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Turbine, Thanks for bringing the fun back!
KairBare
Member Posts: 65
After struggling with the MMORPG formerly known as Vanguard, and now as quite probably the biggest pig ever foisted upon MMORPG consumers, I gotta give a big shout out to Turbine for LOTRO. Again, based on recent experiences, I purchased the pre-order and logged in with a certain measure of trepidation.
I was blown away by the game. The client runs so smooth, even for a beta. I can't remember a time when I could be in the presence of so many other players without horrible FPS or lag. The graphics are incredible, and while they have a slightly cartoonly feel, and are not as 'realistic' as say, a game like VG, they are amazing in their own right. The way your character abilities are handled is a big step up, it gives the grind a purpose and you almost don't even notice it. The lore and storyline is top notch, of course Turbine had the foundation in place from the books, but the quests are very well done and make the world come alive. Even quests which seem long and boring, pie-runs anyone?, are a lot more immersive than grinding on mobs for the same amount of time. Speaking of pie runs, omg, the Shire is so amazing, so many WOW (the emotion, not the game) moments in this title. Most of the things that could use improvement like animations or icon graphics can be upgraded at a later time, the foundation of the game engine is ROCK SOLID.
If this game is the result of 'dumbing down' the genre or making a game that appeals to kids, I don't ever want to grow up. Now I don't like everything about this game, I tend to like a more hardcore game like VG was supposed to be and its not what I would make if I had the chance, but it is going big time for sure. I will probably leave once WAR comes out as I play these games for the PvP, but I'm going to give monster play a fair shot. Most of all though this game is FUN and it was nice, for once, to log in to a game and enjoy myself, because in the end, that is what its all about.
Comments
I too am a member of the vanguard burnt ward and agree 100% that this game is soo much better in soo many ways. The "grind" here isn't a grind in killing mobs, but a grind in doing quest. The xp given for quest completion is great so you want to continue along the quest lines which is rich in lore.
Graphics are amazing here, much better then vanguard. With my x1950xtx x-fire cards I can run the game in its highest settings and maintain a respectable 50fps in very populated areas. (same settings with vanguard ran 10-20fps in populated areas and 25-34fps in the open)
This game has brought back my love of hte mmo which was burnt away by Vangaurd, and I'm excited to try out and explore the world of Lord of the Rings
PvPM in LOTRO is quite entertaining. It is a great way for those new to PvP to enter into the playstyle. I find it rather silly when I see some hardcore PvP (not the OP) bash this PvMP battleground. I'd think that these PvPers would welcome a game system that helps to expand the numbers of PvPers.
Anyway....I'm just happy people are finding an MMO fun again. It's been a while since we players have had a solid addition to our hobby.
Even if you don't find LOTRO to your tastes, everyone is a winner with a successful MMO. It expands the player base and increases the odds that the more niche games we all might like to see could be developed.
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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.
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