That isn't entirely true. If you guys want to really help convince others about things then you might want to stop acting like things are perfect every where because it just isn't true. There are issues people have on the less populated servers that do making grouping a real pain in the ass especially at the higher levels. I get that you aren't having this problem but I'm also willing to bet you mainly play on Brandywine. That server Lan, Ele, and maybe one or two more are fine for grouping like you guys say but that isn't how it goes for a lot of people on other servers.
You would be a lot better off treating it from that point of view rather than trying to dismiss the issue enitirely because much as I love this game that is a real issue some players have and it has nothing to do with their attitude or play style.
Still, a kinship would solve 90% of any FS quest issues. Mine does solve them 100%. Still, I play in PUG's 90%, because it's so easy. If the OP or anyone says that kinships don't solve the issue (which he did), then it's clearly BS. OR, there are other, personal issues. Better check one's own approach to socializing before cyring loud.
DB
No you can't say it's bullshit Brasco, just because YOU joining a kin solved all your problems doesn't mean it will solve everyones. I joined after Moria and found a nice kin of very friendly people. However they were all getting too, or already at, high level and so it was hard getting them to help out when needed.
Not blaming them at all, they wanted to level their mains so fair enough. Bottom line is I DID have trouble grouping, pugs and with a kin so it does happen.
Can we all stop with the "Yes it's a problem for everyone" and "it's not a problem at all" bullshit? None of us can speak for every gamer on every server so pack it in with the blanket statements. All of us are only talking about our experiences on our own servers, or hearsay from forums.
As much as some people on these forums like to think so, they don't know everything.
It's not just the quest chains. That's a factor, as is the small size of your questbook (41 entries? Sheesh) which means many people have to simply throw out the group quests to make room. Obviously no one actually does 41 quests at once, but at the same time, I often get a quest I can't do right away, and so just keep it in my book to keep track of it.
Indeed, a big part of the problem is finding and remembering quests. Although Turbine did a great job on the landscape of Middle Earth, they did a rather poor job on its inhabitants. Are any NPCs really memorable? They even pretty much all look alike. I can think of exceptions, the hobbit courting the widow and the kid with the sick dog. But no one else really stands out.
Beyond that, there's also a large communication issue. The game really needs proper global channels, not weirdly run user ones. Instead, it's done by area. But many areas are almost deserted.
The gameplay itself is not really group friendly. You seem to get penalized for grouping in most cases, not rewarded. So people are loathe to group.
Travel times are also really really slow. I guess some places have those horns you can blow, but generally you simply have to site and wait for a member to arrive, which can take 15-20 minutes. And that travel time doesn't make it easier to get people to help with quests they don't have.
And the biggest problem is simply the userbase itself. While there are some nice people, casuals and those that like Tolkien, I think much of the userbase are snobs. They play this not because of anything except they can play a EQ clone, but at the same time, look down on the most popular EQ clone (WoW).
Read the official boards, it's almost nothing but attacks on casual players and the like.
OK lets look at LOTRO from a new players perspective. AND THAT WOULD BE ME, I like most have MMO experience, I would even have an advantage over the average new player as I'm very sociable in mmo's, and have at least beta experience. I know beta was along time ago, so it does not count for much. But my one gripe and it's only one, are the chain quest ( I guess for Lotro they are called Book quest ).
Scenario :
I load the game and start playing a human in their starting area, I don't know anyone. Like everyone else that is new, I would choose to play by myself for the first 10 levels. Picking up small unknown groups along the way to learn how to interact with groups, as the game is new for me.....Sound like most mmo's so far ?
After I get to Bree, I would now feel comfortable with the game to join a kinship, as I have the basics down. Of coarse like all mmo's It should not be a problem finding one. Being new, how do I decide on a good one ?.....I don't.........I ask in chat for a good guild, ones like to do things together ( same question everyone ask ). The hardcore but friendly one's that do everything together type kinship's remain silent. I get about ten invites to average one's and I have no choice but to pick one of them. Only to find that other than a few jokes they really don't play together at all.........Still sound like most mmo's so far ?
I'm ok with all of the above. Just standard stuff that comes along with all games......BUT now is where I have a problem with LOTRO The part that is unique to this game ( as most every mmo has something unique ). Book quest or chain quest !!
I'm in Bree. I get my first Book quest ( the claim to fame, the reason for playing Lotro ). First I nicely ask my kinship " Hay would anyone like to help me do my first book quest " silence. I ask again in a different way, nothing ! Ok I'll ask in open chat. nothing. I know I'll stand next to the quest giver and pick up a group that way......hay it worked, I now have a full group
So were off doing the first few parts of the chain, were having a good time, all is going well. BUT at part 4 of the first book Joe and Ann had left the group. Were having such a good time the group scrambles to find replacements for the two. Members are asking their guild's. You see an advertisement in open chat " hay need two for part 4 of the first book". Guess what..... silance...Nothing !
So we disband for lack of replacements, and all go our own ways. For the next few days I work hard to get a group together for the first book part 4, only for the quest chain to go yellow then gray in my quest log book.
This is how I remember LOTRO from way back in beta. I played most of it by myself, other than little groups hanging around doing the same thing as me.
It was so frustrating to me and EVERYONE ELSE, that I was sure Turbine would have solved this after two years. And that is why I created the original post.
I ask in chat for a good guild, ones like to do things together ( same question everyone ask ). The hardcore but friendly one's that do everything together type kinship's remain silent. I get about ten invites to average one's and I have no choice but to pick one of them. Only to find that other than a few jokes they really don't play together at all.........Still sound like most mmo's so far ?
just a suggestion here. Instead of looking in general chat for a kinship and joining random kins try this
step 1- go to theofficial forums for your server on the LoTRO boards
step 2 - pick out three or four that are looking to recruit and go to their website or forums. If they don't at least have forums they are probably not one you would want to join anyway.
step 3- after erading teh boards you should have a good feel for the kin and it's demeanor
step 4- before joining group up with the kin a few times, this is the key right here.
step 5- if you decide they are not a good fit go back to step 1, there are thousnads of kinships in LoTRO. I am sure with a bit of effort you could find one that is tright for you.On the other hand you can just randomly join and you may luck out or you may just be spinning you wheels and getting frustrated.
This is how I remember LOTRO from way back in beta. I played most of it by myself, other than little groups hanging around doing the same thing as me. It was so frustrating to me and EVERYONE ELSE, that I was sure Turbine would have solved this after two years. And that is why I created the original post.
Indeed they have. Of course, it's not 100%, but it's definitely not like in beta.
1. The first few books have quests made easier - you can do them with a 3 man fellowships as well.
2. Quest incentives - on high level epic FS quests there are incentives to go back and re-do them many times. Reward gear mostly, with the use of reward tokens as barter.
3. It is not Turbine directly, but partially: the population is a lot higher than beta.
Lastly - if you DO find a good kinship (albeit needs some research), you will have no issues whatsoever finding 1-2 higher level toons to help you through an FS quest - in case you are really, really stuck and you don't mind a high level helping you.
Mind you, the game is over 2 years old. I doubt you can show a 2+ yr old game where you can just find 5 other low-level players for a certain group quests out of the blue. There is no such thing anymore, not even WOW. I am talking out of experience. Almost nobody was doing 20/30 lvl raids there ever, and I plaid it 3 years ago.
DB
Denial makes one look a lot dumber than he/she actually is.
YES to be honest, I would do the research for a good guild as you say, In fact i could work my way around the problem, as you had with a good closed to the public guild.
BUT WHAT ABOUT THE OTHER 90% of players, how are they gonna work around Turbines problem, and why should they ?
This game seems to cater to two types of players,
1) The elite, in elite guilds.
2) Solo players. ( from my meny years of playing mmo's, a lot are )
My guess and my opinion is that this game looses the INBETWEEN, the ones that like both. I would safely guess that would be the majority. That is where I fall in.
I'm tired of WoW because of the kid's, but they have 11 million that LOTRO can have.
Ok, I guess i'll never be able to get my personal one gripe across as long as Jackdog, and Donnie Basco, are defending everything about LOTRO 24/7. Do you guys ever sleep
You're blaming some people (now giving names too) of being one-sided, thus you don't actually read and comprehend what we write. My previous post stands, and as long as you haven't tried those things in the game (obviously since you had no idea about these changes), you have no credibility in entitling it just "defending". Those are facts and facts seldom need "defence".
I mentioned that not every piece of experience is 100% positive, and had many posts explaining how it it's never the same for everyone, on every server, in every region, at every level range, for every class.
Your posts sound more and more like written just for the sake of arguing only. Actually, posting in a forum of a game about explaining why you chose a different game afterall kind of speaks for itself.
Now go back to my previous comment with a neutral mindset, and this time try to be constructive.
Cheers
DB
P.E: how can someone have a personal gripe about a game that he haven't played for years? What makes you decide on whose personal, (thus biased in either positive or negative way) experience you believe? You have chosen the negative side based solely on comments, and then you come here broadcasting it. How would you call that kind of behaviour? It doesn't even fit into the usual troll-disguise coat, called "I just want to warn everyone".
Think about this
Denial makes one look a lot dumber than he/she actually is.
OK lets look at LOTRO from a new players perspective. AND THAT WOULD BE ME, I like most have MMO experience, I would even have an advantage over the average new player as I'm very sociable in mmo's, and have at least beta experience. I know beta was along time ago, so it does not count for much. But my one gripe and it's only one, are the chain quest ( I guess for Lotro they are called Book quest ). Scenario : I load the game and start playing a human in their starting area, I don't know anyone. Like everyone else that is new, I would choose to play by myself for the first 10 levels. Picking up small unknown groups along the way to learn how to interact with groups, as the game is new for me.....Sound like most mmo's so far ? After I get to Bree, I would now feel comfortable with the game to join a kinship, as I have the basics down. Of coarse like all mmo's It should not be a problem finding one. Being new, how do I decide on a good one ?.....I don't.........I ask in chat for a good guild, ones like to do things together ( same question everyone ask ). The hardcore but friendly one's that do everything together type kinship's remain silent. I get about ten invites to average one's and I have no choice but to pick one of them. Only to find that other than a few jokes they really don't play together at all.........Still sound like most mmo's so far ? I'm ok with all of the above. Just standard stuff that comes along with all games......BUT now is where I have a problem with LOTRO The part that is unique to this game ( as most every mmo has something unique ). Book quest or chain quest !! I'm in Bree. I get my first Book quest ( the claim to fame, the reason for playing Lotro ). First I nicely ask my kinship " Hay would anyone like to help me do my first book quest " silence. I ask again in a different way, nothing ! Ok I'll ask in open chat. nothing. I know I'll stand next to the quest giver and pick up a group that way......hay it worked, I now have a full group So were off doing the first few parts of the chain, were having a good time, all is going well. BUT at part 4 of the first book Joe and Ann had left the group. Were having such a good time the group scrambles to find replacements for the two. Members are asking their guild's. You see an advertisement in open chat " hay need two for part 4 of the first book". Guess what..... silance...Nothing ! So we disband for lack of replacements, and all go our own ways. For the next few days I work hard to get a group together for the first book part 4, only for the quest chain to go yellow then gray in my quest log book.
This is how I remember LOTRO from way back in beta. I played most of it by myself, other than little groups hanging around doing the same thing as me. It was so frustrating to me and EVERYONE ELSE, that I was sure Turbine would have solved this after two years. And that is why I created the original post.
Look it !!!!
Your answer to this REAL, yes REAL problem is to join an elite kin ??
What about the other 95% of the players ?
How about some answers from someone else, except the two people controlling the forum's 24/7.
Ok, I guess i'll never be able to get my personal one gripe across as long as Jackdog, and Donnie Basco, are defending everything about LOTRO 24/7. Do you guys ever sleep
well if your one gripe as you put it is that LoTRO is not as group centric a game as FFXI and Vanguard your point has been made. I seriously doubt that Turbine will pull a SOE and do a NGE to the game like Funcom is doing with patch 1.05 in AoC since LoTRO's population is very healthy.
BTW I retired early a few months back so I sleep, surf the net and game whenever I want to or more accuratly when the wife isn't home spurring me on to working on the honey do list.
Your answer to this REAL, yes REAL problem is to join an elite kin ?? What about the other 95% of the players ? How about some answers from someone else, except the two people controlling the forum's 24/7.
Kinships was mentioned outside of my 3 points, but let's skip that (also mentioned you need research, yes).
I am in my kinship since 14th of April, 2007. Many have left, many have come, it is a tuly casual kinship, with no restrictions, no requirements (very basic). We have raids planned every weekend (optional), and there are 50+ people logged in at all times, with altogether 500+ members.). Every single time someone needs to do a group quest, it can be solved - not always immediately, sometimes even only on the next day/occasion.
I am a 90% solo player, and I always try PUG's first when I really need an FS quests (success rate variable, 50-60%, depending on region), and only if that won't work do I use my kinship.
95% is a vague idea, not sure where you get it from. Whenever I play, I'd say the opposite: 90+% of all players are in kinships (you can see that under their name, as you know .
Those are my experiences, and mine only. They do not necessarily apply to others. All I'm saying, that if you do a couple of things right, you will not have problems with FS quests.
Yeah, you cannot everything with no effort either. Still easier than the real world
DB
Denial makes one look a lot dumber than he/she actually is.
Your answer to this REAL, yes REAL problem is to join an elite kin ?? What about the other 95% of the players ? How about some answers from someone else, except the two people controlling the forum's 24/7.
At least it's fair that you admitted that you're not looking for a discussion. Still, I hope we can help you
DB
Denial makes one look a lot dumber than he/she actually is.
So, everyone's theory that they don't care, is, and has been stupid. I look forward to reading your suggestions.
---------- "Anyone posting on this forum is not an average user, and there for any opinions about the game are going to be overly critical compared to an average users opinions." - Me
"Hello person posting on a site specifically for MMO's in a thread on a sub forum specifically for a particular game talking about meta features and making comparisons to other titles in the genre, and their meta features.
If you are an MMO vet as you state, then you should know to research kins and not just ask in general chat. Every MMO I have played I either researched the kin/guild/sg that I joined or joined ones with rl friends. You NEVER ask in general chat for a kin. I think you learn that in MMO 101 or some such. The forums are full of kins looking and some have their own website.
So, everyone's theory that they don't care, is, and has been stupid. I look forward to reading your suggestions.
/sigh
I think most aren't saying they don't care, least I'm not anyways. Just that they won't do what's needed to fix the problem for reasons I've already stated. The LFF panel isn't the issue. Most don't use it as intended but what game that has an interface like this does it get used in? Most still do the 'ole ask in chat rigamrole in all of the games I play no matter how much the devs try to make these lfg interfaces user friendly and comprehensive to no end.
They're avoiding the real issue, least in my opinion, for what some may say are valid concerns while I say it's being short sighted. Still, it's one of the best games on the market and I stand by my point that if you play on one of the populated servers or find a solid kin you won't have this issue. Doesn't make it right that it's still an issue but at least it's manageable.
When I played before and tried making my point I was modded by them and received a suspension warning due to trolling. Suppose i could give another go at it but that really pissed me off considering 99.9% of my other posts hailed the game and I get thrown under the bus simply because I felt that was a concern. Pure bullshit if you ask me.
On an offtopic side note: Still amazes me that this is the same company running DDO. How the hell they could put together a game like Rings and also have been the ones behind DDO is astounding. DDO is weak in so many areas compared to Rings. Great concepts but piss poor execution. Of course, Wizard forcing them to use the current edition they were trying to sell rather than letting Turbine have rights to really have opened things up considering the amount of story lines and modules D&D had available to use didn't help any either.
1. For god's sake mmo gamers, enough with the analogies. They're unnecessary and your comparisons are terrible, dissimilar, and illogical.
2. To posters feeling the need to state how f2p really isn't f2p: Players understand the concept. You aren't privy to some secret the rest are missing. You're embarrassing yourself.
3. Yes, Cpt. Obvious, we're not industry experts. Now run along and let the big people use the forums for their purpose.
I'm not sure what the OP is expecting....there were concerns expressed about grouping issues....ways to assist this problem were given...mostly by Jackdog and Donniebrasco. I think they covered everything....sans forcing Turbine to change LoTRO at gunpoint. Then the OP basically wipes away the replies ...as if verbally spit upon (or perhaps textually ...I guess the OP felt "textually abused")..and asks for others to answer instead.. These are the answers. Any other advise given by anyone else would basically tell you the same thing...including any advise I would give. There is no one person who is going to come on here spouting revelations and performing miracles. This is real life...leave the magic for the game itself.
As for Vanguard Vs. Lotro...I too would pick Lotro. Vanguard has a decent community...imo...much like Lotro,,tho smaller. other things it has going for it are Crafting and diplomacy systems. Which i enjoyed. It has very open ended and seemingly endless lands. Lotro crafting is good enough...a diplomacy style play would be great. It seems open enough,,and to me the graphics are more pleasing...and again...imo...seem more detailed than VG.,,this is despite the raves I've heard about VG graphics (which one of the reasons i tried the game...and was slightly let down). Both are good games...but to me it came down to the overall feel and quality ...the total gameplay as a gestalt experience and not based on a list of pros and cons. LoTRO beat out VG in my mind. I do go back from time to time and tool around in VG...I just do not claim permanent residency.
I never have any issues at all with Vanguard. Not even hitching anymore. The game has come a long way since it was launched and it shows. Not trying to seem like a crazy fan boy or anything but I know it had alot of issues at launch and a year out even. (I was in beta) But to say the game is broken and runs like crap just isnt true. If you dont like the game thats cool but at least be honest.
That last line makes me wonder about you not being a crazy fanboy. How do you know what play experience I had? Trying to tell me that because your experience has been a good one, mine had to have been too and that anything I say to the contrary is a lie is nonsense. The fact of the matter is that I wanted to play Vanguard badly, but it was so terribly buggy it was sad.
Good choice, I have been a Vanguard fan since day one. I still think it is by far the best looking and most explorable MMO out there and it will always hold a place in my heart.
I moved to LOTRO simply as a stop gap until Champions. I am mainly a soloist and soloed to 49 in VG, had lots of fun doing it, but wanted a change. LOTRO is nice, graphics leave something to be desired, but I am enjoying it nonetheless. I have a long way to go though (only lev 15).
_________________________________ Vic - "Androzzi here" John - "Vic, your case just busted wide open." Vic - "So close it for me!" John - "Looks like your going to have to close it yourself, SHITTY!!!!"
I too though LotrO had great graphics, but once I fired up VG with the new quad system, I was basically blown away. Think the style of LotrO is awesome, but graphically, VG is just amazing... Again, LotrO has has great art direction, but where it fails me graphically is how they do the trees and far away views, the imposter trees should look like how VG did theres, it would bring LotRO into a new light if Turbine could fix the there distance blur. I realize that is how the game pops in the forground, by having an amazing background..
I actually have to disagree with you there. The far off trees in LOTRO are made more to be like an impressionistic painting. I really like how they did it and it's one of the more artistically interesting things that the world of LOTRO has. It would be a shame to change that. In my opinion the background works exceptionally well and was one of the things that I positively commented on during closed beta. It really took some talent to add that. I would also propose that at times it conjures Maxfield Parish (though he was not part of the impressionistic movement he was alive during it.)
Where LOTRO falls in my opinion are the horrible character models and gear.
Like Skyrim? Need more content? Try my Skyrim mod "Godfred's Tomb."
I too though LotrO had great graphics, but once I fired up VG with the new quad system, I was basically blown away. Think the style of LotrO is awesome, but graphically, VG is just amazing... Again, LotrO has has great art direction, but where it fails me graphically is how they do the trees and far away views, the imposter trees should look like how VG did theres, it would bring LotRO into a new light if Turbine could fix the there distance blur. I realize that is how the game pops in the forground, by having an amazing background..
Apples and oranges... to may taste, these shots are still pretty ugly (very plasticy looks). I have played VG for 1 or 2 months, and cranked up gfx as I have a good system, but it was plain ugly. Trees, rocks, walls, buildings were wildly "jumping out" from the background, no integrity whatsoever. Whenever I entered a building, I could see my own toons eyeballs inside his head. Really, really distracting.
But as I said, each to his own. If I want to see truly amazing gfx, I play Crysis, Far Cry 2 or -still, up to today - Half-Life 2.
DB
Denial makes one look a lot dumber than he/she actually is.
My 2 cents worth of opinion is - I love to explore in these games and I initially thought Vanguards world was great, but it was way too much real estate with way too little worth exploring. I also think the characters are too Barbie doll plastic just like EQII's. When it comes to characters in my opinion LoTRO beats Vanguard, when it comes to armor Vanguard beats LoTRO. All these are just my opinions and others mileage may vary
Now if all you want just good eye candy you should play AoC, it blows LoTRO and Vanguard out of the water graphics wise. Unfortunately the game play sucks swamp water and for a explorer you are screwed because of the limited pathing it took to get those pixels.
Originally posted by DonnieBrasco Whenever I entered a building, I could see my own toons eyeballs inside his head. Really, really distracting.
Lol, something I noticed too.
Whilst the above screenshots may be pretty, I've always had two problems with Vanguard's graphics - the colours appear very washed-out and pale, and objects look extremely fake compared to their surroundings. Rocks, for example, just look so out of place and don't feel like they blend in with the surrounding terrain as well as they should.
I'm not a graphics whore though, so graphical issues are not a huge worry to me.
Comments
Still, a kinship would solve 90% of any FS quest issues. Mine does solve them 100%. Still, I play in PUG's 90%, because it's so easy. If the OP or anyone says that kinships don't solve the issue (which he did), then it's clearly BS. OR, there are other, personal issues. Better check one's own approach to socializing before cyring loud.
DB
No you can't say it's bullshit Brasco, just because YOU joining a kin solved all your problems doesn't mean it will solve everyones. I joined after Moria and found a nice kin of very friendly people. However they were all getting too, or already at, high level and so it was hard getting them to help out when needed.
Not blaming them at all, they wanted to level their mains so fair enough. Bottom line is I DID have trouble grouping, pugs and with a kin so it does happen.
Can we all stop with the "Yes it's a problem for everyone" and "it's not a problem at all" bullshit? None of us can speak for every gamer on every server so pack it in with the blanket statements. All of us are only talking about our experiences on our own servers, or hearsay from forums.
As much as some people on these forums like to think so, they don't know everything.
It's not just the quest chains. That's a factor, as is the small size of your questbook (41 entries? Sheesh) which means many people have to simply throw out the group quests to make room. Obviously no one actually does 41 quests at once, but at the same time, I often get a quest I can't do right away, and so just keep it in my book to keep track of it.
Indeed, a big part of the problem is finding and remembering quests. Although Turbine did a great job on the landscape of Middle Earth, they did a rather poor job on its inhabitants. Are any NPCs really memorable? They even pretty much all look alike. I can think of exceptions, the hobbit courting the widow and the kid with the sick dog. But no one else really stands out.
Beyond that, there's also a large communication issue. The game really needs proper global channels, not weirdly run user ones. Instead, it's done by area. But many areas are almost deserted.
The gameplay itself is not really group friendly. You seem to get penalized for grouping in most cases, not rewarded. So people are loathe to group.
Travel times are also really really slow. I guess some places have those horns you can blow, but generally you simply have to site and wait for a member to arrive, which can take 15-20 minutes. And that travel time doesn't make it easier to get people to help with quests they don't have.
And the biggest problem is simply the userbase itself. While there are some nice people, casuals and those that like Tolkien, I think much of the userbase are snobs. They play this not because of anything except they can play a EQ clone, but at the same time, look down on the most popular EQ clone (WoW).
Read the official boards, it's almost nothing but attacks on casual players and the like.
R.I.P. City of Heroes and my 17 characters there
OK lets look at LOTRO from a new players perspective. AND THAT WOULD BE ME, I like most have MMO experience, I would even have an advantage over the average new player as I'm very sociable in mmo's, and have at least beta experience. I know beta was along time ago, so it does not count for much. But my one gripe and it's only one, are the chain quest ( I guess for Lotro they are called Book quest ).
Scenario :
I load the game and start playing a human in their starting area, I don't know anyone. Like everyone else that is new, I would choose to play by myself for the first 10 levels. Picking up small unknown groups along the way to learn how to interact with groups, as the game is new for me.....Sound like most mmo's so far ?
After I get to Bree, I would now feel comfortable with the game to join a kinship, as I have the basics down. Of coarse like all mmo's It should not be a problem finding one. Being new, how do I decide on a good one ?.....I don't.........I ask in chat for a good guild, ones like to do things together ( same question everyone ask ). The hardcore but friendly one's that do everything together type kinship's remain silent. I get about ten invites to average one's and I have no choice but to pick one of them. Only to find that other than a few jokes they really don't play together at all.........Still sound like most mmo's so far ?
I'm ok with all of the above. Just standard stuff that comes along with all games......BUT now is where I have a problem with LOTRO The part that is unique to this game ( as most every mmo has something unique ). Book quest or chain quest !!
I'm in Bree. I get my first Book quest ( the claim to fame, the reason for playing Lotro ). First I nicely ask my kinship " Hay would anyone like to help me do my first book quest " silence. I ask again in a different way, nothing ! Ok I'll ask in open chat. nothing. I know I'll stand next to the quest giver and pick up a group that way......hay it worked, I now have a full group
So were off doing the first few parts of the chain, were having a good time, all is going well. BUT at part 4 of the first book Joe and Ann had left the group. Were having such a good time the group scrambles to find replacements for the two. Members are asking their guild's. You see an advertisement in open chat " hay need two for part 4 of the first book". Guess what..... silance...Nothing !
So we disband for lack of replacements, and all go our own ways. For the next few days I work hard to get a group together for the first book part 4, only for the quest chain to go yellow then gray in my quest log book.
This is how I remember LOTRO from way back in beta. I played most of it by myself, other than little groups hanging around doing the same thing as me.
It was so frustrating to me and EVERYONE ELSE, that I was sure Turbine would have solved this after two years. And that is why I created the original post.
just a suggestion here. Instead of looking in general chat for a kinship and joining random kins try this
step 1- go to theofficial forums for your server on the LoTRO boards
here is a lionk to Brandywines
forums.lotro.com/forumdisplay.php
step 2 - pick out three or four that are looking to recruit and go to their website or forums. If they don't at least have forums they are probably not one you would want to join anyway.
step 3- after erading teh boards you should have a good feel for the kin and it's demeanor
step 4- before joining group up with the kin a few times, this is the key right here.
step 5- if you decide they are not a good fit go back to step 1, there are thousnads of kinships in LoTRO. I am sure with a bit of effort you could find one that is tright for you.On the other hand you can just randomly join and you may luck out or you may just be spinning you wheels and getting frustrated.
I miss DAoC
Indeed they have. Of course, it's not 100%, but it's definitely not like in beta.
1. The first few books have quests made easier - you can do them with a 3 man fellowships as well.
2. Quest incentives - on high level epic FS quests there are incentives to go back and re-do them many times. Reward gear mostly, with the use of reward tokens as barter.
3. It is not Turbine directly, but partially: the population is a lot higher than beta.
Lastly - if you DO find a good kinship (albeit needs some research), you will have no issues whatsoever finding 1-2 higher level toons to help you through an FS quest - in case you are really, really stuck and you don't mind a high level helping you.
Mind you, the game is over 2 years old. I doubt you can show a 2+ yr old game where you can just find 5 other low-level players for a certain group quests out of the blue. There is no such thing anymore, not even WOW. I am talking out of experience. Almost nobody was doing 20/30 lvl raids there ever, and I plaid it 3 years ago.
DB
Denial makes one look a lot dumber than he/she actually is.
YES to be honest, I would do the research for a good guild as you say, In fact i could work my way around the problem, as you had with a good closed to the public guild.
BUT WHAT ABOUT THE OTHER 90% of players, how are they gonna work around Turbines problem, and why should they ?
This game seems to cater to two types of players,
1) The elite, in elite guilds.
2) Solo players. ( from my meny years of playing mmo's, a lot are )
My guess and my opinion is that this game looses the INBETWEEN, the ones that like both. I would safely guess that would be the majority. That is where I fall in.
I'm tired of WoW because of the kid's, but they have 11 million that LOTRO can have.
I think you just described every MMO I have ever played from UO to AoC.
I miss DAoC
Ok, I guess i'll never be able to get my personal one gripe across as long as Jackdog, and Donnie Basco, are defending everything about LOTRO 24/7.
Do you guys ever sleep
You're blaming some people (now giving names too) of being one-sided, thus you don't actually read and comprehend what we write. My previous post stands, and as long as you haven't tried those things in the game (obviously since you had no idea about these changes), you have no credibility in entitling it just "defending". Those are facts and facts seldom need "defence".
I mentioned that not every piece of experience is 100% positive, and had many posts explaining how it it's never the same for everyone, on every server, in every region, at every level range, for every class.
Your posts sound more and more like written just for the sake of arguing only. Actually, posting in a forum of a game about explaining why you chose a different game afterall kind of speaks for itself.
Now go back to my previous comment with a neutral mindset, and this time try to be constructive.
Cheers
DB
P.E: how can someone have a personal gripe about a game that he haven't played for years? What makes you decide on whose personal, (thus biased in either positive or negative way) experience you believe? You have chosen the negative side based solely on comments, and then you come here broadcasting it. How would you call that kind of behaviour? It doesn't even fit into the usual troll-disguise coat, called "I just want to warn everyone".
Think about this
Denial makes one look a lot dumber than he/she actually is.
Look it !!!!
Your answer to this REAL, yes REAL problem is to join an elite kin ??
What about the other 95% of the players ?
How about some answers from someone else, except the two people controlling the forum's 24/7.
well if your one gripe as you put it is that LoTRO is not as group centric a game as FFXI and Vanguard your point has been made. I seriously doubt that Turbine will pull a SOE and do a NGE to the game like Funcom is doing with patch 1.05 in AoC since LoTRO's population is very healthy.
BTW I retired early a few months back so I sleep, surf the net and game whenever I want to or more accuratly when the wife isn't home spurring me on to working on the honey do list.
I miss DAoC
Kinships was mentioned outside of my 3 points, but let's skip that (also mentioned you need research, yes).
I am in my kinship since 14th of April, 2007. Many have left, many have come, it is a tuly casual kinship, with no restrictions, no requirements (very basic). We have raids planned every weekend (optional), and there are 50+ people logged in at all times, with altogether 500+ members.). Every single time someone needs to do a group quest, it can be solved - not always immediately, sometimes even only on the next day/occasion.
I am a 90% solo player, and I always try PUG's first when I really need an FS quests (success rate variable, 50-60%, depending on region), and only if that won't work do I use my kinship.
95% is a vague idea, not sure where you get it from. Whenever I play, I'd say the opposite: 90+% of all players are in kinships (you can see that under their name, as you know
.
Those are my experiences, and mine only. They do not necessarily apply to others. All I'm saying, that if you do a couple of things right, you will not have problems with FS quests.
Yeah, you cannot everything with no effort either. Still easier than the real world
DB
Denial makes one look a lot dumber than he/she actually is.
At least it's fair that you admitted that you're not looking for a discussion. Still, I hope we can help you
DB
Denial makes one look a lot dumber than he/she actually is.
How about some answers from someone else, except the two people controlling the forum's 24/7.
Ok, how about this.
Turbine is asking the playerbase a question, now is your time to give them some actional feedback:
"What three changes would you make to the LFF panel?"
So, everyone's theory that they don't care, is, and has been stupid. I look forward to reading your suggestions.
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"Anyone posting on this forum is not an average user, and there for any opinions about the game are going to be overly critical compared to an average users opinions." - Me
"No, your wrong.." - Random user #123
"Hello person posting on a site specifically for MMO's in a thread on a sub forum specifically for a particular game talking about meta features and making comparisons to other titles in the genre, and their meta features.
How are you?" -Me
If you are an MMO vet as you state, then you should know to research kins and not just ask in general chat. Every MMO I have played I either researched the kin/guild/sg that I joined or joined ones with rl friends. You NEVER ask in general chat for a kin. I think you learn that in MMO 101 or some such. The forums are full of kins looking and some have their own website.
How about some answers from someone else, except the two people controlling the forum's 24/7.
Ok, how about this.
Turbine is asking the playerbase a question, now is your time to give them some actional feedback:
"What three changes would you make to the LFF panel?"
So, everyone's theory that they don't care, is, and has been stupid. I look forward to reading your suggestions.
/sigh
I think most aren't saying they don't care, least I'm not anyways. Just that they won't do what's needed to fix the problem for reasons I've already stated. The LFF panel isn't the issue. Most don't use it as intended but what game that has an interface like this does it get used in? Most still do the 'ole ask in chat rigamrole in all of the games I play no matter how much the devs try to make these lfg interfaces user friendly and comprehensive to no end.
They're avoiding the real issue, least in my opinion, for what some may say are valid concerns while I say it's being short sighted. Still, it's one of the best games on the market and I stand by my point that if you play on one of the populated servers or find a solid kin you won't have this issue. Doesn't make it right that it's still an issue but at least it's manageable.
When I played before and tried making my point I was modded by them and received a suspension warning due to trolling. Suppose i could give another go at it but that really pissed me off considering 99.9% of my other posts hailed the game and I get thrown under the bus simply because I felt that was a concern. Pure bullshit if you ask me.
On an offtopic side note: Still amazes me that this is the same company running DDO. How the hell they could put together a game like Rings and also have been the ones behind DDO is astounding. DDO is weak in so many areas compared to Rings. Great concepts but piss poor execution. Of course, Wizard forcing them to use the current edition they were trying to sell rather than letting Turbine have rights to really have opened things up considering the amount of story lines and modules D&D had available to use didn't help any either.
1. For god's sake mmo gamers, enough with the analogies. They're unnecessary and your comparisons are terrible, dissimilar, and illogical.
2. To posters feeling the need to state how f2p really isn't f2p: Players understand the concept. You aren't privy to some secret the rest are missing. You're embarrassing yourself.
3. Yes, Cpt. Obvious, we're not industry experts. Now run along and let the big people use the forums for their purpose.
I'm not sure what the OP is expecting....there were concerns expressed about grouping issues....ways to assist this problem were given...mostly by Jackdog and Donniebrasco. I think they covered everything....sans forcing Turbine to change LoTRO at gunpoint. Then the OP basically wipes away the replies ...as if verbally spit upon (or perhaps textually ...I guess the OP felt "textually abused")..and asks for others to answer instead.. These are the answers. Any other advise given by anyone else would basically tell you the same thing...including any advise I would give. There is no one person who is going to come on here spouting revelations and performing miracles. This is real life...leave the magic for the game itself.
As for Vanguard Vs. Lotro...I too would pick Lotro. Vanguard has a decent community...imo...much like Lotro,,tho smaller. other things it has going for it are Crafting and diplomacy systems. Which i enjoyed. It has very open ended and seemingly endless lands. Lotro crafting is good enough...a diplomacy style play would be great. It seems open enough,,and to me the graphics are more pleasing...and again...imo...seem more detailed than VG.,,this is despite the raves I've heard about VG graphics (which one of the reasons i tried the game...and was slightly let down). Both are good games...but to me it came down to the overall feel and quality ...the total gameplay as a gestalt experience and not based on a list of pros and cons. LoTRO beat out VG in my mind. I do go back from time to time and tool around in VG...I just do not claim permanent residency.
"Freedom is just another name for nothing left to lose" - Janis Joplin
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That last line makes me wonder about you not being a crazy fanboy. How do you know what play experience I had? Trying to tell me that because your experience has been a good one, mine had to have been too and that anything I say to the contrary is a lie is nonsense. The fact of the matter is that I wanted to play Vanguard badly, but it was so terribly buggy it was sad.
Good choice, I have been a Vanguard fan since day one. I still think it is by far the best looking and most explorable MMO out there and it will always hold a place in my heart.
I moved to LOTRO simply as a stop gap until Champions. I am mainly a soloist and soloed to 49 in VG, had lots of fun doing it, but wanted a change. LOTRO is nice, graphics leave something to be desired, but I am enjoying it nonetheless. I have a long way to go though (only lev 15).
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Vic - "Androzzi here"
John - "Vic, your case just busted wide open."
Vic - "So close it for me!"
John - "Looks like your going to have to close it yourself, SHITTY!!!!"
I actually have to disagree with you there. The far off trees in LOTRO are made more to be like an impressionistic painting. I really like how they did it and it's one of the more artistically interesting things that the world of LOTRO has. It would be a shame to change that. In my opinion the background works exceptionally well and was one of the things that I positively commented on during closed beta. It really took some talent to add that. I would also propose that at times it conjures Maxfield Parish (though he was not part of the impressionistic movement he was alive during it.)
Where LOTRO falls in my opinion are the horrible character models and gear.
Godfred's Tomb Trailer: https://youtu.be/-nsXGddj_4w
Original Skyrim: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/109547
Serph toze kindly has started a walk-through. https://youtu.be/UIelCK-lldo
"Freedom is just another name for nothing left to lose" - Janis Joplin
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Apples and oranges... to may taste, these shots are still pretty ugly (very plasticy looks). I have played VG for 1 or 2 months, and cranked up gfx as I have a good system, but it was plain ugly. Trees, rocks, walls, buildings were wildly "jumping out" from the background, no integrity whatsoever. Whenever I entered a building, I could see my own toons eyeballs inside his head. Really, really distracting.
But as I said, each to his own. If I want to see truly amazing gfx, I play Crysis, Far Cry 2 or -still, up to today - Half-Life 2.
DB
Denial makes one look a lot dumber than he/she actually is.
Po tay toes - po tah toes
My 2 cents worth of opinion is - I love to explore in these games and I initially thought Vanguards world was great, but it was way too much real estate with way too little worth exploring. I also think the characters are too Barbie doll plastic just like EQII's. When it comes to characters in my opinion LoTRO beats Vanguard, when it comes to armor Vanguard beats LoTRO. All these are just my opinions and others mileage may vary
Now if all you want just good eye candy you should play AoC, it blows LoTRO and Vanguard out of the water graphics wise. Unfortunately the game play sucks swamp water and for a explorer you are screwed because of the limited pathing it took to get those pixels.
I miss DAoC
Lol, something I noticed too.
Whilst the above screenshots may be pretty, I've always had two problems with Vanguard's graphics - the colours appear very washed-out and pale, and objects look extremely fake compared to their surroundings. Rocks, for example, just look so out of place and don't feel like they blend in with the surrounding terrain as well as they should.
I'm not a graphics whore though, so graphical issues are not a huge worry to me.