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Confessions of a former LOTRO fanboi
Elikal
Member UncommonPosts: 7,912
I loved LOTRO. Like almost all reviewers. It is difficult to understand if you erred, and I did. LOTRO did a lot of things good. Its the most beautiful landscape, the way they tell stories in instanced dungeons, many of the quests have really good stories, the great way in which the regions and quest-lines (chapters) tell one big, interesting story... its all great and good.
I feel a litle bit like a traitor saying that... but in a way LOTRO looks shiny from the outside, but its somewhat rotten in the inside.
First, the PVE questlines grew quite... repetitve after mid 20 levels, and I lost more and more interest in the quests for a reason I cant right place my finger on. A prt of the reason is... my last game was Vanguard. I fled from that game in the end, but in several ways I was spoilt from Vanguard. After coming from Telon... EVERY other MMO now has started to feel claustropobic. We all knew LOTRO would not be a size queen, and its not acutally tiny at all, but... it all very much guided, narrowed and... small... in a way that escapes my words. But I missed the freedom and the many choices. You have those 30 quests in your level range, and all are in the same, narrow area, so you dont see many new places along the road doing you quests. If you are in Bree, you see the 500 m around Bree in a HELL lot of quests!
Only 4 races, besides human they have 4-5 classes and thats it. Being used to the vast number of class/race choices from EQ2, SWG, VG and DAoC I feel... underwhelmed. I had to admit PVE grew quite boring after 20-25 levels for me. There is just so little to experiment with. It all goes too fast, too easy. I am REALLY not for hardcore, but LOTRO is just the opposite extreme as VG was. Where VG was too scattered and incoherent, LOTRO is too narrow and easy. I am sad and dissappointed it revealed like that. Sure, in months to come Turbine will add things, which look good. But what is that other than VG promising to be good in half a year? I am paying NOW, not later!
I played a lot of PVP, because thats what I love, and at first it was great. I am playing Monster (spider). It was cool and unique, but the more time passed the more flaws became visible. Monsters are FAR underpowered, and Turbine itself stated, it was meant that Monsters are in far greater numbers of abou 2 or 3 to 1! Now, on my server, we have 2 raids of Free People against 15 Monsters. I mean, I can run into death again and again, thats no matter to me, but Freeps are FAR too overpowered compared to Monsters. They have 4 FULL skill bars, where I have barely 6 skills at all! They can nuke me down with arrows doing 400-500 DMG while I can do 150 DMG AT BEST! My tiny spider is constantly overrun by 10-15 "heroes", were in real 1 VS 1 would be more than enough to kill me. When it was balanced, it was ok. But now... the sheer number of free people players in PVP just made it totally non-fun. I mean, whats the fun in the fact we Monster players have to make our raids at 2 AM now to at least conquer 1 or 2 keeps? Its totally hilarious, and LOTRO would have been more honest not implementing that totally awkward PVP at all.
I really never liked the way how fast reviews come today, and I guess most 90%+ rating come from the first 2 easy, good weeks. Tides have changed. If I see how fast people reached level 50, how narrow the entire game design really is and the fact that PVP is only an ugly stepchild with the lisence for frustration, I wonder for the longevity of this game. I love PVP, but what I experienced here, the weeks of anger, vain deaths and imbalanced PVP design just paid its toll on me. I will see how it goes with the patch 10, which will focus on Monsterplay, but I somehow start to feel LOTROs hype may not last too long. Alas.
People don't ask questions to get answers - they ask questions to show how smart they are. - Dogbert
Comments
What was so great about the quests? I guess you havent played many mmorpg's have you?
You actually like the go kill 15 goblins, go collect 15 rocks, go kill 15 flies, go find 15 bricks type of quests? That's not so smart is it? This game's quests is a mockery to one's intelligence.
PvP has no place in LotRo. I'm sure if Ol' Tolkien were still around and had a say in that game, it never would have been allowed in anyway. because thats never what it was about.
Raven
To the OP:
If you read the forums at all, you would have seen numerous posts that warned those that love PvP to pass on playing LOTRO.
Get over it and play EVE.
"Don't corpse-camp that idea. Its never gonna rez"
Bladezz (The Guild)
I agree totally with the OP.
I too loved the game at first. But then after a few weeks of playing i got the same "bored of it feeling" i now have after nearly 2 years of WoW. LOTRO is pretty much a reskinned WoW. It doesnt exactly do anything perticularly badly, but the classes are stale and none stand out, and the races are also nothing special with only the ability to be 4 races which are all "good".
Monster play feels tacked on, and with the tolkein universe - not including massive PvP battles which already have the scenes set from the books/universe is almost a crime.
Which Final Fantasy Character Are You?
[URL=http://www.ff-fan.com/final-fantasy-7]Final Fantasy 7
Elikal, you are worse then me when it comes to liking MMO's.
Quest, LotRs is one of a very small handful of games that even bothers to have story driven quest. Do some of them become repetitive? Yes. Kill task in any game become repetitive after about the 3rd or 4th time. Thats an issue with all MMO's. The world isn't that small and its not like the massive sized world forumla has worked out for anyone. LotR will grow as the devs said. Patience in really what it comes do. You want quality or quantiy? If you want quality, you may need to wait for a bit.
4 races.....this is LotRs not EQ 4. Tolkien only had a small handful of races but those races had many different national origins. Classes I agree. The seem pretty generic. I would have liked to see racial classes like in Lineage 2. There should be subtal differences between an Elf guardian and a Dwarf or Human in styles and abilities.
PvP, yes the devs said up front Monster play, monsters were going to be weaker then players. They need to be developed. Thats going to take time. It does seem a bit to lopsided though. Monsters are a bit to weak and its making it very difficult to tier them up.
Reviews are just one persons impressions that is lucky enough to work for someone who will publish it. One review isn't gosspil, you look at the averages. Were reviews overall right about Vanguard? Damn straight, its was a PoS game. Quality is what they are really looking at.
I have gotten the same feeling that the OP and others have expressed, to the point where at 37 I just don't even CARE if it hit 38.
What for, so I can kill yet more pigs, spiders, and wolves? The variety of mobs in this game is pretty sad. You can only rename the same pig so many times (and I don't think I have a complete count, but I added up 17 names for the same pig).
Quests that seem OK at 1-15 seem a bit not so ok at 15-30 as they seem to be mostly the same repeating theme and mechanincs. And at 30-40 you are doing it all over again, except this time with spiders or bears.
The LOTRO storyline might carry it for a while, but as someone noted, it is a nice shiney shell with no guts.
I renewed my EQ2 subscribtion today.
I'm not trying to directly argue with you because I sort of agree. The main difference is I see it as more a total MMO issue more then a LotR issue. How are the kill task any different then in WoW or EQ2? They are not. If anything LotR takes a step more and adds in a storyline quest. Something almost all MMO's but a small handful neglect to do.
One thing I would ask is: were on earth does EQ2 have more guts? Its load with mondane kill task and fetch task on an even more basic level then LotR. If any game is less compelling to play I would have to go with EQ2 or Vanguard. These games have truely unmotivating grinds. What are we comparing here?
Level 15-30 storyline quest are not the same or similar to level 1 - 15 in any shape or form. The kill task quest are but thats true of any MMO.
By this I am not saying you didnt like LOTRO. But for you it was always a replacement game , glass of milk to after a hot chilly.
I really doubt LOTRO holds what you are really looking for , it is in no way comparable with what Vanguard should have been.
LOTRO is small , confined apsolutely story oriented.
To tell the truth LOTRO is not for everyone. Some people will enjoy it and love it (especially casual players and roleplayers) and Hardcore players will find it not so good... simple as that
So you should probably ask yourself. What kept you playing in other games. If it was "PvP", "exploring" or "achieving"... LotRO was never meant to cover this, and as soon as the "wohoow niiiice, all new and shiny" effect wears off, darn, of course you realize that it does not provide what you want.
Which does NOT mean it's a narrowed down, shallow game. For someone like me, who likes questing, likes the "hey guys, I've got two hours, wanna go kill stuff in XY and do some quests" approach, it's a haven. ALmost no "look at me having uberz gear" or "look at me I'm pwnzering u"-kind of players, many many true RP players and lot's of things to RP about, go questing about of have fun with.
I daresay this game is pretty much the only actual roleplaying-MMORPG (in the mainstream segment) ever released.
Meridion
After WoW and seeing LOTR (over my mates shoulder), going back to the grind in SWG and VG was refreshing.
My issue with these quick fix games is the community disappears within months, whereas in EQ1, SWG and VG, because levelling is extremely time consuming, people tend to play the game for years not months to reach max level and then the time spent on raiding to boot.
I guess the community is an important part of my gaming experience.
Now playing: VG (after a long break from MMORPGS)
Played for more than a month: Darkfall online, Vanguard SOH, Everquest, Horizons, WoW, SWG, Everquest II, Eve
That's a 100% miss, not even close to the darts board, my friend.
Lotro does have grind, if you like that kind of gamestyle. However, what will keep ME and many other players playing for years, is CONTENT. Heard about the first major update today? I'm playing since day 1 of early access, and my main toon is only lvl 33.
Quick fix games.... lol get a grip
- we've only just started our journey in Middle-Earth. 
DB
Denial makes one look a lot dumber than he/she actually is.
If you play to level your character, you are already doomed in LotRO. This notion grew cancerously into the RPG genre during the melting of media-players that started off playing in arcade halls in the 80's and 90's and the RP crowd, that spent their time with Pen&Paper.
These are two different worlds, the higher,faster,roxxxxxor-world of uber-leet gear and skill and PvP and whatever...
And the world of "I just spent 4 hours in an inn talking RP to an Elf"
The former has the appeal of a good soccer (or football for you US-guys) match, the latter has the appeal of a really good (interactive) book.
two worlds, thats the whole secret...
Meridion
That's a 100% miss, not even close to the darts board, my friend.
- we've only just started our journey in Middle-Earth. 
Lotro does have grind, if you like that kind of gamestyle. However, what will keep ME and many other players playing for years, is CONTENT. Heard about the first major update today? I'm playing since day 1 of early access, and my main toon is only lvl 33.
Quick fix games.... lol get a grip
DB
Get a grip?
Such a strong argument.
Now playing: VG (after a long break from MMORPGS)
Played for more than a month: Darkfall online, Vanguard SOH, Everquest, Horizons, WoW, SWG, Everquest II, Eve
That's a 100% miss, not even close to the darts board, my friend.
- we've only just started our journey in Middle-Earth. 
Lotro does have grind, if you like that kind of gamestyle. However, what will keep ME and many other players playing for years, is CONTENT. Heard about the first major update today? I'm playing since day 1 of early access, and my main toon is only lvl 33.
Quick fix games.... lol get a grip
DB
Get a grip?
Such a strong argument.
Well, you obviously haven't a single clue about LOTRO, so why would I waste any less powerful arguments than the 3 pages of the update release notes (you can find them on this board).
You are not the first one to dream that LOTRO will be short-lived, though the proofs agains that are countless - no need to list, done before many many times!
DB
Denial makes one look a lot dumber than he/she actually is.
The epic battle between good and evil....hmmm...not PvP? Did you see the fights in the movies?? Looked like some large scale PvP to me. I am not knocking you, but speaking for an author you never met is pretty tough and saying he wouldn't want PvP in a game that was based off of his creation is really difficult as well. The way the lord of the rings story was to me was just a massive battle and a test of wills....i think PvE and PvP would of fit perfectly into the story.....I am honestly suprised that most fans didn't.
That's a 100% miss, not even close to the darts board, my friend.
Lotro does have grind, if you like that kind of gamestyle. However, what will keep ME and many other players playing for years, is CONTENT. Heard about the first major update today? I'm playing since day 1 of early access, and my main toon is only lvl 33.
Quick fix games.... lol get a grip - we've only just started our journey in Middle-Earth.
DB
Get a grip?
Such a strong argument.
Well, you obviously haven't a single clue about LOTRO, so why would I waste any less powerful arguments than the 3 pages of the update release notes (you can find them on this board).
You are not the first one to dream that LOTRO will be short-lived, though the proofs agains that are countless - no need to list, done before many many times!
DB
Who said short lived? I said it was a quick fix. People always spell out the "x game is doomed?" etc etc its rubbish.
If you look at what people are saying, max level in less than a month and compare that to say VG which is around 4 months, and that is assuming you play 14 hours a day.
I didn't particularly want to argue over games hence why I said its an important part of my gaming experience.
But since you have been so charming (or rabid fanboi who cant accept any critism) I feel compelled to snigger.
Now playing: VG (after a long break from MMORPGS)
Played for more than a month: Darkfall online, Vanguard SOH, Everquest, Horizons, WoW, SWG, Everquest II, Eve
Sorry...lol....I forgot to post that I agree with the op. I think this game is awsome it is just lacking that something that makes me want to continue. I maxed 1 toon and almost another (not crafting or anything ....just level...all i am interested in any game)....it only took me a couple weeks, not the full free month. I also jumped into the PvP and thought it lacked big time. The creeps are way underpowered to the point it was stupid to even play one. I like the idea of playing a freep and a creep, but the creeps was just to big of a waste of time. I would never say this game is a disaster, i think it is a fine game....its not like the train wreck VSoH, but then again it just isn't great.
It is a good game that lots will love...not for me though. Just seems simplistic and I want some new age stuff with more content. I understand they will put it in blah blah blah. Other games will come out with the new content then add even newer content..lol. Anyway I am not flaming just stating my opinion, so fanboy's take it easy.
That's a 100% miss, not even close to the darts board, my friend.
Lotro does have grind, if you like that kind of gamestyle. However, what will keep ME and many other players playing for years, is CONTENT. Heard about the first major update today? I'm playing since day 1 of early access, and my main toon is only lvl 33.
Quick fix games.... lol get a grip - we've only just started our journey in Middle-Earth.
DB
Get a grip?
Such a strong argument.
Well, you obviously haven't a single clue about LOTRO, so why would I waste any less powerful arguments than the 3 pages of the update release notes (you can find them on this board).
You are not the first one to dream that LOTRO will be short-lived, though the proofs agains that are countless - no need to list, done before many many times!
DB
Who said short lived? I said it was a quick fix. People always spell out the "x game is doomed?" etc etc its rubbish.
If you look at what people are saying, max level in less than a month and compare that to say VG which is around 4 months, and that is assuming you play 14 hours a day.
I didn't particularly want to argue over games hence why I said its an important part of my gaming experience.
But since you have been so charming (or rabid fanboi who cant accept any critism) I feel compelled to snigger.
Measuring a game based on how long it takes to level up to max is the same as measuring a book on how long it takes to read it.
I never did, will or want to understand that way of thinking... GL in the hardest, longest-to-take-to-max out game ! Byebye
DB
Denial makes one look a lot dumber than he/she actually is.
That's a 100% miss, not even close to the darts board, my friend.
Lotro does have grind, if you like that kind of gamestyle. However, what will keep ME and many other players playing for years, is CONTENT. Heard about the first major update today? I'm playing since day 1 of early access, and my main toon is only lvl 33.
Quick fix games.... lol get a grip - we've only just started our journey in Middle-Earth.
DB
Get a grip?
Such a strong argument.
Well, you obviously haven't a single clue about LOTRO, so why would I waste any less powerful arguments than the 3 pages of the update release notes (you can find them on this board).
You are not the first one to dream that LOTRO will be short-lived, though the proofs agains that are countless - no need to list, done before many many times!
DB
Who said short lived? I said it was a quick fix. People always spell out the "x game is doomed?" etc etc its rubbish.
If you look at what people are saying, max level in less than a month and compare that to say VG which is around 4 months, and that is assuming you play 14 hours a day.
I didn't particularly want to argue over games hence why I said its an important part of my gaming experience.
But since you have been so charming (or rabid fanboi who cant accept any critism) I feel compelled to snigger.
VSoH 4 months to max level ....lol you must of played 1 hour a day. Granted I consider myself slightly hardcore, but that game was a simple grind-fest. I got 2 toons to max and a bunch of 15-30 toons up as well. Not a difficult game at all.
That's a 100% miss, not even close to the darts board, my friend.
Lotro does have grind, if you like that kind of gamestyle. However, what will keep ME and many other players playing for years, is CONTENT. Heard about the first major update today? I'm playing since day 1 of early access, and my main toon is only lvl 33.
Quick fix games.... lol get a grip - we've only just started our journey in Middle-Earth.
DB
Get a grip?
Such a strong argument.
Well, you obviously haven't a single clue about LOTRO, so why would I waste any less powerful arguments than the 3 pages of the update release notes (you can find them on this board).
You are not the first one to dream that LOTRO will be short-lived, though the proofs agains that are countless - no need to list, done before many many times!
DB
Who said short lived? I said it was a quick fix. People always spell out the "x game is doomed?" etc etc its rubbish.
If you look at what people are saying, max level in less than a month and compare that to say VG which is around 4 months, and that is assuming you play 14 hours a day.
I didn't particularly want to argue over games hence why I said its an important part of my gaming experience.
But since you have been so charming (or rabid fanboi who cant accept any critism) I feel compelled to snigger.
VSoH 4 months to max level ....lol you must of played 1 hour a day. Granted I consider myself slightly hardcore, but that game was a simple grind-fest. I got 2 toons to max and a bunch of 15-30 toons up as well. Not a difficult game at all.
Oh, so bad, VG is a quick fix too then...
When will it have its first free expansion, BTW...
?
DB
Denial makes one look a lot dumber than he/she actually is.
BTW, Metalcore, I have a game in mind for you: 9Dragons. Not only is it _really_ hard to max your toon out (it would probably take 2-3 years if played 14 hours every day) , but is also F2P
DB
Denial makes one look a lot dumber than he/she actually is.
People who love grinding so much should stop playing western MMO's period. Lineage 2 is the perfect game if you like grinding, it is so hardcore it makes Vanguard look like "hello kitty". Personally I prefer a game with content and challenge in the form of superior AI and challenging dungeons then a game that is simply perceived as hardcore because you have to grind 1 million same mobs to gain a level.
What should LOTRO been?
A game based on PvP where players could hop onto a monster toon or play a ringwraith and ran naked through The Shire yelling "I pwnz U"?
A game where you are in Rivendell and two kinships start having a war while another player is tring to help the Fellowship get ready for its journy?
Sorry, but they did this one right IMO. Its a game about a story and players should not be allowed to change this story.
For the folks having issues with LOTRO, I suggest you actually take the time to read the quests. Sure its kill 3 Hillman Armourers, but you are killing them to slow down the production of enemy armour for the pending invasion. If you just scroll down to the quest requirments without getting into the story...yes...it would be boring as all hell. The people in LOTRO who I see having the most fun with it arn't even past lvl40. That should tell us alot.
This game isn't centered around the players, it centered around a story and how your character is effected by this story. I understand this is not for everyone. A portion of the MMO community likes games where they can rise into fame/infamy and make themselves the key actor. Thats fine, but in a games based on established story, this will not work. Think of this fictional story headline:
LOTRO HEADLINE NEWS:
June 14 2008 was a marked day in LOTRO history.
MeatRocket, the player renowned for stealthing in the passes to Angmar and causing havoc amoungst travelers to this region defeated Aragorn and the Fellowship in Trollshaws to secure the 1 true ring. Congrats to MeatRocket for completing the ring quest! May he rule over peaceful times...
Just doesn't work. You can't even pretend to be a key player in this game, so don't even try it if you have any other agenda.
You basically had the same gripe about VG... and look at you know... you are posting almost the same complains.
I still thinks that VG (even with it`s 100`s of bugs and annoyances) is better then LOTRO. Just for the fact that it`s a massive games and offer more for longer. Thats it. And i found that out about LOTRO back in beta 2.
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