The game looks a little outdated, but so far the story has been fun.
The character models have always sucked, since day 1. But the environmental graphics are actually outstanding.
I'm not sure why they refuse to update character models but will go as far as putting in DX11 updates.
I'm back playing and enjoying it so far. Tried a couple weeks ago, but fresh off Rift, the change of pace was too jarring. Now that I've decompressed and am ready for a more old school MMO experience, I'm having fun with my new Warden.
Anyway, I've been saying for a while now that the character models are bad enough to be a detriment to the game. Your avatar and character creation are a huge element of the first impression an MMORPG makes and LotRO fails horribly on that count.
To be honest, the character bodies are sufficient, which is a good thing, since completely new models would require all new armor models, which would make the possibility of such an update zero. However, the horrible head modeling COULD be easily and affordably addressed. (Anyone else think they look like an 8 year old sculpted them out of play-doh)? No need to change anything else but the heads and head customization options. Heck, they could even import the DDO heads into LotRO and it would be an improvement.
They could sell access to the upgraded heads and I'm sure they would have more than enough buyers to turn a profit on it, assuming they actually hire talented modelers with experience in attractive character design.
BTW, I'm surprised they have under-utilized saleable cosmetic items as a way to address some of the other shortfallings. There should be a lot more cosmetic choices for armor and they really should offer "wigs" (new hair models, equipable like a helm). The variety of patterns for cloaks and hauberks are nice, but why not more cosmetic options for individual slots, to address lack luster design of most armor in the game?
The only class I found entertaining was the LM, everything else was kind of boring (never tried the premium ones though). It kind of drives you to want to juggle multiple targets at once. It is kind of difficult to find your niche in a dungeon setting with it, since there are better DPS/healing classes to be found, and CC doesn't work in dungeons most of the time. Just make sure you check out population numbers of the servers first, I went with the suggestion of Imladris and found the place to be really dead.
A lot of LOTRO consists of finding the right class. A lot of the classes are considerably boring and there are some pretty interesting ways to play the game if you try. But still, a lot of it is boring.
Like the previous poster said, Lore-Master is the only class exciting. The rest are pretty self-explanatory and don't require much complicated actions. In fact most of it is just spamming the same rotation over and over.
dwarf rune-keeper for life! or untill sauron destroys all of lotro when he notices were making fun of him :P
Yep yep!! Even though they're (cough) lore-breakers - they're still insanely fun! For those who only do the free-play stuff - even though it can be a bit of a grind - you can fairly easily get the points needed - I have a little over 3700 right now, and that's after various purchases like expanded storage, a couple of horses, etc
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dwarf rune-keeper for life! or untill sauron destroys all of lotro when he notices were making fun of him :P
https://ashesofcreation.com/r/Y4U3PQCASUPJ5SED
Dwarf Rune-Keeper is the best!
It's funny how that happens. I always find myself back at LOTRO.
In America I have bad teeth. If I lived in England my teeth would be perfect.
I'm back playing and enjoying it so far. Tried a couple weeks ago, but fresh off Rift, the change of pace was too jarring. Now that I've decompressed and am ready for a more old school MMO experience, I'm having fun with my new Warden.
Anyway, I've been saying for a while now that the character models are bad enough to be a detriment to the game. Your avatar and character creation are a huge element of the first impression an MMORPG makes and LotRO fails horribly on that count.
To be honest, the character bodies are sufficient, which is a good thing, since completely new models would require all new armor models, which would make the possibility of such an update zero. However, the horrible head modeling COULD be easily and affordably addressed. (Anyone else think they look like an 8 year old sculpted them out of play-doh)? No need to change anything else but the heads and head customization options. Heck, they could even import the DDO heads into LotRO and it would be an improvement.
They could sell access to the upgraded heads and I'm sure they would have more than enough buyers to turn a profit on it, assuming they actually hire talented modelers with experience in attractive character design.
BTW, I'm surprised they have under-utilized saleable cosmetic items as a way to address some of the other shortfallings. There should be a lot more cosmetic choices for armor and they really should offer "wigs" (new hair models, equipable like a helm). The variety of patterns for cloaks and hauberks are nice, but why not more cosmetic options for individual slots, to address lack luster design of most armor in the game?
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The only class I found entertaining was the LM, everything else was kind of boring (never tried the premium ones though). It kind of drives you to want to juggle multiple targets at once. It is kind of difficult to find your niche in a dungeon setting with it, since there are better DPS/healing classes to be found, and CC doesn't work in dungeons most of the time. Just make sure you check out population numbers of the servers first, I went with the suggestion of Imladris and found the place to be really dead.
A lot of LOTRO consists of finding the right class. A lot of the classes are considerably boring and there are some pretty interesting ways to play the game if you try. But still, a lot of it is boring.
Like the previous poster said, Lore-Master is the only class exciting. The rest are pretty self-explanatory and don't require much complicated actions. In fact most of it is just spamming the same rotation over and over.
hope you have fun, because it is. And has lots of friendly players
Yep yep!! Even though they're (cough) lore-breakers - they're still insanely fun! For those who only do the free-play stuff - even though it can be a bit of a grind - you can fairly easily get the points needed - I have a little over 3700 right now, and that's after various purchases like expanded storage, a couple of horses, etc