After playing my buddy pass key; and getting past the initial hype... IMO the game has nothing new to it. The class customization is HORRIBLE. The repair costs are ridiculous. And no I'm not a fanboy of Tolkien nor of the LOTR movies. I liked them, but you know... And really; I shouldn't have to be a fanboy or an LOTR freak in order to love the game. When I got into wow, I hadn't even played any of the WC series. Only Starcraft and Diablo. And WoW from the beginning got me hooked. It was like a drug.
This game doesn't have that. When you get past the pretty graphics, and the hype... there's not much meat to the game.
Yep, the vnboard mods just end up locking his threads or moderating his posts. The moderation here (if there even is any moderation) is much more lax, so Stan can troll to his hearts content.
Heres something that people may find interesting about that. My posts are only moderated in the LOTRO forums. I've "trolled" the VN boards for years, and never have I experienced the level of moderation that I saw in the last 2 months there. In fact, I distinctly recall making one of my first posts here about that very issue.
Now, just who are the moderators of the LOTRO boards at VN? Why, none other than Loktofeit and MeenKeenLaurikeen, who are also staff members of the LOTRO Vault, and... this is the kicker... longtime Turbine fans, who have been to Turbine's offices in Boston, and have been presented with privileged access to their games and inside information. Does anyone remember their "reviews" of the game where they raved nonstop and threw around 9.5's like it was going out of style?
Now, put 2 and 2 together, I'm sure you can figure it out. On my first post in the VN Board LOTRO forums in probably 2 weeks, I was immediately banned again for "trolling".
Yes, I was banned from AC2 beta during its final days. Want to know why? I said the word "bitch". It still brings a smile to my face when someone brings that up.
Oh, and one other thing I'd like to point out about the lax moderation here. It also affords all the "troll haters" the opportunity to make a deluge of personal attacks, which you all seem to really enjoy. So you shouldn't complain about moderation, lest ye be moderated yourselves .
Whats even more funny is that some one would devote so much time and effort to trying to bring down a game that has been rated so high by the community and the industry. One heck of a hobby you have Stan.
You put just as much, if not more, effort into defending the game, Jack. You make it a point to always try and promote your game by showing off reviews and sales charts. Where do you find the time between playing the game so much and your obviously full and rich life?
After playing my buddy pass key; and getting past the initial hype... IMO the game has nothing new to it. The class customization is HORRIBLE. The repair costs are ridiculous. And no I'm not a fanboy of Tolkien nor of the LOTR movies. I liked them, but you know... And really; I shouldn't have to be a fanboy or an LOTR freak in order to love the game. When I got into wow, I hadn't even played any of the WC series. Only Starcraft and Diablo. And WoW from the beginning got me hooked. It was like a drug.
This game doesn't have that. When you get past the pretty graphics, and the hype... there's not much meat to the game.
Everyone has a right to their own opinion, no game will be for everyone. However, since you highlight repair costs as a problem, even though that was fixed a while ago, I have to doubt you actually did play on a buddy key pass. Repair costs get a little more significant from level 20 on, but they are very petty up to that point (of course, I don't die very often, I guess someone more death prone could have some problems).
Class customization doesn't kick in until later levels. The virtue system starts to offer a lot more diversity as more options open up. One beauty of the system is that they can easily add more virtues as the game expands. One thing I'd like to see is more specialized class virtues that offer a skill attached to them.
It's probably around level 20 that people start to realize the impact their virtue layout can have on their character. If someone really wanted to, they could try to unlock every possible virtue, but that would take a lot of time and effort. By this level range, you can start to focus on what direction you want to go in with the customization of your character and focus on earning the virtues you need to maximize that build.
It's a simple system at the lower levels, but it adds a lot of depth as you advance. I definitely expect new traits to be introduced as the game expands, which could eventually this one of the more customizable games. We'll see how it goes.
It's funny, what I've noticed is a drop off in thinly (or not so thinly) veiled "this game is teh suk" flamebait. Figured it had to do with the fact that the game is wildly popular and getting rave reviews in the mainstream gaming press. Kinda robs you of some of your ammo.
QFT. A lot of the trolls were like wait for Gamespot's review or wait for IGN's review, etc etc. They will blast the game. Well we see how well that worked out for the haters. The only site I have seen give a bad review to the game is this site and then they recalled that review and called it a preview instead.
The magazine PCGAMER gave it a harsh review and branded it WoW clone to my annoyance. The score was 79% and some may think thats not bad well this mag rated WoW at 94% and it's expansion at 89% so i think LoTRO deserved a better score from them. I agree with what your saying bout sites, only this one has given it a dodgy review. I can think of a lot of games that would be doing handstands of happiness if they could score a 79% although that is the worst. As far as my putting a lot of effort into finding good reviews it is easy.
all sorts of links to good ones at a glance. I also have had EBgames PC page bookmarked for a couple of years as I find it the easiest way to get projected release dates on single and multi player games.
Back to topic though all I see is the game gaining momentum as word spreads. Worst issue the game could possibly face is if MPvP does not catch on or they cannot get enough raid content in for the people power leveling to 50. I am hoping AoC will release and be decent by the time I am ready for a break.
It's funny, what I've noticed is a drop off in thinly (or not so thinly) veiled "this game is teh suk" flamebait. Figured it had to do with the fact that the game is wildly popular and getting rave reviews in the mainstream gaming press. Kinda robs you of some of your ammo.
QFT. A lot of the trolls were like wait for Gamespot's review or wait for IGN's review, etc etc. They will blast the game. Well we see how well that worked out for the haters. The only site I have seen give a bad review to the game is this site and then they recalled that review and called it a preview instead.
The magazine PCGAMER gave it a harsh review and branded it WoW clone to my annoyance. The score was 79% and some may think thats not bad well this mag rated WoW at 94% and it's expansion at 89% so i think LoTRO deserved a better score from them. I agree with what your saying bout sites, only this one has given it a dodgy review. Is that in the July issue? I haven't seen it yet.
Currently playing: LOTRO & WoW (not much WoW though because Mines of Moria rocks!!!!)
Looking Foward too: Bioware games (Dragon Age & Star Wars The Old Republic)
It's funny, what I've noticed is a drop off in thinly (or not so thinly) veiled "this game is teh suk" flamebait. Figured it had to do with the fact that the game is wildly popular and getting rave reviews in the mainstream gaming press. Kinda robs you of some of your ammo.
QFT. A lot of the trolls were like wait for Gamespot's review or wait for IGN's review, etc etc. They will blast the game. Well we see how well that worked out for the haters. The only site I have seen give a bad review to the game is this site and then they recalled that review and called it a preview instead.
The magazine PCGAMER gave it a harsh review and branded it WoW clone to my annoyance. The score was 79% and some may think thats not bad well this mag rated WoW at 94% and it's expansion at 89% so i think LoTRO deserved a better score from them. I agree with what your saying bout sites, only this one has given it a dodgy review. Is that in the July issue? I haven't seen it yet. That was in the britain pcgamer
I routinely browse some of the more popular LOTRO forums. VN Boards, here, and the official boards. During open beta, and the first couple weeks of retails, those forums were really on fire with heated debates, "Best game ever" threads, and just general back and forth discussions.
I don't see much happening anymore. Theres an occasional strongly worded post, with several pages of replies, but I see far more simple lazy questions with equally lazy answers. Speaking for myself, I haven't seen a lot of posts worth replying to.
I have observed in the prior week, a sudden increase in what I like to call the "I like it, but" posts, that IMHO signified the calm before the storm. The newness wore off for some folks, and they were finally able to see some of the problems with the game. They still felt they had to be part of the community by prefacing their complaint with praise, but their dissent was beginning to show.
And now we have that calm. That lull when those people who once sang the praises of the game for 2 weeks are now realizing that maybe they shouldn't have trumpeted so loudly. They aren't posting now because they are in a state of disbelief. They are torn between wanting to like the game as much as they said they did, and their actual feelings of frustration. Confusion and doubt is settling in.
The storm will come soon. The fall from grace is happening. I'll get my popcorn ready.
Please note: The above is most certainly my opinion, and is based on nothing more than my own personal observations, heavily laden with speculation and conjecture.
Mmmmm.......popcorn. As usual I just can't agree with this Stan. The calm before the storm? I will agree the newness of the game has somewhat worn off. That in no way, shape or form is indicative of the game going downhill. A fair analogy would be the newness of a new car wearing off. You are not torn between wanting to like the car as much as you did a month prior. It's just not brand new anymore. There will be no fall from grace, no storm en route and no folks in a state of disbelief.
I spend too much of my free time playing this game to be honest. I'll pop my head in here from time to time to see if anything interesting has been posted. Meh....lots of dead horses goin' round.
LotRO is still a great game and I'm actually enjoying it more as I gain levels. Nothing better than entering a new area to explore and do quests. My server has become quite crowded and expect new servers to open up soon. It is my understanding that Europe is doing very well too.
I dunno Stan.....can't help but feel this is wishful thinking on your part. The game is fine......
Personally, when I read his OP, I get the mental image of Golem sitting by the waterside, talking to his own reflection, plotting to get the ring back...
"They will likes it for a time... Then they will starts to hate it, they will, precious!!"
"Yesss!!! Yess!! And then when they starts to hates it... it starts to diiieee!!!!"
"Yess, preciousss!! And then, we will be happy!!!!"
-proceeds to dance around manically-
"If you just step away for a sec you will clearly see all the pot holes in the road, and the cash shop selling asphalt..." - Mimzel on F2P/Cash Shops
I feel it is justified to call BS Stanly because for all we know that guy could just be a troll. If you want to quote me sales figures from a reputable source I will be happy to listen but just because some one posted something in a message forum does not mean it is a fact now does it.
The 1 million player call was just to show that my shovel is as big as your shovel and my opinion and right to express it is just as valis as yours. But when it all boils down they are both just opinions. Seems as if I touched a nerve with WoW , did not mean to hurt your feelings there.
If you don't believe his numbers, then ask him how he did it, and do it yourself. I'm pretty sure that some sales figures were quoted that clearly showed LOTRO was pushed out of the number 1 spot. Isn't NPD reputable? I love how you flipflop your stance on numbers when they aren't in line with your expectations.
So you are deliberately exaggerating for the heck of it? Um, kudos I guess. I hope people keep this in mind when they read your posts from now on. I love how you went from lying about me playing LOTRO, to now accusing me of being a WoW fan. I guess the only way for you to show people that LOTRO is a good game, is by making things up about me, and lacing it with personal attacks. I guess that speaks volumes about you and your game, now doesn't it?
Problem is, Stan, *you* posted those stats here to support *your* theory that the game is beginning its decline... *You* cited the numbers then posted the link to the source, no one else. It's your responsibility to do your due diligence and check your sources before citing them . If you didn't know how they were gleaned and didn't verify their authenticity - why were you so willing to post them here as evidence?
Oh, right, because on their face they supported your point-of-view, and you didn't expect anyone to actually challenge you on them, right?
Now because someone is challenging you to back-up those stats, you're back-pedaling and trying to weasel your way out.
Convenient.
"If you just step away for a sec you will clearly see all the pot holes in the road, and the cash shop selling asphalt..." - Mimzel on F2P/Cash Shops
Problem is, Stan, *you* posted those stats here to support *your* theory that the game is beginning its decline... *You* cited the numbers then posted the link to the source, no one else. It's your responsibility to do your due diligence and check your sources before citing them . If you didn't know how they were gleaned and didn't verify their authenticity - why were you so willing to post them here as evidence?
Oh, right, because on their face they supported your point-of-view, and you didn't expect anyone to actually challenge you on them, right?
Now because someone is challenging you to back-up those stats, you're back-pedaling and trying to weasel your way out.
Convenient.
Incorrect. I posted a link to these numbers in response to someone saying the game was "wildly popular". I never said these numbers were good or bad. The seem respectable, honestly.
By all means though, feel free to continue having your own debate without me. All I'm saying, is that some of the popular LOTRO forums seem very slow lately, and I feel this signifies players are less... enthusiastic... about the game, and that there will soon be a lot more complaints and negative posts soon. Yeah, I know its a no brainer, but seeing as how these forums seem so slow...
Problem is, Stan, *you* posted those stats here to support *your* theory that the game is beginning its decline... *You* cited the numbers then posted the link to the source, no one else. It's your responsibility to do your due diligence and check your sources before citing them . If you didn't know how they were gleaned and didn't verify their authenticity - why were you so willing to post them here as evidence?
Oh, right, because on their face they supported your point-of-view, and you didn't expect anyone to actually challenge you on them, right?
Now because someone is challenging you to back-up those stats, you're back-pedaling and trying to weasel your way out.
Convenient.
Incorrect. I posted a link to these numbers in response to someone saying the game was "wildly popular". I never said these numbers were good or bad. The seem respectable, honestly.
By all means though, feel free to continue having your own debate without me. All I'm saying, is that some of the popular LOTRO forums seem very slow lately, and I feel this signifies players are less... enthusiastic... about the game, and that there will soon be a lot more complaints and negative posts soon. Yeah, I know its a no brainer, but seeing as how these forums seem so slow...
The point is, you cited them, saying someone on another site did "pretty good work" (to paraphrase) of getting a number. You then go on to indicate that you find them at least "believable" by saying you wouldn't consider the game "wildly popular" based on those numbers. By that, you are endorsing them as good enough to measure the game's popularity. You've since made it obvious that you accepted them at face value, without doing your own due dilligence to determine their validity, or the methods used to reach them. You accepted and cited them because they fit your point-of-view.
Now, suddenly when people start calling BS on them, you back-pedal and make it sound like those challenging them should go figure out how the person got them? Umm.. wrong. It's on you to prove they're valid before you cite them; not on us to prove they aren't once you have.
Please.. Man up and accept that you screwed yourself when you posted and endorsed those numbers. Stop trying to talk your way around it. No one's buying it.
"If you just step away for a sec you will clearly see all the pot holes in the road, and the cash shop selling asphalt..." - Mimzel on F2P/Cash Shops
Originally posted by WSIMike The point is, you cited them, saying someone on another site did "pretty good work" (to paraphrase) of getting a number. You then go on to indicate that you find them at least "believable" by saying you wouldn't consider the game "wildly popular" based on those numbers. By that, you are endorsing them as good enough to measure the game's popularity. You've since made it obvious that you accepted them at face value, without doing your own due dilligence to determine their validity, or the methods used to reach them. You accepted and cited them because they fit your point-of-view.
Now, suddenly when people start calling BS on them, you back-pedal and make it sound like those challenging them should go figure out how the person got them? Umm.. wrong. It's on you to prove they're valid before you cite them; not on us to prove they aren't once you have.
Please.. Man up and accept that you screwed yourself when you posted and endorsed those numbers. Stop trying to talk your way around it. No one's buying it.
Ah, I see. Perhaps if you would have actually read the post, you would see where he describes his methodology. But you know, that would be asking too much, since the numbers don't fit *your* point of view, and you immediately dismiss them as BS.
I find it amusing that I have to prove someone else's numbers are valid, but... enthusiasts... of the game can say they think 600k copies were sold, that the game will take 1m subscribers away from other MMO's, and pick whatever number they want out of thin air, and everyone just accepts that at face value. Double standards are fun.
Now, an interesting thing to note, is that in his latest number post, people seemed to get different results on the anon feature. This introduces an even greater margin of error into the numbers.
Originally posted by WSIMike The point is, you cited them, saying someone on another site did "pretty good work" (to paraphrase) of getting a number. You then go on to indicate that you find them at least "believable" by saying you wouldn't consider the game "wildly popular" based on those numbers. By that, you are endorsing them as good enough to measure the game's popularity. You've since made it obvious that you accepted them at face value, without doing your own due dilligence to determine their validity, or the methods used to reach them. You accepted and cited them because they fit your point-of-view.
Now, suddenly when people start calling BS on them, you back-pedal and make it sound like those challenging them should go figure out how the person got them? Umm.. wrong. It's on you to prove they're valid before you cite them; not on us to prove they aren't once you have.
Please.. Man up and accept that you screwed yourself when you posted and endorsed those numbers. Stop trying to talk your way around it. No one's buying it.
Ah, I see. Perhaps if you would have actually read the post, you would see where he describes his methodology. But you know, that would be asking too much, since the numbers don't fit *your* point of view, and you immediately dismiss them as BS.
I find it amusing that I have to prove someone else's numbers are valid, but... enthusiasts... of the game can say they think 600k copies were sold, that the game will take 1m subscribers away from other MMO's, and pick whatever number they want out of thin air, and everyone just accepts that at face value. Double standards are fun.
Now, an interesting thing to note, is that in his latest number post, people seemed to get different results on the anon feature. This introduces an even greater margin of error into the numbers.
Once again, you're missing the point...
Is the concept of "checking your sources" completely lost on you?
I am not the one who put the numbers up to backup some home-spun theory. I do not have to verify or prove their authenticity, nor does anyone else here. You brought them up, so the onus is on you to check them. Nor did I ever say they were "fake". I never judged them one way or another, so please stop putting words in my mouth. If I had, or if I ever do cite statistics posted on some other site, you can rest assured I would not take them at face value and that I would verify their validity and do some due dilligence on them first.
What you've done here is put up some numbers in order to back-up your theory of LoTRO not doing so well or not being "wildly popular". Now that people are challenging them, you're trying to turn it around on us.. Wrong. It don't work that way. Again, the burden of proof is always - *always* - on the person making the claim.
My advice is, if you aren't willing to back-up or do your homework on stats you find on the internet, if you don't want to be challenged on them, then don't use them in your posts.
"If you just step away for a sec you will clearly see all the pot holes in the road, and the cash shop selling asphalt..." - Mimzel on F2P/Cash Shops
I don't see much happening anymore. Theres an occasional strongly worded post, with several pages of replies, but I see far more simple lazy questions with equally lazy answers. Speaking for myself, I haven't seen a lot of posts worth replying to.
Sop by your standards then I guess Vanguard is a blockbuster of a game, the firums are sure lively enough. As far as your numbers, they are bull shit, Of course since they support you position you sewar by them right?
Anyway did you notice LoTRO got the Editors Choice award over at IGN, here is a link in case you missed it
Turbine's The Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar doesn't breathe new life into the MMORPG genre, but it does deliver an easily accessible, refined, and thoroughly enjoyable experience. It's packed with content, though still a little light on end-game instances, offers some entertaining character classes and plenty of ways to customize traits to differing play styles. Powerful story elements, fellowship conjunction attacks, and superb audio-visual elements are merged with numerous small-scale interface enhancements that make it nearly impossible to dislike this one. This version of Middle-earth is as good a place as any for those curious about MMOs to start, and provides enough depth for genre veterans to enjoy themselves. Though we'll have to keep waiting for a truly new kind of MMO, we're glad this game arrived to keep us occupied in the meantime.
That describes how a lot of us feel, the game may not be great but it is damn good and anyone who buys it will get their 50 bucks worth from it.
I don't see much happening anymore. Theres an occasional strongly worded post, with several pages of replies, but I see far more simple lazy questions with equally lazy answers. Speaking for myself, I haven't seen a lot of posts worth replying to.
Sop by your standards then I guess Vanguard is a blockbuster of a game, the firums are sure lively enough. As far as your numbers, they are bull shit, Of course since they support you position you sewar by them right?
Anyway did you notice LoTRO got the Editors Choice award over at IGN, here is a link in case you missed it
Turbine's The Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar doesn't breathe new life into the MMORPG genre, but it does deliver an easily accessible, refined, and thoroughly enjoyable experience. It's packed with content, though still a little light on end-game instances, offers some entertaining character classes and plenty of ways to customize traits to differing play styles. Powerful story elements, fellowship conjunction attacks, and superb audio-visual elements are merged with numerous small-scale interface enhancements that make it nearly impossible to dislike this one. This version of Middle-earth is as good a place as any for those curious about MMOs to start, and provides enough depth for genre veterans to enjoy themselves. Though we'll have to keep waiting for a truly new kind of MMO, we're glad this game arrived to keep us occupied in the meantime.
That describes how a lot of us feel, the game may not be great but it is damn good and anyone who buys it will get their 50 bucks worth from it.
Who would've seen a stab at vanguard coming from Jackdog?
Why is it ok for you to hate a game so much, but completely unacceptable for someone else to not like YOUR game? You need to take a goddamn chill pill about LOTRO, and just give up on bashing Vanguard. Everyone knows Vanguard is a flop, no need to rub it in....
I don't see much happening anymore. Theres an occasional strongly worded post, with several pages of replies, but I see far more simple lazy questions with equally lazy answers. Speaking for myself, I haven't seen a lot of posts worth replying to.
Sop by your standards then I guess Vanguard is a blockbuster of a game, the firums are sure lively enough. As far as your numbers, they are bull shit, Of course since they support you position you sewar by them right?
Anyway did you notice LoTRO got the Editors Choice award over at IGN, here is a link in case you missed it
Turbine's The Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar doesn't breathe new life into the MMORPG genre, but it does deliver an easily accessible, refined, and thoroughly enjoyable experience. It's packed with content, though still a little light on end-game instances, offers some entertaining character classes and plenty of ways to customize traits to differing play styles. Powerful story elements, fellowship conjunction attacks, and superb audio-visual elements are merged with numerous small-scale interface enhancements that make it nearly impossible to dislike this one. This version of Middle-earth is as good a place as any for those curious about MMOs to start, and provides enough depth for genre veterans to enjoy themselves. Though we'll have to keep waiting for a truly new kind of MMO, we're glad this game arrived to keep us occupied in the meantime.
That describes how a lot of us feel, the game may not be great but it is damn good and anyone who buys it will get their 50 bucks worth from it.
Who would've seen a stab at vanguard coming from Jackdog?
Why is it ok for you to hate a game so much, but completely unacceptable for someone else to not like YOUR game? You need to take a goddamn chill pill about LOTRO, and just give up on bashing Vanguard. Everyone knows Vanguard is a flop, no need to rub it in....
Way to misinterpret dude...a stab at Vanguard LOL All I was doing was showing the error of Stan trying to compare forum activity with a games success or failure. I did not say a damn thing about Vanguard one way or the other, like you said I think the community is pretty well aware of what is happening in that game. As far as hate goes I cannot even remember the last time I even posted in a vanguard forum, I surely don't go therre bashing every day like some do here on the LoTRO forums. I guess Stan has been bashing Turbine since AC2's release going by one of his posts earlier in this thread. Four years is a long time to hold a grudge in my opinion.
Is the concept of "checking your sources" completely lost on you?
I am not the one who put the numbers up to backup some home-spun theory. I do not have to verify or prove their authenticity, nor does anyone else here. You brought them up, so the onus is on you to check them. Nor did I ever say they were "fake". I never judged them one way or another, so please stop putting words in my mouth. If I had, or if I ever do cite statistics posted on some other site, you can rest assured I would not take them at face value and that I would verify their validity and do some due dilligence on them first.
What you've done here is put up some numbers in order to back-up your theory of LoTRO not doing so well or not being "wildly popular". Now that people are challenging them, you're trying to turn it around on us.. Wrong. It don't work that way. Again, the burden of proof is always - *always* - on the person making the claim.
My advice is, if you aren't willing to back-up or do your homework on stats you find on the internet, if you don't want to be challenged on them, then don't use them in your posts.
Checking my sources? Um, I provided the link. Check for yourself. Those numbers are not mine. It is my *opinion* that those are a pretty good estimate of the NA prime time numbers. The margin for error seems to be growing though, as there seems to be some issues with the /anon feature.
Since you are dispensing "advice", allow me the same courtesy. Work on your reading comprehension, learn the definition of a double standard, and don't make the mistake of thinking you have the upper hand in a debate merely by making the most noise. My original claim was that there seems to be a lull in posts on some of the major LOTRO forums, and IMHO, this signifies that people are becoming more disenchanted with the game.
But don't take my word for it... look at what some of the players say themselves.
And I'm sure it doesn't take a rocket scientist to see that there are maybe 10 threads a day that get responses in this very forum. You can keep making as much noise as you want about the numbers, but at this point you are having a debate with yourself and comments that I haven't made.
All I was doing was showing the error of Stan trying to compare forum activity with a games success or failure.
Perhaps you should take a little time and read the original post again.
What some of the more... vocal... respondents in this thread fail to realize, is that my original post is not about the game, but rather, the players of the game and their posting habits.
All I was doing was showing the error of Stan trying to compare forum activity with a games success or failure.
Perhaps you should take a little time and read the original post again.
What some of the more... vocal... respondents in this thread fail to realize, is that my original post is not about the game, but rather, the players of the game and their posting habits.
Oh, i thought your original post was a joke. I take it you weren't joking around then. Sorry for laughing at it.
See you in the dream.. The Fires from heaven, now as cold as ice. A rapid ascension tolls a heavy price.
Comments
They will continue to add more content as the year goes on.
I've gone back and looked at the patches for WoW, and I just realized how much the game had to add the first few months.
I've also looked at how much Turbine added to DDO.
Will LOTRO continue to grow subscribers or decline? We can't answer that until the fall.
This game doesn't have that. When you get past the pretty graphics, and the hype... there's not much meat to the game.
Now, just who are the moderators of the LOTRO boards at VN? Why, none other than Loktofeit and MeenKeenLaurikeen, who are also staff members of the LOTRO Vault, and... this is the kicker... longtime Turbine fans, who have been to Turbine's offices in Boston, and have been presented with privileged access to their games and inside information. Does anyone remember their "reviews" of the game where they raved nonstop and threw around 9.5's like it was going out of style?
Now, put 2 and 2 together, I'm sure you can figure it out. On my first post in the VN Board LOTRO forums in probably 2 weeks, I was immediately banned again for "trolling".
Yes, I was banned from AC2 beta during its final days. Want to know why? I said the word "bitch". It still brings a smile to my face when someone brings that up.
Oh, and one other thing I'd like to point out about the lax moderation here. It also affords all the "troll haters" the opportunity to make a deluge of personal attacks, which you all seem to really enjoy. So you shouldn't complain about moderation, lest ye be moderated yourselves
Equal opportunity troll.
Equal opportunity troll.
Class customization doesn't kick in until later levels. The virtue system starts to offer a lot more diversity as more options open up. One beauty of the system is that they can easily add more virtues as the game expands. One thing I'd like to see is more specialized class virtues that offer a skill attached to them.
It's probably around level 20 that people start to realize the impact their virtue layout can have on their character. If someone really wanted to, they could try to unlock every possible virtue, but that would take a lot of time and effort. By this level range, you can start to focus on what direction you want to go in with the customization of your character and focus on earning the virtues you need to maximize that build.
It's a simple system at the lower levels, but it adds a lot of depth as you advance. I definitely expect new traits to be introduced as the game expands, which could eventually this one of the more customizable games. We'll see how it goes.
Want to know more about GW2 and why there is so much buzz? Start here: Guild Wars 2 Mass Info for the Uninitiated
The magazine PCGAMER gave it a harsh review and branded it WoW clone to my annoyance. The score was 79% and some may think thats not bad well this mag rated WoW at 94% and it's expansion at 89% so i think LoTRO deserved a better score from them. I agree with what your saying bout sites, only this one has given it a dodgy review. I can think of a lot of games that would be doing handstands of happiness if they could score a 79%
www.lotro.com/article/276
all sorts of links to good ones at a glance. I also have had EBgames PC page bookmarked for a couple of years as I find it the easiest way to get projected release dates on single and multi player games.
Back to topic though all I see is the game gaining momentum as word spreads. Worst issue the game could possibly face is if MPvP does not catch on or they cannot get enough raid content in for the people power leveling to 50. I am hoping AoC will release and be decent by the time I am ready for a break.
I miss DAoC
The magazine PCGAMER gave it a harsh review and branded it WoW clone to my annoyance. The score was 79% and some may think thats not bad well this mag rated WoW at 94% and it's expansion at 89% so i think LoTRO deserved a better score from them. I agree with what your saying bout sites, only this one has given it a dodgy review. Is that in the July issue? I haven't seen it yet.
Currently playing:
LOTRO & WoW (not much WoW though because Mines of Moria rocks!!!!)
Looking Foward too:
Bioware games (Dragon Age & Star Wars The Old Republic)
The magazine PCGAMER gave it a harsh review and branded it WoW clone to my annoyance. The score was 79% and some may think thats not bad well this mag rated WoW at 94% and it's expansion at 89% so i think LoTRO deserved a better score from them. I agree with what your saying bout sites, only this one has given it a dodgy review. Is that in the July issue? I haven't seen it yet.
The Old Timers Guild
Laid back, not so serious, no drama.
All about the fun!
www.oldtimersguild.com
An opinion should be the result of thought, not a substitute for it. - Jef Mallett
Someone else will come along and take the place, never fails. Just as it got calm when we haven't heard from Lastera in awhile in walks a replacement.
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Promote what you love instead of bashing what you hate.
I spend too much of my free time playing this game to be honest. I'll pop my head in here from time to time to see if anything interesting has been posted. Meh....lots of dead horses goin' round.
LotRO is still a great game and I'm actually enjoying it more as I gain levels. Nothing better than entering a new area to explore and do quests. My server has become quite crowded and expect new servers to open up soon. It is my understanding that Europe is doing very well too.
I dunno Stan.....can't help but feel this is wishful thinking on your part. The game is fine......
Personally, when I read his OP, I get the mental image of Golem sitting by the waterside, talking to his own reflection, plotting to get the ring back...
"They will likes it for a time... Then they will starts to hate it, they will, precious!!"
"Yesss!!! Yess!! And then when they starts to hates it... it starts to diiieee!!!!"
"Yess, preciousss!! And then, we will be happy!!!!"
-proceeds to dance around manically-
and the cash shop selling asphalt..." - Mimzel on F2P/Cash Shops
So you are deliberately exaggerating for the heck of it? Um, kudos I guess. I hope people keep this in mind when they read your posts from now on. I love how you went from lying about me playing LOTRO, to now accusing me of being a WoW fan. I guess the only way for you to show people that LOTRO is a good game, is by making things up about me, and lacing it with personal attacks. I guess that speaks volumes about you and your game, now doesn't it?
Problem is, Stan, *you* posted those stats here to support *your* theory that the game is beginning its decline... *You* cited the numbers then posted the link to the source, no one else. It's your responsibility to do your due diligence and check your sources before citing them . If you didn't know how they were gleaned and didn't verify their authenticity - why were you so willing to post them here as evidence?
Oh, right, because on their face they supported your point-of-view, and you didn't expect anyone to actually challenge you on them, right?
Now because someone is challenging you to back-up those stats, you're back-pedaling and trying to weasel your way out.
Convenient.
and the cash shop selling asphalt..." - Mimzel on F2P/Cash Shops
By all means though, feel free to continue having your own debate without me. All I'm saying, is that some of the popular LOTRO forums seem very slow lately, and I feel this signifies players are less... enthusiastic... about the game, and that there will soon be a lot more complaints and negative posts soon. Yeah, I know its a no brainer, but seeing as how these forums seem so slow...
Equal opportunity troll.
By all means though, feel free to continue having your own debate without me. All I'm saying, is that some of the popular LOTRO forums seem very slow lately, and I feel this signifies players are less... enthusiastic... about the game, and that there will soon be a lot more complaints and negative posts soon. Yeah, I know its a no brainer, but seeing as how these forums seem so slow...
The point is, you cited them, saying someone on another site did "pretty good work" (to paraphrase) of getting a number. You then go on to indicate that you find them at least "believable" by saying you wouldn't consider the game "wildly popular" based on those numbers. By that, you are endorsing them as good enough to measure the game's popularity. You've since made it obvious that you accepted them at face value, without doing your own due dilligence to determine their validity, or the methods used to reach them. You accepted and cited them because they fit your point-of-view.
Now, suddenly when people start calling BS on them, you back-pedal and make it sound like those challenging them should go figure out how the person got them? Umm.. wrong. It's on you to prove they're valid before you cite them; not on us to prove they aren't once you have.
Please.. Man up and accept that you screwed yourself when you posted and endorsed those numbers. Stop trying to talk your way around it. No one's buying it.
and the cash shop selling asphalt..." - Mimzel on F2P/Cash Shops
ROTFL .
BTW, metascore still 85, now 29 reviews on metacritic.com.
And I still love it, now having 3 toons to favor varied crafting
. Really curious how long it will keep hold of me 
DB
Denial makes one look a lot dumber than he/she actually is.
I find it amusing that I have to prove someone else's numbers are valid, but... enthusiasts... of the game can say they think 600k copies were sold, that the game will take 1m subscribers away from other MMO's, and pick whatever number they want out of thin air, and everyone just accepts that at face value. Double standards are fun.
Now, an interesting thing to note, is that in his latest number post, people seemed to get different results on the anon feature. This introduces an even greater margin of error into the numbers.
Equal opportunity troll.
I find it amusing that I have to prove someone else's numbers are valid, but... enthusiasts... of the game can say they think 600k copies were sold, that the game will take 1m subscribers away from other MMO's, and pick whatever number they want out of thin air, and everyone just accepts that at face value. Double standards are fun.
Now, an interesting thing to note, is that in his latest number post, people seemed to get different results on the anon feature. This introduces an even greater margin of error into the numbers.
Once again, you're missing the point...
Is the concept of "checking your sources" completely lost on you?
I am not the one who put the numbers up to backup some home-spun theory. I do not have to verify or prove their authenticity, nor does anyone else here. You brought them up, so the onus is on you to check them. Nor did I ever say they were "fake". I never judged them one way or another, so please stop putting words in my mouth. If I had, or if I ever do cite statistics posted on some other site, you can rest assured I would not take them at face value and that I would verify their validity and do some due dilligence on them first.
What you've done here is put up some numbers in order to back-up your theory of LoTRO not doing so well or not being "wildly popular". Now that people are challenging them, you're trying to turn it around on us.. Wrong. It don't work that way. Again, the burden of proof is always - *always* - on the person making the claim.
My advice is, if you aren't willing to back-up or do your homework on stats you find on the internet, if you don't want to be challenged on them, then don't use them in your posts.
and the cash shop selling asphalt..." - Mimzel on F2P/Cash Shops
Anyway did you notice LoTRO got the Editors Choice award over at IGN, here is a link in case you missed it
pc.ign.com/articles/787/787942p1.html
I love the closing paragraph
Turbine's The Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar doesn't breathe new life into the MMORPG genre, but it does deliver an easily accessible, refined, and thoroughly enjoyable experience. It's packed with content, though still a little light on end-game instances, offers some entertaining character classes and plenty of ways to customize traits to differing play styles. Powerful story elements, fellowship conjunction attacks, and superb audio-visual elements are merged with numerous small-scale interface enhancements that make it nearly impossible to dislike this one. This version of Middle-earth is as good a place as any for those curious about MMOs to start, and provides enough depth for genre veterans to enjoy themselves. Though we'll have to keep waiting for a truly new kind of MMO, we're glad this game arrived to keep us occupied in the meantime.
That describes how a lot of us feel, the game may not be great but it is damn good and anyone who buys it will get their 50 bucks worth from it.
I miss DAoC
Anyway did you notice LoTRO got the Editors Choice award over at IGN, here is a link in case you missed it
pc.ign.com/articles/787/787942p1.html
I love the closing paragraph
Turbine's The Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar doesn't breathe new life into the MMORPG genre, but it does deliver an easily accessible, refined, and thoroughly enjoyable experience. It's packed with content, though still a little light on end-game instances, offers some entertaining character classes and plenty of ways to customize traits to differing play styles. Powerful story elements, fellowship conjunction attacks, and superb audio-visual elements are merged with numerous small-scale interface enhancements that make it nearly impossible to dislike this one. This version of Middle-earth is as good a place as any for those curious about MMOs to start, and provides enough depth for genre veterans to enjoy themselves. Though we'll have to keep waiting for a truly new kind of MMO, we're glad this game arrived to keep us occupied in the meantime.
That describes how a lot of us feel, the game may not be great but it is damn good and anyone who buys it will get their 50 bucks worth from it.
Who would've seen a stab at vanguard coming from Jackdog?
Why is it ok for you to hate a game so much, but completely unacceptable for someone else to not like YOUR game? You need to take a goddamn chill pill about LOTRO, and just give up on bashing Vanguard. Everyone knows Vanguard is a flop, no need to rub it in....
Anyway did you notice LoTRO got the Editors Choice award over at IGN, here is a link in case you missed it
pc.ign.com/articles/787/787942p1.html
I love the closing paragraph
Turbine's The Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar doesn't breathe new life into the MMORPG genre, but it does deliver an easily accessible, refined, and thoroughly enjoyable experience. It's packed with content, though still a little light on end-game instances, offers some entertaining character classes and plenty of ways to customize traits to differing play styles. Powerful story elements, fellowship conjunction attacks, and superb audio-visual elements are merged with numerous small-scale interface enhancements that make it nearly impossible to dislike this one. This version of Middle-earth is as good a place as any for those curious about MMOs to start, and provides enough depth for genre veterans to enjoy themselves. Though we'll have to keep waiting for a truly new kind of MMO, we're glad this game arrived to keep us occupied in the meantime.
That describes how a lot of us feel, the game may not be great but it is damn good and anyone who buys it will get their 50 bucks worth from it.
Who would've seen a stab at vanguard coming from Jackdog?
Why is it ok for you to hate a game so much, but completely unacceptable for someone else to not like YOUR game? You need to take a goddamn chill pill about LOTRO, and just give up on bashing Vanguard. Everyone knows Vanguard is a flop, no need to rub it in....
Way to misinterpret dude...a stab at Vanguard LOLI miss DAoC
Since you are dispensing "advice", allow me the same courtesy. Work on your reading comprehension, learn the definition of a double standard, and don't make the mistake of thinking you have the upper hand in a debate merely by making the most noise. My original claim was that there seems to be a lull in posts on some of the major LOTRO forums, and IMHO, this signifies that people are becoming more disenchanted with the game.
But don't take my word for it... look at what some of the players say themselves.
vnboards.ign.com/lotr_online_general_board/b5042/103046105/p1/
And I'm sure it doesn't take a rocket scientist to see that there are maybe 10 threads a day that get responses in this very forum. You can keep making as much noise as you want about the numbers, but at this point you are having a debate with yourself and comments that I haven't made.
Equal opportunity troll.
What some of the more... vocal... respondents in this thread fail to realize, is that my original post is not about the game, but rather, the players of the game and their posting habits.
Equal opportunity troll.
What some of the more... vocal... respondents in this thread fail to realize, is that my original post is not about the game, but rather, the players of the game and their posting habits.
Oh, i thought your original post was a joke. I take it you weren't joking around then. Sorry for laughing at it.
See you in the dream..
The Fires from heaven, now as cold as ice. A rapid ascension tolls a heavy price.