Yeah, SOE has absolutely no control over content in Vanguard. They are hosting the servers and publishing the game to retailers, but other than that, Sigil has full control. Sigil owns the IP, the world, the story, everything.
The game was developed for four years under a publishing agreement with Microsoft, so to even think the game was "made" by SOE is just ignorant.
Final Fantasy XI's customer support is handled by SOE, and they may have even helped publish the game in the US(I could be wrong) and nobody called it a SOE game. Granted, they're doing a bit more with the Vanguard, but I think it's still a fair comparison. SOE is helping both and Square has complete control over their game, Sigil has control over theres.
And blah blah. Both of these games pretty promising and I hope they both turn out great.
Both games will have solo content (go kill X number of wolves. take this to X for me). Lotro will likely have you need a group to do the big story threads. Maybe Vanguard will too.
Both will let you solo to level cap. How easy or if you can only do it with a limited number of classes I don't know.
Vanguard lets you basicly teleport to the location of your group. Not to mention a mount to get you there fast.
I don't know how long group quests will take with either game.
I don't know how easy/hard it will be to find a pick up group.
I am not sure lotro is going to be any more or less casual friendly than Vanguard.
For me Vanguard sounds exciting...but the graphics and the characters look incredibly EQII like...and I just can't go back to that environment. One just tires of it. LOTRO on the other hand, well it looks graphically great, really beautiful and I need to loose myself in an environment that is just that, gorgeous. So for me LOTRO, at least in the graphics department, has won me over.
Hopefully however I will have the chance to try them both out and decide in the New Year.
Originally posted by sly220Im looking forward ot it cuz its not another EQ i mean really. vangaurd looks,sounds,seem like EQ, made by SOE, doubt there will me much differance between it and eq2 just an upgrade IMO. no matter if LOTRO is a complete wash i will not switch form eq2 to vangaurd seeing how it is just eq3. But im going to try out LOTRO Cant Wait something NEW!!
Vanguard is not made by SOE, and does not follow the EQ storyline, hense can not be concidered a sequel. That being said, if Vanguard turns out to be a failure (doubtful) and LOTRO turns out to be successful, then I might just give it a shot. It isn't one that I will be rushing to the stores to try. I wasn't that impressed with Turbines changes that they made to DDO, so I would wait a few months and patches before trying LOTRO.
It is however on the Station pass for SOE products interesting.. it is being made by the producer of EQ so yes it can be considered a sequal thanks facts are facts my friend. And im the same way about vangaurd you are with LOTRO so we are even there i dont trust it. but good luck to you sorry EQ guys name is Brad McQuaid forgot to add that
It is on the station pass because SOE is distributing and hosting the game, not developing the game. You saying that it is a sequel just because the producer of EQ developed this game is like saying that all of Steven Spielburg's movies are exactly alike because he produced them, which is, no offence, idiotic. I'm not saying that you have to like this game, or play it for that matter, but get your facts together before you tell me that "facts are facts".
You have to do the research before you do the work. SNAP!
SNAP you say... well just so you know The game is about Identical to EQ the first one it is geared towards the group environment it is geared towards the hardcore fan. It sounds looks and even might just be a EQ3 you dont have to like it but it will be Identical to EQ. in alot of Brads interviews he has mentioned the EQ background he is using. so before you go Snapping anything pls get your facts straight. oh and as for SOE distributing my bad I figured they had there hand in it just like they have there hand in a lot of games. so Snap Crackel Pop.
but for real it does look like EQ nothing new just added a few things okay alot of things but whats new they always add things to new games so they seem new.. same types of Class couple new races new zones up graded graphics but EQ non the less. it is a known fact that this game is suppose to be what EQ2 should have been so do some research as i will to make sure i dont make a mistake like SOE DISTRIBUTING agian kewl
Originally posted by sly220Im looking forward ot it cuz its not another EQ i mean really. vangaurd looks,sounds,seem like EQ, made by SOE, doubt there will me much differance between it and eq2 just an upgrade IMO. no matter if LOTRO is a complete wash i will not switch form eq2 to vangaurd seeing how it is just eq3. But im going to try out LOTRO Cant Wait something NEW!!
Vanguard is not made by SOE, and does not follow the EQ storyline, hense can not be concidered a sequel. That being said, if Vanguard turns out to be a failure (doubtful) and LOTRO turns out to be successful, then I might just give it a shot. It isn't one that I will be rushing to the stores to try. I wasn't that impressed with Turbines changes that they made to DDO, so I would wait a few months and patches before trying LOTRO.
It is however on the Station pass for SOE products interesting.. it is being made by the producer of EQ so yes it can be considered a sequal thanks facts are facts my friend. And im the same way about vangaurd you are with LOTRO so we are even there i dont trust it. but good luck to you sorry EQ guys name is Brad McQuaid forgot to add that
It is on the station pass because SOE is distributing and hosting the game, not developing the game. You saying that it is a sequel just because the producer of EQ developed this game is like saying that all of Steven Spielburg's movies are exactly alike because he produced them, which is, no offence, idiotic. I'm not saying that you have to like this game, or play it for that matter, but get your facts together before you tell me that "facts are facts".
You have to do the research before you do the work. SNAP!
SNAP you say... well just so you know The game is about Identical to EQ the first one it is geared towards the group environment it is geared towards the hardcore fan. It sounds looks and even might just be a EQ3 you dont have to like it but it will be Identical to EQ. in alot of Brads interviews he has mentioned the EQ background he is using. so before you go Snapping anything pls get your facts straight. oh and as for SOE distributing my bad I figured they had there hand in it just like they have there hand in a lot of games. so Snap Crackel Pop.
but for real it does look like EQ nothing new just added a few things okay alot of things but whats new they always add things to new games so they seem new.. same types of Class couple new races new zones up graded graphics but EQ non the less. it is a known fact that this game is suppose to be what EQ2 should have been so do some research as i will to make sure i dont make a mistake like SOE DISTRIBUTING agian kewl
good luck with your EQ
Vanguard is made by Sigil. Not SOE. Vanguard looks like fun whereas LoTR looks like WoW, but with different graphics and art.....
Originally posted by tomfred81 This is an excellent question, one that i myself was wrestling with a month ago-which game would I play? LOTRO or Vanguard Saga of Heroes? And here is the answer: LOTRO doesnt have much that Vanguard doesnt-its really the other way around. Vanguard has tons that LOTRO doesn't...allow me to elaborate
LOTRO Vanguard Saga of Heroes
well followed story and lore, die hard fans new make believe world, die hard EQ fans
4 races 19 races
7 classes 15 classes
1 continent 3 continents
big world enormous world-biggest ever
short-medium game lifespan 7 years of planned content
die-durability penalty die, have to retrieve your corpse
button mashing combat combat system that will require thinking
fast travel intervals of fast travel, but mostly on your own
no mounts at launch mounts at lvl 10, better mounts as u progress
again no mounts at launch flying mounts you can direct and fly anywhere
again, just walking and fast travel can craft and own boats (can name them too)
no player housing player housing at launch (can sell wares in home)
instanced seamless world, can go anywhere u can see
different PvP-monster play straightforward PvP, but offer PvE servers too
easier gameplay challenging gameplay, harder for a noob
crafting system as well as adventuring spheres of adventuring, crafting, & diplomacy
average character creation many features to make your character unique
Gosh, and this is just off the top of my head. Lets just say from what I've "seen" of LOTRO over the last month I will not be playing LOTRO at launch. Even looking at ebay last week, LOTRO beta keys were goin for like $40 and Vanguard beta keys for like $200 a shot and they had been bid on multiple times...im not even kidding. Tells you something right there. Vanguard is the game that I am going to invest my time and money in. Preordered it from GameSpot the other day.
Though not biased, this post is a bit misleading (whether intentional or not does not matter).
Races: For the most part, Tolkien only gives us 4 races, so that comparison is rather disingenuine.
Continents: Middle Earth in the lore is huge. The number of continents is irrelevant.
Instanced: LOTRO devs have said only about 10 to 20 percent of the world is instanced. A blanket statement of 'instanced' vs Vanguards non-instanced is false.
Now these things I've mentioned were outright misleading in the quote above. Furthermore from the quote above, there are several items which are pure speculation.
Game life span: You really can't tell from a pre-launch perspective what sort of lifespan these games will have.
Mounts: Of course LOTRO can't have griffons, dinasaurs, dragons as mounts if they want to have the game resemble Middle Earth. Vanguard can have these things, but then again so does other fantasy MMOs. Nothing new there.
Gameplay: Again, you have no real idea how easy either would be.
Now other than the things I've mentioned, your assessment seems pretty straight foreward.
_____________________________ Currently Playing: LOTRO; DDO Played: AC2, AO, Auto Assault, CoX, DAoC, DDO, Earth&Beyond, EQ1, EQ2, EVE, Fallen Earth, Jumpgate, Roma Victor, Second Life, SWG, V:SoH, WoW, World War II Online.
Games I'm watching: Infinity: The Quest for Earth, Force of Arms.
Originally posted by sly220 Originally posted by TheTookeOriginally posted by sly220 Originally posted by TheTookeOriginally posted by sly220Im looking forward ot it cuz its not another EQ i mean really. vangaurd looks,sounds,seem like EQ, made by SOE, doubt there will me much differance between it and eq2 just an upgrade IMO. no matter if LOTRO is a complete wash i will not switch form eq2 to vangaurd seeing how it is just eq3. But im going to try out LOTRO Cant Wait something NEW!!
Vanguard is not made by SOE, and does not follow the EQ storyline, hense can not be concidered a sequel. That being said, if Vanguard turns out to be a failure (doubtful) and LOTRO turns out to be successful, then I might just give it a shot. It isn't one that I will be rushing to the stores to try. I wasn't that impressed with Turbines changes that they made to DDO, so I would wait a few months and patches before trying LOTRO.
It is however on the Station pass for SOE products interesting.. it is being made by the producer of EQ so yes it can be considered a sequal thanks facts are facts my friend. And im the same way about vangaurd you are with LOTRO so we are even there i dont trust it. but good luck to you sorry EQ guys name is Brad McQuaid forgot to add that
It is on the station pass because SOE is distributing and hosting the game, not developing the game. You saying that it is a sequel just because the producer of EQ developed this game is like saying that all of Steven Spielburg's movies are exactly alike because he produced them, which is, no offence, idiotic. I'm not saying that you have to like this game, or play it for that matter, but get your facts together before you tell me that "facts are facts". You have to do the research before you do the work. SNAP!
SNAP you say... well just so you know The game is about Identical to EQ the first one it is geared towards the group environment it is geared towards the hardcore fan. It sounds looks and even might just be a EQ3 you dont have to like it but it will be Identical to EQ. in alot of Brads interviews he has mentioned the EQ background he is using. so before you go Snapping anything pls get your facts straight. oh and as for SOE distributing my bad I figured they had there hand in it just like they have there hand in a lot of games. so Snap Crackel Pop. but for real it does look like EQ nothing new just added a few things okay alot of things but whats new they always add things to new games so they seem new.. same types of Class couple new races new zones up graded graphics but EQ non the less. it is a known fact that this game is suppose to be what EQ2 should have been so do some research as i will to make sure i dont make a mistake like SOE DISTRIBUTING agian kewl good luck with your EQ
LOL, "Snap, Crackel, Pop"? Your Mom help you with that?
I have finished palying World of Warcraft for over a year and Im sick and tired of it. Why the hell would I want to play this WoW-clone?????? Just look at the latest LOTRO dev interview video. The Interface in the gameplay shots is EXACTLY that same as WoW's!!!!!!
The dev even straight up said LOTRO isn't gonna do anything different from the other MMO's, but just try to improve on everything. Incredible! A dev with no ambition who is simply relying on the WoW formula for this saaaaad MMO to succeed.
No thanks, Vanguard devs have got balls the size of melons with where they are taking their MMO. And I like what im seeing soo far! Probably one of the most ambitious and creative MMO's soo far.
Im a gambling man folks! I think i'll take Vanguard's side on this one. Enjoy playing World of Middle Earth folks!
Originally posted by sly220Im looking forward ot it cuz its not another EQ i mean really. vangaurd looks,sounds,seem like EQ, made by SOE, doubt there will me much differance between it and eq2 just an upgrade IMO. no matter if LOTRO is a complete wash i will not switch form eq2 to vangaurd seeing how it is just eq3. But im going to try out LOTRO Cant Wait something NEW!!
Vanguard is not made by SOE, and does not follow the EQ storyline, hense can not be concidered a sequel. That being said, if Vanguard turns out to be a failure (doubtful) and LOTRO turns out to be successful, then I might just give it a shot. It isn't one that I will be rushing to the stores to try. I wasn't that impressed with Turbines changes that they made to DDO, so I would wait a few months and patches before trying LOTRO.
It is however on the Station pass for SOE products interesting.. it is being made by the producer of EQ so yes it can be considered a sequal thanks facts are facts my friend. And im the same way about vangaurd you are with LOTRO so we are even there i dont trust it. but good luck to you sorry EQ guys name is Brad McQuaid forgot to add that
It is on the station pass because SOE is distributing and hosting the game, not developing the game. You saying that it is a sequel just because the producer of EQ developed this game is like saying that all of Steven Spielburg's movies are exactly alike because he produced them, which is, no offence, idiotic. I'm not saying that you have to like this game, or play it for that matter, but get your facts together before you tell me that "facts are facts".
You have to do the research before you do the work. SNAP!
SNAP you say... well just so you know The game is about Identical to EQ the first one it is geared towards the group environment it is geared towards the hardcore fan. It sounds looks and even might just be a EQ3 you dont have to like it but it will be Identical to EQ. in alot of Brads interviews he has mentioned the EQ background he is using. so before you go Snapping anything pls get your facts straight. oh and as for SOE distributing my bad I figured they had there hand in it just like they have there hand in a lot of games. so Snap Crackel Pop.
but for real it does look like EQ nothing new just added a few things okay alot of things but whats new they always add things to new games so they seem new.. same types of Class couple new races new zones up graded graphics but EQ non the less. it is a known fact that this game is suppose to be what EQ2 should have been so do some research as i will to make sure i dont make a mistake like SOE DISTRIBUTING agian kewl
good luck with your EQ
Vanguard is made by Sigil. Not SOE. Vanguard looks like fun whereas LoTR looks like WoW, but with different graphics and art.....
So your saying that LoTR looks like WOW. With different graphics.... that makes no sense how would a game look like another game with different graphics. now if you would like to talk about the Interface Yes the devs have stated they are using the more popular of interfaces which is WOWs interface. so that new and old players have a small learning curve when going from one game to another. that has been addressed.. And on the record Vanguard does look fun ive been playing EQs for years and really enjoy them im just not switching from EQ2 and starting over for the same game. I know i know Improvements have been made but is going to be the same. so LoTR will be new for me completely new i dont play WOW never have and never will so ill take a sum what new game to me
Originally posted by sly220Im looking forward ot it cuz its not another EQ i mean really. vangaurd looks,sounds,seem like EQ, made by SOE, doubt there will me much differance between it and eq2 just an upgrade IMO. no matter if LOTRO is a complete wash i will not switch form eq2 to vangaurd seeing how it is just eq3. But im going to try out LOTRO Cant Wait something NEW!!
Vanguard is not made by SOE, and does not follow the EQ storyline, hense can not be concidered a sequel. That being said, if Vanguard turns out to be a failure (doubtful) and LOTRO turns out to be successful, then I might just give it a shot. It isn't one that I will be rushing to the stores to try. I wasn't that impressed with Turbines changes that they made to DDO, so I would wait a few months and patches before trying LOTRO.
It is however on the Station pass for SOE products interesting.. it is being made by the producer of EQ so yes it can be considered a sequal thanks facts are facts my friend. And im the same way about vangaurd you are with LOTRO so we are even there i dont trust it. but good luck to you sorry EQ guys name is Brad McQuaid forgot to add that
It is on the station pass because SOE is distributing and hosting the game, not developing the game. You saying that it is a sequel just because the producer of EQ developed this game is like saying that all of Steven Spielburg's movies are exactly alike because he produced them, which is, no offence, idiotic. I'm not saying that you have to like this game, or play it for that matter, but get your facts together before you tell me that "facts are facts". You have to do the research before you do the work. SNAP!
SNAP you say... well just so you know The game is about Identical to EQ the first one it is geared towards the group environment it is geared towards the hardcore fan. It sounds looks and even might just be a EQ3 you dont have to like it but it will be Identical to EQ. in alot of Brads interviews he has mentioned the EQ background he is using. so before you go Snapping anything pls get your facts straight. oh and as for SOE distributing my bad I figured they had there hand in it just like they have there hand in a lot of games. so Snap Crackel Pop. but for real it does look like EQ nothing new just added a few things okay alot of things but whats new they always add things to new games so they seem new.. same types of Class couple new races new zones up graded graphics but EQ non the less. it is a known fact that this game is suppose to be what EQ2 should have been so do some research as i will to make sure i dont make a mistake like SOE DISTRIBUTING agian kewl good luck with your EQ
LOL, "Snap, Crackel, Pop"? Your Mom help you with that?
And my mom didnt help me i just old enough to remember the commercials LOL
"LoTR looks like WoW, but with different graphics and art....."
Any claim that LoTR = WoW with different graphics is way off base. I see nothing anywhere that should even give a prospective gamer that idea, so why even bring up this irrelevant fluff? Unless you're a Vanguard fanboi, of course.
I've been watching the development of both Vanguard and LoTR (forever, it seems). Both appear to be solid, good quality games. They will be different from each other & will each will have its own distinctive feel which will appeal to different gamer types. This is a very good thing! We're being offered some choices here, which isn't always the case. Don't be trapped by thinking if one is good, the other must be bad in comparison. These are both going to be quality games. Different, but both good.
Though not biased, this post is a bit misleading (whether intentional or not does not matter).
Races: For the most part, Tolkien only gives us 4 races, so that comparison is rather disingenuine.
There could be sub-races. Tooks are suppose to be taller than other hobbits for example. You could have different stats, sizes, class choices, etc. The review talk about having different hair and color choices, but that doesn't go nearly far enough. It is all about how much depth you want your game to have.
Continents: Middle Earth in the lore is huge. The number of continents is irrelevant.
The vanguard lands in lore is just as huge or bigger. The number of continents is elevant because each one has a very different themes. Also saying we will add so and so in later could be just a pipe dream. Until it happens it doesn't matter what they say.
Middle earth lore is huge and they cop'ed out with just how different they could have made the game's setting.
Instanced: LOTRO devs have said only about 10 to 20 percent of the world is instanced. A blanket statement of 'instanced' vs Vanguards non-instanced is false.
As long as its not like DDO I don't think it matters much either way.
Now these things I've mentioned were outright misleading in the quote above. Furthermore from the quote above, there are several items which are pure speculation.
Game life span: You really can't tell from a pre-launch perspective what sort of lifespan these games will have.
Yes and no. Its not always easy to tell what the next big thing will be. However things like depth and options do at least point the way. I just don't know if Turbine has the deep pockets to make a game has the kind of choices and depth as WoW/Vanguard/Warhammer. Maybe Turbine is only shooting for modest success, which may well be possible.
Mounts: Of course LOTRO can't have griffons, dinasaurs, dragons as mounts if they want to have the game resemble Middle Earth. Vanguard can have these things, but then again so does other fantasy MMOs. Nothing new there.
Lotro has no mounts at all. Vanguard will. Having no mounts is where the problem is. It shows a lack of depth. Oh and the crap about 'we will add it later' is just spam talk. Why not just tell people, 'Play our game 2 years from now. It will be great.'. Playing the game out of beta for X years then one day they add mounts....that benefits me how?
Gameplay: Again, you have no real idea how easy either would be.
I think game-play will be basicly the same for both(pressing specials), except you get a lot more options with vanguard by way of the number of classes/races/talents you can combo. It could be agured lotro will add options through their traits, but from the sounds of it the most options will be at top levels and starting out your class will pretty much be the same all players of that class.
When you start the game in Vangurd as a human warrior maybe you're a monk or a berserker or other types. When you play a human guardian in lotro you are a clone of every other human guardian. The same can be said for Wow and imo this is a blackmark for Wow and shouldn't be copied.
Now other than the things I've mentioned, your assessment seems pretty straight foreward.
Originally posted by Cerion I disagree. LOTRO could have involved evil races and didnt. They also could have had a wizard race if they wanted too, though they arent b/c they dont want everyone being a jedi... Originally posted by tomfred81 This is an excellent question, one that i myself was wrestling with a month ago-which game would I play? LOTRO or Vanguard Saga of Heroes? And here is the answer: LOTRO doesnt have much that Vanguard doesnt-its really the other way around. Vanguard has tons that LOTRO doesn't...allow me to elaborate
LOTRO Vanguard Saga of Heroes
well followed story and lore, die hard fans new make believe world, die hard EQ fans
4 races 19 races
7 classes 15 classes
1 continent 3 continents
big world enormous world-biggest ever
short-medium game lifespan 7 years of planned content
die-durability penalty die, have to retrieve your corpse
button mashing combat combat system that will require thinking
fast travel intervals of fast travel, but mostly on your own
no mounts at launch mounts at lvl 10, better mounts as u progress
again no mounts at launch flying mounts you can direct and fly anywhere
again, just walking and fast travel can craft and own boats (can name them too)
no player housing player housing at launch (can sell wares in home)
instanced seamless world, can go anywhere u can see
different PvP-monster play straightforward PvP, but offer PvE servers too
easier gameplay challenging gameplay, harder for a noob
crafting system as well as adventuring spheres of adventuring, crafting, & diplomacy
average character creation many features to make your character unique
Gosh, and this is just off the top of my head. Lets just say from what I've "seen" of LOTRO over the last month I will not be playing LOTRO at launch. Even looking at ebay last week, LOTRO beta keys were goin for like $40 and Vanguard beta keys for like $200 a shot and they had been bid on multiple times...im not even kidding. Tells you something right there. Vanguard is the game that I am going to invest my time and money in. Preordered it from GameSpot the other day.
Though not biased, this post is a bit misleading (whether intentional or not does not matter).
Races: For the most part, Tolkien only gives us 4 races, so that comparison is rather disingenuine.
I disagree. Turbine could have made a game with evil races, but elected not to. Also, they could have had a wizard class, though i understand that they dont want everyone to be a jedi...
Continents: Middle Earth in the lore is huge. The number of continents is irrelevant.
The number of continents IS relevant. Middle Earth may be huge in the lore, but LOTRO is launching with only a sliver of Middle Earth-the NW portion of Eriador. We are not talking about small continents in Vanguard, but huge continents. Furthermore, they are seperated by vast oceans that one can explore on their own ships. Content is out there to be discovered. Each continent is home to its own set of races and has a different theme. Any way you look at it, there is more content in Vanguard
Instanced: LOTRO devs have said only about 10 to 20 percent of the world is instanced. A blanket statement of 'instanced' vs Vanguards non-instanced is false.
K, if you are going to nitpick on that comment, perhaps I should have said LOTRO will have instancing instead of being "instanced", and Vanguard will not have instancing at all
Game life span: You really can't tell from a pre-launch perspective what sort of lifespan these games will have.
OMG, it might be speculative at this point but I absolutely guarantee 100% that Vanguard will have a bigger following than LOTRO and outlast it. Turbine has failed at everything they've touched since AC 1, while the guys who designed the mother of all MMORPG's in Everquest are making this game...do you really think LOTRO will outlast Vanguard? Wishful thinking. For goodness sake, people are STILL playing EQ 1 today!
Mounts: Of course LOTRO can't have griffons, dinasaurs, dragons as mounts if they want to have the game resemble Middle Earth. Vanguard can have these things, but then again so does other fantasy MMOs. Nothing new there.
Thing is, Turbine wouldn't have flying mounts at launch even if they were in Middle Earth and part of the lore. How can I say that you might wonder? Because they don't even have normal horse mounts at launch!!! And that was part of the Middle Earth lore! People are going to have to wait another year to ride a horse in LOTRO! Also, Vanguard is the first game to have flying mounts without rails.
Gameplay: Again, you have no real idea how easy either would be.
Actually I do, I have firsthand intricate knowledge of LOTRO. While I can't say the same for Vanguard, the developers have clearly stated over and over that it will be harder than your standard MMORPG. Vanguard will not be like WoW where you have a bunch of sucky awful video game players that can achieve lvl 60 with no skill at all. Personally, it makes me puke to see no skilled hacks with high level characters cause people can level up with no talent and still suck and not be able to play their class. In Vanguard, it will take skill. You will have to choose how to react to the NPC's in a fight, and you will have different options to choose from at the same time. It will be more than button mashing every mob the same way, (WoW was and now LOTRO). The devs at Vanguard have said this over and over again.
I personally think it was a mistake for Sigil to come to SOE for distribution. Many gamers will still see "sony" on the box and get an immediate negative opinion on the game. SOE is not making the game at all, just getting it out there, but I amd very dubious that SOE will leave Sigil completely alone. Especially if the game starts making money.
As for LOTRO vs Vanguard.....
LOTRO has of course the better known lore. Even though they don't have the movie license I am sure the success of the films will help this game along. It is too bad that they dropped their idea of evil races, that would of made a basis for some pvp battlegrounds or such. That being said, LOTRO will have more "hype" and more mass appeal I would think.
Vanguard took a hit in credibility when Brad went back to SOE for distribution. After all, he did leave said company because they were "interfering" with his creative designs with EQ1. That's not an exact quote, I just remember an interview he did where he went on about how SOE and him were basically not getting along anymore. I know some want a hardcore, slow-grind EQ1 type game, but if it's too slow they will lose players. Sorry to say but one reason that WoW is successful (besides the gold farming market bleh) is that it appeals to american gamers' desire for quick gratification.
As for both I'm in a wait and see attitude. When it comes out I will see how both games do, read reviews, ask co-workers who play it, etc. I have to admit Vanguard has to do something special to overcome my bias vs SOE though.
No lotr wizards couldn't/shouldn't be playable classes. However its easy enough to make a wizard-like class or classes. They have a loremaster after all and it sounds like a magic-user in everything but name.
See that wizard thing is always spoken by people who don't have a clue about LOTR or who have only seen the movies.
No, LOTRO shouldn't have wizards. There are FIVE is ME. That's all, just five. They're angels, for gods sakes (angels are much much much rarer than Jedi). No, not everyone should be able to play angels. Sorry if you don't like that.
Um, I do know what im talking about. If you read more than one line in the post i said I understand that they dont want everyone to be a jedi like happened in SWG-there should be limited amounts. And if you read my previous post you would see that I read all the books too and therefore do understand there are a limited number of wizards in ME. I didn't say LOTRO should have wizards, I just said they could have had them in the game and not have it limited it to only 4 races.
Seriously people, read entire posts and know the context before you respond...an attempt to make yourself look superior often results in making yourself look like an ass. Congrats. Careful you are starting to come off like MAWorking, the fattest ass (in more than one way) I've ever seen in any forum out there.
Originally posted by tomfred81 Um, I do know what im talking about. If you read more than one line in the post i said I understand that they dont want everyone to be a jedi like happened in SWG-there should be limited amounts. And if you read my previous post you would see that I read all the books too and therefore do understand there are a limited number of wizards in ME. I didn't say LOTRO should have wizards, I just said they could have had them in the game and not have it limited it to only 4 races.
Seriously people, read entire posts and know the context before you respond...an attempt to make yourself look superior often results in making yourself look like an ass. Congrats. Careful you are starting to come off like MAWorking, the fattest ass (in more than one way) I've ever seen in any forum out there.
No, obviously you don't. Because there ARE only 4 good races in ME and the evil races are all slaves to Sauron who do nothing against his will where a big portion of them turn to stone in the daylight. Would you like to be able to play your character only 1 hour out of every 4?
And yes, you need to think before you post. You're still wrong. I did read your post. But it's just like everyone else who's trying to ignore the lore in favor of what you want.
Yes, I know MAWorking. I deal with him every day on the LOTRO forums. Let's put it this way... all he and I do is fight.
I guess we will have to agree to disagree. I never said I want evil races or wizards...all I said was Turbine wasn't forced into only having those 4 races only...While the lore is important, and Turbine has said so, some of the lore needs to be skimped on to make the game functional. Turbine is walking the line betweeen lore and playability in many areas. Where they fall on different issues make people mad regardless. All I'm saying is they could have had evil races if they so desired. Some people are mad because there are no evil races and some people would be mad if they had evil races. Some people will play the game regardless and some people won't. Above all, they have to worry about having a fanbase large enough to support the game, and sometimes that means skimping a bit on the lore.
I'm not saying I want that out of the game, my personal choice is not involved. I'm just saying Turbine could have had evil races if they wanted and they don't have to follow every detail of the lore to the letter because they obviously aren't in all areas. They've made more little cities in Eriador than what we see in ME in the books. This is just one example of diverting from the lore to make the game more functional and enjoyable rather than have just a handful of cities in all of Eriador. They could have chosen to have evil races is all I'm saying. It's not like they didn't have a choice. They chose to not have evil races at this time, but it's not like they weren't allowed to strictly because of the lore-maybe because of fear from the hardcore fanbase, but definately not because of the lore.
I do agree that Wizard shouldn't be a playable class, they were very powerful and very rare beings in LOTR lore. There could be a wizard-ish class, maybe like an apprentice? After all, Gandalf had to start somewhere.
As far as evil races turning to stone, not all of them did. The orcs Sauron made to be daywalkers, Ur-something (sorry I can't remember spelling). Not to mention there were humans on the evil side as well, so right there are two possible evil races.
Of course, they could introduce the evil side in a future expansion similar to how NC Soft introduced City of Villains as the antithesis to City of Heroes.
All the "My game can beat your game up" junk aside, we the customers have to realize that the face of MMOs has changed dramatically thanks to Blizzard's WoW. Like it or not, the rules have changed and Blizz proved you can have millions of accounts instead of hundred's of thousands. I have been playing MMOs since Ultima Online and have seen the dramatic changes that have been happening, and its huge.
Vanguard is going to cater to the old school MMO players, and therefore doesn't have a shot at having the millions of players that WoW has. The casual crowd will never last in that game, they have gotten spoiled by the easy approach WoW offered. Not saying the game won't last, in fact I believe it will be around for a long time. Just not with a huge audience.
LOTRO is catering more toward the masses, more toward the casual player. A player who can only play 2 hours a week will never last in Vanguaard, but will have a home in a game like LOTRO. And all these millions of new MMO players that WoW created are getting bored, they need a new game. LOTRO is going to be great for them. Add that to the fact that it freaking Middle Earth, they are almost guarenteed success. I know people think Turbine's reputation will kill the game, but do you really think that the majority of this new generation of MMO players (thanks to WoW) even know what AC2 is? Let alone remember the calamity that befell the game.
Personally Vanguard interested me, even with some of the negative feedback I have been hearing, but I will personally be going for LOTRO. Being married and working full time, I would never have the time to commit to Vanguard to have a chance to get anywhere in that game. Add to that the fact that I am a big ME fan, LOTRO is going to get me - at least at first.
Is lotro that solo friendly? Will you be able to do the main story line without a group? It would seem doubtful to me. If that were the case you'd are left doing generic quests.
Also lotro won't have the depth WoW has, if for no other reason than turbine doesn't have the deep pockets warcraft does. A huge amount of money went into WoW. They had a ton of people working on the game. Mounts won't even be in lotro at the start.
Do you really think someone use to playing WoW will come over to lotro and be amazed? Or will they be put off by the limited races and classes. Or by the small stuff like only click and go travel, no getting on a boat or ridding a griffon. No fraction play. No real pvp. Do you know how many pvp servers WoW has?
Lotro is in a bit of a pinch as well. They have a lot to live up too. People are going to compair the game to the books and the moives, but can any mmo come anywhere near them?
Wow is coming out with an expansion as well and sooner than Lotro, so those bored Wow players will have somehting to do for a little while.
There is also more than just Vangurd coming out. What about Warhammer or Conan? Or a half dozen others.
I am not saying lotro won't be fun, but lets be realistic. Lotro is not going to be anywhere near as big as WoW for the above reasons and others. However that doesn't mean it won't be successful. I don't know what Turbine's benchmark is for that. It will be bigger than DDO.
Thank you that was the last 2 posts was what i was looking for. of course there are goning to be those who are gonna play this game every living breath of their life and also with vanguard and every mmorpg but i think what he says pretty much sums up much of how the game will be. ME, I'm in school and i don't have 5 hours a day to play Vanguard and be one of the greatest i just want a game to play for fun not for serious gaming. There really isn't much point to seriously play an mmorpg. People just do it becuz they have nothing else to do with their lives. Choose the game u like, most likely it seems that Vanguard WILL be the better game BUT that wont stop me from getting LOTR becuz it is more of my kind of game. It just depends on who u are and how u like to play mmorpgs and especially if u are a LOTR fan like i am. Theres really no need to argue about the games. They will both be good.
Originally posted by nonthal All the "My game can beat your game up" junk aside, we the customers have to realize that the face of MMOs has changed dramatically thanks to Blizzard's WoW. Like it or not, the rules have changed and Blizz proved you can have millions of accounts instead of hundred's of thousands. I have been playing MMOs since Ultima Online and have seen the dramatic changes that have been happening, and its huge.
Vanguard is going to cater to the old school MMO players, and therefore doesn't have a shot at having the millions of players that WoW has. The casual crowd will never last in that game, they have gotten spoiled by the easy approach WoW offered. Not saying the game won't last, in fact I believe it will be around for a long time. Just not with a huge audience.
LOTRO is catering more toward the masses, more toward the casual player. A player who can only play 2 hours a week will never last in Vanguaard, but will have a home in a game like LOTRO. And all these millions of new MMO players that WoW created are getting bored, they need a new game. LOTRO is going to be great for them. Add that to the fact that it freaking Middle Earth, they are almost guarenteed success. I know people think Turbine's reputation will kill the game, but do you really think that the majority of this new generation of MMO players (thanks to WoW) even know what AC2 is? Let alone remember the calamity that befell the game.
Personally Vanguard interested me, even with some of the negative feedback I have been hearing, but I will personally be going for LOTRO. Being married and working full time, I would never have the time to commit to Vanguard to have a chance to get anywhere in that game. Add to that the fact that I am a big ME fan, LOTRO is going to get me - at least at first.
I cant wait to try vanguard, it looks deep and involved i hope this is true, the herding in the game is the first i have ever seen of, if this game does not deliver the deep story and challenging quests as i like then i shall try the new myst mmo coming.
Personally, I have been looking at these 2 games and also Age of Conan (not interested in Warhammer) for my new MMO next year.
Presently, I am leaning more towards Age of Conan as it seems by far the most innovative of the three titles.
The real time combat system sounds like it will be far more involving than the present click-button-fests and I also like the darker low-fantasy theme.
Another reason is Funcom making high-end crafted weapons and armour equal to the top-end looted stuff, this is a massive draw for me as I consider raiding to be the single most annoying thing ever introduced into MMO's.
The PvP also has more meaning with Castle and Village sieges, meaning that you are actually fighting for a reason and not just bragging rights.
However, I am not discounting these other 2 games and will probably try all three before making my decision on which game to spend my next few years gaming time with.
MMORPG History: Playing - EVE Online. Played (Retired) - AO, SWG, MxO, WoW, RFO, SoR, CoX, EQ2, GW, L2, Vanguard, LotRO, AoC, TCoS, Aion. Favourite MMO - Pre-CU SWG, 3 Years, 4 Accounts, 2 Pre-CU Jedi (1 Pre-9). Awaiting - Star Wars: The Old Republic, The Secret World, Earthrise.
Comments
The game was developed for four years under a publishing agreement with Microsoft, so to even think the game was "made" by SOE is just ignorant.
Final Fantasy XI's customer support is handled by SOE, and they may have even helped publish the game in the US(I could be wrong) and nobody called it a SOE game. Granted, they're doing a bit more with the Vanguard, but I think it's still a fair comparison. SOE is helping both and Square has complete control over their game, Sigil has control over theres.
And blah blah. Both of these games pretty promising and I hope they both turn out great.
LOTRO=casual family guy/gal
EQ3 i mean Vangaurd-Hard core player
What does that mean?
Both games will have solo content (go kill X number of wolves. take
this to X for me). Lotro will likely have you need a group to do the
big story threads. Maybe Vanguard will too.
Both will let you solo to level cap. How easy or if you can only do it with a limited number of classes I don't know.
Vanguard lets you basicly teleport to the location of your group. Not to mention a mount to get you there fast.
I don't know how long group quests will take with either game.
I don't know how easy/hard it will be to find a pick up group.
I am not sure lotro is going to be any more or less casual friendly than Vanguard.
Vanguard sounds exciting...but the graphics and the characters look incredibly
EQII like...and I just can't go back to that environment. One just tires of it.
LOTRO on the other hand, well it looks graphically great, really beautiful and
I need to loose myself in an environment that is just that, gorgeous. So for me
LOTRO, at least in the graphics department, has won me over.
Hopefully however
I will have the chance to try them both out and decide in the New Year.
May the
best game win!
Vanguard is not made by SOE, and does not follow the EQ storyline, hense can not be concidered a sequel. That being said, if Vanguard turns out to be a failure (doubtful) and LOTRO turns out to be successful, then I might just give it a shot. It isn't one that I will be rushing to the stores to try. I wasn't that impressed with Turbines changes that they made to DDO, so I would wait a few months and patches before trying LOTRO.
It is however on the Station pass for SOE products interesting.. it is being made by the producer of EQ so yes it can be considered a sequal thanks facts are facts my friend. And im the same way about vangaurd you are with LOTRO so we are even there i dont trust it. but good luck to you
sorry EQ guys name is Brad McQuaid forgot to add that
It is on the station pass because SOE is distributing and hosting the game, not developing the game. You saying that it is a sequel just because the producer of EQ developed this game is like saying that all of Steven Spielburg's movies are exactly alike because he produced them, which is, no offence, idiotic. I'm not saying that you have to like this game, or play it for that matter, but get your facts together before you tell me that "facts are facts".
You have to do the research before you do the work. SNAP!
SNAP you say... well just so you know The game is about Identical to EQ the first one it is geared towards the group environment it is geared towards the hardcore fan. It sounds looks and even might just be a EQ3 you dont have to like it but it will be Identical to EQ. in alot of Brads interviews he has mentioned the EQ background he is using. so before you go Snapping anything pls get your facts straight. oh and as for SOE distributing my bad I figured they had there hand in it just like they have there hand in a lot of games. so Snap Crackel Pop.
but for real it does look like EQ nothing new just added a few things okay alot of things but whats new they always add things to new games so they seem new.. same types of Class couple new races new zones up graded graphics but EQ non the less. it is a known fact that this game is suppose to be what EQ2 should have been so do some research as i will to make sure i dont make a mistake like SOE DISTRIBUTING agian kewl
good luck with your EQ
Though not biased, this post is a bit misleading (whether intentional or not does not matter).
Races: For the most part, Tolkien only gives us 4 races, so that comparison is rather disingenuine.
Continents: Middle Earth in the lore is huge. The number of continents is irrelevant.
Instanced: LOTRO devs have said only about 10 to 20 percent of the world is instanced. A blanket statement of 'instanced' vs Vanguards non-instanced is false.
Now these things I've mentioned were outright misleading in the quote above. Furthermore from the quote above, there are several items which are pure speculation.
Game life span: You really can't tell from a pre-launch perspective what sort of lifespan these games will have.
Mounts: Of course LOTRO can't have griffons, dinasaurs, dragons as mounts if they want to have the game resemble Middle Earth. Vanguard can have these things, but then again so does other fantasy MMOs. Nothing new there.
Gameplay: Again, you have no real idea how easy either would be.
Now other than the things I've mentioned, your assessment seems pretty straight foreward.
_____________________________
Currently Playing: LOTRO; DDO
Played: AC2, AO, Auto Assault, CoX, DAoC, DDO, Earth&Beyond, EQ1, EQ2, EVE, Fallen Earth, Jumpgate, Roma Victor, Second Life, SWG, V:SoH, WoW, World War II Online.
Games I'm watching: Infinity: The Quest for Earth, Force of Arms.
Find the Truth: http://www.factcheck.org/
Vanguard is not made by SOE, and does not follow the EQ storyline, hense can not be concidered a sequel. That being said, if Vanguard turns out to be a failure (doubtful) and LOTRO turns out to be successful, then I might just give it a shot. It isn't one that I will be rushing to the stores to try. I wasn't that impressed with Turbines changes that they made to DDO, so I would wait a few months and patches before trying LOTRO.
It is however on the Station pass for SOE products interesting.. it is being made by the producer of EQ so yes it can be considered a sequal thanks facts are facts my friend. And im the same way about vangaurd you are with LOTRO so we are even there i dont trust it. but good luck to you
It is on the station pass because SOE is distributing and hosting the game, not developing the game. You saying that it is a sequel just because the producer of EQ developed this game is like saying that all of Steven Spielburg's movies are exactly alike because he produced them, which is, no offence, idiotic. I'm not saying that you have to like this game, or play it for that matter, but get your facts together before you tell me that "facts are facts".
You have to do the research before you do the work. SNAP!
SNAP you say... well just so you know The game is about Identical to EQ the first one it is geared towards the group environment it is geared towards the hardcore fan. It sounds looks and even might just be a EQ3 you dont have to like it but it will be Identical to EQ. in alot of Brads interviews he has mentioned the EQ background he is using. so before you go Snapping anything pls get your facts straight. oh and as for SOE distributing my bad I figured they had there hand in it just like they have there hand in a lot of games. so Snap Crackel Pop.
but for real it does look like EQ nothing new just added a few things okay alot of things but whats new they always add things to new games so they seem new.. same types of Class couple new races new zones up graded graphics but EQ non the less. it is a known fact that this game is suppose to be what EQ2 should have been so do some research as i will to make sure i dont make a mistake like SOE DISTRIBUTING agian kewl
good luck with your EQ
LOL, "Snap, Crackel, Pop"? Your Mom help you with that?
Robots will kill you!
I have finished palying World of Warcraft for over a year and Im sick and tired of it. Why the hell would I want to play this WoW-clone?????? Just look at the latest LOTRO dev interview video. The Interface in the gameplay shots is EXACTLY that same as WoW's!!!!!!
The dev even straight up said LOTRO isn't gonna do anything different from the other MMO's, but just try to improve on everything. Incredible! A dev with no ambition who is simply relying on the WoW formula for this saaaaad MMO to succeed.
No thanks, Vanguard devs have got balls the size of melons with where they are taking their MMO. And I like what im seeing soo far! Probably one of the most ambitious and creative MMO's soo far.
Im a gambling man folks! I think i'll take Vanguard's side on this one. Enjoy playing World of Middle Earth folks!
Which FF Character Are You?
Vanguard is not made by SOE, and does not follow the EQ storyline, hense can not be concidered a sequel. That being said, if Vanguard turns out to be a failure (doubtful) and LOTRO turns out to be successful, then I might just give it a shot. It isn't one that I will be rushing to the stores to try. I wasn't that impressed with Turbines changes that they made to DDO, so I would wait a few months and patches before trying LOTRO.
It is however on the Station pass for SOE products interesting.. it is being made by the producer of EQ so yes it can be considered a sequal thanks facts are facts my friend. And im the same way about vangaurd you are with LOTRO so we are even there i dont trust it. but good luck to you
sorry EQ guys name is Brad McQuaid forgot to add that
It is on the station pass because SOE is distributing and hosting the game, not developing the game. You saying that it is a sequel just because the producer of EQ developed this game is like saying that all of Steven Spielburg's movies are exactly alike because he produced them, which is, no offence, idiotic. I'm not saying that you have to like this game, or play it for that matter, but get your facts together before you tell me that "facts are facts".
You have to do the research before you do the work. SNAP!
SNAP you say... well just so you know The game is about Identical to EQ the first one it is geared towards the group environment it is geared towards the hardcore fan. It sounds looks and even might just be a EQ3 you dont have to like it but it will be Identical to EQ. in alot of Brads interviews he has mentioned the EQ background he is using. so before you go Snapping anything pls get your facts straight. oh and as for SOE distributing my bad I figured they had there hand in it just like they have there hand in a lot of games. so Snap Crackel Pop.
but for real it does look like EQ nothing new just added a few things okay alot of things but whats new they always add things to new games so they seem new.. same types of Class couple new races new zones up graded graphics but EQ non the less. it is a known fact that this game is suppose to be what EQ2 should have been so do some research as i will to make sure i dont make a mistake like SOE DISTRIBUTING agian kewl
good luck with your EQ
Vanguard is made by Sigil. Not SOE. Vanguard looks like fun whereas LoTR looks like WoW, but with different graphics and art.....
So your saying that LoTR looks like WOW. With different graphics.... that makes no sense how would a game look like another game with different graphics. now if you would like to talk about the Interface Yes the devs have stated they are using the more popular of interfaces which is WOWs interface. so that new and old players have a small learning curve when going from one game to another. that has been addressed.. And on the record Vanguard does look fun ive been playing EQs for years and really enjoy them im just not switching from EQ2 and starting over for the same game. I know i know Improvements have been made but is going to be the same. so LoTR will be new for me completely new i dont play WOW never have and never will so ill take a sum what new game to me
Vanguard is not made by SOE, and does not follow the EQ storyline, hense can not be concidered a sequel. That being said, if Vanguard turns out to be a failure (doubtful) and LOTRO turns out to be successful, then I might just give it a shot. It isn't one that I will be rushing to the stores to try. I wasn't that impressed with Turbines changes that they made to DDO, so I would wait a few months and patches before trying LOTRO.
It is however on the Station pass for SOE products interesting.. it is being made by the producer of EQ so yes it can be considered a sequal thanks facts are facts my friend. And im the same way about vangaurd you are with LOTRO so we are even there i dont trust it. but good luck to you
It is on the station pass because SOE is distributing and hosting the game, not developing the game. You saying that it is a sequel just because the producer of EQ developed this game is like saying that all of Steven Spielburg's movies are exactly alike because he produced them, which is, no offence, idiotic. I'm not saying that you have to like this game, or play it for that matter, but get your facts together before you tell me that "facts are facts".
You have to do the research before you do the work. SNAP!
SNAP you say... well just so you know The game is about Identical to EQ the first one it is geared towards the group environment it is geared towards the hardcore fan. It sounds looks and even might just be a EQ3 you dont have to like it but it will be Identical to EQ. in alot of Brads interviews he has mentioned the EQ background he is using. so before you go Snapping anything pls get your facts straight. oh and as for SOE distributing my bad I figured they had there hand in it just like they have there hand in a lot of games. so Snap Crackel Pop.
but for real it does look like EQ nothing new just added a few things okay alot of things but whats new they always add things to new games so they seem new.. same types of Class couple new races new zones up graded graphics but EQ non the less. it is a known fact that this game is suppose to be what EQ2 should have been so do some research as i will to make sure i dont make a mistake like SOE DISTRIBUTING agian kewl
good luck with your EQ
LOL, "Snap, Crackel, Pop"? Your Mom help you with that?
And my mom didnt help me i just old enough to remember the commercials LOL
"LoTR looks like WoW, but with different graphics and art.....
"
Any claim that LoTR = WoW with different graphics is way off base. I see nothing anywhere that should even give a prospective gamer that idea, so why even bring up this irrelevant fluff? Unless you're a Vanguard fanboi, of course.
I've been watching the development of both Vanguard and LoTR (forever, it seems). Both appear to be solid, good quality games. They will be different from each other & will each will have its own distinctive feel which will appeal to different gamer types. This is a very good thing! We're being offered some choices here, which isn't always the case. Don't be trapped by thinking if one is good, the other must be bad in comparison. These are both going to be quality games. Different, but both good.
What's LoTR going to have that Vanguard doesn't?
Tom Bombadil!
What's Vanguard going to have the LoTR doesn't?
Evil races.
Though not biased, this post is a bit misleading (whether intentional or not does not matter).
Races: For the most part, Tolkien only gives us 4 races, so that comparison is rather disingenuine.
There could be sub-races. Tooks
are suppose to be taller than other hobbits for example. You could have
different stats, sizes, class choices, etc. The review talk about
having different hair and color choices, but that doesn't go nearly far
enough. It is all about how much depth you want your game to have.
Continents: Middle Earth in the lore is huge. The number of continents is irrelevant.
The vanguard lands in lore is just as huge or bigger. The number of
continents is elevant because each one has a very different themes.
Also saying we will add so and so in later could be just a pipe dream.
Until it happens it doesn't matter what they say.
Middle earth lore is huge and they cop'ed out with just how different they could have made the game's setting.
Instanced: LOTRO devs have said only about 10 to 20 percent of the
world is instanced. A blanket statement of 'instanced' vs Vanguards
non-instanced is false.
As long as its not like DDO I don't think it matters much either way.
Now these things I've mentioned were outright misleading in the
quote above. Furthermore from the quote above, there are several items
which are pure speculation.
Game life span: You really can't tell from a pre-launch perspective what sort of lifespan these games will have.
Yes and no. Its not always easy
to tell what the next big thing will be. However things like depth and
options do at least point the way. I just don't know if Turbine
has the deep pockets to make a game has the kind of choices and depth
as WoW/Vanguard/Warhammer. Maybe Turbine is only shooting for modest success, which may well be possible.
Mounts: Of course LOTRO can't have griffons, dinasaurs, dragons as
mounts if they want to have the game resemble Middle Earth.
Vanguard can have these things, but then again so does other fantasy
MMOs. Nothing new there.
Lotro has no mounts at all. Vanguard will. Having no mounts is where the problem is. It shows a lack of depth.
Oh and the crap about 'we will add it later' is just spam talk. Why not
just tell people, 'Play our game 2 years from now. It will be great.'.
Playing the game out of beta for X years then one day they add
mounts....that benefits me how?
Gameplay: Again, you have no real idea how easy either would be.
I think game-play will be
basicly the same for both(pressing specials), except you get a lot more
options with vanguard by way of the number of classes/races/talents you
can combo. It could be agured lotro will add options through their
traits, but from the sounds of it the most options will be at top
levels and starting out your class will pretty much be the same
all players of that class.
When you start the game in Vangurd
as a human warrior maybe you're a monk or a berserker or other types.
When you play a human guardian in lotro you are a clone of every other
human guardian. The same can be said for Wow and imo this is a
blackmark for Wow and shouldn't be copied.
Now other than the things I've mentioned, your assessment seems pretty straight foreward.
Though not biased, this post is a bit misleading (whether intentional or not does not matter).
Races: For the most part, Tolkien only gives us 4 races, so that comparison is rather disingenuine.
I disagree. Turbine could have made a game with evil races, but elected not to. Also, they could have had a wizard class, though i understand that they dont want everyone to be a jedi...Continents: Middle Earth in the lore is huge. The number of continents is irrelevant.
The number of continents IS relevant. Middle Earth may be huge in the lore, but LOTRO is launching with only a sliver of Middle Earth-the NW portion of Eriador. We are not talking about small continents in Vanguard, but huge continents. Furthermore, they are seperated by vast oceans that one can explore on their own ships. Content is out there to be discovered. Each continent is home to its own set of races and has a different theme. Any way you look at it, there is more content in VanguardInstanced: LOTRO devs have said only about 10 to 20 percent of the world is instanced. A blanket statement of 'instanced' vs Vanguards non-instanced is false.
K, if you are going to nitpick on that comment, perhaps I should have said LOTRO will have instancing instead of being "instanced", and Vanguard will not have instancing at all
Game life span: You really can't tell from a pre-launch perspective what sort of lifespan these games will have.
OMG, it might be speculative at this point but I absolutely guarantee 100% that Vanguard will have a bigger following than LOTRO and outlast it. Turbine has failed at everything they've touched since AC 1, while the guys who designed the mother of all MMORPG's in Everquest are making this game...do you really think LOTRO will outlast Vanguard? Wishful thinking. For goodness sake, people are STILL playing EQ 1 today!
Mounts: Of course LOTRO can't have griffons, dinasaurs, dragons as mounts if they want to have the game resemble Middle Earth. Vanguard can have these things, but then again so does other fantasy MMOs. Nothing new there.
Thing is, Turbine wouldn't have flying mounts at launch even if they were in Middle Earth and part of the lore. How can I say that you might wonder? Because they don't even have normal horse mounts at launch!!! And that was part of the Middle Earth lore! People are going to have to wait another year to ride a horse in LOTRO! Also, Vanguard is the first game to have flying mounts without rails.Gameplay: Again, you have no real idea how easy either would be.
Actually I do, I have firsthand intricate knowledge of LOTRO. While I can't say the same for Vanguard, the developers have clearly stated over and over that it will be harder than your standard MMORPG. Vanguard will not be like WoW where you have a bunch of sucky awful video game players that can achieve lvl 60 with no skill at all. Personally, it makes me puke to see no skilled hacks with high level characters cause people can level up with no talent and still suck and not be able to play their class. In Vanguard, it will take skill. You will have to choose how to react to the NPC's in a fight, and you will have different options to choose from at the same time. It will be more than button mashing every mob the same way, (WoW was and now LOTRO). The devs at Vanguard have said this over and over again.I personally think it was a mistake for Sigil to come to SOE for distribution. Many gamers will still see "sony" on the box and get an immediate negative opinion on the game. SOE is not making the game at all, just getting it out there, but I amd very dubious that SOE will leave Sigil completely alone. Especially if the game starts making money.
As for LOTRO vs Vanguard.....
LOTRO has of course the better known lore. Even though they don't have the movie license I am sure the success of the films will help this game along. It is too bad that they dropped their idea of evil races, that would of made a basis for some pvp battlegrounds or such. That being said, LOTRO will have more "hype" and more mass appeal I would think.
Vanguard took a hit in credibility when Brad went back to SOE for distribution. After all, he did leave said company because they were "interfering" with his creative designs with EQ1. That's not an exact quote, I just remember an interview he did where he went on about how SOE and him were basically not getting along anymore. I know some want a hardcore, slow-grind EQ1 type game, but if it's too slow they will lose players. Sorry to say but one reason that WoW is successful (besides the gold farming market bleh) is that it appeals to american gamers' desire for quick gratification.
As for both I'm in a wait and see attitude. When it comes out I will see how both games do, read reviews, ask co-workers who play it, etc. I have to admit Vanguard has to do something special to overcome my bias vs SOE though.
easy enough to make a wizard-like class or classes. They have a
loremaster after all and it sounds like a magic-user in everything but
name.
See that wizard thing is always spoken by people who don't have a clue about LOTR or who have only seen the movies.
No, LOTRO shouldn't have wizards. There are FIVE is ME. That's all, just five. They're angels, for gods sakes (angels are much much much rarer than Jedi). No, not everyone should be able to play angels. Sorry if you don't like that.
Seriously people, read entire posts and know the context before you respond...an attempt to make yourself look superior often results in making yourself look like an ass. Congrats. Careful you are starting to come off like MAWorking, the fattest ass (in more than one way) I've ever seen in any forum out there.
And yes, you need to think before you post. You're still wrong. I did read your post. But it's just like everyone else who's trying to ignore the lore in favor of what you want.
Yes, I know MAWorking. I deal with him every day on the LOTRO forums. Let's put it this way... all he and I do is fight.
I'm not saying I want that out of the game, my personal choice is not involved. I'm just saying Turbine could have had evil races if they wanted and they don't have to follow every detail of the lore to the letter because they obviously aren't in all areas. They've made more little cities in Eriador than what we see in ME in the books. This is just one example of diverting from the lore to make the game more functional and enjoyable rather than have just a handful of cities in all of Eriador. They could have chosen to have evil races is all I'm saying. It's not like they didn't have a choice. They chose to not have evil races at this time, but it's not like they weren't allowed to strictly because of the lore-maybe because of fear from the hardcore fanbase, but definately not because of the lore.
I do agree that Wizard shouldn't be a playable class, they were very powerful and very rare beings in LOTR lore. There could be a wizard-ish class, maybe like an apprentice? After all, Gandalf had to start somewhere.
As far as evil races turning to stone, not all of them did. The orcs Sauron made to be daywalkers, Ur-something (sorry I can't remember spelling). Not to mention there were humans on the evil side as well, so right there are two possible evil races.
Of course, they could introduce the evil side in a future expansion similar to how NC Soft introduced City of Villains as the antithesis to City of Heroes.
All the "My game can beat your game up" junk aside, we the customers have to realize that the face of MMOs has changed dramatically thanks to Blizzard's WoW. Like it or not, the rules have changed and Blizz proved you can have millions of accounts instead of hundred's of thousands. I have been playing MMOs since Ultima Online and have seen the dramatic changes that have been happening, and its huge.
Vanguard is going to cater to the old school MMO players, and therefore doesn't have a shot at having the millions of players that WoW has. The casual crowd will never last in that game, they have gotten spoiled by the easy approach WoW offered. Not saying the game won't last, in fact I believe it will be around for a long time. Just not with a huge audience.
LOTRO is catering more toward the masses, more toward the casual player. A player who can only play 2 hours a week will never last in Vanguaard, but will have a home in a game like LOTRO. And all these millions of new MMO players that WoW created are getting bored, they need a new game. LOTRO is going to be great for them. Add that to the fact that it freaking Middle Earth, they are almost guarenteed success. I know people think Turbine's reputation will kill the game, but do you really think that the majority of this new generation of MMO players (thanks to WoW) even know what AC2 is? Let alone remember the calamity that befell the game.
Personally Vanguard interested me, even with some of the negative feedback I have been hearing, but I will personally be going for LOTRO. Being married and working full time, I would never have the time to commit to Vanguard to have a chance to get anywhere in that game. Add to that the fact that I am a big ME fan, LOTRO is going to get me - at least at first.
Why wasn't DDO a hit then?
Is lotro that solo friendly? Will you be able to do the main story line
without a group? It would seem doubtful to me. If that were the case
you'd are left doing generic quests.
Also lotro won't have the depth WoW has, if for no other reason than
turbine doesn't have the deep pockets warcraft does. A huge amount of
money went into WoW. They had a ton of people working on the game.
Mounts won't even be in lotro at the start.
Do you really think someone use to playing WoW will come over to lotro
and be amazed? Or will they be put off by the limited races and
classes. Or by the small stuff like only click and go travel, no
getting on a boat or ridding a griffon. No fraction play. No real pvp.
Do you know how many pvp servers WoW has?
Lotro is in a bit of a pinch as well. They have a lot to live up too.
People are going to compair the game to the books and the moives, but
can any mmo come anywhere near them?
Wow is coming out with an expansion as well and sooner than Lotro, so
those bored Wow players will have somehting to do for a little while.
There is also more than just Vangurd coming out. What about Warhammer or Conan? Or a half dozen others.
I am not saying lotro won't be fun, but lets be realistic. Lotro is not
going to be anywhere near as big as WoW for the above reasons and
others. However that doesn't mean it won't be successful. I don't know
what Turbine's benchmark is for that. It will be bigger than DDO.
Thank you that was the last 2 posts was what i was looking for. of course there are goning to be those who are gonna play this game every living breath of their life and also with vanguard and every mmorpg but i think what he says pretty much sums up much of how the game will be. ME, I'm in school and i don't have 5 hours a day to play Vanguard and be one of the greatest i just want a game to play for fun not for serious gaming. There really isn't much point to seriously play an mmorpg. People just do it becuz they have nothing else to do with their lives. Choose the game u like, most likely it seems that Vanguard WILL be the better game BUT that wont stop me from getting LOTR becuz it is more of my kind of game. It just depends on who u are and how u like to play mmorpgs and especially if u are a LOTR fan like i am. Theres really no need to argue about the games. They will both be good.
playing eq2 and two worlds
Personally, I have been looking at these 2 games and also Age of Conan (not interested in Warhammer) for my new MMO next year.
Presently, I am leaning more towards Age of Conan as it seems by far the most innovative of the three titles.
The real time combat system sounds like it will be far more involving than the present click-button-fests and I also like the darker low-fantasy theme.
Another reason is Funcom making high-end crafted weapons and armour equal to the top-end looted stuff, this is a massive draw for me as I consider raiding to be the single most annoying thing ever introduced into MMO's.
The PvP also has more meaning with Castle and Village sieges, meaning that you are actually fighting for a reason and not just bragging rights.
However, I am not discounting these other 2 games and will probably try all three before making my decision on which game to spend my next few years gaming time with.
MMORPG History:
Playing - EVE Online.
Played (Retired) - AO, SWG, MxO, WoW, RFO, SoR, CoX, EQ2, GW, L2, Vanguard, LotRO, AoC, TCoS, Aion.
Favourite MMO - Pre-CU SWG, 3 Years, 4 Accounts, 2 Pre-CU Jedi (1 Pre-9).
Awaiting - Star Wars: The Old Republic, The Secret World, Earthrise.