The Free2Play MMORPG Lord of the Rings Online is facing major upheaval with a new class and numerous changes. Is that enough to get the game back on track with the world-renowned license after tough times?
Some of the Best Fans in the World
Lord of the Rings Online has a fantastic atmosphere. The game thrives on its design style, the source material, the film adaptations by Peter Jackson, and above all, a great player base. Fans are more connected with this game than almost any other like the Middle-earth saga. The fan art is excellent, there is fantastic fan fiction, and overall, the LotRO fans are the most loyal and friendliest souls a game developer could wish for.
Yet, similar to fans of a traditional club who have to accept demotion, fans of LotRO have gone through tough times.
This is mainly due to the last expansion, the Battle for Helm’s Deep. It received disastrous reviews from the gaming press, and fans also shook their wise Hobbit heads time after time, wondering what the developers were thinking.
Last Expansion Went Disastrously
Because in the Battle for Helm’s Deep, several problems with the game design became apparent: players do not control the companions known and loved from the Lord of the Rings trilogy, but heroes on the fringes of events. The battle for Helm’s Deep was one of the biggest moments in recent film history. Many fans of the films were looking forward to this moment, to a glorious and “epic” battle in the best sense.
Yet, all decisive moments in the films were shaped by the companions; for player-heroes, there was obviously no place in the Battle for Helm’s Deep if one wanted to remain true to the source material. Thus, the manufacturer Turbine decided to circumvent the problem by having players perform indirect tasks, giving them command over small units, and following similar directions.
The result was suboptimal and strayed far from the player experience brought by earlier expansions. Many players no longer felt as if they were experiencing an adventure and making a difference. They also no longer felt like they were truly playing “their” hero, whom they had accompanied over the years. In short: It was not fun.
Also, fans were upset that previously introduced elements, such as horseback combat, were so neglected. Especially since a Free2Play game in continued age is a delicate matter, this failed expansion could have meant the death knell for the aging game, which recently celebrated its seventh anniversary.
New Attempt, New Class
When it was announced some time ago that LotRO was to be revived by a new class, the mockery did not take long to arrive. “Gravedigger,” some jokesters commented, “he can finally bury the game for good.”
However, the Beorning will be the new class available to players. These are shapeshifters who, if their blood boils hot enough, can transform into a bear.
Additionally, Turbine has indicated that they want to specifically address the problems faced by the player base. But resources are scarce. Thus, a renewal of the housing system must wait for now.[quote_box_right]Have you already read our special on Lord of the Rings Online? The Quiet Grandeur of a Sleeping Giant[/quote_box_right]
They want to focus more on “the journey” again. After all, the game does not tell its story freely like competitors but rather follows the hero’s journey of the companions up to the Mountain of Doom. With update pack 14, it goes to Dol Amroth, the first city in Gondor. This opens the 4th part of the saga.
In addition, they will grant the heroes 5 new levels and want to focus more on technical aspects, especially the combat system.
Maybe the Last Chance?
Surely Turbine hoped that the major adaptations, The Hobbit and Smaug’s Desolation, would give the troubled game a new boost. In our opinion, the changes in the rather boring technical aspects are the right way.
However, it is even more important that the developers do not lose sight of their fans and their wishes. Another disaster like Helm’s Deep cannot be afforded. No matter how much fans love Middle-earth and its heroes, the game must still be fun. And for that, the fundamental mechanics are important.
It would be wished for the players that Lord of the Rings Online at least brings the legend of the companions to an end. Realistically, however, one must say that 7 years is a long time for an MMORPG and that the Mountain of Doom remains some distance away. At the end of 2015, the battle before the gates of Minas Tirith is supposed to await the players. For now, the current plans suffice.
In an increasingly competitive MMORPG market, LotRO is slowly transforming into its lead character, the hobbit Frodo, who also had to face a legion of adversaries and overcome impossible odds to accomplish a challenging mission. Whether LotRO will also manage to climb the Mountain of Doom in 2016, 2017, or 2018 remains to be seen.
From the operators’ side, they remain optimistic. In the official forum thread, a fan asks: “Minas Tirith? Could the story then end in 2016?” Producer Rowan replies:
That would not be an end, but we could then be creative and freely continue the story. I do not see it as an end at all.
Rowan’s words in Gandalf’s ear.
