Why I want to give this game another chance, and if anyone has a referal?

Majestico

Like a lot of people who now play MMORPG's, I used to play AD&D as a kid.  So it was with some glee when I first heard that D&D was finally getting the MMO treatment.  I followed the game with bated breadth.  I was not initially put off by news that it was going to be heavily instanced, as I thought that this could mean that each dungeon would be dynamic, and could be influenced by players, therefore, more immersion.  Nor was I put off by the rumours that grouping was essential.  Afterall, in the pnp game, you were part of an adventuring group, and I thought that was what Turbine were trying to replicate.  I thought it all boded quite well, and that my favourite hobby as a kid was going to be faithfully reproduced as an MMO.

Sadly, when I came to try the game, I was more than just a little bit disappointed.  First off was the choice of campaign setting.  Why go for Eberron, when there were tried and tested, and much loved environs such as The Forgotten Realms, Greyhawk, even Dragonlance?  Each of these has a massive following, and more in spirit of D&D than the newer, niche setting of Eberron.  Then there was the lack of an 'outside' world, which meant that it didn't really matter about the campaign setting anyway, as everything seemed to be set in a city!  Then there was the seeming lack of rp, which I thought would have been a strong point seeing as what the game was based on.  On the whole, like I said, I was disappointed.

Now it seems that that was an age ago.  I can barely remember my experiences of the game.  Also I have learnt from experience that an MMO should not be judged upon its release. 

So, about a month ago, it was with some trepidition that I tried another of my all-time favourite IP's, which had been given the MMO treatment, and was also being developed by Turbine.  Namely, The Lord of the Rings. 

Now, I had played a bit of LotR at beta, and had not been too impressed.  Now that I had given the game a proper chance, I find myself loving it, and it has now become one of my main games.

So I figure that Turbine deserve another chance, and that I should try DDO once again.

I went into nearly every store in my local town, and could not find a copy of the game.  Then, just as I was thinking about going home, I popped into one, last shop, and lo and behold, they had a copy of it.  And for only a fiver (around8-9 bucks).  With a grin, I took it up to the counter, and promptly paid for it.  As I was waiting for the assistant to pop the game into a bag, he mentioned that it was pre-owned.  I said, that that would mean that the key would have been used, and that I would not get a month's play time free.  He said that I was correct, but that I would have someone's character.  I looked at him to see if he truly was an imbecile, or if he was joking!  To my disbelief, he was being serious!  I told him not to be a moron, as how was I to know his password?  And I promptly demanded my money back.

Anyway, I digress.  The bottom line is that I would now dearly love to give DDO a proper try.  I know there is a free trial, but I think that is only for NA customers, and I come from Scotland, in Europe.

Could you please tell me your opinions on this game, and how it had changed in the past couple of years?  I am interested to know what the gaming world is like now, and is there any outside content, rather than just being centered around a city?  Have the released any modules, or expansion packs for it?  Just really any info you can provide will be appreciated.  Also how do you find it in comparison to other games, and if it is worth the subscription.

If anyone has a referal key that I could use, that would be greatly appreciated if you could PM me with one.  Likewise, I have a buddy key for LotR which I would gladly exchange.  Please bear in mind though that it is for Europe (Codemasters).

Thanks to anyone who  can help.

uncus

I'n not trying to be an ass, but if you want to know what others think of the game, just try reading a few of the other threads here.  You'll see Hvymetal and Mindspat are supporters of the gameplay, as am I now that I have begun playing again.  Most posters tend to be on the fence usually having played at one time [many quit quite a while ago] and just found it not be their "cup of tea" so to speak.  There are even a few rabid haters, but they are usually shown to be misinformed or just trolling [like in the post just below this one atm].

I am at work now, but I can forward you a buddy key in a few hours [before 11 GMT].  Don't need the LOTRO key, I've got two lifetime subs

 

Edit:  I am in the US, so if you need an EU key, then I guess that I can't help you.  If you are ok with playing on a US server - at least for the trial period - then I'll send it.  PM me - I'll check when I get home [about 9-9:30 GMT]

elvenangel

You don't need a referal key DDO's been out for a pretty long time they have Free Trial programs.

Dr.Rock

If you are in Scotland I am assuming you will want to play on the Euro servers. In which case you can pick the game up here for £3.

http://www.play.com/Games/PC/4-/688805/Dungeons-Dragons-Online-Storm-Reach/Product.html?ptsl=1&ob=Price&fb=1

At that price hardly seems worth messing with free trials.

Sevenwind

 

Originally posted by elvenangel


You don't need a referal key DDO's been out for a pretty long time they have Free Trial programs.

Yes and the free trial program has been a bit buggy lately. Lot of people have not gotten their trial keys after submitting an email address.

 

So the next way is to get a member to send you a referral key.

 EDIT: Maj I replied to your PM.