I agree about the combat, it's one of the most negative things about this game, or maybe it's because i played a Captain.
Minstrel is also an issue. The heal/low damage factor makes killing a mob solo sleepy town (could just hit heal/hit and watch a movie at the same time). Captain is just like a Paladin in respect to it's light heal/combat feel.
But, this is pretty much the standard for all games. Wonder when some MMO company will step up and change this Tank/Heal/Spank mechanic.
Guild Wars definitely changes that up a bit now, but does not have the full MMO feel.
Maybe Guild Wars 2 will be a step in the right direction. Fast combat, short battles and a persistent world. Woot!
I have a minstrel, lvl 40 now. Since they introduced war-speech stance (DPS buff, healing skill debuff, new DPS (+aoe dps) skills), it cuts through mob like butter. A couple traits here and there, being able to stun with critical hits on the DPS shouting skill - it's actually pretty easy to solo them - an equal level mob takes seconds to kill.
Guardian is even better. Wield a 2H weapon, switch on "overpower" with/or parry modifier, slot parry response skills and you'll be flying levels killing mob. Even quicker than the minstrel slotted/stanced for solo play.
These changes were introduced more than half a year ago.
Thanks
DB
<modedit>
Denial makes one look a lot dumber than he/she actually is.
I agree about the combat, it's one of the most negative things about this game, or maybe it's because i played a Captain.
Minstrel is also an issue. The heal/low damage factor makes killing a mob solo sleepy town (could just hit heal/hit and watch a movie at the same time). Captain is just like a Paladin in respect to it's light heal/combat feel.
But, this is pretty much the standard for all games. Wonder when some MMO company will step up and change this Tank/Heal/Spank mechanic.
Guild Wars definitely changes that up a bit now, but does not have the full MMO feel.
Maybe Guild Wars 2 will be a step in the right direction. Fast combat, short battles and a persistent world. Woot!
I have a minstrel, lvl 40 now. Since they introduced war-speech stance (DPS buff, healing skill debuff, new DPS (+aoe dps) skills), it cuts through mob like butter. A couple traits here and there, being able to stun with critical hits on the DPS shouting skill - it's actually pretty easy to solo them - an equal level mob takes seconds to kill.
Guardian is even better. Wield a 2H weapon, switch on "overpower" with/or parry modifier, slot parry response skills and you'll be flying levels killing mob. Even quicker than the minstrel slotted/stanced for solo play.
These changes were introduced more than half a year ago.
Thanks
DB
<modedit>
Do you have some video for that you would wish to share? All indications from my level 36 Minstrel were still slow combat, slow kills. Now, of course, I had not seen a level 40 Minstrel in combat, and posted based on my experience from the last time I played (2 months ago). To get to level 36 was a bear.
Of course this is not to say that level 40 and above is not faster, and I never said it wasnt.
Also, here is an example video...this seems to take a while for 3 mobs and they were all lower level.
All I know is my wife's minstrel can out DPS my captain by a longshot. She's always pulling aggro off me. Kind of annoying. I've also played her minstrel. Sure, they aren't tops in DPS, but they certainly don't suck and cause you to go watch movies while you fight.
All I know is my wife's minstrel can out DPS my captain by a longshot. She's always pulling aggro off me. Kind of annoying. I've also played her minstrel. Sure, they aren't tops in DPS, but they certainly don't suck and cause you to go watch movies while you fight.
Never said they sucked, they are awesome...as healers.
But, yea, first heal, and all the mobs were on you like butter on toast. The AI mechanics for LOTRO and healers was difficult unless you had a Guardian. Agrro and those heals were like Pizza at a college Dorm...you were tackled for a slice.
Loved my Minstrel, but the overall combat system just seemed slower than some other games is all. Especially Healer solo, or small groups.
As to the OP's topic, yes, I think there's plenty of story that Turbine can use to keep the game running for years.. because truthfully, nothing says that Evil ends with the death of Sauron .... many post-novel epics could yet be written.
Just trying to live long enough to play a new, released MMORPG, playing New Worlds atm
Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions. Pvbs 18:2, NIV
Don't just play games, inhabit virtual worlds™
"This is the most intelligent, well qualified and articulate response to a post I have ever seen on these forums. It's a shame most people here won't have the attention span to read past the second line." - Anon
I view LOTRO as a short term game....What I mean by that is that it is fun but only for a short time.....I would not buy the lifetime membership for this game.......It gets the same ole same ole feel after awhile.....FOr some that may take a couple years but for me it lasted about 2 months before I got really bored and didnt feel like logging in anymore......Its also another in a long line of MMOs that are just too easy (WoW, EQ2, LOTRO, etc).....There is some challenging stuff in the game but overall its MMO lite and appeals more to the casual than the hardcore gamer.....IF youre looking for a game to hold you over for a month or 2 Id recommend it but if youre looking for a long term MMO home I wouldnt recommend LOTRO.
I view LOTRO as a short term game....What I mean by that is that it is fun but only for a short time.....I would not buy the lifetime membership for this game.......It gets the same ole same ole feel after awhile.....FOr some that may take a couple years but for me it lasted about 2 months before I got really bored and didnt feel like logging in anymore......Its also another in a long line of MMOs that are just too easy (WoW, EQ2, LOTRO, etc).....There is some challenging stuff in the game but overall its MMO lite and appeals more to the casual than the hardcore gamer.....IF youre looking for a game to hold you over for a month or 2 Id recommend it but if youre looking for a long term MMO home I wouldnt recommend LOTRO.
I guess you are not very familiar with Tolkien's world then. Also, haven't heard of Mines of Moria expansion, coming out later this year?
LOTRO has the potential to be the *longest* term MMORPG out there easily.
(if you're definiton of a "long-term game" is one where you have to do 6-hours 40 man raids, then thankg god Lotro is "lite" - however misleading this term is)
DB
Denial makes one look a lot dumber than he/she actually is.
This is a map of the whole of Middle-Earth by Iron Crown Enterprise based off of the notes of both J.R.R. Tolkien and his son Christopher. As you can see the small area where Lords of the Rings is based in the upper left hand corner. If Turbine can stick with the lore (which they seem to do a great job of) this game world can be huge!
This is a map of the whole of Middle-Earth by Iron Crown Enterprise based off of the notes of both J.R.R. Tolkien and his son Christopher. As you can see the small area where Lords of the Rings is based in the upper left hand corner. If Turbine can stick with the lore (which they seem to do a great job of) this game world can be huge!
Oh, that brings back memories. I played the I.C.E MERP campaign setting for LOTR, and loved the rule sets.
The books were gorgeous, and the internal content graphics were great.
Thanks for posting that to bring an old man back to his teens!
Where you can download the book in PDF format (thank goodness for Public Domain rules...boo for making me feel older though). Also, something interesting. If Turbine can use those rules as a basis, they show a sheet for ...MARTIAL ARTS
This is a map of the whole of Middle-Earth by Iron Crown Enterprise based off of the notes of both J.R.R. Tolkien and his son Christopher. As you can see the small area where Lords of the Rings is based in the upper left hand corner. If Turbine can stick with the lore (which they seem to do a great job of) this game world can be huge!
Oh, that brings back memories. I played the I.C.E MERP campaign setting for LOTR, and loved the rule sets.
The books were gorgeous, and the internal content graphics were great.
Thanks for posting that to bring an old man back to his teens!
Where you can download the book in PDF format (thank goodness for Public Domain rules...boo for making me feel older though). Also, something interesting. If Turbine can use those rules as a basis, they show a sheet for ...MARTIAL ARTS
hehe, high kicking Elves and Dwarves...woot.
Later, and thank you
LOL! Right there with ya bro
I used to have a bunch of those middle-earth modules from I.C.E. and I loved MERP. The detail in those books were amazing. Don't know what I did with them though. Probably collectors items now dammit...
Yeah I guess we're both kinda showing our age hehe...
This game did have great potential. I went to try it out when they first released the trial. I was excited cause I thought this would be the game before Warhammer (WAR ftw!) that would save me from my WoW comma. I went in there with too many expectations. I expected great story/quest lines, huge raids, tons of quests to group with people, loads and loads of cool gear to get. Of course I compared all these....to WoW. I will admit that was a huge mistake cause once you're hooked on a game, you try to find another one, but none seem to "live up" to that game. So I will be trying this game out once again and I will be going in there with a much more open mind
Playing:WoW,Guild Wars Used to play: Vanguard, Anarchy Online (got to lvl 6 and quit ) Waiting for: Warhammer, Aion
This game did have great potential. I went to try it out when they first released the trial. I was excited cause I thought this would be the game before Warhammer (WAR ftw!) that would save me from my WoW comma. I went in there with too many expectations. I expected great story/quest lines, huge raids, tons of quests to group with people, loads and loads of cool gear to get. Of course I compared all these....to WoW. I will admit that was a huge mistake cause once you're hooked on a game, you try to find another one, but none seem to "live up" to that game. So I will be trying this game out once again and I will be going in there with a much more open mind
Well let us know what you think. reat to have you try it again.
****************************** Brandywine Global LFF chan "/joinchannel glff"
I view LOTRO as a short term game....What I mean by that is that it is fun but only for a short time.....I would not buy the lifetime membership for this game.......It gets the same ole same ole feel after awhile.....FOr some that may take a couple years but for me it lasted about 2 months before I got really bored and didnt feel like logging in anymore......Its also another in a long line of MMOs that are just too easy (WoW, EQ2, LOTRO, etc).....There is some challenging stuff in the game but overall its MMO lite and appeals more to the casual than the hardcore gamer.....IF youre looking for a game to hold you over for a month or 2 Id recommend it but if youre looking for a long term MMO home I wouldnt recommend LOTRO.
I agree with this post.
LOTRO had a couple of quick "free" add ons, which where a) very necessary, because it was so obvious how little the piece of software was at launch and b) probably where almost ready at launch anyway and held back to achieve just this impression: they dev quick.
In fact the rhythm between "free" add ons has slowed down remarkable, so has the ammount of content delivered in them.
Looking at LOTRO today with all the updates it had since release it is almost where i expect a modern MMO to launch at. This means its still not grown up.
What the past year showed tho is that Turbine is trivialising and more trivialising the little challenging content they ever had (laugh) to make it accessable for the core player base they have left. I think more than 50% of LOTRO players play less than 5 houers per week and thats why only a very few tight knitted kinships have established compared to other games.
However, this game has a future of course, there will always be Tolkien fans buying it for the title and being entertained by a 3D modell that has the name Gandalf over its head.
So while the doomsayers are all wrong, the truth is that from a gamers point of view LOTRO was, is and will be BORING.
What the past year showed tho is that Turbine is trivialising and more trivialising the little challenging content they ever had (laugh) to make it accessable for the core player base they have left. I think more than 50% of LOTRO players play less than 5 houers per week and thats why only a very few tight knitted kinships have established compared to other games.
The above statement applies heavily to todays game market.
Recently I read a blog post by a player of Age of Conan who said he really thinks the game is fun, and has had a blast, and has not seen any issue at all with the game.
How is this possible when we hear such doom and gloom?
This person plays a total of...
TADA -- 5 hours a week.
Then it dawned on me that the player base who feels a game is better in some respects seem to play that game with a minimal amount of time, and usually will play a class that is considered "The best" of the game (which we all wish to have, but should there not be some balance?)
Therefore a game made for that type of player will of course seem more pleasing overall. But, this is not the whole population, and we may never know which is the largest.
If WoW is an indicator for success, you are then guaranteed that the majority of the population has put in more than 5 hours a week, with raid schedules surely taking more than a persons 1 hour a night they have to play. And that maybe some players are looking for an engaging game that keeps them occupied for hours.
Who would be easier to please? One man walks into the Dentist and is told he can just have his teeth cleaned with a super shiny laser. It will take about an hour. The next person comes in and is told he has an abscess and will need to have it removed, but with a dull hacksaw and it will take hours of back and forth over and over cutting.
I think we will know who will be having fun. And LOTRO is an excellent game for the minimal player who does not have a lot of time.
What the past year showed tho is that Turbine is trivialising and more trivialising the little challenging content they ever had (laugh) to make it accessable for the core player base they have left. I think more than 50% of LOTRO players play less than 5 houers per week and thats why only a very few tight knitted kinships have established compared to other games.
The above statement applies heavily to todays game market.
Recently I read a blog post by a player of Age of Conan who said he really thinks the game is fun, and has had a blast, and has not seen any issue at all with the game.
How is this possible when we hear such doom and gloom?
This person plays a total of...
TADA -- 5 hours a week.
Then it dawned on me that the player base who feels a game is better in some respects seem to play that game with a minimal amount of time, and usually will play a class that is considered "The best" of the game (which we all wish to have, but should there not be some balance?)
Therefore a game made for that type of player will of course seem more pleasing overall. But, this is not the whole population, and we may never know which is the largest.
If WoW is an indicator for success, you are then guaranteed that the majority of the population has put in more than 5 hours a week, with raid schedules surely taking more than a persons 1 hour a night they have to play. And that maybe some players are looking for an engaging game that keeps them occupied for hours.
Who would be easier to please? One man walks into the Dentist and is told he can just have his teeth cleaned with a super shiny laser. It will take about an hour. The next person comes in and is told he has an abscess and will need to have it removed, but with a dull hacksaw and it will take hours of back and forth over and over cutting.
I think we will know who will be having fun. And LOTRO is an excellent game for the minimal player who does not have a lot of time.
Well I only play 5 to 10 hours a week myself now, but there are guys and gals in mykinship that have been playing since launch and probably average 30 to 40 hours a week without any exaggeration. Some are housewives and students on summer break that log in at 7 am and play off and on till 10 or 11 at night. A couple work from home and have similar play hours. What your subjective opinion is is not true for everyone.
My kinships average age is around 35 or 40,we have a dozen or so teens and early 20's and a few in that are in their 50's and even one or two that are retired and in their 60's. Lotro's crafting and diverse classes make it a lot of fun for level alts and if you are a crafter the game is very rewarding for that aspect.
Just because you don't care for the game you should not be making such general sweeping statements. I am not a crafter so that part of the game does not interest me but as soon as the Moria expansion hits I will be back to playing 20 or 30 hours a week myself.
Lotro would have a lot more players stay and play longer if they did one thing: fixed the ridiculously bad maps and related graphics. It'slike they deliberately made things hard to find. I don't mean the pile of wood you need, or whatever, because that can be a decent part of a quest in moderation; I mean just trying to figure out how the world you see lines up with the mini map and main map... answer - it doesn't. I don't know about you, but it's pretty anti-immersive for me to have everything bog down in looking for something, it's like having to ask directions on a car trip ALL the time. Some say they have no trouble, but I know I'm not the only one who finds it a big turn-off. I freely admit I am not a hard-core gamer. I have played a lot of CoH and Wow, and a little of some others. But that doesn't make me stupid, it makes me more like the vast unwashed horde of casual players that Lotro was supposedly geared towards.
I really like the atmosphere, the crafting aspect, the music, the quest writing. I find myself logging out after I get a new quest, because it's just not fun looking for some location AGAIN. Feel free to insult my intelligence, my masculinity, and my moral fortitude, as that seems to be a favorite pastime on here, and I wouldn't want anyone to be deprived ).
Lotro would have a lot more players stay and play longer if they did one thing: fixed the ridiculously bad maps and related graphics. It'slike they deliberately made things hard to find. I don't mean the pile of wood you need, or whatever, because that can be a decent part of a quest in moderation; I mean just trying to figure out how the world you see lines up with the mini map and main map... answer - it doesn't. I don't know about you, but it's pretty anti-immersive for me to have everything bog down in looking for something, it's like having to ask directions on a car trip ALL the time. Some say they have no trouble, but I know I'm not the only one who finds it a big turn-off. I freely admit I am not a hard-core gamer. I have played a lot of CoH and Wow, and a little of some others. But that doesn't make me stupid, it makes me more like the vast unwashed horde of casual players that Lotro was supposedly geared towards. I really like the atmosphere, the crafting aspect, the music, the quest writing. I find myself logging out after I get a new quest, because it's just not fun looking for some location AGAIN. Feel free to insult my intelligence, my masculinity, and my moral fortitude, as that seems to be a favorite pastime on here, and I wouldn't want anyone to be deprived ).
Um the map is just like a google map. I don't have a problem reading it at all. I don't see a problem with it.
****************************** Brandywine Global LFF chan "/joinchannel glff"
I stopped playing LotRO for AOC about 2 months ago, I have 2 lvl 50's a Minstrel and a Champ. Odd's are eventually I will return to the game, just to play the new content, it looks pretty good.
I think of any game I have ever played (and I have played a lot!) LoTRO is the highest quality, smoothest mmo I have ever played. The only real problem I have with the game is PvP, I am a avid PvPer and that is the biggest area lacking in Lotro, other then that the game I have always though is just great.
And I also agree with some of the above posters that I think Lord of the rings releases some of the highest quality updates and content of any game out there. I also think the in game community is much better then most other MMO's
last and not least I think as long as they are making money, they will keep the game going LONG after the the end of the game LORE wise is reached, which is a long long way off.
Things are easy to find, maps are gorgeous - it's the lack of content.
July 21, 2008 - Book 14
October #, 2008 - Book 15?
November ##., 2008 - Mines of Moria?
January ##, 2008 - Book 2 V2
Book 14 will add enough content to keep you playing for 3-7 days. But then what? you go back to being bored as shit until book 15. Then what does book 15 add, same crap as previous books where you will be bored after 3-7days.
Mines of Moria will keep you busy for maybe, 1month, then what, back to being bored lol... Hopefully they add some dungeons in moria...
I dislike how they stated the change from 50 - 60 would be minimal. According to a interview with gamespy, they didn't want you to be to powerful over level 50 content. Probably cuz they won't be adding much at 60, they want you to be doing level 50 shit still.
First of, im someone who bought LOTRO with major high expectations, got bored... and then returned with a lifetime subscription.
And I am absolutely loving it.
Yes, theres times when I dont want to log in, but its not because the game bores me or anything, just that I need a little break from the computer.
Having played almost a year or so, my highest level is still 22, but im thoroughly enjoying the game. I read every quest log, follow every quest line and immerse myself in whats going on. The epic quest line is just, well, epic.
Crafting is fun, loads of fun... though I admit it can be A LOT better... Not a large market for many professions, but they're getting there.
PvMP is a fun way to pass your time, its a major zergfest, yes, but its fun. Think large scale battles, its a whole lot of fun donig that.
And once you do slowly and steadily get to level 50, theres new content updates every now and then.
It WILL last, if you make it last. Thats my verdict.
Things are easy to find, maps are gorgeous - it's the lack of content.
July 21, 2008 - Book 14 October #, 2008 - Book 15? November ##., 2008 - Mines of Moria? January ##, 2008 - Book 2 V2
Book 14 will add enough content to keep you playing for 3-7 days. But then what? you go back to being bored as shit until book 15. Then what does book 15 add, same crap as previous books where you will be bored after 3-7days. Mines of Moria will keep you busy for maybe, 1month, then what, back to being bored lol... Hopefully they add some dungeons in moria... I dislike how they stated the change from 50 - 60 would be minimal. According to a interview with gamespy, they didn't want you to be to powerful over level 50 content. Probably cuz they won't be adding much at 60, they want you to be doing level 50 shit still.
Curently i'm on book 5 chapter 5 . So your "opinion is pretty much that , your "opinion". IF you want to come up with some new angle on your discussion I will always be able to point out, its your "opinion. Be well !~
I am confused with this answer. Are you saying in the last year (based on your posting history for LOTRO) you have not progressed further than this?
Why is it taking so long? How much time a week do you actually play. How many other games do you play?
How many max level characters do you have (because according to this post...none). You have been adamant that the content is enough to keep you occupied, yet if we average you game time, you maybe spend...30 minutes a day or less playing.
I am really interested to hear why...If you are not bored, I base it totally on the fact you hardly ever log in to even give the game any attention in the first place.
I am really fascinated in why you have not even maxed one character yet.
Things are easy to find, maps are gorgeous - it's the lack of content.
July 21, 2008 - Book 14 October #, 2008 - Book 15? November ##., 2008 - Mines of Moria? January ##, 2008 - Book 2 V2
Book 14 will add enough content to keep you playing for 3-7 days. But then what? you go back to being bored as shit until book 15. Then what does book 15 add, same crap as previous books where you will be bored after 3-7days. Mines of Moria will keep you busy for maybe, 1month, then what, back to being bored lol... Hopefully they add some dungeons in moria... I dislike how they stated the change from 50 - 60 would be minimal. According to a interview with gamespy, they didn't want you to be to powerful over level 50 content. Probably cuz they won't be adding much at 60, they want you to be doing level 50 shit still.
Curently i'm on book 5 chapter 5 . So your "opinion is pretty much that , your "opinion". IF you want to come up with some new angle on your discussion I will always be able to point out, its your "opinion. Be well !~
I am confused with this answer. Are you saying in the last year (based on your posting history for LOTRO) you have not progressed further than this?
Why is it taking so long? How much time a week do you actually play. How many other games do you play?
How many max level characters do you have (because according to this post...none). You have been adamant that the content is enough to keep you occupied, yet if we average you game time, you maybe spend...30 minutes a day or less playing.
I am really interested to hear why...If you are not bored, I base it totally on the fact you hardly ever log in to even give the game any attention in the first place.
I am really fascinated in why you have not even maxed one character yet.
Read the post above yours.
BTW, I never cared for only the books. Been playing since pre-launch, capped my first char about 10 months later. But, until very recently, I progressed only as far as Book 7.
Why? Because there were SO many other things to do, leveling alts, gathering traits, exploring new areas (Evendim, Misty mountains east, Tal Bruinen, Forochel), that somehow I was always "distracted"
And since I usually have max 2-3 hours to play in one sessions (but most often 1 or less), If I can't find a group to do exactly those FS quests that I need: then I just solo or craft. Happens very very often.
Regardless of how much time do I have for playing, be it 20 minutes or 5 hours: there is _always_ something to do! (Recently if I have 10 minutes, I log in, check if anything sold in the AH, see if I can buy some rare trophy to finish my old 1 shot recipes, check if my concession jobs have timed out yet or not, and if I still have a couple of minutes, I go for fishing.)
This game just keeps getting better
DB
Denial makes one look a lot dumber than he/she actually is.
Comments
Minstrel is also an issue. The heal/low damage factor makes killing a mob solo sleepy town (could just hit heal/hit and watch a movie at the same time). Captain is just like a Paladin in respect to it's light heal/combat feel.
But, this is pretty much the standard for all games. Wonder when some MMO company will step up and change this Tank/Heal/Spank mechanic.
Guild Wars definitely changes that up a bit now, but does not have the full MMO feel.
Maybe Guild Wars 2 will be a step in the right direction. Fast combat, short battles and a persistent world. Woot!
I have a minstrel, lvl 40 now. Since they introduced war-speech stance (DPS buff, healing skill debuff, new DPS (+aoe dps) skills), it cuts through mob like butter. A couple traits here and there, being able to stun with critical hits on the DPS shouting skill - it's actually pretty easy to solo them - an equal level mob takes seconds to kill.
Guardian is even better. Wield a 2H weapon, switch on "overpower" with/or parry modifier, slot parry response skills and you'll be flying levels killing mob. Even quicker than the minstrel slotted/stanced for solo play.
These changes were introduced more than half a year ago.
Thanks
DB
<modedit>
Denial makes one look a lot dumber than he/she actually is.
Minstrel is also an issue. The heal/low damage factor makes killing a mob solo sleepy town (could just hit heal/hit and watch a movie at the same time). Captain is just like a Paladin in respect to it's light heal/combat feel.
But, this is pretty much the standard for all games. Wonder when some MMO company will step up and change this Tank/Heal/Spank mechanic.
Guild Wars definitely changes that up a bit now, but does not have the full MMO feel.
Maybe Guild Wars 2 will be a step in the right direction. Fast combat, short battles and a persistent world. Woot!
I have a minstrel, lvl 40 now. Since they introduced war-speech stance (DPS buff, healing skill debuff, new DPS (+aoe dps) skills), it cuts through mob like butter. A couple traits here and there, being able to stun with critical hits on the DPS shouting skill - it's actually pretty easy to solo them - an equal level mob takes seconds to kill.
Guardian is even better. Wield a 2H weapon, switch on "overpower" with/or parry modifier, slot parry response skills and you'll be flying levels killing mob. Even quicker than the minstrel slotted/stanced for solo play.
These changes were introduced more than half a year ago.
Thanks
DB
<modedit>
Do you have some video for that you would wish to share? All indications from my level 36 Minstrel were still slow combat, slow kills. Now, of course, I had not seen a level 40 Minstrel in combat, and posted based on my experience from the last time I played (2 months ago). To get to level 36 was a bear.
Of course this is not to say that level 40 and above is not faster, and I never said it wasnt.
Also, here is an example video...this seems to take a while for 3 mobs and they were all lower level.
Youtube Minstrel
Compared to this combat sequence
Youtube Guild Wars
This is one of the weakest classes in GW as well.
As to Guardian, I never commented on them, and know for a fact they are the strongest class.
<modedit>
All I know is my wife's minstrel can out DPS my captain by a longshot. She's always pulling aggro off me. Kind of annoying.
I've also played her minstrel. Sure, they aren't tops in DPS, but they certainly don't suck and cause you to go watch movies while you fight.
Never said they sucked, they are awesome...as healers.
But, yea, first heal, and all the mobs were on you like butter on toast. The AI mechanics for LOTRO and healers was difficult unless you had a Guardian. Agrro and those heals were like Pizza at a college Dorm...you were tackled for a slice.
Loved my Minstrel, but the overall combat system just seemed slower than some other games is all. Especially Healer solo, or small groups.
As to the OP's topic, yes, I think there's plenty of story that Turbine can use to keep the game running for years.. because truthfully, nothing says that Evil ends with the death of Sauron .... many post-novel epics could yet be written.
<modedit>
"True friends stab you in the front." | Oscar Wilde
"I need to finish" - Christian Wolff: The Accountant
Just trying to live long enough to play a new, released MMORPG, playing New Worlds atm
Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions. Pvbs 18:2, NIV
Don't just play games, inhabit virtual worlds™
"This is the most intelligent, well qualified and articulate response to a post I have ever seen on these forums. It's a shame most people here won't have the attention span to read past the second line." - Anon
I view LOTRO as a short term game....What I mean by that is that it is fun but only for a short time.....I would not buy the lifetime membership for this game.......It gets the same ole same ole feel after awhile.....FOr some that may take a couple years but for me it lasted about 2 months before I got really bored and didnt feel like logging in anymore......Its also another in a long line of MMOs that are just too easy (WoW, EQ2, LOTRO, etc).....There is some challenging stuff in the game but overall its MMO lite and appeals more to the casual than the hardcore gamer.....IF youre looking for a game to hold you over for a month or 2 Id recommend it but if youre looking for a long term MMO home I wouldnt recommend LOTRO.
I guess you are not very familiar with Tolkien's world then. Also, haven't heard of Mines of Moria expansion, coming out later this year?
LOTRO has the potential to be the *longest* term MMORPG out there easily.
(if you're definiton of a "long-term game" is one where you have to do 6-hours 40 man raids, then thankg god Lotro is "lite" - however misleading this term is)
DB
Denial makes one look a lot dumber than he/she actually is.
This is a map of the whole of Middle-Earth by Iron Crown Enterprise based off of the notes of both J.R.R. Tolkien and his son Christopher. As you can see the small area where Lords of the Rings is based in the upper left hand corner. If Turbine can stick with the lore (which they seem to do a great job of) this game world can be huge!
Oh, that brings back memories. I played the I.C.E MERP campaign setting for LOTR, and loved the rule sets.
The books were gorgeous, and the internal content graphics were great.
Thanks for posting that to bring an old man back to his teens!
I also found this site
MERP
Where you can download the book in PDF format (thank goodness for Public Domain rules...boo for making me feel older though). Also, something interesting. If Turbine can use those rules as a basis, they show a sheet for ...MARTIAL ARTS
hehe, high kicking Elves and Dwarves...woot.
Later, and thank you
Oh, that brings back memories. I played the I.C.E MERP campaign setting for LOTR, and loved the rule sets.
The books were gorgeous, and the internal content graphics were great.
Thanks for posting that to bring an old man back to his teens!
I also found this site
MERP
Where you can download the book in PDF format (thank goodness for Public Domain rules...boo for making me feel older though). Also, something interesting. If Turbine can use those rules as a basis, they show a sheet for ...MARTIAL ARTS
hehe, high kicking Elves and Dwarves...woot.
Later, and thank you
LOL! Right there with ya bro
I used to have a bunch of those middle-earth modules from I.C.E. and I loved MERP. The detail in those books were amazing. Don't know what I did with them though. Probably collectors items now dammit...
Yeah I guess we're both kinda showing our age hehe...
This game did have great potential. I went to try it out when they first released the trial. I was excited cause I thought this would be the game before Warhammer (WAR ftw!) that would save me from my WoW comma. I went in there with too many expectations. I expected great story/quest lines, huge raids, tons of quests to group with people, loads and loads of cool gear to get. Of course I compared all these....to WoW. I will admit that was a huge mistake cause once you're hooked on a game, you try to find another one, but none seem to "live up" to that game. So I will be trying this game out once again and I will be going in there with a much more open mind
Playing:WoW,Guild Wars
)
Used to play: Vanguard, Anarchy Online (got to lvl 6 and quit
Waiting for: Warhammer, Aion
Well let us know what you think. reat to have you try it again.
******************************
Brandywine Global LFF chan "/joinchannel glff"
I agree with this post.
LOTRO had a couple of quick "free" add ons, which where a) very necessary, because it was so obvious how little the piece of software was at launch and b) probably where almost ready at launch anyway and held back to achieve just this impression: they dev quick.
In fact the rhythm between "free" add ons has slowed down remarkable, so has the ammount of content delivered in them.
Looking at LOTRO today with all the updates it had since release it is almost where i expect a modern MMO to launch at. This means its still not grown up.
What the past year showed tho is that Turbine is trivialising and more trivialising the little challenging content they ever had (laugh) to make it accessable for the core player base they have left. I think more than 50% of LOTRO players play less than 5 houers per week and thats why only a very few tight knitted kinships have established compared to other games.
However, this game has a future of course, there will always be Tolkien fans buying it for the title and being entertained by a 3D modell that has the name Gandalf over its head.
So while the doomsayers are all wrong, the truth is that from a gamers point of view LOTRO was, is and will be BORING.
Can you say Lord of the boRing Online?
Snorf
What the past year showed tho is that Turbine is trivialising and more trivialising the little challenging content they ever had (laugh) to make it accessable for the core player base they have left. I think more than 50% of LOTRO players play less than 5 houers per week and thats why only a very few tight knitted kinships have established compared to other games.
The above statement applies heavily to todays game market.
Recently I read a blog post by a player of Age of Conan who said he really thinks the game is fun, and has had a blast, and has not seen any issue at all with the game.
How is this possible when we hear such doom and gloom?
This person plays a total of...
TADA -- 5 hours a week.
Then it dawned on me that the player base who feels a game is better in some respects seem to play that game with a minimal amount of time, and usually will play a class that is considered "The best" of the game (which we all wish to have, but should there not be some balance?)
Therefore a game made for that type of player will of course seem more pleasing overall. But, this is not the whole population, and we may never know which is the largest.
If WoW is an indicator for success, you are then guaranteed that the majority of the population has put in more than 5 hours a week, with raid schedules surely taking more than a persons 1 hour a night they have to play. And that maybe some players are looking for an engaging game that keeps them occupied for hours.
Who would be easier to please? One man walks into the Dentist and is told he can just have his teeth cleaned with a super shiny laser. It will take about an hour. The next person comes in and is told he has an abscess and will need to have it removed, but with a dull hacksaw and it will take hours of back and forth over and over cutting.
I think we will know who will be having fun. And LOTRO is an excellent game for the minimal player who does not have a lot of time.
What the past year showed tho is that Turbine is trivialising and more trivialising the little challenging content they ever had (laugh) to make it accessable for the core player base they have left. I think more than 50% of LOTRO players play less than 5 houers per week and thats why only a very few tight knitted kinships have established compared to other games.
The above statement applies heavily to todays game market.
Recently I read a blog post by a player of Age of Conan who said he really thinks the game is fun, and has had a blast, and has not seen any issue at all with the game.
How is this possible when we hear such doom and gloom?
This person plays a total of...
TADA -- 5 hours a week.
Then it dawned on me that the player base who feels a game is better in some respects seem to play that game with a minimal amount of time, and usually will play a class that is considered "The best" of the game (which we all wish to have, but should there not be some balance?)
Therefore a game made for that type of player will of course seem more pleasing overall. But, this is not the whole population, and we may never know which is the largest.
If WoW is an indicator for success, you are then guaranteed that the majority of the population has put in more than 5 hours a week, with raid schedules surely taking more than a persons 1 hour a night they have to play. And that maybe some players are looking for an engaging game that keeps them occupied for hours.
Who would be easier to please? One man walks into the Dentist and is told he can just have his teeth cleaned with a super shiny laser. It will take about an hour. The next person comes in and is told he has an abscess and will need to have it removed, but with a dull hacksaw and it will take hours of back and forth over and over cutting.
I think we will know who will be having fun. And LOTRO is an excellent game for the minimal player who does not have a lot of time.
Well I only play 5 to 10 hours a week myself now, but there are guys and gals in mykinship that have been playing since launch and probably average 30 to 40 hours a week without any exaggeration. Some are housewives and students on summer break that log in at 7 am and play off and on till 10 or 11 at night. A couple work from home and have similar play hours. What your subjective opinion is is not true for everyone.
My kinships average age is around 35 or 40,we have a dozen or so teens and early 20's and a few in that are in their 50's and even one or two that are retired and in their 60's. Lotro's crafting and diverse classes make it a lot of fun for level alts and if you are a crafter the game is very rewarding for that aspect.
Just because you don't care for the game you should not be making such general sweeping statements. I am not a crafter so that part of the game does not interest me but as soon as the Moria expansion hits I will be back to playing 20 or 30 hours a week myself.
I miss DAoC
Lotro would have a lot more players stay and play longer if they did one thing: fixed the ridiculously bad maps and related graphics. It'slike they deliberately made things hard to find. I don't mean the pile of wood you need, or whatever, because that can be a decent part of a quest in moderation; I mean just trying to figure out how the world you see lines up with the mini map and main map... answer - it doesn't. I don't know about you, but it's pretty anti-immersive for me to have everything bog down in looking for something, it's like having to ask directions on a car trip ALL the time. Some say they have no trouble, but I know I'm not the only one who finds it a big turn-off. I freely admit I am not a hard-core gamer. I have played a lot of CoH and Wow, and a little of some others. But that doesn't make me stupid, it makes me more like the vast unwashed horde of casual players that Lotro was supposedly geared towards.
I really like the atmosphere, the crafting aspect, the music, the quest writing. I find myself logging out after I get a new quest, because it's just not fun looking for some location AGAIN. Feel free to insult my intelligence, my masculinity, and my moral fortitude, as that seems to be a favorite pastime on here, and I wouldn't want anyone to be deprived
).
Um the map is just like a google map. I don't have a problem reading it at all. I don't see a problem with it.
******************************
Brandywine Global LFF chan "/joinchannel glff"
I would have to say I think you are wrong.
I stopped playing LotRO for AOC about 2 months ago, I have 2 lvl 50's a Minstrel and a Champ. Odd's are eventually I will return to the game, just to play the new content, it looks pretty good.
I think of any game I have ever played (and I have played a lot!) LoTRO is the highest quality, smoothest mmo I have ever played. The only real problem I have with the game is PvP, I am a avid PvPer and that is the biggest area lacking in Lotro, other then that the game I have always though is just great.
And I also agree with some of the above posters that I think Lord of the rings releases some of the highest quality updates and content of any game out there. I also think the in game community is much better then most other MMO's
last and not least I think as long as they are making money, they will keep the game going LONG after the the end of the game LORE wise is reached, which is a long long way off.
Things are easy to find, maps are gorgeous - it's the lack of content.
July 21, 2008 - Book 14
October #, 2008 - Book 15?
November ##., 2008 - Mines of Moria?
January ##, 2008 - Book 2 V2
Book 14 will add enough content to keep you playing for 3-7 days. But then what? you go back to being bored as shit until book 15. Then what does book 15 add, same crap as previous books where you will be bored after 3-7days.
Mines of Moria will keep you busy for maybe, 1month, then what, back to being bored lol... Hopefully they add some dungeons in moria...
I dislike how they stated the change from 50 - 60 would be minimal. According to a interview with gamespy, they didn't want you to be to powerful over level 50 content. Probably cuz they won't be adding much at 60, they want you to be doing level 50 shit still.
Playing: WoW,
Played: Aion, AoC, Eve, EQ, EQ2, LOTRO, Runescape, Guild Wars, DAoC, Planetside, SWG, WAR, Darkfall
Wanting to try: DCU Online
Waiting For: Star Wars The Old Republic, Guild Wars 2.
"Freedom is just another name for nothing left to lose" - Janis Joplin
.jpg)
First of, im someone who bought LOTRO with major high expectations, got bored... and then returned with a lifetime subscription.
And I am absolutely loving it.
Yes, theres times when I dont want to log in, but its not because the game bores me or anything, just that I need a little break from the computer.
Having played almost a year or so, my highest level is still 22, but im thoroughly enjoying the game. I read every quest log, follow every quest line and immerse myself in whats going on. The epic quest line is just, well, epic.
Crafting is fun, loads of fun... though I admit it can be A LOT better... Not a large market for many professions, but they're getting there.
PvMP is a fun way to pass your time, its a major zergfest, yes, but its fun. Think large scale battles, its a whole lot of fun donig that.
And once you do slowly and steadily get to level 50, theres new content updates every now and then.
It WILL last, if you make it last. Thats my verdict.
Hope you enjoy your return!
Curently i'm on book 5 chapter 5 . So your "opinion is pretty much that , your "opinion". IF you want to come up with some new angle on your discussion I will always be able to point out, its your "opinion. Be well !~
I am confused with this answer. Are you saying in the last year (based on your posting history for LOTRO) you have not progressed further than this?
Why is it taking so long? How much time a week do you actually play. How many other games do you play?
How many max level characters do you have (because according to this post...none). You have been adamant that the content is enough to keep you occupied, yet if we average you game time, you maybe spend...30 minutes a day or less playing.
I am really interested to hear why...If you are not bored, I base it totally on the fact you hardly ever log in to even give the game any attention in the first place.
I am really fascinated in why you have not even maxed one character yet.
Curently i'm on book 5 chapter 5 . So your "opinion is pretty much that , your "opinion". IF you want to come up with some new angle on your discussion I will always be able to point out, its your "opinion. Be well !~
I am confused with this answer. Are you saying in the last year (based on your posting history for LOTRO) you have not progressed further than this?
Why is it taking so long? How much time a week do you actually play. How many other games do you play?
How many max level characters do you have (because according to this post...none). You have been adamant that the content is enough to keep you occupied, yet if we average you game time, you maybe spend...30 minutes a day or less playing.
I am really interested to hear why...If you are not bored, I base it totally on the fact you hardly ever log in to even give the game any attention in the first place.
I am really fascinated in why you have not even maxed one character yet.
Read the post above yours.
BTW, I never cared for only the books. Been playing since pre-launch, capped my first char about 10 months later. But, until very recently, I progressed only as far as Book 7.
Why? Because there were SO many other things to do, leveling alts, gathering traits, exploring new areas (Evendim, Misty mountains east, Tal Bruinen, Forochel), that somehow I was always "distracted"
And since I usually have max 2-3 hours to play in one sessions (but most often 1 or less), If I can't find a group to do exactly those FS quests that I need: then I just solo or craft. Happens very very often.
Regardless of how much time do I have for playing, be it 20 minutes or 5 hours: there is _always_ something to do! (Recently if I have 10 minutes, I log in, check if anything sold in the AH, see if I can buy some rare trophy to finish my old 1 shot recipes, check if my concession jobs have timed out yet or not, and if I still have a couple of minutes, I go for fishing.)
This game just keeps getting better
DB
Denial makes one look a lot dumber than he/she actually is.
"Freedom is just another name for nothing left to lose" - Janis Joplin
.jpg)
"Freedom is just another name for nothing left to lose" - Janis Joplin
.jpg)