src="/images/agon_octo_logo.jpg"
style="float: left; margin-right: 10px;">An Environmental Impact Report  By J.P.
"Agon Thalia" Sherman





Entering Middle-earth in Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar is a stunning and immersive visual experience. Turbine’s re-creation of Middle-earth is an artistic and altogether organic representation of JRR Tolkien’s world that brings to life the beauty and the danger, the serene and the foreboding, the whimsy and the evil that is present here. One of the challenges that Turbine faced is the expectations of the story’s fans. Up until Peter Jackson’s transformation of New Zealand into Middle-earth, for the most part, the look and feel of these lands was in the minds of its readers, of artists and of the few movies that dared to re-create them. While the movies took what existed and digitally enhanced what was already there, Turbine has gone one step further and actually created an interactive environment with all the detail and all the panoramic views that aren’t always possible in other media. Of all the things they’ve done well, I wanted to focus on some of the more interesting aspects of Lord of the Rings Online’s environment.




Upon entering Middle-earth for the first time, you’ll notice that it starts small, almost claustrophobic. However, as you progress through the first few quests, the world opens up slightly into a larger environment. As you enter the Archet area, you will find rolling hills, ponds and lakes, plots of farm land and even ancient ruins. The environment would be idyllic, if it weren’t for the looming undercurrent. You start to see some of the smaller pieces fall into place, the animals are more violent and groups like the Blackwolds are becoming more organized and more bloodthirsty.




The entire first few areas where humans and hobbits live are almost idyllic examples of the traditional fantasy world. Simple technology and rustic buildings border the streets, citizens of Combe and Bree greet you as you interact with them. Like Archet, once you leave the picturesque cities, there is a host of people and animals who are intent on killing you.





Turbine has kept an excellent balance between the environments. The cities are places of rest and refuge, yet there is always the reminder that shadows are stirring. You’ll get swept up in plots of revenge and redemption, you’ll find that not only are the free peoples looking for help, but there are shades in the streets of Bree that need freeing. The physical and the ethereal world blend in the lights and shadows of the towns, again… you feel the devilry lurking.




Another way that Turbine has designed the environment is to alternate claustrophobic environments with wide open spaces. The Chetwood forest holds vicious wolves, poisonous spiders and gangs of criminals, led by shadowy elements. Not far from there are the marshes of Midgewater, a wide open space, populated by aggressive swarms of insects. Wander too far in the Midgewater, and you’ll find your first encounter with the sentient followers of the dark lord. Goblins have set up camp here. For the most part they’re wandering and disorganized, but as you get deeper and deeper into the heart of the marshes, you’ll find terrifying goblin leaders who’ll quickly take your life if you don’t bring your friends.




One of the more noticeable things about the environments in Turbine’s Middle-earth, is how, at times it’s not noticeable. The environments enfold and envelop the character in unique areas. The sounds and creatures are natural residents and soon you don’t see the environment as just a surrounding, but as an integral aspect of this world. The environments make sense… until you enter the transitional areas.




Slightly South and West of Bree is a small camp of hunters and tradesmen in a place called Adso’s camp. It’s a makeshift camp and you’ll find that it’s a natural place for trade to occur. The rolling hills and verdant vegetation create a sense of peace and tranquility. However, close to Adso’s camp is the entrance to two of the most different areas in the game. Just south of here lies the Old Forest. As you enter these woods, the light fades and is replaced with darkness, the trees… once sparse and lovely become walls and threatening. The Old Forest captures you and doesn’t let you go. The deeper you enter the forest, the more you find real danger and real threats. In this place, the trees themselves defend their territory. Yet even in this place of danger and threat, there are small oases where ancient people like Tom Bombadil and Goldberry live.




Another place that’s accessible from Adso’s camp is the Barrow Downs. Entering the Barrow Downs starts without incident, however, once you find yourself in the shadows of its boundaries, the grass itself becomes a pallid reflection of life, the creatures there reek of shadows and darkness, the dead rise and take their revenge upon the unwary traveler. The rolling hills, dotted with the graves of powerful men are guarded by angry spirits, wights and the dark animals that serve them.




What Turbine has done better than any other MMORPG that I’ve played is the transitions. Every aspect of the gaming experience changes, the sound, the look, the environment, the lighting, the creatures and the overall mood. They all change to fit the new environment. Your first time entering the Old Forest or the Barrow Downs will be unforgettable. Areas like The Chetwood and Rivendell will leave you with a memorable experience. No other MMO I’ve played has evoked such powerful emotions upon entering a new area for the first time.




There is no denying that the environments in games have an immense effect on the overall game play and the corresponding emotions. Games like Doom, FEAR, Oblivion and KoTOR have all mastered the art of the environment. MMO’s have recognized the need for different areas, different themes and variety for the players. However, it’s obvious that the developers, artists and people at Turbine Games have put an immense amount of thought into the design, the look and feel of the environments, but they’ve also gone above and beyond the call of duty as they’ve mastered the art of the transition from one environment to another. I have yet to explore all of Turbine’s Middle Earth, but I am excited to discover and find other environments, more beautiful and more terrifying than those I’ve already seen.


To read the latest guides, news, and features you can visit our Lord of the Rings Online Game Page.

Last Updated: Mar 29, 2016

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