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LotR:O vs. The Movies
DeaconX
Member UncommonPosts: 3,062
So due to having achieved 15th level with my 3 mains, I decided to take a break from the game and watch the movies. Now firstly, know that I'm loving the MMO, in fact it's the best MMO I've ever played [aside from SWG when it first started] and is more polished than even Guild Wars was when it launched [Was in that beta too, very well done by devs but.. not really an MMORPG as most know].
I realize that the movies and the game are done by different people and are not intended to be related, but I couldn't help it... In Lotro, Middle-Earth looks incredible and alive, I love that. However, I think where Lotro is lacking greatly and where the movie was done incredibly well, was the 'personal detail and style.'
All the clothing and armour looked great in the movies.. and look at the weapons. A friend gave me the LOTR Book of Arms or somesuch and you see all the great, creative, unique and detailed materials... currently, I think LotrO is lacking this hugely. The clothing for the most part in Lotro looks quite terrible, you must agree. Clothes shouldn't start bright red, they should be red if I dye it red. They should start 'realistic' looking. Also, while armour looked great - even leather - in LotrO ONLY heavy armour actually looks decent.
The weapons were so well designed and varied - just once I'd love to slay and orc, have the orc drop an 'orc designed sword' and wield that into battle against my enemies. Wouldn't it be great if certain enemies dropped what they actually wore and used? If there's a goblin wearing rags, of course he's gonna drop rags... but if there's an orc in nice armour... well I wouldn't mind putting some orc armour on... this would add to your character customization and kind of 'show off' what you've done.
Most of you have probably already seen my quip about the severe lack of character customization - epspecially how human males all have the jawbone of brad pitt... every single one of them... just not realistic at all. What's the point in having 8 faces to choose from if the only change is the nose? Hell the nose should be a sepparate choice altogether 
PERSONALLY I'm really hoping they revamp the character customization at some point cuz right now that is THE WORST aspect to the game. The models are not really styled very well either, looking bulky rather than realistic human forms.
There's a lot more I could say but perhaps later -- any thoughts by anyone?
PS - Movie version of Weathertop absolutely puts LOTRO version to shame... Trek there to find... a bunch of birds, some big rocks... boring appearance for such a site 
. All and all, in STYLE, i'd give the artists of the movies the win here... by far.
BOYCOTTING EA / ORIGIN going forward.
Comments
Comparing the game to the Movies is useless and makes u look rather silly i'm afraid. Peter Jackson's style in the movies is at times a complete joke compared to what the BOOKS (u do know that lotro is based on one of the most important novels of our time i hope) portray. As the game is based on the books IP and not on the movies, that is the comparison u should have made... That being said, I think that the devs did a better job than Jackson in creating a living breathing version of Middle Earth.
Ooookay that's great and all I'm aware but ... did you read my post? I was talking about the STYLE... the visual APPEARANCE of things for the most part...the creative aspects... the details to arms and armour... VISUALS.... DESIGNS....'STYLE'
BOYCOTTING EA / ORIGIN going forward.
Cheers@Daarco
But like I was saying, I hope LotRO takes note from the movies and the conceptual artists that worked on the movies because while they're doing an AMAZING job with the look of Middle-Earth itself, aspects such as character models, items, weapons and armour could definitely use some inspiration.
BOYCOTTING EA / ORIGIN going forward.
Not only that the OP was quite well written and well thought out.
Then you compare the game to the movies by saying ' I think that the devs did a better job than Jackson in creating a living breathing version of Middle Earth.' going against your whole point!
So who looks 'rather silly' now?
Hoho, take it easy people, all I was saying is that JRR is responsible for the style and design of Middle Earth, and not Peter Jackson. Sure u can compare all you want to anything you want, but pay the ole professor some respect will you, its his baby, so if u are going to criticize something based on his very words u could at least include him in your discussion. Thats exactly what I tried to do, thanks for the hatred...
3 Diffrent Medium, Movies will never live up to a book because a book is film in your own head and this is far more powerful than any camara, and to make a game of it all and have it right by all is impossible, enjoy them as there were made, as Representations of a great set of books that started it all, if you have to compare try to look at from a removed view as they are all great.
For my personal view no one will beat the books but I'm happy that they are trying to
Hey dude, I don't hate you at all. Just realize your reply looked as if you just read the title of my post and made a judgement on that soeley. I respect Tolkien pretty much as the great grand daddy of fantasy in literature. But I didn't include his writings because that's not really what we're dealing with now... now it's an MMO game and while it is based on his works, I was merely saying I would like more visual style to character customization, especially in areas which make sense. I don't seem to remeber reading anywhere in the book about people in bring yellow leather shirts, bright red and green boots and gloves though
No worries, dude.
BOYCOTTING EA / ORIGIN going forward.
Wow, you really made yourself look like one big pile of silly didn't you?
He is comparing the movies and the game as two different mediums each with their own interpretation of what most of Middle-Earth looked like. He is explaining what he thinks was better in each of them.
It's really that simple. Amazing eh?
Currently Playing: Everything but MMORPGs
Cancelled: L2, FFXI, VSoH, LotRO, WAR, WoW
Looking Forward To: SW:TOR
Hey dude, I don't hate you at all. Just realize your reply looked as if you just read the title of my post and made a judgement on that soeley. I respect Tolkien pretty much as the great grand daddy of fantasy in literature. But I didn't include his writings because that's not really what we're dealing with now... now it's an MMO game and while it is based on his works, I was merely saying I would like more visual style to character customization, especially in areas which make sense. I don't seem to remeber reading anywhere in the book about people in bring yellow leather shirts, bright red and green boots and gloves though
No worries, dude.
'Old Tom Bombadil is a merry fellow. Bright blue his jacket is, and his boots are yellow.' hehe
Something of an exception I know.
ok, sorry for the silly, its just that I grew up with Tolkien and he is the only reason I am still into fantasy and RPG's at age 27. Thats why I am always a bit sad when people forget the old man... No hard feelings I hope mate!
And actually there is at least one very colourful character in the books thzat wears blue and bright yellow; Bombadil! havent met him in game yet though, kinda curious what they made of him, never quite forgave Jackson for not putting him in the movies. But I do agree with u that he did a good job on armour and costumes!
Anyway, everybody can stop having a go at me now, we are all mates in Middle Earth...
Cheers
Hey dude, I don't hate you at all. Just realize your reply looked as if you just read the title of my post and made a judgement on that soeley. I respect Tolkien pretty much as the great grand daddy of fantasy in literature. But I didn't include his writings because that's not really what we're dealing with now... now it's an MMO game and while it is based on his works, I was merely saying I would like more visual style to character customization, especially in areas which make sense. I don't seem to remeber reading anywhere in the book about people in bring yellow leather shirts, bright red and green boots and gloves though
No worries, dude.
'Old Tom Bombadil is a merry fellow. Bright blue his jacket is, and his boots are yellow.' hehe
Something of an exception I know.Heheh I was 'pwned' for you are correct my friend. But as you say, exception. Good call though
BOYCOTTING EA / ORIGIN going forward.
The movies of course have a better look to them..that's what they focus on.... LotRO focuses on gameplay.... so its a matter of resources.
I figure since I play the game looking at the back of my character 98% of the time I'm in game, from as far back as the camera POV will let me go (reducing my avatar to a small figure indeed), what does it matter really what it looks like.
I know other folks are completely opposite me in this regard...just the way I'm wired I guess....
"True friends stab you in the front." | Oscar Wilde
"I need to finish" - Christian Wolff: The Accountant
Just trying to live long enough to play a new, released MMORPG, playing New Worlds atm
Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions. Pvbs 18:2, NIV
Don't just play games, inhabit virtual worlds™
"This is the most intelligent, well qualified and articulate response to a post I have ever seen on these forums. It's a shame most people here won't have the attention span to read past the second line." - Anon
Blade of the Forgotten must be the best looking low level sword.
Either way, I'm greatly looking forward to getting those higher level armours of which hopefully there are many different styles so I won't look just like everyone else in Middle-Earth
BOYCOTTING EA / ORIGIN going forward.
Triston Master Carbine/Master Swords (SWG Eclipse)
Triston 29 Warden (EQ2 Permafrost)
Weland 70 Hunter (WoW Hellscream)
Suidan 36 Cleric (Vanguard Flamehammer)
Suidan 50 Champion (LOTR Gladden)
The most important part of reading is reading between the lines.
That said- I like the Movie's version as it has a darker appeal than the cheery game: but I'm afraid I think the game fits the novel closer.
The game is still in its early stages i have a good feeling it will get alot better
-
Currently playing:wow/war
Retired:,runescape,swg,
everquest2,lotro
To the OP.
Honestly, i am not a fan of the character and clothing art design i have seen in LOTRO. It is probably one of the only things I don't like about it. Of course, finding a good looking set of clothing to wear i game is certainly a challenge ! So i pretty much agree with you on the style. The bright colors really do it, ohh and the 2 tone cloaks are horrid. I wonder who designed those lol.
Someday, i hope we can design our own clothing in games !
I did hear that at the higher levels they are putting some real effort in to make gear look really good.
We will see.
The landscapes though i think are very very well done. Best in any MMO i have played ( eq2 / vg / wow ).
Looking forward to tuseday however, and that never ending quest to not look ugly in game.
-Allegria
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