose interest after six months or so, as I'm a habitual MMO sampler. Could I settle down and form a serious relationship with an MMO like this?

It turns out that yes, yes I could -- and quite easily at that. While I had liked LotRO before last year, these past 12 months have helped me form a deep appreciation and connection with this version of Middle-earth. This relationship has held firm even as I've dabbled -- or dived in deep -- with other MMOs, because there's something LotRO has that I've never experienced in another MMORPG. So what is it about this world that sets it apart and has endeared itself to me?

Continue reading The Road to Mordor: You're the best around, nothing's gonna ever keep you down!

MassivelyThe Road to Mordor: You're the best around, nothing's gonna ever keep you down! originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 04 Mar 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bilbochickencouncil-of-the-secret-fireelves-suckf2pfeaturedfree-to-playgandalfhail-marykinshiplord-of-the-ringslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromassivelymiddle-earthmordormoviesriftshireturbineTurbine-Entertainmentworld-of-warcraftwowFri, 04 Mar 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Turbine releases new LotRO Monster Play screens, dev diary]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/01/turbine-releases-new-lotro-monster-play-screens-dev-diary/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/01/turbine-releases-new-lotro-monster-play-screens-dev-diary/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/01/turbine-releases-new-lotro-monster-play-screens-dev-diary/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

PvP has long been the red-headed stepchild of Turbine's Lord of the Rings Online. Given the company's desire to recreate Middle-earth as accurately as MMORPG conventions will allow, the thought of Uruk-hai gankers camping hapless Hobbits outside the Prancing Pony seemed pretty far down the list of desirable scenarios.

Thus, PvP was confined to the Ettenmoors and Monster Play was born, and though it's taken its lumps from competitive players over the years, Turbine continues to allocate dev resources toward LotRO's PvP minigame. As part of its PR rollout for the upcoming Book 3: Echoes of the Dead update, Turbine has released a batch of screenshots focusing on changes to the game's Monster Play system.

What are these changes, pray tell? For starters, there are new incentives for participating in PvP (including armor sets and a new type of runic called Insignias). Check out the Monster Play dev diary for full details, and don't forget to gaze at the new shots in our gallery below.

Gallery: Lord of the Rings Online Monster Play

MassivelyTurbine releases new LotRO Monster Play screens, dev diary originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 01 Mar 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>book-3dev-diaryechoes-of-the-deadf2pfree-to-playgalleriesgallerylord-of-the-ringslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromiddle-earthmonster-playpvpscreenshotsturbineTurbine-EntertainmentTue, 01 Mar 2011 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Road to Mordor: Rating Eriador]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/25/the-road-to-mordor-rating-eriador/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/25/the-road-to-mordor-rating-eriador/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/25/the-road-to-mordor-rating-eriador/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Lately I've been playing world traveler with my level 43 Lore-master as he's bouncing all over Middle-earth in what used to be the high-level zones of the game: Trollshaws, Angmar, Forochel, Misty Mountains, and Eregion. Once again, I'm struck by just how cohesive this place feels -- it's not a collection of Sonic the Hedgehog-themed areas (Green Zone 1, Lava Zone 4, etc.) but a world that connects together in a tangible, real way. Even though it's fiction.

Until November 2008, Eriador was the only place in Middle-earth that we could explore, and although some criticized Lord of the Rings Online for not shipping with, well, every locale in J.R.R. Tolkien's imaginarium open for business, it was a smart decision. The devs could take this section of the world and focus on building depth and detail instead of spreading it thin, like butter scraped over too much bread. As a result, Eriador remains a wonderful starting point -- not to mention the bulk of any current player's journey -- and many of us have grown attached to these familiar sights and sounds as a result.

Today I'd like to take a brief overview of all of Eriador's zones (we'll leave Rhovanion for another day) and rate them from best to worst in terms of zone design, questing, and that slippery cool-factor that's hard to define. Where would I suggest a summer vacation home and where would be an ideal spot for a penal colony? Hit the jump and let's run it down.

Continue reading The Road to Mordor: Rating Eriador

MassivelyThe Road to Mordor: Rating Eriador originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 25 Feb 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>angmarbreebree-landcrazy-cat-ladydwarfelfenedwaithered-luineregioneriadorettenmoorsevendimeverswimfeaturedforochelhobbitjrr-tolkienlone-landslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromanmiddle-earthmisty-mountainsmountsnorth-downsplayer-vs-monster-playerpvmpRhovanionshiresonicsonic-the-hedgehogthe-shiretoofertrollshawsturbinetwofervolume-1weathertopFri, 25 Feb 2011 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Turbine releases new LotRO Echoes of the Dead screens]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/23/turbine-releases-new-lotro-echoes-of-the-dead-screens/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/23/turbine-releases-new-lotro-echoes-of-the-dead-screens/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/23/turbine-releases-new-lotro-echoes-of-the-dead-screens/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Big changes are in the offing for Lord of the Rings Online's upcoming Echoes of the Dead update, and whether it's radiance removal, legendary item and relic changes, or the continuation of the epic quest line into Book 3, there's bound to be something for everyone.

Turbine has just released a new batch of screenshots previewing the update, and more specifically, the images give us a glimpse of changes to the character UI. There's also a shot of a rather monstrous undead dude sporting some pretty spiffy headgear, so do yourself a favor and check out all the juicy details in our gallery below.

Gallery: Lord of the Rings Online free-to-play

MassivelyTurbine releases new LotRO Echoes of the Dead screens originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 23 Feb 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>book-3echoes-of-the-deadf2pfantasyfree-to-playgalleriesgallerylord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromiddle-earthpatchscreenshotstolkienturbineTurbine-Entertainmentuiui-tweaksupdateWed, 23 Feb 2011 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Lord of the Rings Online dev diary details legendary item and relic changes]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/23/lord-of-the-rings-online-dev-diary-details-legendary-item-and-re/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/23/lord-of-the-rings-online-dev-diary-details-legendary-item-and-re/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/23/lord-of-the-rings-online-dev-diary-details-legendary-item-and-re/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

While the radiance mea culpa and radiance's subsequent removal from the game is the big Lord of the Rings Online news nugget of the month, it's worth noting that Turbine's version of Middle-earth will be rolling out some changes to legendary weapons as well.

In a new dev diary at the official LotRO website, Ken "Graalx2" Burd and Brian "Zombie Columbus" Aloiso spell out some of the upcoming tweaks. The good news is that the randomness associated with legendary items is soon to be a distant memory. In spite of the Pool A/Pool B legacies introduced with the Mirkwood expansion, players would still occasionally be stuck with item legacies that didn't fit with particular playstyles. New Legacy Replacement Scrolls will remedy this situation; they will be acquired through the deconstruction of an item with the desired legacy (or through the game's item shop).

The devs also have a bit of info to pass along regarding changes to the game's relic system. In a nutshell, the goal for relics was the same as the goal for legendary item tweaks: reduce the random element and give the player more control. To this end, the number of relic tiers has been reduced to six, as has the amount of time required to attain the top tier. Secondly, Turbine has added a new legendary item currency called shards, which serves to "bind various parts of the system together," according to Aloiso. It's a lot more complicated than that, of course, and you can read the lengthy details at the official LotRO website.

MassivelyLord of the Rings Online dev diary details legendary item and relic changes originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 23 Feb 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brian-aloisodev-diaryf2pfantasyfree-to-playgame-mechanicsgraalx2ken-burdlegendary-item-currencylegendary-itemslegendary-weaponslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromiddle-earthrelationshipsremakes+and+sequelsshardstolkienturbineTurbine-Entertainmentzombie-columbusWed, 23 Feb 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Turbine dev diary outlines LotRO Hunter tweaks]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/09/turbine-dev-diary-outlines-lotro-hunter-tweaks/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/09/turbine-dev-diary-outlines-lotro-hunter-tweaks/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/09/turbine-dev-diary-outlines-lotro-hunter-tweaks/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

The winds of change are blowing toward Lord of the Rings Online's Hunter class, and Turbine developer Brian "Zombie Columbus" Aloisio has penned a new dev diary detailing the efforts to make Hunters more interesting for high-level players. This is no small feat, as "the Hunter was intentionally designed to avoid complexity," Aloisio says. "The differences between the trait lines are a little shallow."

How exactly is Turbine going to achieve the delicate balance between easy-to-play and hard-to-master? Aloisio outlines three primary focus points for the Hunter changes: a reduction of the number of "filler" traits, enhancements for underused skills (as opposed to new skill additions), and general maintenance. The dev diary goes into great detail regarding the bowmaster and huntsman lines, with the former ultimately receiving a reduction in top damage potential but an increase in the overall effective damage and the latter seeing significant changes to Fleet Stance and Strength of the Earth.

Find a path to the official LotRO website for the full details.

MassivelyTurbine dev diary outlines LotRO Hunter tweaks originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 09 Feb 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brian-aloisioclass-changesclass-tweaksclassesf2pfantasyfree-to-playhunterlord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromiddle-earthtolkienturbineturbine-entertainmentzombie-columbusWed, 09 Feb 2011 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Road to Mordor: Hacked!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/21/the-road-to-mordor-hacked/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/21/the-road-to-mordor-hacked/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/21/the-road-to-mordor-hacked/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

"My kinship had just finished an instance run about a week-and-a-half ago and was in the process of reloading back into the world when I got the message that I was being disconnected because I had just logged into the Brandywine server. Huh? Suspecting the worst, I immediately hit up the Turbine Account page and changed my password then re-logged back into the game, which would boot the hacker offline just like I had been booted minutes earlier.

"I was lucky and did that before the hacker had time to switch servers to where my active characters are. Other kinmates have not been so lucky."

So goes the frightening tale of Pumping Irony's Scott, who shares this in the hopes that others may avoid a similar scare. Unfortunately, it seems as though stories such as these are becoming more and more common in Lord of the Rings Online, where the worst threat to your quest may not be the eye of Sauron but the malicious intent of hackers gutting your account while you're offline.

Today we're going to step off the path for a temporary side trail into the gloomy undergrowth of account security and an MMO under siege.

Continue reading The Road to Mordor: Hacked!

MassivelyThe Road to Mordor: Hacked! originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 21 Jan 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-casual-stroll-to-mordoraccountaccount-securityauthenticatorblizzardblizzard-authenticatorCodemastersCompromised-Accountcracked.comffxivfinal-fantasy-xivfirewallhackedhackersiphonelord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromalwaremiddle-earthparanoiapasswordpasswordspumping-ironysapiencesauronsecurityspywarethe-road-to-mordortokensturbineturbine-accountTurbine-Entertainmentvirus-scannerworld-of-warcraftwowFri, 21 Jan 2011 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Road to Mordor: My wish list for 2011]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/14/the-road-to-mordor-my-wish-list-for-2011/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/14/the-road-to-mordor-my-wish-list-for-2011/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/14/the-road-to-mordor-my-wish-list-for-2011/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

January is always a month of denial for me because it usually takes a full 30 days for the reality of a new year to settle into my skull. It can't be a new year! I just, just got used to the old one! I'm going to forget the real year when I sign my checks and then I'll be denounced as a fraud! What horrible teenage fad will be inflicted on us this year?

Seriously, Ke$ha was the final straw for me. She's like all four horsemen of the apocalypse melted down and recast as a talentless banshee with an ironic dollar sign smack in the middle of her name. But that's my problem.

A new year also means a virgin slate for all of our MMOs. What happened last year was so last year -- now we turn our eyes to the future. We know a little of what's upcoming for Lord of the Rings Online, but that doesn't mean we can't have wishes. You know what they say: If wishes were horses, I'd have the Steed of Night.

So in honor of '11, I've come up with an 11-point wish list of what I'd love to see in LotRO this year. I fully expect Turbine to drop everything -- everything -- to get on it!

Continue reading The Road to Mordor: My wish list for 2011

MassivelyThe Road to Mordor: My wish list for 2011 originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 14 Jan 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011a-casual-stroll-to-mordorcosmetic-outfitcosmetic-weaponsfeaturedhobbithousingiconsinstance-joinitem-storekeshalegendary-itemslegendary-weaponslfflfglilooking-for-fellowshiplord-of-the-rings-onlinelotrolotro-storemiddle-earthnew-yearpiesplayer-housingsteed-of-nightthe-road-to-mordorturbineturbine-entertainmentturbine-pointsuiuser-interfacevovoice-overvolume-2wardrobewish-listWorld-of-WarcraftFri, 14 Jan 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Lord of the Rings Online invaded by mysterious relics, takes home "MMO of the year"]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/11/lord-of-the-rings-online-invaded-by-mysterious-relics-takes-hom/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/11/lord-of-the-rings-online-invaded-by-mysterious-relics-takes-hom/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/11/lord-of-the-rings-online-invaded-by-mysterious-relics-takes-hom/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Hobbit Bungo Grubb is upset, and he has a good right to be -- after all, a stout black rock appeared in his pipe-weed fields and spoiled his crops something fierce. In a strongly worded letter reposted on Lord of the Rings Online's website, Grubb complains about the source of this menace:

"Right in the middle of my field, someone had placed a tall stone block bearing unpleasant symbols... Furthermore, this stone artifact, or relic, or what-have-you, is a public nuisance! Anyone who gets too near it begins to feel most unhealthy, and cannot bear to look at the thing for too long."

While the reason and consequence of this relic is unclear, the fact is that many like it are popping up all over Middle-earth. Players can track down five of these mysterious relics to earn the ominous-sounding "Calm Before the Storm" title. Is this the prologue to the Rise of Isengard later this year or something different entirely?

In other LotRO news, PC Gamer awarded the game "MMO of the Year" for 2010, saying that "when it came to keeping us entertained all year long with small updates, plus throwing us the occasional party with huge loads of free content, LotRO treated its fans the best." Congrats to Turbine for this award!

MassivelyLord of the Rings Online invaded by mysterious relics, takes home "MMO of the year" originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 11 Jan 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>awardbungo-grubbcalm-before-the-stormhobbitlord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromiddle-earthmmo-of-the-yearmysterious-relicpc-gamerrise-of-isengardturbineTurbine-EntertainmentTue, 11 Jan 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Road to Mordor: The Professor]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/07/the-road-to-mordor-the-professor/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/07/the-road-to-mordor-the-professor/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/07/the-road-to-mordor-the-professor/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

This past week on January 3rd, J.R.R. Tolkien celebrated his 118th birthday -- or rather, we celebrated it for him. Tolkien was born in South Africa in 1892 and lived a rich and full life, from fighting in the first World War to working on the Oxford English Dictionary to taking a position at several universities that would earn him the nickname "The Professor."

He is, of course, most well-remembered for his seminal works of fantasy -- The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings and The Silmarillion -- although his writings didn't end there. Due to Tolkien's love of nature, linguistics, and mythology, his creations were born out of comprehensive backgrounds and rich histories, which he seemed to love making up just as much as the stories themselves.

For years now, Tolkien fans around the world have remembered his birthday by raising a glass on his birthday and giving a simple toast, "The Professor," at 9:00 p.m. wherever they lived. Likewise, in Lord of the Rings Online, many players gathered at their tavern of choice to do the same.

Today I thought I'd remember the Professor in a slightly different way by exploring the quest chain "Missing the Meeting." While it's not completely overt if you happened to come across it, "Missing the Meeting" is a tribute to J.R.R. Tolkien and his life, and it's worth going through at least once if you want to pay homage and get a nifty token by which to remember him.

Continue reading The Road to Mordor: The Professor

MassivelyThe Road to Mordor: The Professor originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 07 Jan 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bird-and-baby-innbirthdaybrandywinebullroarers-swardcarlo-williamscharles-williamschronicles-of-narniacs-lewiseagle-and-child-pubelfevendimfeaturedfrostbluff-theatrehomagehugo-dysoninklingsjack-lewisdownjrr-tolkienlord-of-the-ringslord-of-the-rings-onlinelost-doglost-leaflotrolotro-wikimiddle-earthmissing-the-meetingnarnianpcowen-barfieldowen-farfieldoxford-english-dictionarypipepostal-servicequestronald-dwaleroverandomsouth-africathe-hobbitthe-inklingsthe-professorthe-silmarilliontoasttolkientolkiennaturbineuniversity-of-oxfordworld-war-iyule-festivalFri, 07 Jan 2011 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Road to Mordor: Rise of Isengard is coming!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/19/the-road-to-mordor-rise-of-isengard-is-coming/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/19/the-road-to-mordor-rise-of-isengard-is-coming/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/19/the-road-to-mordor-rise-of-isengard-is-coming/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

[Update: Made a clarification that there is no indication of "open-world" PvMP in the expansion.]

Times are tough in Middle-earth, even after the inexplicable appearance of several hundred thousand new adventurers this fall. The Fellowship of the Ring is broken, Sauron is rising in power, and the White Hand of Saruman is marching across the lands. Even the bravest and hardiest soldier of the Free Peoples cannot be blamed for feeling disheartened, especially in the face of the monumental struggle to come.

Welcome to the beginning of The Two Towers in Lord of the Rings Online. Welcome to Isengard.

The rumors are true: Next year we will be venturing into LotRO's third expansion, titled Rise of Isengard, to confront evil in its own backyard. While this may not be the Rohan or Gondor expansion that we've anticipated, Turbine is fairly confident that it will be well-received by players and will represent an ambitious step forward on (wait for it) the road to Mordor.

Turbine's Adam Mersky and Aaron Campbell were on hand to outline for us the company's near- and far-future plans with Massively, starting with the imminent November update and cruising all the way through 2011. Hit the jump as we look at interactive theater, busy bees, Monster Play improvements and, of course, Isengard.

Continue reading The Road to Mordor: Rise of Isengard is coming!

MassivelyThe Road to Mordor: Rise of Isengard is coming! originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 19 Nov 2010 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aaron-campbelladam-merskybreakingbusy-beecosmeticcosmetic-systemdourhanddungeonsdunlandeager-beaverenedwaithettenmoorsf2pfeaturedfedexfellowship-of-the-ringfirst-agefree-to-playgap-of-rohangondorikeaisengardjourney-to-winter-homelegendary-itemslord-of-the-ringslord-of-the-rings-onlinelore-masterlotromad-bagginsmiddle-earthmines-of-moriamonster-playnon-combat-petorthancoutfitpvmppvpraidsrandiancerise-of-isengardrohanrune-keepersarumanshadows-of-angmarsiege-of-mirkwoodstarter-zonestudly-mcawesometask-systemtasksthe-road-to-mordorthe-two-towersturbineTurbine-Entertainmentwardrobewhite-handwinter-homeyuleyule-festivalFri, 19 Nov 2010 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Road to Mordor: Will our journey take us back to The Hobbit?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/12/the-road-to-mordor-will-our-journey-take-us-back-to-the-hobbit/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/12/the-road-to-mordor-will-our-journey-take-us-back-to-the-hobbit/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/12/the-road-to-mordor-will-our-journey-take-us-back-to-the-hobbit/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


The next few years promise to be exciting ones for fans of Middle-earth. Ever since The Return of the King debuted in theaters in 2003, audiences have clamored for more of Tolkien on the big screen -- specifically, The Hobbit. After nearly a decade of back-and-forth negotiating and legal entanglements, it appears that this The Hobbit movies are finally going to happen, with Sir Peter Jackson once again in the director's chair and Martin Freeman taking on the lead role as Bilbo.

That's smashing news for movie buffs, but what does this have to do with Lord of the Rings Online -- y'know, that MMO we sometimes talk about in this column? It could be "very little," with Turbine proceeding on its merry way and perhaps enjoying the free boost to playership as movie buffs hunt around for a game to extend the experience. However, if the company were smart, it would be laying out the groundwork right now to synergize the heck out of the movie with a similar in-game experience.

For a while now, I've been chewing on the notion that Turbine could incorporate the events, locations and characters of The Hobbit into LotRO -- in fact, several of the key pieces are already in place. Could our journey in LotRO eventually take us back to the era of Bilbo's grand adventure? How would such a thing even work?

Hit the jump and I will smack your brain so hard with ideas that you'll forget all of your piano lessons. It's OK -- you didn't really need them.

Continue reading The Road to Mordor: Will our journey take us back to The Hobbit?

MassivelyThe Road to Mordor: Will our journey take us back to The Hobbit? originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 12 Nov 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>back-to-the-futurebattle-of-the-five-armiesbilbobilbo-bagginschrono-triggerdwalinenedwaithf2pfeaturedfree-to-playftpgloingoblin-townhobbithobbit-playlonely-mountainlord-of-the-ringslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromartin-freemanmcflymiddle-earthmirkwoodmisty-mountainspeter-jacksonreturn-of-the-kingrhovanionrhunrivendellsession-playsmaugthe-greatest-little-hobbit-of-them-allthe-hobbitthe-return-of-the-kingthe-simarilliontime-traveltimelinetolkientolkien-enterprisestrollshawsturbineTurbine-EntertainmentFri, 12 Nov 2010 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Anti-Aliased: End of line]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/27/anti-aliased-end-of-line/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/27/anti-aliased-end-of-line/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/27/anti-aliased-end-of-line/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Yeah, it's exactly what you think it is. It's one of those columns where the writer announces that she's packing up and moving out. It's a column where the writer talks about how she's been here for two years and 199 days, and has written over 1,018 posts that have included over 534,580 words. It's a column where the writer says goodbye, wishes that she wasn't moving on, but knows that she must.

Guys and gals, it's been an amazing two and a half years and it has been nothing but an honor to write for all of you. I know sometimes we all disagree, and I know I say some really insane stuff that leaves people going, "Wow, she really said that aloud?" But, I'm glad that all of you still come back to discuss gaming here on my column, despite some of our disagreements. Anti-Aliased has remained one of the most popular columns here on Massively throughout these two years and I am very grateful for your readership.

As I prepare to leave Massively and say goodbye, I'd like to take one final look at the MMO genre as a whole. Plus, I have a surprise announcement to make at the end! Yay surprises!

Continue reading Anti-Aliased: End of line

MassivelyAnti-Aliased: End of line originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 27 Oct 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>are-you-having-fun-yetat-least-its-not-a-speech-about-geeksbostoncommunity-specialistddodeveloperend-of-linefeaturedfungamergo-have-funguardianjobleavinglord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromiddle-earthopinionsepharielthe-lord-of-the-rings-onlineturbineyou-should-be-having-funWed, 27 Oct 2010 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Road to Mordor: You've beaten Sauron. New game? Y/N]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/10/the-road-to-mordor-youve-beaten-sauron-new-game-y-n/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/10/the-road-to-mordor-youve-beaten-sauron-new-game-y-n/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/10/the-road-to-mordor-youve-beaten-sauron-new-game-y-n/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Huh... what is there to talk about these days? Really? Such a slow news cycle for LotRO... hm. I guess there's that whole "getting rid of pesky radiance" thing that's going to save me from having to write a column on that convoluted system, so thanks Turbine! Other than that, life in Middle-earth is as quiet as...

As... as a...

GEEKQUAKE! RUN FOR COVER! EMPLOY EXCESSIVE CAPS LOCK STATEMENTS! LOTRO AHOY!

OK, so I might have been a bit facetious there. Shocking all of us, Turbine brought up the servers with the new patch an evening early, granting access to the head start of F2P on Tuesday night. I sort of suspected the devs were up to something when they kept rubbing their hands and cackling maniacally at PAX last weekend, although they claimed it was just a nervous disorder.

So it's here -- the biggest non-expansion update to the game yet and a literal game-changer to boot. F2P, wardrobe, scaled instances, Enedwaith, the LotRO store, and lots and lots of new (and returning) players have existing players giddy and twitchy. So how'd the first couple days go so far? Is LotRO F2P really all that and a bag of Shire Sweet-leaf? Read on, my short and stout brethren!

Continue reading The Road to Mordor: You've beaten Sauron. New game? Y/N

MassivelyThe Road to Mordor: You've beaten Sauron. New game? Y/N originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 10 Sep 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breecongregate-not-conjugatecosmetic-outfitdeedsdynamic-layeringdynamic-layersenedwaithf2pfeaturedfree-to-playgeekquakejazzlord-of-the-rings-onlinelotrolotro-martlotro-storemiddle-earthpaxpax-2010pax-primepax-prime-2010quest-markersreputation-deedsscaled-instancesshire-sweet-leafstar-wars-scrollstarbuckstpturbineturbine-pointstwenty-first-halluiwardrobeFri, 10 Sep 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Road to Mordor: If the road goes ever on, I'm gonna need a GPS]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/03/the-road-to-mordor-if-the-road-goes-ever-on-im-gonna-need-a-g/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/03/the-road-to-mordor-if-the-road-goes-ever-on-im-gonna-need-a-g/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/03/the-road-to-mordor-if-the-road-goes-ever-on-im-gonna-need-a-g/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Recently in our kinship chat, I asked my mates what they were most looking forward to in next week's patch. Scaled instances and the wardrobe were popular, but probably the most-cited change was simply the influx of new players. It's not that we were worried Lord of the Rings Online was dying, but that we love this game so much that we genuinely want others to experience it as well.

Plus, new players bring a rush of excitement for everyone involved. It's always a treat to look at an old game through a fresh set of eyes, and I hope that everyone logging in to LotRO for the first time will enjoy the sights of the Eriador, the quirkiness of the world, and the rich lore behind it.

In the spirit of welcoming these fledgling adventurers to Middle-earth, I wanted to hand out a few pieces of advice today that I would give to myself if I were just starting out (and I guess there'd be some sort of weird time travel paradox event going on there, but hopefully you catch my gist). What should you do in your first week in LotRO? Speak "friend" and enter.

Continue reading The Road to Mordor: If the road goes ever on, I'm gonna need a GPS

MassivelyThe Road to Mordor: If the road goes ever on, I'm gonna need a GPS originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 03 Sep 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adviceah-monkeyauction-housebree-landcommunityered-luineriadorexplorerf2pfeaturedfree-to-playftpkinshipslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromiddle-earthmordornew-playernew-playerssay-friend-and-entershireskillssmell-the-buckleberry-ferrytraitsturbinevirtuesvocationFri, 03 Sep 2010 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[We've got your key for The Lord of the Rings Online F2P beta test!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/26/weve-got-your-key-for-the-lord-of-the-rings-online-f2p-beta-test/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/26/weve-got-your-key-for-the-lord-of-the-rings-online-f2p-beta-test/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/26/weve-got-your-key-for-the-lord-of-the-rings-online-f2p-beta-test/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Step right up here friends, I said step right up! How would you, yes you, like to try out the title that has been 'causin a ruckus among us? That's right, friend, I'm talking about the one, the only, the hobbittastic Lord of the Rings Online[TM]! But I'm not talkin' about the one that's already out there, friend! I'm talkin' about the one that's coming -- the free to play version! Are you gamer enough to take it on?

All right, circus barker speech aside, our friends over at Turbine have supplied us with a special code for those of you who want to get in on the Lord of the Rings Online beta! However, there is a catch to this code -- it can only be used for 500 Massively readers who will be invited to the beta when the next wave of invites goes out.

Want more information, as well as the code you'll need to enter when you sign up for the beta? Not a problem, just skip past the break for all of the information you'll need!

Continue reading We've got your key for The Lord of the Rings Online F2P beta test!

MassivelyWe've got your key for The Lord of the Rings Online F2P beta test! originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 26 Jul 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betabeta-key-giveawaybeta-testcbtclosed-beta-keyclosed-beta-key-giveawayclosed-beta-testf2pfree-to-playj-r-r-tolkienlord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromiddle-earththe-lord-of-the-rings-onlinetolkienturbinewarner-brosMon, 26 Jul 2010 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Road to Mordor: A look back at Volume 1]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/23/the-road-to-mordor-a-look-back-at-volume-1/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/23/the-road-to-mordor-a-look-back-at-volume-1/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/23/the-road-to-mordor-a-look-back-at-volume-1/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

This past week I finally finished Volume 1 of the epic storyline for the very first time in my LotRO career. Yeah, I know, welcome to 2008, right? My inner survey department says that 60% of this column's readers finished Volume 1 a long time ago (and perhaps many times since), and are currently sitting there with a bemused expression as if to say, "Oh, isn't that quaint as a duck's burp?" The other 40% probably gave up on the epic storyline somewhere around North Downs -- AKA The Zone That Saps Your Will To Live.

While it may be old news, Volume 1 is still quite relevant in the LotRO landscape for many reasons. One, it's what I've spent the past month of my life playing through, and I always assume that everyone is experiencing the same thing I am due to being a raging egomaniac. Two, ever since it recently received a makeover that allows any and everyone to solo all the way through it, there's been a newfound appreciation for the quest line, even from veterans who gave up on it long ago. And three, with all of the new people coming into the game this year, it'll be the very first thing they experience.

So as I sit on my high (grey) horse and look back over all fifteen books that comprise this massive Volume, I'm struck by a number of thoughts: some good, some bad, some itchy. Let's reminisce, shall we?

Continue reading The Road to Mordor: A look back at Volume 1

MassivelyThe Road to Mordor: A look back at Volume 1 originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 23 Jul 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aragornbarrow-downsduck-burpsepic-storylinef2pfantasyfeaturedfedexfree-to-playgandalfhigh-grey-horselord-of-the-rings-onlinelorelotromiddle-earthnazgulnorth-downsprancing-ponyred-maidsara-oakheartstorythe-road-to-mordortom-bombadilturbinevolume-1whos-the-balrogFri, 23 Jul 2010 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Road to Mordor: Frolicking in Forochel]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/16/the-road-to-mordor-frolicking-in-forochel/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/16/the-road-to-mordor-frolicking-in-forochel/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/16/the-road-to-mordor-frolicking-in-forochel/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Call me weird, but I am an absolute sucker for winter zones in MMORPGs. For me, the season of winter always evokes a lot of powerful feelings as the landscape is transformed, homes are a sanctuaries for warmth, and hardiness becomes a desirable trait. A zone filled with ice and snow screams to me desolation and death -- more so than a fire or volcano one -- but in a beautiful way.

It's no wonder, then, that I've become entranced with Forochel in Lord of the Rings Online.

Added to the game in April of 2008, Forochel became a bit of an anomaly in the LotRO experience. It was a (then) max-level area that was off the beaten path, created to cater to solo players seeking adventure. In fact, if the epic story hadn't taken us to Forochel in Volume 1 Book 13, I doubt many players would have sought it out on their own. It's a shame if that's the case, because Forochel offers both breathtaking vistas and a unique questing experience that should be encountered at least once in your LotRO career.

Continue reading The Road to Mordor: Frolicking in Forochel

MassivelyThe Road to Mordor: Frolicking in Forochel originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 16 Jul 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chicken-playered-luineskimoevendimfeaturedforochelfrontiericeice-bayice-ice-babyice-sledice-to-meet-youinuitlord-of-the-rings-onlinelossothlotromiddle-earthmisty-mountainsnorthrendsnowthe-road-to-mordorturbinewinter-zonesworld-of-warcraftWrath-of-the-Lich-KingFri, 16 Jul 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Road to Mordor: Touring the fall's new content with Turbine (part one)]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/02/the-road-to-mordor-touring-the-falls-new-content-with-turbine/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/02/the-road-to-mordor-touring-the-falls-new-content-with-turbine/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/02/the-road-to-mordor-touring-the-falls-new-content-with-turbine/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

It just may be the dream of every MMO geek to command the attention of his or her favorite dev team, bombard them with questions, and be shown secrets previously kept behind closed doors. Well, my friends, today that dream came true for this geek, as Turbine graciously sat down with Massively for over two hours to conduct an all-access tour to the fall's hot new LotRO content -- including the details behind the controversial and anticipated F2P switch. Aaron Campbell (Producer), Allan Maki (Senior Designer), Elliot Gilman (Senior Designer), Brian Aloisio (Designer), Joseph Barry (Designer) and Jonathan Rudder (Lore Guru) were on hand to fly me through the new content -- and reveal a few big surprises.

To say that I had questions is an understatement; I fear that I sounded a bit like a six-year-old who peppers parents with unending "Why?" queries. Expecting to hear "no comment" a lot (after all, this content is in beta), I was surprised when the Turbine team enthusiastically answered all of my questions and then some. This is a team who know this F2P move is bringing some apprehension and concern, and they're trying to assuage that with as much information as possible.

So join me as we go through the first part of this tour, looking at an enhanced new-player experience, instance scaling and the addition of Enedwaith to Turbine's Middle-earth.

Continue reading The Road to Mordor: Touring the fall's new content with Turbine (part one)

MassivelyThe Road to Mordor: Touring the fall's new content with Turbine (part one) originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 02 Jul 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aaron-campbellallan-makialliot-gilmanannuminasbrian-aloisiodungeonsdunlandenedwaitheregionf2pfeaturedfree-to-playgondorgreat-barrowshelegrodinstance-scalinginterviewjonathan-rudderjoseph-barrylord-of-the-rings-onlinelore-gurulotromaur-tulhaumiddle-earthmines-of-morianew-player-experiencestoorstourturbinetutorialuivolume-3-book-2welshFri, 02 Jul 2010 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Road to Mordor: Enedwaith Exploration Expo]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/18/the-road-to-mordor-enedwaith-exploration-expo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/18/the-road-to-mordor-enedwaith-exploration-expo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/18/the-road-to-mordor-enedwaith-exploration-expo/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


E3 is always an exciting time full of announcements, reveals and hundreds of journalists attempting to leech every last drop of information from crafty studios. It's pretty much insane, and if your head isn't exploding from all of the news, trailers, screenshots and surprises, then I'm going to have to ask you to hand in your gamer card.

For Turbine, this year's E3 has been a crucial moment in the company's history. Not only are we seeing them under the Warner Bros. banner in public, but they had to step up and both defend and build off of the revelation of Lord of the Ring Online's new business model. They were smart not to save the announcement itself for E3, because the gaming public and the press needed a bit of time to both digest the news and get past the initial emotional reaction so they could bring the studio thoughtful questions. Turbine's undoubtedly enjoying its fair share of press coverage at E3 because of this, and that's saying something considering all of the other heavy-hitters like Star Wars: The Old Republic, Final Fantasy XIV and Warhammer 40K that are making appearances.

No matter what your feelings are on the F2P model, Turbine's got a lot more for LotRO gamers than just that -- in fact, they've been bombarding us with so much good new stuff that it's hard to know where to start. So let's take a quick tour through 10 exciting additions and updates to the game that they've revealed.

Continue reading The Road to Mordor: Enedwaith Exploration Expo

MassivelyThe Road to Mordor: Enedwaith Exploration Expo originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 18 Jun 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dungeon-finderdx11e3e3-2010enedwaithf2pfeaturedfinal-fantasy-xivforochelfree-to-playhobbyhousingisengardlegendary-itemslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromiddle-earthmirkwoodmoriaranger-session-playsarumonskirmishstar-wars-the-old-republicthe-eye-of-sauron-is-nearsightedturbinevolume-3-book-2volume-iii-book-iiwardrobewarhammer-40kwarhammer-40k-onlineWarner-BrosWarner-Bros-Interactiveweatherstockworld-of-warcraftFri, 18 Jun 2010 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: What do you think of LotRO's new F2P model?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/05/the-daily-grind-what-do-you-think-of-lotros-new-f2p-model/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/05/the-daily-grind-what-do-you-think-of-lotros-new-f2p-model/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/05/the-daily-grind-what-do-you-think-of-lotros-new-f2p-model/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

While predicted and anticipated by some, the news that Lord of the Rings Online is going free-to-play this fall still hit like a 1,000-pound bomb yesterday. The new free-to-play LotRO forums were abuzz about the topic, some excited to have their friends join in, some calling for a boycott, and others simply wanting more information before coming to a conclusion. One thing is clear: Turbine is hoping for lightning to strike twice after DDO's successful move to F2P last year.

Turbine posted a small book's worth of information already, including a letter from LotRO's new executive producer Kate Paiz, a fairly comprehensive FAQ, and a chart comparing the benefits of each of the three tiers of players.

It's certainly a lot to digest, and after a day to sort through the news and commentary, we want to hear from you: what do you think of LotRO's new free-to-play model? For those of you who've abstained from LotRO due to the subscription fee, will this be enough to entice you to dip your toes into Middle-earth? If you're a lifetime subscriber, do you feel as though you're being compensated properly in this transition? Is this a sign of desperation or a beacon of hope for the future of the game? Are you excited about the new content coming this fall, including a new region to explore? Will you reserve judgment until you try the beta?

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: What do you think of LotRO's new F2P model? originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 05 Jun 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ddodungeons-and-dragons-onlinef2pfree-to-playkate-paizlifetime-subscriptionlord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromiddle-earthopiniontdgthe-daily-grindturbineSat, 05 Jun 2010 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[LotRO parties down with 3rd anniversary goodies]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/17/lotro-parties-down-with-3rd-anniversary-goodies/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/17/lotro-parties-down-with-3rd-anniversary-goodies/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/17/lotro-parties-down-with-3rd-anniversary-goodies/#commentsFiled under: , ,

It may be the waning days of the Third Age in Lord of the Rings Online, but the third anniversary is waxing strong. In honor of three years of the road going ever on, Turbine has invited players back to LotRO to celebrate in style. As part of the party, all players logging in between April 21 and June 30 will receive a spiffy Writ of Virtue:

The Writ of Virtue: This special scroll will show the Bards that you know the value of revelry and celebration! The Writ grants a passive skill that gives you a 20 percent discount with Bards all across Middle-earth.

In addition to the Writ, all monsters across Middle-earth will drop special tokens, which can be exchanged for anniversary gift boxes in the major cities. Turbine is also enticing players with their ever-popular $9.99/month subscription plan, which can be locked down by signing up for 3, 6 or 12 month tours of duty.

You can read the full announcement over at the LotRO site!

MassivelyLotRO parties down with 3rd anniversary goodies originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 17 Apr 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3rd-anniversarybardbreakinggift-boxeslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotrolotro-3rd-anniversarylotro-third-anniversarymiddle-earthsubscription-planthird-anniversaryturbinewrit-of-virtueSat, 17 Apr 2010 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Road to Mordor: A day at the festival]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/26/the-road-to-mordor-a-day-at-the-festival/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/26/the-road-to-mordor-a-day-at-the-festival/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/26/the-road-to-mordor-a-day-at-the-festival/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Every Friday, The Road to Mordor brings you the latest in Lord of the Rings Online news, guides and analysis.

It's a well-known fact that whenever the country fair or spring festival comes around to Middle-earth, even big bad Sauron takes a day off from pestering hobbits, disguises himself as a schoolmarm, and enjoys the sights, sounds and tastes of these celebrations. I'm telling you, the dude has a cotton candy craving that is insatiable!

As such, I feel perfectly justified in also taking my union-approved break from being a mass-murder machine to take in the wonders of LotRO's spring festival. After packing three light lunches (I am one of the Little Folk, after all) and equipping myself with A Casual Stroll to Mordor's excellent Spring Festival guide, I was off, giddy as a little schoolgirl.

Continue reading The Road to Mordor: A day at the festival

MassivelyThe Road to Mordor: A day at the festival originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 26 Mar 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Every Friday, The Road to Mordor brings you the latest in Lord of the Rings Online news, guides and analysis.

Hey dol merry dol, Lord of the Rings Online fans! My name is Justin Olivetti, and I have the pleasure of joining you on this winding, epic road to Mordor. I play a Captain on the Gladden server, and some of my favorite activities in LotRO include wandering accidentally into signature mob camps, exterminating the local fauna in the name of Deeds, and trying to cobble together the perfect pirate costume for show.

So I know that LotRO is one of the best MMORPGs out there, and you know that as well, but with all the newer MMOs bursting out of the gate on what seems like a weekly basis, how can you convince your friends, loved ones and everyone in your social network that a three-year-old title is worth giving a try if they missed it the first time around?

Never fear -- I am on your side, and ready to equip you with ten terrific reasons why the lovechild of Turbine and Tolkien deserve an even greater number of folks exploring the lands of Middle-earth. So hit the jump and let's spread the word!

Continue reading The Road to Mordor: 10 reasons why LotRO is worth picking up over shiny new MMOs

MassivelyThe Road to Mordor: 10 reasons why LotRO is worth picking up over shiny new MMOs originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 05 Mar 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cookingfeaturedfishinghobbyhousinglorelotromiddle-earthmonster playMonsterPlayrole-playingrpskirmishtitlestolkienFri, 05 Mar 2010 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Choose my Adventure: Massive Hobbits]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/19/choose-my-adventure-massive-hobbits/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/19/choose-my-adventure-massive-hobbits/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/19/choose-my-adventure-massive-hobbits/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,


Join me as I brave my way through lands unknown in an adventure dictated entirely by you, the Massively readers! Vote for everything from game played to character creation to ultimate goal and watch it unfold in a series of journals and galleries here on the site. Then, as the ultimate goal is reached, we'll do it all over again in a new game!

Oh do we have some stories to tell you. On last week's Choose my Adventure, Gibbi the Hobbit had decided that The Shire life was not for him, and he ventured off into the far-away lands of Archet. Not only were his measurements a bit off, but it turns out Archet was actually in great peril from the Blackwolds. He arrived just in time.

This week has seen some more great adventures for Gibbi and myself as the Choose my Adventure project has taken some exciting turns. We've formed a kinship just for this project, named Massive Hobbits. It seems an appropriate name (thanks to reader Shane), and quite ironic when we have Men, Elves or Dwarves in the group. I've also made dear Gibbi gain the Explorer crafting vocation, as voted upon last week. Gibbi's coinpurse thanks you for choosing the best money-making vocation there is. Read along after the jump for some exciting screenshots and Gibbi's own story through his adventures in Middle-earth.

Continue reading Choose my Adventure: Massive Hobbits

MassivelyChoose my Adventure: Massive Hobbits originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 19 Aug 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>choose-my-adventurefeaturedgibbilord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromiddle-earthturbineWed, 19 Aug 2009 10:00:00 EST