The Lord of the Rings Online: Mines of Moria Preview

PAX 2008 Preview

Since the title first launched back in 2007, developer Turbine has been adds all kinds of robust nw content to their successful MMO, Lord of the Rings Online. Since launch, the game has received 35 percent more new content courtesy of free updates. Now, Turbine is readying their first retail expansion for the game, Mines of Moria.
While the original game told the story of Aryador books 1 through 8 (the free content updates covered books 9 through 14), the new expansion will cover the story of Moria books 1 through 6, giving you a look at the underground world of the dwarf race like never before.

Another big addition is the two new races, the Warden and the Rune-keeper. The Warden is an interesting class that can handle polearms, spears and javelins for strong attacks with some range behind them. Additionally, by performing certain moves in order, you can pull off a stronger final move, almost like combos in a fighting game, which gives the game a cool action element.

The Rune-keeper is as close to a mage class as you’re likely to find in Lord of the Rings, as they can cast a variety of attack and cure spells. However, as the player levels up, they’ll begin to shift in a certain direction, depending on which spells they use most frequently. Should they constantly perform attack spells, they’ll gradually learn bigger attack spells, and vice versa with curing spells.

Another huge element in the game is the item advancement system, which allows you to create your own legendary items, like Sting in The Hobbit. These items are upgradeable and get more powerful as they and your character gain levels. You’ll also be able to deconstruct them into powerful magic relics, which can then be made back into stronger legendary items, as well as fuse relics together for even more powerful ones.

The expansion’s graphical engine will feature some great updates, and the world will feel a lot more seamless than before. As it takes place underground, the game will treat dungeons as landscape, and thus will feel a lot more open despite the subterranean environment. The game will showcase the storied history of the dwarf race, from huge and gorgeous cities to domed gardens and even the fateful place where the Balrog was accidentally unleashed.

Keeping in line with Turbine’s philosophy of constantly adding new content to LOTRO, Mines of Moria looks to be a huge boost for the MMORPG, and should be worth the money for any LOTRO fan.

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