Lord of the Rings Online Interview (con't)

FiringSquad: How will the game handle the quests and storylines and will we see the game progress through the events of the novels?

Jeffrey Steefel: There will be over 1200 quests in the game at launch. As the game progresses we will advance the storyline, but again the game is really about creating your own character’s story during the War of the Ring. We want players to feel they can go out and do their own things rather than follow a predetermined path. Many of the quests tie back to the main story in the books, but many of them allow players to live their own adventure too.

FiringSquad: How will the combat system be handled in the game and what can players expect to face in terms of creatures and enemies?

Jeffrey Steefel: The combat system is quite diverse in that players can immediately engage in battle using the Auto Attack feature or take things to the next level using skills that your earn as you advance through Middle-earth. These skills can be modified by using Traits that area acquired through accomplishments achieved throughout the game. LOTRO’s combat system also uses special events (determined by the player’s class) to open up abilities that make combat more interactive. One sample of this would be the Captain’s “Cry of Victory” that fires off whenever anyone in his fellowship defeats an enemy.

Conjunctions are another unique feature in LOTRO. They allow a party to apply their skills in combination during attack. A member of the party uses a skill to place the opponent in a vulnerable state (dazed, knocked back) and then icons appear immediately on the other party members’ screens. The players have seconds to select an icon, and the resulting combination of individual skills is combined into a “Group Skill” that results in a coordinated group attack. The system is designed to be useful even if you do not know it well, but even more effective for groups that know the unique combinations and their effects. This encourages group play, cooperation, and provides increasing complexity for advanced players who want it. At launch, LOTRO will have over 2200 unique and authentic monsters for players to challenge as they defend Middle-earth.

FiringSquad: What other gameplay elements do you think are important?

Jeffrey Steefel: The Accomplishments and Traits system in LOTRO is something that is quite unique and players will really enjoy. Players can advance their heroes in Middle-earth through combat AND exploration. As you discover new areas of the Middle-earth or complete a series of quests, your character will earn accomplishments that provide access to special “Traits”. These Traits enable special abilities for a period of time, regardless of class. For example, players who complete all of the quests in Bree-land can earn the “Empathy” trait. This trait gives the player +2 to their armor value while also increasing their resistance to fear attacks. Traits modify your skills, so you can alter your character’s abilities almost at will by visiting an NPC minstrel in any town.

FiringSquad: What is the current time-table for beta testing the game and for the final release?

Jeffrey Steefel: The game is currently in Beta and we expect to launch the game in the Spring of 2007. We will continue to invite more players into the Beta Program as we progress towards launch.

FiringSquad: Finally is there anything else you wish to say about the current status of Lord of the Rings Online?

Jeffrey Steefel: Absolutely! If you haven’t signed up for the Beta yet, now is a great time to do so. We’re inviting tons of players and the game is already receiving great reviews from players and press alike. It’s only going to get better from here! Players can sign up for the Beta by visiting: http://www.lotro.com/betasignup.