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Exclusive LOTR: Siege of Mirkwood Interview - Part 1
We talk to Turbine Entertainment to discuss their forthcoming expansion and what gamers expect when they dive in
Written by Andy Griffiths, 09 October 2009
Lord of the Rings: Online is one of the more successful MMOs on the market. With the J. R. R. Tolkien license at their disposal, this game represents the closest fans will ever get to the land of Middle-Earth. We sat down with Turbine Entertainment's PR Manager Adam Mersky to discuss what forthcoming expansion, Siege of Mirkwood, brings to the epic universe.
The castle dominates the forest landscape.Gamerzines: Siege of Mirkwood is the conclusion of Volume II - how big is it?
Princess isn't in this castle.Adam Mersky: Siege of Mirkwood is Book 9 of the Volume II Epic Story. Not only is this Book about twice the length of a normal Epic book, it also includes an Epilogue for players who want to continue even beyond that. There is a LOT to enjoy here.
Orcs love their catapults.GZ: The digital expansion is an interesting idea - how come there's no retail release?
AM: The market for games is evolving, and we want to stay on the cutting edge. The most direct and efficient way for us to deliver this update is to deliver it digitally. We're excited about the release and looking forward to getting it out to players soon.
GZ: Some fans are seeing this as a way of charging for a content update - is this something your considering for content updates in the future?
AM: The Lord of the Rings Online is committed to continuing free content updates and support. Siege of Mirkwood has so many new systems in it from Skirmishes to Legendary Item and combat system upgrades, along with a level cap increase, that this is really an expansion for the game. This is far bigger than any free content release we have done.
360Zine Issue 53
For our latest Lord of the Rings coverage, click here to download 360Zine Issue 53 for free.GZ: Why is the level cap only raising by 5?
AM: With Siege of Mirkwood, we absolutely want players to have the opportunity to advance along with the new content - leading to the doorstep of Dol Guldur. Ten levels appeared to be too much however; we want you to feel that growth without having to put in an excessive amount of time.
GZ: How much content and quests will be included?
AM: Siege of Mirkwood includes Southern Mirkwood, Dol Guldur, a wide variety of Skirmishes (and challenges within them), hundreds of new quests, and new instances for three, six and twelve players. Siege of Mirkwood also features are (sic) largest Book of the Epic ever! It's big.
GZ: Volume III, Riders of Rohan, is presumably pencilled in for Autumn 2010 release, as you previously stated you want to release an expansion annually?
AM: Volume III will kick off with our first content update of 2010. With our expansion this year we've changed the model; you can still expect to receive regular (free) content updates, but they may not map directly to the launch of a new Epic Story. The story will progress and proceed! Regarding Rohan, we aren't talking specifics yet about our next expansion. Stay tuned for more info next year!
GZ: The Skirmish feature sounds interesting - what's different in this from just a normal instance?
AM: Skirmishes take LOTRO's existing industry leading story instances and add to them accessibility and re-playability, providing a new kind of experience for MMO players. Every Skirmish scales in three different directions, group size (solo through raid), level (30 to 70), and difficulty tier. Players are the ones who directly set those three factors on every skirmish each time they play one.
We'll have the final part for you tomorrow, which includes talk of the new crafting enhancement, skirmishes and the next big content update, Riders of Rohan.
Lord of the Rings coverage available in 360Zine Issue 53 - click here to download it for free!
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