It’s natural for people who play more MMOs or are aware of what’s going on in other titles to foster a sense of envy. Sometimes you look over the fence at the community of other MMOs and think, “I wish we had what they have,” especially when it comes to game systems and features.
Since this is an incest genre, it’s entirely possible that these shiny features could be… “appropriated” and repackaged for use in other games. So today I’m making a list of six features from popular MMOs that I’d like to see imported lord of the rings online in some way, shape or form.
Skiffs from Guild Wars 2
When I heard that Guild Wars 2 was getting its own type of player boats with the End of Dragons expansion, my first thought was, “I asked for this in LOTRO for years!”
Boats, skiffs, canoes, rafts… whatever they are, I think they would fit so well with Middle Earth. Not only would players have a “mountain of water” to cross the sometimes large lakes or wide rivers, but they would be perfect as platforms for the occasional fishing trip or setting up a party at the edge of the shore.
Calendars from World of Warcraft
We’re still waiting, huh? LOTRO’s it will have to do with this year’s kinship update (I feel like there’s a lot up in the air about that), but my main request would be some sort of calendar system.
As Gentlemen uses, showing both official game activities and guild events. Wouldn’t that be perfect for? LOTRO? Imagine if major player events could be coordinated through a calendar system. Heck, even having a list of upcoming official events in the game would be much more useful than going to the forums all the time.
LFG incentives from Final Fantasy XIV
I’m more than a little frustrated with the defeatist attitude SSG has taken to finding group tools – or the lack thereof. The studio’s approach here seems to be shrugging and saying, “We tried it once, nobody used it, so…yeah.” Meanwhile, practically every other major MMO boasts a usable LFG system, so… yeah.
It might be worth taking notes on what FFXIV did with his dungeon system. Not only is there a typical LFG rally, but there are significant incentives for high level people to run random or lowbie dungeons and thus keep the population jumping instantly. The level scaling technique is also key here and I know it Yippee something that SSG is creating right now.
Archeology from Elder Scrolls Online
While a handful of MMOs have attempted some sort of archeology system, I vouch ACE like having the best of all. The system is really interesting, using a mixture of strategy minigames and world exploration to solve, and the rewards – often items in the form of things – are enough of an incentive to participate.
I would see it as a future hobby LOTRO this gives new life and meaning to older zones as players go on real treasure hunts through them.
Collectable music from RuneScape
One of the coolest ideas that almost no other MMO seems interested in stealing is RuneScape collectible music system. By adventuring in certain areas or completing content, players in this MMO can unlock music tracks that can be added to their game player. This allows players to customize their own soundtrack as they add to it.
I love it. LOTRO it has the germ of it with gaming cases, but of course those are limited. If we could have a similar system when we do landscape content, that would be awesome. I like to pick and choose the best and most impressive pieces of the score to play.
Companions from Star Wars The Old Republic
With a huge world, LOTRO he often feels lonelier than he should when adventuring. After all, the books were big on companions and fellowship, and there are a few small steps to making yourself feel less alone when soloing with pets and landscape soldiers.
But SWTOR and other similar MMOs point to more vocal and active companions with personalities, stories, and perks, which could be a great addition to the future of Middle-earth.
Are there any other systems you would like to see included in this MMORPG? Sound off in the comments!
Every two weeks, the LOTRO Legendarium sets off on an adventure (horrible things, you) through the awesome, terrifying, inspiring and, well, legendary online world of Middle-earth. Justin has been playing LOTRO since its launch in 2007! If you have a topic for a column, send it to him at justin@massivelyop.com.advertisement