Middle-Earth Online Preview

With all the media coverage on Lord of The Rings it is interesting to note that Vivendi has Middle Earth Online, their epic MMORPG, still being created which currently features four playable races (Man, Hobbits, Dwarves and Elves) with each race having multiple classes, and their own path.

The official game is based on the literary works of J.R.R. Tolkien, and players will adventure alone or in groups and join thousands of players online in the massive world that is Middle-earth.

The task is to support the forces of good in an epic struggle to drive back the forces of Sauron. From the far corners of Middle-earth, new adventures come forth to face the growing evil in the East. The forces of Mordor are mobilizing as the Nazgül hunt for the One Ring. The land itself is in peril and its fate lies in the hands of those who possess it.

Some of the key features will include players having to harvest a variety of raw materials that can be used to create more powerful weapons and armour, and even food or decorative items and expert crafters can create the most interesting items in the game. Players will be able to select from a variety of roles, and then eventually specialisations, for their character. Within those templates, players have the choice in the direction of the development of their character. Players can re-specialise if they decide to change direction at a later date.

You will own your living quarters and be able to earn the right to purchase race-specific dwellings. They can then decorate their dwelling and use it for socialization.

Players can form Fellowships of up to 9 characters for short-term adventuring and can also join a Kinship of characters, marry another character or even adopt them as your children.

As you would expect, and to many delight in, fierce combat against the denizens of Middle-earth will ensue and the combat system has an unique blend of gameplay elements, and gives room for the players skill without overwhelming the player or falling prey to the latency issues of the Internet.

Appealing aspects within MEO are that it does not use experience points for characters, inventively and more to immerse yourself in the experience - as you can raise their stats, skills and vitals by actively involving yourself in combat, crafting and quests. MEO features a time based advancement that allows players to increase their characterâ??s stats while they are not logged in the game.

Character/s progression is linked directly to what choices the player makes while playing.

MEO, we are informed, has a very quest orientated focus and will be supplemented with epic styled, detailed settings, along with cut sequences.

Development for the game is being undertaken by Turbine Entertainment (the Asheron's Call people) and from the screens available and general comments this is looking one hell of an online game.

We shall be updating you shortly with an interview with the development team!