The Lord of the Rings Online: Mines of Moria Review

By Ed Zitron Published 25 November, 2008

There's too much panic in this town.

It's very hard to build the momentum of a storyline within an MMO these days, mostly because it's very hard to convince several thousand people to follow a straight line, let alone a cogent narrative. The Lord of the Rings Online solved this with solo instances and an almost unavoidable series of quests, and first expansion Mines of Moria continues this trend, insisting you follow the intricate narratives of Turbine's Tolkien interpretation.

Is this a good thing? Well, yes, if you like a good story, a real adventure, and playing an MMORPG that super-glues those last three letters to itself. If you really want to grind yourself into a thin paste, or don't find the Lord of the Rings storyline that enthralling, then Moria is in no way going to save your soul. In fact, it'll most likely annoy you as you romp over hill and dale, or, in this case, into the ruined halls of Khazad-Dum, the seat of the Dwarven empire and one of the most intricately built MMO environments ever made.

You see, the inside of Moria dwarfs (this is not, and never shall be a pun) almost every other game out there. Gigantic, Mount Rushmore-style dwarven faces loom out of the side of cliffs, huge staircases lead down equally gargantuan drops; there's an utterly bewildering and ominous feeling to the environment. It certainly packs the awe-inspiring effect of Wrath of the Lich King's Northrend, but it feels different - instead of feeling as if there's a great world of wonder ahead of you, Turbine has succeeded in creating a foreboding and hostile expanse. Caves - and the attendant darkness - stretch off into infinity, and around every corner seems to be some new nook or cranny that's filled with Goblins, Orcs, or hostile fauna.

'The Lord of the Rings Online: Mines of Moria' Screenshot 1

Next up, a shadow giraffe.

It's really not a comfortable world - in contrast to the relative frolicking of some of LOTRO's first volume, Shadows of Angmar - and it recreates an Everquest-esque unease, that feeling that you're most likely going to get stomped around the next corner. This is actually rather accurate, as more often than not you'll find yourself against odds that are not particularly favourable to your average solo player. This isn't an expansion for the bumbling, soloing explorer - the cramped conditions and bunching-together of hostiles leads to deaths both hilarious and unfortunate. If it's not falling off a staircase into a pile of Deepclaw, it's falling arse-over-tit off of the Endless Stair and dropping for what feels like an eternity to your death. I'll be honest - Moria is a harsher mistress than most.

This is far from a bad thing, though. Partied with just one other adventurer, you'll find the lands far easier to traverse, and the quests much easier to conquer. Instances range from your average yet fun dungeon-crawl to ceremonious moments of excellence, such as the historic instances (a cunning plot device to let LOTRO players battle classic monsters both now, and in future expansions). These let you not only see the history of Moria, but battle Durin's Bane himself. Or is it itself? I'm not sure Gandalf got the chance to check.

'The Lord of the Rings Online: Mines of Moria' Screenshot 2

If only there were only boulders between you and Moria.

As with many expansions, LOTRO caters to the higher-level crowd, but Turbine has added two extra classes for any souls you drag into the gaping maw of gaming's most addictive genre. The Runekeeper is the lore-sundering product of Turbine's most creative minds, using "runes" (magic) to cast spells that are either damaging or restorative, each one pushing a reticule towards either destructive of constructive magic. As you gain weight in either side, its spells become more powerful and the other side less effective. Eventually, in the longer-term battles, your Runekeeper can adapt into an effective healer or remarkable damage-dealer, but you'll find little or no ability to perform the opposite role. It's a class that rewards careful attention to the way that the battle is heading - it's not impossible to change direction mid-battle, but it's much more fun when you fully specialise in one side.

The Warden is more of a thinking man's brawler and a light-armour tank. You queue up attacks, each combination creating a different effect once unleashed as a gambit. To use layman's terms, it's a bit like a fighting game, with each move being a punch and a kick. The complexity comes when the Warden is able to erase strings of combos mid-fight, and eventually chop and change single moves. Their gambits range from healing themselves, to damaging attacks, to taunting abilities - and the variation comes from your ability to time your gambits with (much like the Runekeeper's balancing of damage and healing) the flow of the battle.

'The Lord of the Rings Online: Mines of Moria' Screenshot 3

Travel by ram into the Dwarven depths.

These classes succeed in maturing as you level beyond raw abilities, too - when battles start lasting more than 10-15 seconds each, and real tactics get involved, both the Warden and the Runekeeper come into their own. They're well-realised and implemented, and they'll be a big help to groups when played by competent gamers.

The final - and most interesting - addition with Moria is the Legendary Weapon system. As you progress through the various caverns and ruins, you'll pick up the pieces of Old World weaponry that can be taken to various Forgemasters and turned Legendary. These become levellable weapons, with separate experience and skill pools, as well as places to put item upgrades. They each have 30 levels, which aren't particularly gruelling to grind through, but you can level multiple items at the same time. They're remarkably individual even a few levels in, with the ability to actively change the build of your character depending on how you've levelled them.

Moria is an evolutionary expansion in which Turbine has honed what it does best: storytelling, an enjoyable, constantly changing levelling curve, and atmosphere in big, rocky buckets. It won't convert anybody, nor win back anybody who grew tired of the semi-linearity of the LOTRO storyline - but if you're desperate to follow the trail of the Fellowship and see what exactly made the dwarves such moaners, or just continue your online Ringbearing, then Moria is an absolute joy. With Volume Two, Turbine has created a harmonious, tight and seamless addition to the LOTRO game-world, and one that will no doubt lead into another year's successful expansion.

9 / 10

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About Ed Zitron

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Comments (52) Latest comment 3 years ago

Comments threads automatically close after 30 days, but please feel free to continue chatting on the forum!

  • Canyarion #1 3 years ago

    Nice Jamiroquai/Godzilla reference.

  • anomagnus #2 3 years ago

    good for LOTRO

    i may still sample this is the new year

  • fiery_jackass #3 3 years ago

    "dwarfs (this is not, and never shall be a pun)"
    Indeed. Particularly not if Tolkien had followed his instinct and gone with the historically accurate "dwarrows" as the plural form, instead of popularising the aberrant "Dwarves" form over the more correct "dwarfs" or my preferred "imaginary fairy bullshits"
    Edited by 1 at 25/11/08 @ 13:43

  • Evolution #4 3 years ago

    Do Tolkein's dwarves have Scottish accents?

  • Dizzy #5 3 years ago

    I love it. 10/10 for me.

  • PlushGraffiti #6 3 years ago

    Same here. Fantastic game.

  • Crovax20 #7 3 years ago

    wait... is this one page long?

  • Wendelius #8 3 years ago

    I have friends who have written more words just explaining what the legendary item system is like. This is a bit short and superficial. But I agree with the spirit. Moria is a very good expansion with an awe inspiring setting. The 2 new classes (for waht I've seen of them) show promise. And this is a great excuse to keep following in the steps of the Fellowship.

  • iokthemonkey #9 3 years ago

    Also worth mentioning that the expansion has optimised the code. I'm running about 10 FPS faster and load times are down.

    They've also rejigged combat, which I'm not so sure about yet. It's harder, possibly too hard now. I'll have to see how hitting the next level (and thus being eligible for better gear) works out...

  • PlushGraffiti #10 3 years ago

    I'm saving my pennies in order to run it in DX10. My jaw dropped seeing this thread:

    [link url=http: //forums.lotro.com/showthread.php?t=150359
    ]http://fo rums.lotro.com/showthread.php?t...[/link]

    Warning, image heavy :)

  • iokthemonkey #11 3 years ago

    I'm saving my pennies in order to run it in DX10.
    ---

    It's not too shabby under DX9...

  • SamH #12 3 years ago

    Like the others, slightly disappointed by the length of the review as there really is a lot more to talk about. But agree with what was said all the same. And good score. :-)

  • Erinan #13 3 years ago

    Never managed to like the game. I've always found it very "bland" :/ A shame when I read such good reviews/comments.

  • BadgerFiend #14 3 years ago

    To be honest, there has been a few niggly graphics bugs in this version. Namely, stuff like floating weapons in combat and Warden shields being upside down in the preview panel. Of course, I am sure Turbine will patch these minor quibbles.

    As for my two cents, yes I agree it's a little spare on the review front but the game itself never fails to bring me endless enjoyment. I'm gonna get flamed for this but, I even believe that a lot of this is down to the LOTRO gamers who are some of the best I've had the pleasure of slaughtering Orcs with. Better than those Wow fellows... *hides from torch-wielding WoW fans*

  • PlushGraffiti #15 3 years ago

    @iokthemonkey

    Totally agree, it looks great currently, but having waited so long to play in Middle Earth I'd like to see it in all its glory :)

  • iokthemonkey #16 3 years ago

    I even believe that a lot of this is down to the LOTRO gamers who are some of the best I've had the pleasure of slaughtering Orcs with. Better than those Wow fellows... *hides from torch-wielding WoW fans*

    ----

    Nah, there are a lot of good peeps in WoW, too. It's just - being so popular - it has a bigger audience and so your chances of meeting a complete cock-end in the game increase greatly.

  • Dizzy #17 3 years ago

    >I'm saving my pennies in order to run it in DX10. My jaw dropped seeing this thread:

    Yeah that is how it looks on my machine in DX10 ;) LOTRO is easily the best looking MMO out there (that still runs smooth ;)

  • Benno #18 3 years ago

    GJ Turbine!

  • Benno #19 3 years ago

    That picture thread you posted is amazing!

  • PlushGraffiti #20 3 years ago

    @Dizzy

    I'm jealous. Do you have any more eye candy you can post for us? :)

  • rudedudejude #21 3 years ago

    is that graphics from the add on? ie they've improved it a lot?

  • PlushGraffiti #22 3 years ago

    @Adam_T

    The thread was originally posted back on July 17th so there have been some improvements since then.

  • Dizzy #23 3 years ago

    >I'm jealous. Do you have any more eye candy you can post for us? :)

    Hmmm.. plenty of pictures on the Internet.

    I still have some here before DX10.
    Edited by 2 at 25/11/08 @ 15:32

  • PlushGraffiti #24 3 years ago

    Thanks Dizzy, some great screens in there!

  • Lacero #25 3 years ago

    Evolution: Tolkien's dwarves should probably have a jewish accent. Turbine's mostly have a scottish accent.

    Those screenshots look amazing. Do the imposters fade in better? Tthe trees fade weirdly for me atm.

  • spudsbuckley #26 3 years ago

    More pretty-but-empty- locations for the tiny userbase to enjoy.

    I tried to like this game but just could not get into it at all. It feels so sterile, the classes are so poorly defined, a lot of the abilities are ultimately pointless. It just did not click with me like WAR, WOW or CoH/CoV did, at all.

    Really don't understand why it's so highly regarded by reviewers. Perhaps they don't play it for long enough for the boredom to set in?

  • jonthepymm #27 3 years ago

    I'd really like to buy this but am confused by all the different versions out there. Some seem to be expansion packs - which version do I buy that has the game and both expansion packs?

    / Confused

  • iokthemonkey #28 3 years ago

    More pretty-but-empty- locations for the tiny userbase to enjoy.

    ----

    Whilst there are no official figures for the userbase, most estimates put it at above that of COH (not knocking it, as it's a great game too) and it appears to rank around 3rd to WAR (then WoW)

    And keep in mind LOTRO isn't available in the Far East yet, either.

    Mines of Moria hit #6 in the UK PC charts, so there's obviously a demand for it. But yeah, it's never going to get WoW numbers. Nothing will. But that's probably a good thing, as it means the game won't be destroyed by an 11-year old fanbase of OMGLOLZORS and jumping NELFS.

  • iokthemonkey #29 3 years ago

    I'd really like to buy this but am confused by all the different versions out there. Some seem to be expansion packs - which version do I buy that has the game and both expansion packs?

    / Confused

    ----

    "Lord of the Rings Online: The Shadow of Angmar" is the "base game." You need to buy that to play.

    "Lord of the Rings Online: Mines of Moria" is the expansion for the above.

    You pick up both for about £15 each or I believe there's a special double-pack that includes both.

  • jonthepymm #30 3 years ago

    Thanks, iokthemonkey.

  • AOFanboi #31 3 years ago

    There have been so many updates to the "base" game since release of the thing you buy in stores that I am surprised if they haven't included the updated client in the expansion - for new players.

  • iokthemonkey #32 3 years ago

    There have been so many updates to the "base" game since release of the thing you buy in stores that I am surprised if they haven't included the updated client in the expansion - for new players.

    ---

    True. It took close to 8 hours for me to patch my original LOTRO install... It was well worth it, but it WAS frustrating, too.

  • Shiner #33 3 years ago

    Amazon are selling the compilation pack (original game plus expansion) for around £15 at the moment.
    Edited by 1 at 25/11/08 @ 22:53

  • p00ntang #34 3 years ago

    No khatmandog in this thread? I shall make enquiries post-haste!

  • Darkjinxter #35 3 years ago

    @ Johnthepymm.
    There's no need to buy Mines of Moria expansion if your just starting out, Shadows of Angmar will see you good for months of play. Yes you will have a big patch to install if you just buy SoA, but if your not a pauper and have a decent broadband connection it wont take too long. Infact you can start downloading the patch before you even set out on your trek down to Woolies to pick up the box.
    If your not a pauper and have a DX10 capable PC there is an improvement in lighting effects to be had over DX9, mind you the DX9 version as said above is not-too-shabby.

    My Barbarian reaver from AoC would kick my LotRO Dwarf Champion's arse btw.

  • SamH #36 3 years ago

    "There have been so many updates to the "base" game since release of the thing you buy in stores that I am surprised if they haven't included the updated client in the expansion - for new players."

    -------

    Just a random note, all the boxed versions of Mines of Moria include the full game client, Shadows of Angmar through to Moria. The different packages just dictate which keys you get; 2 for SoA + MoM, or just a MoM upgrade key.

  • oneshotgame #37 3 years ago

    i started lotro about one and a half week ago and i can tell you that much. i took a day off yesterday - not to play but to recover from a night of orc slaughtering. :)

    being busy with a 12 hours/day job i can recommend lotro too. the people there are more than willing to help anyone finding his/her way into the game. even with level 50+. it's just plain fun to BE in middle earth as it feels like world. other than wow. that feels like a huge creepzone. it just is something for the more casual gamer too. but i am sure the hardcore raiders are happy there too.

    sorry for being not to familiar with mmorpg tongue. :)
    Edited by 1 at 26/11/08 @ 09:42

  • gmjapan #38 3 years ago

    A 1 page review and a top score. It translates as "excellent but insignificant; sucks to not be WoW:WotLK".

  • Dizzy #39 3 years ago

    >More pretty-but-empty- locations for the tiny userbase to enjoy.

    Plenty of people are playing and with new classes all zones seem to be busy. Also remember that the zones of LOTRO are MUCH bigger than most MMOs (yes also WoW) so the sweeping landscapes and open vistas are actually part of the amazing experience and game engine.

  • iokthemonkey #40 3 years ago

    Okay, regarding the userbase. Not every company releases their subscriber base (and even when they do, it's often massaged) but the latest breakdowns I've been able to piece together from a few sites seems to be:

    WoW - 11 million
    WAR - 300-500,000 ish (probably closer to 400,000-odd)
    LOTRO - 150 - 300, 000 ish (estimates vary but the truth probably lies somewhere in the middle)

    That's hardly a "tiny" userbase. Secondly, Mines of Moria is a top-ten selling title, so clearly there are people playing it.

    Keep in mind also that only WoW has been released in the Asian markets and those subscribers count for about half their total. Both WAR and LOTRO are poised for a Far East release, so it'll be interesting to see how that affects their numbers.
    Edited by 1 at 26/11/08 @ 10:28

  • oneshotgame #41 3 years ago

    i do like 200.000 nice and mature people way more than a million of egomaniacs only able to write ROFLORZ every 5 seconds. i was given a more than warm welcome - about half of my gear i got by higher level players for free!

  • iokthemonkey #42 3 years ago

    i do like 200.000 nice and mature people way more than a million of egomaniacs only able to write ROFLORZ every 5 seconds. i was given a more than warm welcome - about half of my gear i got by higher level players for free!

    ----

    Cool! Sorry I didn't get to catch-up with you (did you start over on Eldar?) I didn't get much time in this weekend and then Sunday there were some server issues with Eldar... :(

  • Bleh #43 3 years ago

    Love this game and still enjoying it. Not many games can hold my interest for so long.

    Was looking forward to reading all the goods of this addon but got as most poeple a bit disappointed by the short version, even the age of conan pvp article was 3 pages long.

  • Fillem #44 3 years ago

    When I quite this time about 6 months ago (I think) the world just felt so empty.
    Has that improved at all?
    I found it hard to find people to complete the "book quests" with (around book 6 at the time, for me). I was a level 40-ish minstrel. Reading this review might make me head back into the game though, if there are enough people playing.

  • Krusty #45 3 years ago

    Great game, and a superb expansion... the atmosphere, graphics and environments really are stunning, as are the players :)
    Have been hooked since day 1 (or before even).

    If you're bored of the OMGLOLZOR idiots then come and have a look!

  • iokthemonkey #46 3 years ago

    When I quite this time about 6 months ago (I think) the world just felt so empty.
    Has that improved at all?
    I found it hard to find people to complete the "book quests" with (around book 6 at the time, for me). I was a level 40-ish minstrel. Reading this review might make me head back into the game though, if there are enough people playing.

    ----

    I guess it depends on your server. Eldar is always pretty busy and most zones are pretty active with LFF requests.

  • dadrester #47 3 years ago

    time for me to try and sell my lifetime subscription and loads of other funky collectible stuff.

  • nervouspete #48 3 years ago


    Bought the expansion but because I haven't finished Angmar, and because this is National Novel Writing Month and I have to hit my 50,000 words mark in 30 days, I haven't got to Moria yet. Or indeed completed book 8.

    However! I'm really impressed by the frame rate increase and the way things look a fair bit nicer with this update. It's really impressive optimising that's been done here, and a pleasant surprise as I thought the game would run slower on my creaky four year old PC. The new indoor lighting is very nice too! The tweaks are nicely done, and combat is a bit tougher but more satisfying. Lots of good little bits, some heroic art for traits and things make you feel more of a Lordy Lordy kick-arse hero and the icons look purtier. Can't wait to get to Moria and see the new gubbins!

  • hiddenranbir #49 3 years ago

    Moria is damn impressive. They've really build a wonderful underground city.

    I'm a bit miffed that there isn't much visual variety between legendary weapons. I do wish as always they'd do more to limit the grind.

    Just waiting for this loot thing so I can trade for a spear. Woo!

  • kabukiman #50 3 years ago

    People is very nice and helpful. I remember when I was still learning, a guy 20 levels up to me, had the patience to make a quest with me, so I could learn some of the details and he leaved all the bounty to me, since he had lot's of money, and I was always broke for repairing the material. As soon as I learned to play correctly (and earn true money with the auction), I started to help newbies. This is contagious.

  • Trikk #51 3 years ago

    I wonder if this review is as horribly biased as the Darkfall review. Ed probably spent a whole hour playing this!

  • bonko #52 3 years ago

    Ed you gave this pile of hot garbage a 9/10? Let me explain LOTRO to you. Use a well worn cookie cutter on flattened cardboard. Add one good chocolate chip. Bake it in the oven for 16 hours because you are too busy playing with yourself to give a crap. I hope each of your planned and coordinated adventure quests went off like a kindergarten party Ed. I bet all the fancy graphics and friendly people distracted you from realizing that even the character you play is a mindless tool.
    Mines of Moria: 5/10
    Ed's Credibility: 2/10