The Hobbit Trailer in HD
It maybe a year away, but Peter Jackson has released the first trailer for The Hobbit!
Dwarfs, hobbits, elves, Gandalf, Gollum, and a certain ring all make an appearance. No sign of the gold hoarding, fire breathing dragon in this one, but i’m sure we’ll get to see a lot more info over the next 12 months.
Roll on December 14th 2012!
Top 5 Free-to-Play MMORPGs
Over the past few years MMORPG‘s have gone through a bit of a change regarding the way they are funded. More and more of them are turning to a free-to-play model to sustain a player base. However, free-to-play MMO no longer means some browser-based 2D cutesy import from Japan. Some serious hard hitters of the MMO genre are now turning free-to-play. Here’s our list of the top 5.
5. Age of Conan
Age of Conan
Age of Conan had a bit of a rough ride on release. The first 20 levels were brilliantly stitched together, whilst the rest of the game was somewhat in disarray. Thankfully it’s survived its turbulent birth and worked hard to patch out its rough edges, to become one of the most brutal MMO’s available today.
Their F2P model restricts some of the character classes and slots, but there is still enough in there to keep most casual MMO players occupied. And most importantly, you can still behead your enemies with a few swift blows of your broadsword.
4. City of Heroes
City of Heroes
City of Heroes maybe one of the older MMOs out there, but that by no means limits it’s fun factor. Recent updates have seen some restructuring to the opening zones making them much less of a grind, and a switch so you get your ‘travel powers’ much earlier.
Because of it’s age, there is a huge amount of content and customisation in-game. Couple that with the lack of restrictions NCSoft have put on free players (no level cap restriction, loads of costume parts, most zones available at no extra cost) and it makes CoH well worth a look.
3. DC Universe Online
DC Universe Online
More superheroes, but this time some names your more likely to be familiar with. Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern and The Flash, to mention but a few. There is also a host of villains to work for, from Joker to Lex Luther, to Talia al Ghul, pretty much every major hero and villain from DC’s universe is represented here.
SOE do place some restrictions on Free Players (limited character slots, inventory & bank slots, trading etc…), but if you fancy checking out DCU, it’s possible to play through 30 levels of superhero/villain goodness. Also, you only need to spend $5 in the online store to gain access to the mid-level ‘Premium’ account which raises the level of most of the restrictions to most casual players would be comfortable with.
2. Star Trek Online
Star Trek Online
STO is a game that has come along in leaps and bounds since it’s release in 2010. Issues with the lack of ‘Trekkiness’ were solved. Lots more content was added, both by developers Cryptic, and by players themselves through the brilliant Foundry feature. A combat overhaul was done, to improve the phaser firing aspect of the game, plus more customisation to costumes, interiors to player ships, and various pets and other ‘fluff’ items were added.
Overall it’s a hugely improved game from it’s rather rushed release. Once again F2P players will have some limits on their account. Less character slots, limits on money and inventory storage, chat and mail restrictions, and they’ll be locked out of the Foundry Creator. However, the level cap will still be achievable, and all sector and missions are accessible on a F2P account, so you won’t be short of things to do! STO doesn’t actually go free-to-play till Jan 17th 2012 – But when it does, I urge you to take a journey into the final frontier.
1. Lord of the Rings Online
Lord of the Rings Online
As huge Tolkien fans, LotRO was a MMO all the gamers here in GeekTown fell in love with when it was first released. From those early quests avoiding hungry hobbits delivering pies in the Shire, to battling trolls and even a Balrog in the later game, it’s extremely easy to lose yourself in the massive world Turbine have created.
There are restrictions on F2P players. The amount of cash you can carry is limited, and you can’t auction items. Your also only allowed 1 character slot per server (with more purchasable), and some of the higher level areas need to be purchased. You can however level your hobbit, dwarf, elf or human up to the game’s level cap, and it’s a great way to test out a superb MMO without having to outlay a penny. If you’re a fan of Tolkien, it’s worth installing even if it’s just to wander around the Shire.
Richard Armitage as Thorin Oakenshield Revealed!
Richard Armitage as Thorin Oakenshield
Last but certainly not least of dwarves from The Hobbit is finally revealed – Richard Armitage as Thorin Oakenshield! Thorin is leader of the Company of Dwarves, and was the son of Thráin II, the King of Durin’s Folk in their exile from Erebor, and the grandson of King Thrór. The sword Thorin is wielding in that picture is Orcrist (goblin-cleaver).
So there you have it! All 13 of the dwarves from Peter Jackson’s The Hobbit!
12 Dwarves From The Hobbit (click to enlarge)
See 12 Dwarves From The Hobbit!
12 Dwarves From The Hobbit (click to enlarge)
Another day, and another lot of dwarves from The Hobbit have appeared online. Balin (Ken Stott) and Dwalin (Graham McTavish) make the last 2 of Thorin Oakenshield’s company of dwarves for the Peter Jackson’s ‘The Hobbit’. I’m expecting picture of Spook’s Richard Armitage as Thorin himself to be announced imminently!
Balin and Dwalin are brothers, and the sons of Fundin. Dwalin, the younger of the two, is the first of the dwarves to arrive at Bag End and is a strong and powerful fighter. Balin is an older and experienced warrior. He was just 7yrs old at the Lonely Mountain when the dragon Smaug attacked and killed many of the dwarves there. They are both close, trusted friends of Thorin.
Cast of The Hobbit (so far) with Photos!
Cast of The Hobbit (so far) - Click to enlarge.
After yesterday’s casting announcement for The Hobbit, i started looking around for photos of the actors to see what they look like… And that let me to break out Photoshop to see what they might look like! The original photos are below.
Photos of The Hobbit Cast
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- Cast of The Hobbit (so far)
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- Martin Freeman – Bilbo Baggins
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- Richard Armitage – Thorin Oakensheild
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- Aidan Turner – Killi
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- Rob Kazinsky – Fili
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- Graham McTavish – Dwalin
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- Mark Hadlow – Dori
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- Peter Hambleton – Gloin
Other casting includes Stephen Hunter as Bombur, and John Callen as Oin, but i’m struggling to find decent photos of them!
For those of you who are wondering if this rules out Bill Bailey playing one of the dwarves, not necessarily, as there are still 5 of the 13 gruff beardy fellas that are in The Hobbit to be cast – Balin, Bifur, Bofur, Bombur, and Nori.
Other Hobbit casting rumours at the moment are that the brilliant Stephen Fry could be up for an as yet unspecified role, as are David Tennant and James Nesbitt.
Bill Nighy is apparently under consideration for the voice of the dragon Smaug.
Martin Freeman IS Bilbo!
Martin Freeman is Bilbo
Just been confirmed by Warner Bros – Martin Freeman IS Bilbo Baggins in Peter Jackson’s 2 movie based on The Hobbit!
Jackson has said “Despite the various rumours and speculation surrounding this role, there has only ever been one Bilbo Baggins for us.”
Also confirmed, Richard Armitage (Spooks, Robin Hood, Strike Back) as Thorin Oakenshield, leader of the Dwarves who make the trip to the Lonely Mountain. Have to say, Dwarf isn’t the first role that comes to mind when I think of Armitage, but I trust in Jackson’s team and their casting skills. Having said that, he’s a good actor, and he does have the gruff Dwarven voice for it (make up and effects will cover the rest!) I also guess that means Spooks is in for another change in lead actor…
The rest of the dwarves are made up by Aidan Turner (Being Human) as Kili, Rob Kazinsky (Eastenders) as Fili, Graham McTavish (24, Red Dwarf) as Dwalin, John Callen (Power Rangers Jungle Fury) as Oin, Stephen Hunter as Bombur, Mark Hadlow (King Kong) as Dori, and Peter Hambleton as Gloin.
