2) Tolkien’s work is too low fantasy for a PC MMO. Sure, it’s a great story but I want my flaming swords, flying mounts, mighty wizard spells, and all the other things high fantasy can offer too.
Just pointing out that you clearly have your definitions confused, as the term "high fantasy" was partly made prominent and legitimate through the works of Tolkien. The term "high fantasy" refers to a fictional work that takes place in a completely fictional setting and incorporates fantasy elements that do not exist in reality, such as monsters and magic. LotR has all of these things and more.
Low fantasy, by contrast, typically takes place in a real world setting. While it may still have a mystical appeal, low fantasy tends to lack fictionally invented creatures or an alternate magical world. Works like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory or The Indian in the Cupboard would be considered low fantasy.
Perhaps you got confused because many of Tolkien's fictional creations like Orcs and Elves have since become so mainstream that they may be mistaken as real
Actually, I just meant to write Low Magic / High Magic regarding the amount present in the game world.
Edit: Compare it to WoW or D&D where magic is way more common.
Sorry if that came off as nit-picky. I just see those terms misused all the time, and, well, if nobody ever corrects such cases, then they will likely continue to be improperly used, and their true meanings will become more and more ambiguous to our collective consciousness.
On the subject of magic in Tolkien's world, I agree completely. That is actually the one fact of Middle-earth I lament the most, especially in the films. For example, the full magical repertoire of Gandalf in the films consists of a weak type of "force push" (which he only uses in his struggle against Saruman), the ability to break a rock in half (albeit quite a sizable rock), and the ability to turn his staff into a flashlight. Other than that, he just swings his staff around like a melee weapon and gets totally annihilated every time he's challenged by a decently powerful foe (Saruman, Balrog, Witch-King).
In short, I commiserate and wish LotR was more "high magic" as you put it. However, because of various other modern influences, such as Harry Potter and Wheel of Time, I do think we (or at least I) tend to filter our perspective of LoTR through the magical lens of these newer works, thereby attributing greater "magicity" to Tolkien's work.
The only thing that would make Lotro great if it was the only mmo available to play. Turbine did one craptastic job portraying middle earth and as the op mentioned combat is bad. Character models look dull and the animations are lacking.
I find that in order to play this game you have to have a real deep love for the I.P. I know I do, more than the average LotR fan. That's what keeps me coming back. It's a beautiful, polished game with plenty of content that allows you to experience Arda. I can't ask for more than that. Best MMO or not, I enjoy it.
1. Evil faction - this probably reduced player interest a great extent. This is the BIGGEST addition that could really get new players, but also the most costly change.
2. Same amount of PVE and PVP content as WoW
3. Better art - armor, characters and buildings need to stand out. The art direction can be defined as "realistic rather than artistic". It doesn't have to be cartoony, but it needs to be much more distinctive ands interesting to look at.
4. Much more devotion to making it feel like Middle Earth
5. Add a lot more session play to relive moments from the books as the heroes.
less glitches for example when i wish to fight a enemy at range yet they get stuck on flat ground. Other than that i love the game. One of the funnest worlds to just splore and have fun in. I spend hours just running around sploring the game.
Originally posted by pierth I find LoTRO a breath of fresh air after playing MMOs that try so hard to be something they aren't. If I want fast action twitch gaming I'd play fighting games or FPS. The world is large, beautiful, and relaxing. The character graphics could definitely use some work, though.
The characters graphics are why I quit the game. The landscapes and architecture are beautiful, the characters are cartoony garbage. It's like two different teams worked on these elements and didn't talk to each other when the game was developed.
LOTRO is a good game overall and they have nailed the ftp part near perfectly. The only drawback in my opinion is the way the characters look. Especially for the females, you have two choices in face creation, bland and ugly. You'd also be hard pressed to identify the genre of the elves by just looking in the face. And of course there is the stiff way they move, as if some part of the movement animation is missing.
Minor annoyances I know, but they are on your face all the time.
Originally posted by Alders The character models are horrible and seem out of proportion. I love everything else about the game especially the game world. I have no issue at all admitting i'm superficial. If i can't get into my character, then the rest of the game means little.
Needs to go back to P2P ( if you don't agree, then don't read my post)
I'm sorry but F2P is the worst thing about the game, I know it's considered the best F2P game out in the MMO world. Seriously everyone in the game misses out on so much great things as a Subber, you have to work your a@s off just to earn your points, grind yourself to the point of being burnt out just to unlock a piece of important or needed content.
Personal Example why F2P fails in MMO's or this one: My Kinship and a few others I have been in have notice that all the subbers in my Kin will log on at least 3 to 4 times and or more a week. F2P players and in my current Kin my Kin Leader log on only a few times a week, some even just a few times a month.
Wildstar (2013) & Elder Scroll Online (2013)
Playing: Diablo 3, WOW, Far Cry 3 & X-Com.
Enjoyed: WOW 5 1/2 yrs, LOTRO 3yrs, GW 1/2yr, DFO 1yr, EVE Online 3yrs, and Huxley (Beta).
Failed to impress: GW2 3months, Tera Online 6 months (best combat system in any MMO I've played) STO 1/4yr, Aion 1/2yr, AoC 1yr, CO, Fallen Earth, DDO, EQ2 1/2yr, WAR 1/2yr, Lineage 2 and FF XI 1/2yr, FF XIV.
Both free to play and pay to play have their drawbacks. Free to play has brought a lot of people to the game, and added flexibility. I think it was a good choice, though they may have taken it too far.
I've probably tried LOTRO about a half dozen times now, and I always quit within a few hours. The combat, character textures,itemization, and animations are really generic and boring.
I'm trying one more time. I fired up a Warden, because I hear they have an interesting combat mechanic... This time I promised myself I'd push through the 20s and hit atleast 30 before i bailed on it. I'm hoping it starts to catch my attention once I get knee deep in the storyline. With any luck, I'll start warming up to it, I love Tolkien's world... and I need something to keep my attention until SWTOR comes out.
I've probably tried LOTRO about a half dozen times now, and I always quit within a few hours. The combat, character textures,itemization, and animations are really generic and boring.
I'm trying one more time. I fired up a Warden, because I hear they have an interesting combat mechanic... This time I promised myself I'd push through the 20s and hit atleast 30 before i bailed on it. I'm hoping it starts to catch my attention once I get knee deep in the storyline. With any luck, I'll start warming up to it, I love Tolkien's world... and I need something to keep my attention until SWTOR comes out.
The game doesnt really change as you go along, so if you couldnt stand it 6 other times you are not going to like it this time.
This game has the worst combat of any mmo ever. I remember when I played I would hit a special move and could not even tell if my character performed the move because they all looked just like regular auto attacks. LMAO
This game has the worst combat of any mmo ever. I remember when I played I would hit a special move and could not even tell if my character performed the move because they all looked just like regular auto attacks. LMAO
You might have had play optional combat animations off and Combat blending off. There are combat options where if you have them ticked you will see more combat options and they will flow (well they are supposed to) from one to another.
It's kind of silly and I don't think they are always effective but those are options.
I don't mind the speed of the combat but I do mind some of the animations. Everything feels stiff.
Like Skyrim? Need more content? Try my Skyrim mod "Godfred's Tomb."
Needs to go back to P2P ( if you don't agree, then don't read my post)
I'm sorry but F2P is the worst thing about the game, I know it's considered the best F2P game out in the MMO world. Seriously everyone in the game misses out on so much great things as a Subber, you have to work your a@s off just to earn your points, grind yourself to the point of being burnt out just to unlock a piece of important or needed content.
Personal Example why F2P fails in MMO's or this one: My Kinship and a few others I have been in have notice that all the subbers in my Kin will log on at least 3 to 4 times and or more a week. F2P players and in my current Kin my Kin Leader log on only a few times a week, some even just a few times a month.
I don't see how F2P is the worst thing about the game from your view point. Because you have to grind points? You can purchase TP is you don't feel like grinding em... not different that a sub VIP.
VIPs tend to be your hardcore, well more serious player than your F2P who is just playing cause it's free and who prolly can't play full time like most serious MMOer. I see a committment difference between the two so yeah... your gonna see a difference in log ins... like dramatic difference.
Comments
Sorry if that came off as nit-picky. I just see those terms misused all the time, and, well, if nobody ever corrects such cases, then they will likely continue to be improperly used, and their true meanings will become more and more ambiguous to our collective consciousness.
On the subject of magic in Tolkien's world, I agree completely. That is actually the one fact of Middle-earth I lament the most, especially in the films. For example, the full magical repertoire of Gandalf in the films consists of a weak type of "force push" (which he only uses in his struggle against Saruman), the ability to break a rock in half (albeit quite a sizable rock), and the ability to turn his staff into a flashlight. Other than that, he just swings his staff around like a melee weapon and gets totally annihilated every time he's challenged by a decently powerful foe (Saruman, Balrog, Witch-King).
In short, I commiserate and wish LotR was more "high magic" as you put it. However, because of various other modern influences, such as Harry Potter and Wheel of Time, I do think we (or at least I) tend to filter our perspective of LoTR through the magical lens of these newer works, thereby attributing greater "magicity" to Tolkien's work.
The only thing that would make Lotro great if it was the only mmo available to play. Turbine did one craptastic job portraying middle earth and as the op mentioned combat is bad. Character models look dull and the animations are lacking.
So in turn from what I have read here everyone would be happy if SOE got ahold of this game and did what they did with SWG...or am I wrong ?
1> Characters are dull too look at.
2> MoBs have better graphics than the NPC's
3> Combat is very tough to follow.
4> Quest are long and drawn out for very MeH rewards.
5> It's P2P. It forces you to pay with buy this and buy that..BlaK
Jymm Byuu
Playing : Blood Bowl. Waiting for 2. Holding breath for Archeage and EQN.
I find that in order to play this game you have to have a real deep love for the I.P. I know I do, more than the average LotR fan. That's what keeps me coming back. It's a beautiful, polished game with plenty of content that allows you to experience Arda. I can't ask for more than that. Best MMO or not, I enjoy it.
1. Evil faction - this probably reduced player interest a great extent. This is the BIGGEST addition that could really get new players, but also the most costly change.
2. Same amount of PVE and PVP content as WoW
3. Better art - armor, characters and buildings need to stand out. The art direction can be defined as "realistic rather than artistic". It doesn't have to be cartoony, but it needs to be much more distinctive ands interesting to look at.
4. Much more devotion to making it feel like Middle Earth
5. Add a lot more session play to relive moments from the books as the heroes.
less glitches for example when i wish to fight a enemy at range yet they get stuck on flat ground. Other than that i love the game. One of the funnest worlds to just splore and have fun in. I spend hours just running around sploring the game.
Survivor of the great MMORPG Famine of 2011
LOTRO is a good game overall and they have nailed the ftp part near perfectly. The only drawback in my opinion is the way the characters look. Especially for the females, you have two choices in face creation, bland and ugly. You'd also be hard pressed to identify the genre of the elves by just looking in the face. And of course there is the stiff way they move, as if some part of the movement animation is missing.
Minor annoyances I know, but they are on your face all the time.
Survivor of the great MMORPG Famine of 2011
Needs to go back to P2P ( if you don't agree, then don't read my post)
I'm sorry but F2P is the worst thing about the game, I know it's considered the best F2P game out in the MMO world. Seriously everyone in the game misses out on so much great things as a Subber, you have to work your a@s off just to earn your points, grind yourself to the point of being burnt out just to unlock a piece of important or needed content.
Personal Example why F2P fails in MMO's or this one: My Kinship and a few others I have been in have notice that all the subbers in my Kin will log on at least 3 to 4 times and or more a week. F2P players and in my current Kin my Kin Leader log on only a few times a week, some even just a few times a month.
Wildstar (2013) & Elder Scroll Online (2013)
Playing: Diablo 3, WOW, Far Cry 3 & X-Com.
Enjoyed: WOW 5 1/2 yrs, LOTRO 3yrs, GW 1/2yr, DFO 1yr, EVE Online 3yrs, and Huxley (Beta).
Failed to impress: GW2 3months, Tera Online 6 months (best combat system in any MMO I've played) STO 1/4yr, Aion 1/2yr, AoC 1yr, CO, Fallen Earth, DDO, EQ2 1/2yr, WAR 1/2yr, Lineage 2 and FF XI 1/2yr, FF XIV.
Both free to play and pay to play have their drawbacks. Free to play has brought a lot of people to the game, and added flexibility. I think it was a good choice, though they may have taken it too far.
I've probably tried LOTRO about a half dozen times now, and I always quit within a few hours. The combat, character textures,itemization, and animations are really generic and boring.
I'm trying one more time. I fired up a Warden, because I hear they have an interesting combat mechanic... This time I promised myself I'd push through the 20s and hit atleast 30 before i bailed on it. I'm hoping it starts to catch my attention once I get knee deep in the storyline. With any luck, I'll start warming up to it, I love Tolkien's world... and I need something to keep my attention until SWTOR comes out.
The game doesnt really change as you go along, so if you couldnt stand it 6 other times you are not going to like it this time.
This game has the worst combat of any mmo ever. I remember when I played I would hit a special move and could not even tell if my character performed the move because they all looked just like regular auto attacks. LMAO
There are several things that could be improved.
The slow combat can become quite annoying after a while.
The graphics are somewhat sub par as far as I'm concerned.
And the fact that you have to pay for the most interesting content really hurts for f2p players.
Waiting for Guild Wars 2, and maybe SWTOR until that time...
You might have had play optional combat animations off and Combat blending off. There are combat options where if you have them ticked you will see more combat options and they will flow (well they are supposed to) from one to another.
It's kind of silly and I don't think they are always effective but those are options.
I don't mind the speed of the combat but I do mind some of the animations. Everything feels stiff.
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
I don't see how F2P is the worst thing about the game from your view point. Because you have to grind points? You can purchase TP is you don't feel like grinding em... not different that a sub VIP.
VIPs tend to be your hardcore, well more serious player than your F2P who is just playing cause it's free and who prolly can't play full time like most serious MMOer. I see a committment difference between the two so yeah... your gonna see a difference in log ins... like dramatic difference.