In the world of MMOs, the central focus of combat has almost always been dealt with by a simple mechanic of standing toe-to-toe with the enemy whilst setting off a succession of attacks governed by cool-down periods. The closest MMO battles have ever come to a more fluid and dynamic melee is generally no more than the development of “kiting” techniques, wherein the combatants would attempt to keep the enemy at a distance whilst peppering them with ranged attacks.
However, the clever folks at Turbine, developers of Lord of the Rings Online, have raised the bar. With their recent LotRO expansion, Riders of Rohan, it was clear that bringing the realm of the Rohirrim to life would require something more visceral and kinetically equine.
With the introduction of war-steeds, LotRO players are now able to engage in horseback combat, which is dependent on momentum and positioning as much as more traditional MMO combat techniques. New skills and disciplines have been introduced which augment existing abilities and provide a whole new depth to combat and tactics as the vast plains of Rohan are explored.
The central device is Fury, a momentum-based mechanic which provides bonuses to attacks dependent on the speed and position of the mounted character in relation to the target. Class-specific mounted combat skills and disciplines allow for a variety of tactics. Additionally, each war-steed possesses its own attacks and skills and can improve along with the character.
No longer are the battles of Middle Earth a stand-and-deliver slug-fest, and the experience of charging down goblin wolf-riders and invading orcs promises to set a new standard for MMO combat.
So ride, you fools, ride.
