Pleasantly Suprised

pilto

Just picked up LOTRO this weekend.  I admit, I had some SERIOUS hesitation.  For only ONE reason:  Turbine.  I don't hate Turbine like I hate SOE, but boy, when they screw something up, they screw it up GOOD.  To me, Dungeons and Dragons Online was the greatest waste of an MMO license in the history of MMOs.  And that's SAYING something when you consider Star Wars Galaxies...but I digress.

Picked the game up this weekend and so far, have been having a WONDERFUL time.  I picked a low pop server (Gladden if you must know) and rolled up a Minstrel and hopped right in.

I do agree with some that the character models are rather limited, but they look ok.  For you basement dwellers, there will be NO large breasted and lightly clothed chicks running around.  But whatever.  Character models are important, but to me, not as important as the gameplay.  Which has been a LOT of fun so far.  Combat still reminds me of the cluster-f*ck that was combat in DDO, but not quite as bad.  So far it seems like a very rich world with excellent graphics and gameplay.  Perhaps because of the low population, the Gladden server seems pretty friendly, but that could change in the future.

I will say that itemization seems a bit lacking.  I wouldn't mind seeing better items and more variety.  Also, the Auction House is TERRIBLE.  I won't say much about crafting, except to say that it seems kinda complicated and doesn't make much sense to me at this point.  Might get clearer as time goes on, but who knows.

Either way, I have been having a blast, although it has only been a couple days.  Much better than I expected and so far.  Will check back after my 30 day trial has ended for an updated impression.

joejccva71

Glad to see you are enjoying the game like most of us are. I play on Arkenstone and am currently a level 41 human guardian. Having a BLAST! I'm also a Master Artisan Metalsmith as well.

Quests and Books/Chapters get TOUGH around my level so it's very challenging.

Couple of things:

1. What about the AH don't you like? I love it, never have a problem finding what I want or selling some fresh new purple armor that I crafted. Making great money! Bought my horse at level 35 and it makes things so much easier.

2. How do you like your minstrel?

Adamina

I also play a minstrel. She is lv l19 and so far I find her easy to play then my hunter lvl 10. I guess it is because the Minst can heal . Anyway, I gave my buddy-key to my husband, who says he is burned out on MMORPG's and wants to play nothing but solo games, and he is now hooked.  I know if he gets hooked then it is a good game to stick with. He has issues with the other games, like EQ1 with a new  expansion every 6 months and when SOE took over and DAOC with the class balancing and TOA expansion that he says they gave to much power to fast,   but so far the only issue he has found is the running back and forth from 1 house to another to deliver messages in the bree-land/buckland area. Why can't thos Hobbits get a telephone?

pilto

My main problem with the auction house is that is is not very intuitive.  Also, not remembering the last price I posted an item at is a PITA.  It would be nice to be able to sort only by items I can currently use as well.  AND it would be nice if they had an option to drop an item from my bag and be able to see all current auctions for that item.  AND the tab key doesn't work to move from field to field.  AND the existing crap in the field does not get highlighted for easy delete when you get there.

I have been really enjoying my Minstrel so far.  I just got Fear so have been having a lot of fun with that.  Sure makes things easier when you get too many dudes smacking you around.  Fellowships have been interesting, in regards to agro.  Healers are always agro machines, but with everyone doing something different, you end up having to use group-heals more often, which usually means ALL the mobs begin banging on ME.  Also, when in group, I always forget to monitor my OWN health and while I am saving everyone else, I end up getting dead.  Messed around with a Burglar last night a little bit but probably gonna level my Minstrel.

One thing I learned about being a Druid in EQ, then a Hunter in WOW...PICK A GROUPING CLASS OR YOU WILL SOLO THE REST OF YOUR GAME!!!  Don't want that.

yoad

Oh but you see, op - this is another great point of this game, EVERY class has a role in fellowships, the musts though are minstrel, guardian and champs, but Lore Masters and Burglars and Rangers etc are also very desired in each and every fellowship. I played on a LoreMaster and was never alone when i wanted a party. same goes for my captain.