My Thoughts After Testing

minuteman76

Despite the other threads already created on the topic, I thought I would add my perspective on Lord of the Rings Online for anyone who's interested in playing or just interested in thoughts on the game. I don't offer them as criticism or praise, but opinion only.



I came to the game as a huge Lord of the Rings fan. I played an old MUD called the Two Towers for about 5 years and I just really enjoy the lore. That was the primary appeal of this game for me - the chance at immersion in a world I love.



I had some problems with installation, but a quick scan of the forums helped me identify the problem and I was up and running the day the World Tour started. For my first character, I chose a hobbit minstrel. I got my old handle from the MUD i used to play and I was finally able to experience the joy of seeing him come to life in three dimensions. I was satisfied with the character creation, but I would have liked more. There were enough options that I felt like I set myself apart enough, and of the encounters I had with other hobbits in the game, I stayed just satisfied enough.



The minstrel was somewhat entertaining for me, but lost some luster around level 8-10. I tried several other classes also, but I'm just not a fan of a class-based system anymore.  I learned the skills as quick as I would in any other game, and then it just boiled down to the same old routine. There's not much more to say that hasn't already been said except that I have to add myself to the number who wants something new (and preferably more open) from MMO skill systems.



I don't have much to comment on about combat either other than that line of sight issues seemed more irritating to me here than before. I don't know if that is something Turbine is addressing or if I was just having troubles adjusting, but it kind of got to me at times.



I really like the title system. Some might think it is a gimmick, but I at least like the concept. I would say add more titles, and make them more difficult to achieve than just killing X mobs, or completing X delivery quests. But it's still a nice addition for character flavor. (Player instruments are good flavor also).



My personal angle on the environments in this game is that they are great. I'm not hard to please with graphics and I haven't explored as much as I'd like yet, but I felt Middle Earth and I felt the Shire, and I am only able to run the game on medium graphical setting.  With everything turned up, I thought it looked gorgeous.



I keep hearing people say that they like how they are able to feel like they are advancing the story, but I haven't had the chance. None of my friends wanted to beta test this one, so I entered the game alone.  I did enough of the epic quest line as I could, but when I got to the group part I had to stop because no one wants to group. For anything. I tried chats. I tried kinships. I don't know if the problem was just stingy beta testers or a low pop server, but I really wasn't pleased with the community. So I can't say whether or not the game really allows you to feel like you advance the story. This is somewhere the game really, really needs to succeed. It would be a major drawback if a significant part of the player base isn't able to experience the story.



I loved being in Middle Earth. It's a place I have loved for a long time. But I am undecided on whether I want to subscribe to Turbine's version. It's a worth a try for those who are fans of Lord of the Rings. I would advise you to give it a shot and see if it charms you.

jor8888

join a large guild. 

 

 

fiontar

The combat and skills become more complex, tactical and situational as you advance. Since it's not a game that just feeds you new levels of the same old spells as you continue to advance, the gameplay for each class continues to evolve.



Once you hit level 13 or so, make sure to explore the areas of the game suitable for the 13-15 level range, the world is a lot bigger than I appreciated prior to that point.



I like the Minstrel, but I can appreciate the idea of trying the classes to find what fits your playstyle. I've liked some classes a lot more than others and I think it has more to do with the personal fit than deficiencies in game design. (I also like the Burglar a lot, even though I couldn't stand playing a Rogue in WoW or similar classes in other games, so finding the right fit may not be as simple as picking a class that on the surface appears to be similar to what you've enjoyed playing elsewhere).



No game is perfect, nor is any game for everyone. I hope you will continue to give it a full trial while you can, I have a feeling this will be a good game for you if you give it a chance.



As far as the community aspect, I've been pleased that 95%+ of the people at least start off with real RPing names appropriate for the setting, a good sign. Haven't seen leet speak, very few obnoxious players. People are learning the game now and I find personally that I like to have a better undertanding of the game before I get much into grouping. I think things will change a lot once retail hits and people start to settle into long term thinking, rather that "trial mode".

Fifthred

I pretty much at home with this combat. Really Don't understand a difference between a skill bass or point based, you still need some many points to unlock a skill in a point based system.... well, LotRO uses the currency and your level as points .



Truly, once the supreme template is created out of a point system , everyone would be the same anyway.  I really feel that the combat system in LotRO is a lot more flexible then people are making it sound.

Sramota

The skill system of LoTRO is the same as any other MMO,
don't even bother trying to defend it.

Mars505

Originally posted by Sramota


The skill system of LoTRO is the same as any other MMO,

don't even bother trying to defend it.

What is it supposed to be ? I don't get it . Vanguard is suppose to be the next gen and it uses the skill based as well ....  ?

Why / waht do we need to defend , the game works ...

minuteman76

As far as the community aspect, I've been pleased that 95%+ of the people at least start off with real RPing names appropriate for the setting, a good sign. Haven't seen leet speak, very few obnoxious players. People are learning the game now and I find personally that I like to have a better undertanding of the game before I get much into grouping. I think things will change a lot once retail hits and people start to settle into long term thinking, rather that "trial mode".

I agree that the community seemed a bit more mature. The most irritating thing is and was having people hog all the chat channels with comparisons to other MMOs. There are good places for doing that . . . like here. I don't think I am selfish for wanting my chat channels reserved for discussing the game I am in.

Jackdog

For the OP. No shoe fits every foot and good luck in finding a game that you can find pleasure in playing. I find LoTRO to be a good game, not perfect, but certainly worth the box price and a bargain subscription wise.

minuteman76

Originally posted by Jackdog

For the OP. No shoe fits every foot and good luck in finding a game that you can find pleasure in playing. I find LoTRO to be a good game, not perfect, but certainly worth the box price and a bargain subscription wise.

Well, I almost feel like this is a shoe that I want to fit. I still have a few days to test, so I suppose you could call my thoughts thus far incomplete. I wish the cap wasn't in place because I'd really like to explore how deep the classes go, but that's not a possibility so I am having to determine that from other players' opinions. I do think this is an enjoyable game through the part I have played, but I want to know more about what's beyond the part I have played.



Any more explanation of how exactly the classes develop beyond level 15 would be greatly appreciated.

Zorvan

Originally posted by minuteman76

As far as the community aspect, I've been pleased that 95%+ of the people at least start off with real RPing names appropriate for the setting, a good sign. Haven't seen leet speak, very few obnoxious players. People are learning the game now and I find personally that I like to have a better undertanding of the game before I get much into grouping. I think things will change a lot once retail hits and people start to settle into long term thinking, rather that "trial mode".

I agree that the community seemed a bit more mature. The most irritating thing is and was having people hog all the chat channels with comparisons to other MMOs. There are good places for doing that . . . like here. I don't think I am selfish for wanting my chat channels reserved for discussing the game I am in.

I agree wholeheartedly. If someone feels the need to tell everyone in chat how much better this or that game is compared to the one we are currently playing, by all means they should  GO PLAY THAT GAME!!

Keogh

Originally posted by minuteman76

Despite the other threads already created on the topic, I thought I would add my perspective on Lord of the Rings Online for anyone who's interested in playing or just interested in thoughts on the game. I don't offer them as criticism or praise, but opinion only.



I came to the game as a huge Lord of the Rings fan. I played an old MUD called the Two Towers for about 5 years and I just really enjoy the lore. That was the primary appeal of this game for me - the chance at immersion in a world I love.



I had some problems with installation, but a quick scan of the forums helped me identify the problem and I was up and running the day the World Tour started. For my first character, I chose a hobbit minstrel. I got my old handle from the MUD i used to play and I was finally able to experience the joy of seeing him come to life in three dimensions. I was satisfied with the character creation, but I would have liked more. There were enough options that I felt like I set myself apart enough, and of the encounters I had with other hobbits in the game, I stayed just satisfied enough.



The minstrel was somewhat entertaining for me, but lost some luster around level 8-10. I tried several other classes also, but I'm just not a fan of a class-based system anymore.  I learned the skills as quick as I would in any other game, and then it just boiled down to the same old routine. There's not much more to say that hasn't already been said except that I have to add myself to the number who wants something new (and preferably more open) from MMO skill systems.



I don't have much to comment on about combat either other than that line of sight issues seemed more irritating to me here than before. I don't know if that is something Turbine is addressing or if I was just having troubles adjusting, but it kind of got to me at times.



I really like the title system. Some might think it is a gimmick, but I at least like the concept. I would say add more titles, and make them more difficult to achieve than just killing X mobs, or completing X delivery quests. But it's still a nice addition for character flavor. (Player instruments are good flavor also).



My personal angle on the environments in this game is that they are great. I'm not hard to please with graphics and I haven't explored as much as I'd like yet, but I felt Middle Earth and I felt the Shire, and I am only able to run the game on medium graphical setting.  With everything turned up, I thought it looked gorgeous.



I keep hearing people say that they like how they are able to feel like they are advancing the story, but I haven't had the chance. None of my friends wanted to beta test this one, so I entered the game alone.  I did enough of the epic quest line as I could, but when I got to the group part I had to stop because no one wants to group. For anything. I tried chats. I tried kinships. I don't know if the problem was just stingy beta testers or a low pop server, but I really wasn't pleased with the community. So I can't say whether or not the game really allows you to feel like you advance the story. This is somewhere the game really, really needs to succeed. It would be a major drawback if a significant part of the player base isn't able to experience the story.



I loved being in Middle Earth. It's a place I have loved for a long time. But I am undecided on whether I want to subscribe to Turbine's version. It's a worth a try for those who are fans of Lord of the Rings. I would advise you to give it a shot and see if it charms you.

Before you give up completely (9 days remaining on free Open BETA), consider trying one or both of the following servers.

• Meneldor ( The oldest server with a high population of the original Closed BETA testers )
• Landroval ( The unofficial RP server )

If your aim is to feel as you are there, even though I don't really role play, I find being around those that do is more immersive than being surrounded by those that don't.

Mars505

The biggest problem I have , is the level cap. It really doesn't help the game show off some of the really good content. Chapter 11. is like the small taste of what the game can offer, as well as some of the open world quests, just don't give you a very good feeling of what lays ahead in Lone Lands and beyond... Being in closed beta really help me decide to purchase the game.

minuteman76

I will try that. I've been on Firefoot since I started and from what I understand that was a new server for the World Tour. I think I'll give Landroval a shot. And I do intend to continue testing for the remaining nine days. Thanks for the tip.

SynxVII

I started beta aswell a couple days ago. I have to say after the mess of vanguard it is a refreshing change but I doubt I will buy retail. The game runs well, the graphics are nice and yes the community feels a lot more mature than in vanguard or wow. Honestly though, this game does everything it does well, but I dunno it just feels like WoW in a LOTR skin to me. I'm not a WoW hater but imo the only thing LOTR offers new is the stronger storyline which I like. But I doubt I would want to play through that again with an alt. Then there is the lack of PvP. Its a nice game but it just feels,.. bleh to me. I have only played it twice now it just does not hook me in.

Almeyda

anyone know if i can get to try this out before i just go out and buy it? theres alot of possitive topics ... but also bad ones :P

minuteman76

Originally posted by Almeyda

anyone know if i can get to try this out before i just go out and buy it? theres alot of possitive topics ... but also bad ones :P

World Tour is currently in progress head to the main site to sign up and start testing.

Jackdog

Originally posted by minuteman76

Originally posted by Jackdog

For the OP. No shoe fits every foot and good luck in finding a game that you can find pleasure in playing. I find LoTRO to be a good game, not perfect, but certainly worth the box price and a bargain subscription wise.

Well, I almost feel like this is a shoe that I want to fit. I still have a few days to test, so I suppose you could call my thoughts thus far incomplete. I wish the cap wasn't in place because I'd really like to explore how deep the classes go, but that's not a possibility so I am having to determine that from other players' opinions. I do think this is an enjoyable game through the part I have played, but I want to know more about what's beyond the part I have played.



Any more explanation of how exactly the classes develop beyond level 15 would be greatly appreciated. you can probably find out what you wish to know by a careful reading of the games FAQ on the main site. However I would not advise buying if you do not care for the open beta. No biggie, there are many games which I did not care for that others love. EvE, WoW, and COH/CoV come to mind. That does not meant hey are bad games, just that they were not fun for me and that is a subjective thing.

Almeyda

Thank you for joining the World Tour of Middle-earth!



This limited time free preview of The Lord of the Rings Online(tm): Shadows of Angmar(tm) gives you an early look at one of the most eagerly anticipated online games of 2007.



This program is only open to players from North America, Australia, and New Zealand.











WTF? world tour :S.... ok the world tour is only for americabs and australians... bullshit !

Mars505

www.lotro-europe.com/

minuteman76

Originally posted by Jackdog

Originally posted by minuteman76

Originally posted by Jackdog

For the OP. No shoe fits every foot and good luck in finding a game that you can find pleasure in playing. I find LoTRO to be a good game, not perfect, but certainly worth the box price and a bargain subscription wise.

Well, I almost feel like this is a shoe that I want to fit. I still have a few days to test, so I suppose you could call my thoughts thus far incomplete. I wish the cap wasn't in place because I'd really like to explore how deep the classes go, but that's not a possibility so I am having to determine that from other players' opinions. I do think this is an enjoyable game through the part I have played, but I want to know more about what's beyond the part I have played.



Any more explanation of how exactly the classes develop beyond level 15 would be greatly appreciated. you can probably find out what you wish to know by a careful reading of the games FAQ on the main site. However I would not advise buying if you do not care for the open beta. No biggie, there are many games which I did not care for that others love. EvE, WoW, and COH/CoV come to mind. That does not meant hey are bad games, just that they were not fun for me and that is a subjective thing.

Well FAQs only tell so much. I prefer a player's perspective over even a well-written web-site description. And it's not that I don't like the open beta - I am enjoying it actually. It's what's beyond what I have access to in open beta that I am concerned with.

Mars505

Originally posted by minuteman76

I prefer a player's perspective over even a well-written web-site description.

So what if the players are all trolls ?

Jetrpg

Games rarely get better... one of the few that do are daoc and eve. Other than that they always get worse the more you level. I loved cox for the first few  weeks ... then it was just the same junk over and over. I loved wow the first few months ... then it was repitition. SWG was fun just because of pre and cu class systems. I liked sb for a bit , however its problem were pressent day one. Most gameas are super fun right off the bat. If you have doubts about them , drop them now becuase they do not get better. IE muds get better too , i find but they are a forgoten type of game.

fiontar

Originally posted by Jetrpg

Games rarely get better... one of the few that do are daoc and eve. Other than that they always get worse the more you level. I loved cox for the first few  weeks ... then it was just the same junk over and over. I loved wow the first few months ... then it was repitition. SWG was fun just because of pre and cu class systems. I liked sb for a bit , however its problem were pressent day one. Most gameas are super fun right off the bat. If you have doubts about them , drop them now becuase they do not get better. IE muds get better too , i find but they are a forgoten type of game.

This game definitely seems to fit in with the rarer variety. It was good enough after the first day to keep going. Solid product, no show stoppers, but seemed a bit blah. It's gotten better every day I've played it.

dand3

Having been 20 (?) in closed beta, I'm feeling restricted in open beta, because the hunter class really begins to emerge above 15.  Others have said similar things about their classes. 

There will be a significant content addition shortly after launch; that should be very interesting as a guide to the game's long term direction.  Housing is being worked on, might be past the initial planning stage. 

 

Jetrpg

Originally posted by fiontar

Originally posted by Jetrpg

Games rarely get better... one of the few that do are daoc and eve. Other than that they always get worse the more you level. I loved cox for the first few  weeks ... then it was just the same junk over and over. I loved wow the first few months ... then it was repitition. SWG was fun just because of pre and cu class systems. I liked sb for a bit , however its problem were pressent day one. Most gameas are super fun right off the bat. If you have doubts about them , drop them now becuase they do not get better. IE muds get better too , i find but they are a forgoten type of game.

This game definitely seems to fit in with the rarer variety. It was good enough after the first day to keep going. Solid product, no show stoppers, but seemed a bit blah. It's gotten better every day I've played it. Could you say why ? just wondering.

M1sf1t

I find it hard to believe that no one wanted to group. I constantly /ooc for fellowships to complete epic quests and it only takes about a few minutes to a get a group together. Granted I am playing an elf and one of the more populated servers aka...Brandywine.