LOTRO: Bullroarer Update 28 Preview #1
I spent several hours last night exploring the preview of Update 28: War of the Three Peaks on the Bullroarer test server. I usually take a look at all new content for The Lord of the Rings Online in advance, as it always makes for an interesting blog post. However, this preview has proven a little more controversial than usual, as Update 28 is not going to be free (as all prior updates have been). Standing Stone Games announced recently that it is to be sold as a “mini expansion”, which caused a stir among the LOTRO community. Hence my excursion on the public test server was not just to ascertain the scope of the new zone but to ascertain whether there was sufficient content and value to justify being sold as a “mini expansion”. Sadly, from what I have seen, I do not believe that to be the case.
The new region, Elderslade, is North of Misthallow in the Wells of Langflood. As the road winds further into the hills the trees give way to rocks, grass and shrubs. The flora changes from shades of green to yellow hues. The first main Dwarf encampment is Annak-Khurfu in the South of the zone. It delves into the hillside and is in the same aesthetic idiom as Skarháld. You’ll find Durin and Gloin inside and a wealth of PVE content including the new “Missions”. These are instanced solo or duo, narrative driven quests. Outside of Annak-Khurfu, the stable-master provides access to all the other regional Dwarf camps as well as the War of the Three Peaks zone. This is a separate phase of the entire Elderslade region. Wyrmgraf is a ravine to the East of the zone, filled with worms and drakes. This leads to an instanced network of caves. To the extreme North, at the end of the road lies Car Bronach. Its iron gate blocks further passage. And to the West of the region you find the Gates of Gundabad. Ancient Dwarf ruins infested with Orcs, Goblins and Trolls. There is also an Iron Crown settlement in the centre of the map called Zudramdan. The overall design of the zone is suitably dour and bleak, due to its altitude.
Gates of Gundabad and Zudramdan
Overall, Update 28: War of the Three Peaks seems to be just a standard LOTRO update. It offers a single new map, PVE content and “Missions”, which seem to be a variation of skirmishes. Then there is this separate phase of Elderslade, which may be for PVP. I’ve not found a clear explanation yet but that’s hardly surprising as SSG are poor at communicating and collating information in a single accessible place. As an Update, the forthcoming Elderslade region offers “more of the same” in game terms but I don’t think that this content merits the label “mini expansion”. Apart from creating a new environment, the zone just recycles existing Dawrven, Orcish and Angmarim assets. The fact that the Collectors and Ultimate Fan Editions are to be bolstered by such cosmetic items as the Wild Boar mount indicates that maybe SSG thinks so too. And in the space of just 24 hours, players have already taken umbrage at both the proposed changes to the Guardian and a reduction in disenchanting embers from some existing instances.
I suspect that the recent downtime and the ongoing performance issues that are still blighting the game have hit SSG hard financially. They are probably obliged to hit specific financial targets set by Daybreak Game Company and have failed to do so in recent months. If that is the case then they’ve probably been “instructed” to raise revenue via alternative means and this hasty repackaging of an update into a “mini expansion” is their “get out of jail” card. Or at least on paper. Because I’m not sure if this is going to work. I have not yet renewed my subscription due to the games performance. Why should anyone pay for a game that is plagued by lag and random server disconnects. Bearing this in mind, why would I buy a “mini expansion” that is light on content and potentially just as unplayable as other areas in the game? Although I enjoy LOTRO and still have a soft spot for this MMO, I think this business decision smacks as too much of a “fire sale”. Will core fans yet again indulge SSG or are we reaching a tipping point? Only time will tell.
