Middle Earth Online Excerpts From 2003-2004

[Aldamiras]

Middle Earth Online Excerpts From 2003

As some of you may know, LOTRO was derived from the Vivendi-Universal project originally called “Middle Earth Online”. In the preparation for the release of that game (slated for a late 2004 date) there were several developer articles published on the old MEO forums, before those forums went dark in late 2005, preparatory to the game franchise being completely taken over by Turbine. I had saved several of the articles from back then, and I reproduce them below:

Middle Earth Online MEO

May 17, 2003

On behalf of everyone here at Vivendi Universal Games and Turbine Entertainment, we would like to welcome you to the new Middle-Earth Online community website. This site is solely dedicated to MEO and the primary connection between you the fan, and us. We cannot emphasize enough the importance of feedback from our future players, as it will be extremely important to development of the game. We think that it would be impossible to release a successful massively multiplayer game these days without a way for us to communicate with our players beforehand.

Will Players Meet the Characters from the Books?
Yes, players will meet many of the characters from the books, including such notables as Elrond and Radagast himself. The actions of players will even affect the Fellowship themselves on their journey to destroy the One Ring, although you won't be able to meet them in-game.

(Eeek….what? You can see by this post that the devs had an odd idea about us and the Fellowship).

What regions of Middle-earth will be available when the game is released?
The initial release of MEO will cover most of Eriador plus a bit more -- from the coast of Lindon in the West to the Misty Mountains in the East, all the way up to the Ice Bay of Forochel in the North and down to the Brandywine in the South.

(This part has remained true, with the exception of the inclusion of Lindon, which the MEO devs had created back in 2003-2004). Below is a screen from 2003 showing the port city of Mithlond):



What is Middle-Earth Online?
The Lord of the Rings: Middle-Earth Online (sometimes abbreviated to Middle-Earth Online or MEO) will be the ultimate Online Role Playing Experience. Fans of Tolkien, and of fantasy in general, will be immersed in the epic conflict of J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings Trilogy. Players will be adventurers, fighting against or with the forces of evil, all across the lands featured in the books; explorers, charting new domains and unexplored depths, or master craftsmen, serving the towns or cities of Middle-earth. They will be able to own homes in signature locations like Bree, The Shire, or the deep woods near Elrond's realm of Rivendell.

(Whoa, in “the deep woods near Elrond’s realm of Rivendell”? LOTRO devs take note of this one…)

What unique features will draw me into this game?
Every action players take will have direct consequences in the game world and influence the way the world reacts to them. Every combat, every crafted item, every quest choice and every interaction with the world will move the player on the line between corruption and valor. This in turn will influence everything from how NPCs interact with the player to what equipment the player can wield and which cities welcome him. Rather than riding the restrictive "quest railroad" that most MMORPGs offer, our quests will branch and provide different endings based on the moral choices players make.

(Ahh…”moral choices”? Glad this feature never made it past the planning stage. Or perhaps not…hmm).


Our combat system will provide players with intense, tactical battles, rather than an excuse to get a cup of coffee. Players will have to manage an array of skills and special talents, create and respond to monster vulnerabilities, coordinate tactics with their fellowships and make sure their abilities and health remain high.

(I go grab a cup of Java when I’m crafting nowadays…)

What makes this game third generation?
The graphics engine will exhibit Turbine's trademark of excellence and innovation. It will employ some of the newest innovations in the field. This will also be the first game in its genre designed specifically to be casual player friendly. The overall efficiency and performance of the underlying engine will also be upgraded to improve frame rates and decrease lag. Of course, the most important aspect will be that Turbine will bring its experience in game balance and design to bear on the key game systems. Middle-Earth Online will go back to the fundamentals and ensure that the core parts of the game -- combat, questing, crafting and community building -- are fun and compelling experiences in and of themselves.

(It was actually quite innovative for it’s time…)

How will you make people feel they are living their story?
Obviously, players cannot be members of the Fellowship, and we would never let players change the course of Tolkien's epic, but there are many chapters of that story left to be told. Players will experience the upheaval in Middle-earth resulting from the Fellowship's harrowing dash through Moria. Barrow-wights that have lain dormant for aeons do not take kindly to being awakened. With the Balrog fallen in Moria, there is a vacuum of power; and Sauron's wrath, more potent than ever, is focused upon Eriador. Players will have an integral role in the fate of Middle-earth and while the Fellowship quests to destroy the Ring, players will be shaping the Middle-Earth they will come home to. Players will also get to explore the darker, more hidden parts of Middle-earth. Tolkien himself makes allusions to events he could not directly cover in the books and MEO will explore these in greater detail. And you may get to rub shoulders with the Fellowship yet...

(This was something that LOTRO’s devs had stated from the beginning, that we couldn’t alter the storyline…but thankfully they removed any prohibition to us actively being involved with it, and the Fellowship).

What time period will Middle-Earth Online take place in?
MEO starts during The Lord of the Rings, just after Frodo and the Fellowship of the Ring exit the mines of Moria.

(Boy we should feel lucky that they removed this part…)

When is Middle-Earth Online coming out?
The release date for MEO has not yet been announced. We are anticipating a late 2004 release.

What are your plans for expanding the game post-release?
The world of Middle-earth will be rolled out over successive product expansions, allowing us to take the time needed to present each corner of the world with the care and quality it demands. This will roughly follow the path of the trilogy, from the Shire (and greater Eriador) to Mordor, with a detour to visit the lands of The Hobbit (Mirkwood and the Lonely Mountain), to see how the decades between that tale and The Lord of the Rings have changed those places. After the story is completed, we may even explore more distant lands, such as Umbar and Rhûn. Our goal is to provide an experience that captures the spirit of Tolkien's world and a fun online game for all Tolkien fans out there.

(Umbar and Rhun… Who wants to guess that we may be seeing these places before the One Ring is destroyed?)

Will morality affect class?
Yes. Each class has two branches. The moral choices characters make in the game will determine which branch their character goes down. For example, an Elf Scout who fights to remove the Shadow from Middle-earth will become an Archer, while an Elf Scout who reject the wisdom of the Elven-wise and uses forbidden weapons and methods in battle will become an Avenger.

(Hmm…)

How does private encounter technology help reduce quest "camping"?
Private encounter technology creates a new version of a dungeon or area that can only be entered by one player and his fellows. This reduces the need for groups to "camp" a quest.

(Glad they kept this feature…)

How will characters travel from place to place?
Players will be able to walk across the landscape of Middle-earth, or use a variety of accelerated travel options once they have unlocked them. These options will allow players to gather quickly for group events, and will be presented as cut scenes featuring a boat, wagon, or other lore appropriate conveyance

(Wagons! We wants wagons precious!)

Which regions will have player housing available?
Players will be able to purchase housing in many regions of Eriador including, but not limited to: The Shire, Bree-land, Ered Luin, and The Tower Hills.

(The Tower Hills were opened, for the Elf housing district, minus the three towers that originally stood there with Elostirion being the chief, upon which a Palantir sat overlooking the sea).

Will there be player owned housing in MEO?
Yes. MEO will offer players and kinships the ability to acquire houses located around the cities of Middle-earth. Each race will have multiple levels of housing, from humble abodes to grand dwellings.

(This hasn’t changed).

Will monsters in MEO drop "treasure"?
Yes, monsters in MEO will only drop realistic treasure. For example, orcs could be carrying almost anything, but Wargs would never carry a sword or armor.

(Thankfully this hasn’t changed either…).

What currency will players use to purchase equipment and other items in MEO?
MEO's economy will follow the guidelines set by Tolkien. For example, elvish communities operate strictly on a Gifting system. The rest of Middle-earth will use silver and gold as currency.

(I wonder what the MEO devs meant by a Gifting system…)

Hobbits Coming Soon!


The Elves

Scout

The Men

Soldier
Sage

The Dwarves

Warrior

Classes of Middle-Earth Online
People who love The Lord of the Rings can now live out the roles Tolkien described in his books. Whether they battle Orcs as a Soldier of Gondor or protect Elf-lands as a Scout of the Woodland Realm, players will be called on to give their all in tumultuous Third Age of Middle-earth.
Click on any of the class names to see a detailed description of each or click here to learn more about the MEO Team philosophy on classes.

About the Tower Hills

posted on 25-Mar-2004

“Yes, it is Elves,” said Frodo. “…They don’t live in the Shire, but they wander into it in Spring and Autumn, out of their own lands away beyond the Tower Hills.”

- Frodo Baggins, The Lord of the Rings™

Elves of the High Kindred have not all forsaken Middle-earth. Beyond the western marches of the Shire, three great Elf-towers of immemorial age rise from the hills to look out over the Sundering Seas. From these White Towers the High Elves keep watch on their kindred travelling from eastern lands to the Grey Havens, west of the Tower Hills. Grey ships dock in the harbors of the Havens, which the Elves call Mithlond, on the northern and southern banks of the Gulf of Lune. To the north and south of the Havens rise the great peaks of the Ered Luin, the Blue Mountains, home of Dwarves.

Elves of many kindreds tarry in the green valleys, ancient woodlands, and rolling fields of the Tower Hills, until at last they grow weary of the mortal lands and seek the Grey Havens. They sail down the River Lhûn to the High Sea, and into the Uttermost West, never to return.

The Race of Men
The race of Men in Middle-earth is rising. The coming Age will belong to them.

Men Classes

Hunter
posted on 03-Mar-2004

Hunters roam the wild woods and plains of Middle-earth, far from the bounds of town and village. They stalk their prey over outlying lands where dark, forbidding ruins loom over treetops. Like the beasts they hunt, they can move across the land unseen and unheard by enemies. In battle they rely on snares and agility to avoid the attacks of their foes.

Ranger: Only the most valorous Hunters are admitted into the ranks of the Rangers of the North. They are no longer mere hunters, but hunters of the servants of the Enemy. Their strange powers of sight, hearing, and beast-lore arouse suspicion in the simple folk they are sworn to protect. Unlike true Rangers, they are not of Númenorean descent. But their years in the wild have given them a grave tenderness and made them worthy of the title they share with Aragorn.

Assassin: Not all hunters prey on animals. Some learn the cunning ways of the cruel Haradrim far away to the East, where warriors called Assassins enrich themselves through subtlety and guile. Their crafty fighting style disdains honor for the knife in the back, the poisoned blade, and the unexpected attack.

Sage

Students of history, lore, and the hidden secrets of Middle-earth, Sages serve as advisors to kings and healers of farmers. Although not well-equipped for the front lines of battle, their secret skills make them invaluable allies in a fight.

Sorcerer: Sorcerers devote their lives to mastering healing arts and deadly spells. They seek to renew the forgotten lore of ancient Númenor-- an Age when Men wielded subtle and dangerous powers under the tutelage of the Elves. Many a stricken warrior has been revived by the secret elixirs of a travelling Sorcerer.

Necromancer: Necromancers are Sages who have grown enamored of the Darkness. In their hunger for endless life unchanging, they put aside the council of the Wise and seek out the devices of the Enemy. They use this dwimmer-craft to sap the strength of mortal men and impart a terrible vitality to the recently dead.

Soldier

As warriors of the race of Men, Soldiers stand between the common folk of town and farm and the growing dangers of the current Age. Equipped with sturdy armor and powerful weapons, Soldiers are well suited to face the perils of combat.

Champion: The virtuous Champions are a welcome sight to the peaceful folk of Middle-earth, who appreciate the safety these protectors offer against roving bandits and the growing threat from Mordor.

Mercenary: The corrupted Mercenaries fight for anyone who can fill their purse. Those familiar with Mercenaries know to expect dirty tricks on the battlefield and unscrupulous behavior at all times.

(Good grief, what a blessing that this never made it into the game…)

Squire

The North Kingdom long ago fell to ruins, overrun by wild folk and wicked things. But some remember the high King at Fornost and keep the ancient laws of their own free will. While they have little hope that a true King will ever return to restore justice, these brave Esquires struggle to bring order to the perilous North. They are formidable fighters and true leaders who inspire their fellows.

Knight: Like the valiant Númenoreans of old, Knights lend courage and strength to their allies. Though seasoned by strife and toughened by clash of arms, their hearts are merciful. Stalwart towers against the foe, they willingly expose themselves to greater danger in the aid of others. The valor of a Knight like Faramir can turn the tide of battle.

Tyrant: Warlike and strong, Tyrants do not lead by shining example, but by force. They inspire fear in their underlings, sapping their vigour but driving them into a battle-frenzy. Their minions fear the Tyrant’s wrath, which is more fearsome than the weapons of their foes.

Elf Classes

Scout

posted on 03-Mar-2004

Scouts are defenders of the land, patrolling Elf-realms to counter the menace of Orcs and other interlopers. Scouts are at home in the wild and know how to turn the terrain to their advantage.


Archer: Although their skill with a bow makes them deadly combatants, Elven Archers seek peace and a day when the Shadow draws back from the land. They listen to the wisdom of forest and river and abide by the council of the Lords of the Eldar.

Avenger: Elven Avengers do not seek merely to protect the land. They burn to avenge the blood and bitter tears shed by Elven-kind with their bows and their formidable close-range fighting skills. They reject the restrictions of the Elven-wise and seek out forbidden weapons to use against the Dark Lord-- even when there is a price to pay for the power they gain.

Well that's about it, there were more posts until late in 2005, by which time a cash-strapped Vivendi had to sell the game, to Turbine. Much of what was done in those early days survives into the present, including the Barrow Downs and the Old Forest, Breeland, the North Downs, and etc, with some areas presently closed off to the public (like Mithlond)...

[OldMadeOfLions]

Much of what was done in those early days survives into the present, including the Barrow Downs and the Old Forest, Breeland, the North Downs, and etc, with some areas presently closed off to the public (like Mithlond)...

If you mean that we have these locations in the game, that's right -- but all of those areas were completely rebuilt from scratch (and very little of them existed in the first place).

MoL

[Aldamiras]

Yes that's what I meant, most of these areas like Breetown existed, but in a far less state, as shown below:



Any word on when the River Braandywine will be opened up, as it flows south towards Tharbad, and then to the coast of Minhiriath? I have some screens of that portion as it passes The Old Forest heading southwards...

[Blunte]

Hello Everyone

Thanks for this Aldamiras, I found it an interesting read.

Enjoy the day... Blunte

[Trogdor_the_Burninator]

Yeah, I remember a lot of the stuff they had for this. Totally love the middle earth games, and while I wasn't sold on a MMO yet (wouldn't be for a few years) some of the stuff was really cool.

I thought they gave more info about morality. Like men could be rangers (good) or brigands (bad), and hobbits could be bounders (good) or burglars (bad). Something about if you were good or bad you could stay at a certain camp, like some were good or bad.

Definitely brings back memories.