Turbine invited ZAM on an in-game tour to check out LotRO's latest update, Volume III, Book 1: Oath of the Rangers

This addition actually comes from the persistence of LotRO's player base; not only were they constantly bugging Turbine to add in a duo mission mode, but many players took matters into their own hands and they were popping into three-person mission modes with just two players. Well, it wouldn't be Turbine if they didn't spot this and toss it into the melting pot, and so the "Duo Mode" was born. Kudos to the LotRO player base as well for having the independence to try things your own way, rather than complaining endlessly and waiting for the next patch to come!

Another welcome addition to Book 1 is that more attention has been paid to lower level content. Turbine realized that some of the older content, like their Volume I: Shadows of Angmar epic story, was virtually impossible to tackle as a solo player. These days, as more players move on to the later content with little time to spare for nooblets getting through Volume I, Turbine has added the "Inspired Greatness" buff, which will make players strong enough to complete the entire epic storyline of the first volume by themselves.

Finally, Campbell ended the tour like any good tour should end: stomping shrews! LotRO's Spring Festival is set to return to Middle-earth on March 23rd through April 19th, and their latest addition to the festivities is the whack-a-mole style Shrew Stomping, where players can equip some big 'ol boots to stomp as many shrews as they can in a given amount of time. Shrew Stomping will join the prestigious ranks of other Spring Festival activities, like their Hedge Maze and Horse Races. As well, players will be able to get some new items for their homes, like the (very) awesome Majestic Shrew Statue, or a new Springfest Horse.

In the end, LotRO's Volume III: Book 1 seems like it will be just perfect at getting players to revisit their past in order to advance, and it also shows just how confident and consistent Turbine has gotten with their development plans. Book 1 promises to be a great step in the right direction, so be sure to go check it out on Monday! Also, stomp a few shrews for us as well!