Sell me on LoTRO

Beauman · July 2008

First of all, yes, I've played WoW. Also played CoH, AO, AC, AC2, EQ, EQ2, SWG, MxO . . . you get the idea.

So, I'm not looking for the typical WoW vs LoTRO answers. I don't particularly care how LoTRO plays in relation to other, specific MMOs.

However, I will say this: while I enjoyed the LoTR movies for what they were, I never really cared for Tolkein's writing. His concepts were good, but I always felt his execution and writing style were dry and boring. In other words, I'm not a Tolkein fan nor excited about the opportunity to play a MMO based upon his world. For me, that is about the same in priority as playing on Norrath or Azeroth.

That established, what does this game have to offer someone that is not a die-hard fan of Tolkein's writing?

This isn't meant to be a flame question, but quite serious for someone looking to possibly purchase the game for $20.

gbooster · July 2008

Originally posted by Beauman

First of all, yes, I've played WoW. Also played CoH, AO, AC, AC2, EQ, EQ2, SWG, MxO . . . you get the idea.
So, I'm not looking for the typical WoW vs LoTRO answers. I don't particularly care how LoTRO plays in relation to other, specific MMOs.
However, I will say this: while I enjoyed the LoTR movies for what they were, I never really cared for Tolkein's writing. His concepts were good, but I always felt his execution and writing style were dry and boring. In other words, I'm not a Tolkein fan nor excited about the opportunity to play a MMO based upon his world. For me, that is about the same in priority as playing on Norrath or Azeroth.
That established, what does this game have to offer someone that is not a die-hard fan of Tolkein's writing?
This isn't meant to be a flame question, but quite serious for someone looking to possibly purchase the game for $20.

This is one of the very few premium MMORPGs I can feel good recommending to people.

Even without the IP of Lord of the Rings, it still is a fantastic game. It has some of the nicest grahpics... and I don't mean uber pixels.. but the way they did the art and scenery. Similar to how WoW did such an awesome job with creating their landscapes.

Some good points about LOTRO

1 beautiful game as I mentioned earlier, check out my profile, I added some sweet screenshots I took over the last few days.

2 seemless world... kinda (the main world is mostly seemless, though the dungeons and storyline are mostly instanced. Like WoW is seemless.)

3 They are releasing lots of new free content all the time, and the new expansion is coming out in a few months, which will really beef up the end game stuff.

4 awesome trait system (as opposed to talents) which you have to earn by killing things and using your skills, they aren't automatically given to you at level.

5 It has the best storyline and well written quests of any game out there.

6 its cheaper than you thought. You can buy the digi download of the game on the LOTRO site for 10 bucks.

I could go on, but get the free trial for 14 days and check it out for yourself. If you like it, it's only 10 bucks to buy the whole game.

Emeraq · July 2008

I myself enjoy LOTRO as well as tolkien's writing, and to me the game comes across as a good mix of what people liked of the movies, and of the original writing., With that said, however, I feel that if someone has to 'sell you' on a game, then the game is most likely not for you.

Sovrath · July 2008

Originally posted by Beauman

First of all, yes, I've played WoW. Also played CoH, AO, AC, AC2, EQ, EQ2, SWG, MxO . . . you get the idea.
So, I'm not looking for the typical WoW vs LoTRO answers. I don't particularly care how LoTRO plays in relation to other, specific MMOs.
However, I will say this: while I enjoyed the LoTR movies for what they were, I never really cared for Tolkein's writing. His concepts were good, but I always felt his execution and writing style were dry and boring. In other words, I'm not a Tolkein fan nor excited about the opportunity to play a MMO based upon his world. For me, that is about the same in priority as playing on Norrath or Azeroth.
That established, what does this game have to offer someone that is not a die-hard fan of Tolkein's writing?
This isn't meant to be a flame question, but quite serious for someone looking to possibly purchase the game for $20.

I don't think the game is for you based on what you said.

If you were to look on this forum you would find very in depth posts that would give you everything you want to know.

Orihuela · July 2008

lotro.com/trial

Advice: Enjoy the journey, don't rush!

Papadam · July 2008

Originally posted by Beauman

However, I will say this: while I enjoyed the LoTR movies for what they were, I never really cared for Tolkein's writing. His concepts were good, but I always felt his execution and writing style were dry and boring. In other words, I'm not a Tolkein fan nor excited about the opportunity to play a MMO based upon his world. For me, that is about the same in priority as playing on Norrath or Azeroth.

If you think Tolkiens works is dry and boring then I dont think you will like this game but try the trial and see for yourself... dont let other people tell you I you would like something or not...

kikinchaz · July 2008

Originally posted by Papadam

Originally posted by Beauman

However, I will say this: while I enjoyed the LoTR movies for what they were, I never really cared for Tolkein's writing. His concepts were good, but I always felt his execution and writing style were dry and boring. In other words, I'm not a Tolkein fan nor excited about the opportunity to play a MMO based upon his world. For me, that is about the same in priority as playing on Norrath or Azeroth.

If you think Tolkiens works is dry and boring then I dont think you will like this game but try the trial and see for yourself... dont let other people tell you I you would like something or not...

Wrong there. I've never read any of his works and I love the game.

tfox2k1 · July 2008

Originally posted by Beauman

However, I will say this: while I enjoyed the LoTR movies for what they were, I never really cared for Tolkein's writing. His concepts were good, but I always felt his execution and writing style were dry and boring. In other words, I'm not a Tolkein fan nor excited about the opportunity to play a MMO based upon his world. For me, that is about the same in priority as playing on Norrath or Azeroth.

Truthfully if you do not appreciate the writing of Tolkien I really do no believe LOTRO should be the MMO you play.

rikilii · July 2008

For a limited time only, you too can play LoTRO for less than $10.

www.lotro.com/buynow/anniversary/

What do you have to lose?

Sovrath · July 2008

Originally posted by kikinchaz

Originally posted by Papadam

Originally posted by Beauman

However, I will say this: while I enjoyed the LoTR movies for what they were, I never really cared for Tolkein's writing. His concepts were good, but I always felt his execution and writing style were dry and boring. In other words, I'm not a Tolkein fan nor excited about the opportunity to play a MMO based upon his world. For me, that is about the same in priority as playing on Norrath or Azeroth.

If you think Tolkiens works is dry and boring then I dont think you will like this game but try the trial and see for yourself... dont let other people tell you I you would like something or not...

Wrong there. I've never read any of his works and I love the game.

Yes but do you think it's dry and boring? The works that is.

True Tolkien didn't write the dialogue or the stories within the game but as the game is more on the sublime side, no flying mounts, or whacky gear or many fantastical creatures, few races few classes, it is very possible that the OP will find it less compelling than some of the other games out there thta he tried.

Also, there seems to be quite a few games that he has tried, so I think a better thing is to question him back. "Why" did you not like those games? Perhaps his answer is in that question?

Beauman · July 2008

Fair enough Sovrath. I'll answer you below as I also multi-task and hit a few points from some others.

To those that feel the game isn't for me because I am not, what seems to be the reference at other forums, a "hobbit-head" (wherever the hell that term originated from), then you seem to be missing the picture.

While I am, admittedly, a Star Wars fan . . . SWG was terrible, pure and simple. Being a Star Wars nut did nothing to change that opinion.

I'm not huge into Everquest lore, yet enjoyed Everquest 2 a lot. The reason I left was because the wife and son ultimately enjoyed WoW more, and at the time we played as a family.

I enjoy Warcraft lore, but feel the game breaks apart at end-game. I only want to run Karazhan so many times.

I enjoy City of Heroes because it's super-heroes, and I make my living (believe it or not) as a super-hero PnP RPG publsiher. However, the limited map-sets in a purely instanced-mission gaming system pretty much made me feel like I'd "seen it all" after reaching level 50.

MxO, AO, AC, AC2, et cetera were just failures.

As to why to sell me on a game, that answer is also simple. I have not yet played the game (as of today, I have the trial) and what the game offers and how it plays is the selling point in any MMO. Those answers would be the same as someone asking me to sell them on our Mutants & Masterminds RPG setting. Answering: "If we have to sell you on it, it isn't the setting for you," is about as retarded a response as anyone can make.

Selling someone is telling them the good points on a product, and why it is worth their while to give it a try.

Anyway, to the original answer I'd received . . . thank you. Your well thought-out response made me willing to spend the time to download the trial. Now, it's up to the game play to show me if it's worth me spending $20 to buy a box.

To be honest, I've played enough trials that were a waste of my time to download (and then uninstall). I've purchased enough MMOs that weren't worth the price of the sub-fee, let alone the box price.

Nowadays, giving the subpar state of the industry as far as quality, I'm even more picky in purchasing a box, nevermind taking the time to install a trial.

Regards,

Shohadaku · July 2008

LOTRO is a very strong PVE true MMORPG. Lots of content with good stories. A great overall community. More RP then I have seen since old pre cu SWG days.

Very nice ambiance in this game. The natural landscape is simply stunning. I even drove my horse off a cliff first time I was in Rivindell looking at the pretty scenery (Basiclly-Oooooo look at the pretty AHHHHHHHhhhhhhhhhh *splat*)

Lots of nice addons like being able to play your own instrument, with a very easy system that lets you play any song you transcribe.

I am a huge PVP fan so it was awhile before I even tried LOTRO ffrom listening to others reviews. LOTRO without PVP works. PVP just would not fit in the design and story of the characters.

The technical aspect LOTRO is about the most optimized, polished MMO I have ever played. It simply runs beautiful.

Like it or not will come to a matter of style. It's a solid game. If you try it make sure to level past 20 so you can get into the REAL content and use your cosmetic outfits (wonderfull idea the outfit system is).

There is a reason LOTRO stays on top of the rating list here. Weather it's your style or not, it is a high quality made game.

shipprekk · July 2008

I've played a shitton of MMOGs and they're all pretty much the same. What has impressed me thus far about LotRO is that it's simply enjoyable to play. I never really feel like I'm striving to get my character to a certain level so that I can go do this or that and the game is rarely tedious. When I start to feel like I'm grinding I stop and chat with folks, play a son, or go play a different class. Shortly thereafter I'm reminded that this is a game to be savored and not hacked through. It will have a very familiar feel to WoW and some aspects are admittedly samey, but realize that it's just the packaging.

If you do like to just barge your way through these games there are plenty of tasks for you to do but it would be easy to burn out. Instead, follow the story and stay along for the ride. The xp and lewt come effortlessly, just enjoy being in Middle-earth. Who knows, it might inspire you to try the books again.

Beauman · July 2008

Nah. I actually prefer the writing styles of Roger Zelazny, Neil Gaiman, Robert Asprin, and Steven Brust. A different beast than Tolkein (or even Terry Brooks and others). Not that I feel Tolkein is a bad writer, just not my cup of tea as far as narrative style. Just like Anne Rice never impressed me.

Anyhow . . . I'm definitely not a player that rushes through content. Took me 2 years to get a level cap in WoW, and 3 years in CoH. Mainly because:

1) I am an ALT-o-holic

2) Owning my own publishing company, I don't play daily.

3) I'm just not a power-gamer. Never was a video-gamer outside of MMOs, and for me story and character interaction are first.

Not really sure I like the animation style in LoTRO, yet. My jury is still out on it. But so far, game-play wise as far as combat goes, nothing really special.

Sovrath · July 2008

Originally posted by Beauman

Nah. I actually prefer the writing styles of Roger Zelazny, Neil Gaiman, Robert Asprin, and Steven Brust. A different beast than Tolkein (or even Terry Brooks and others). Not that I feel Tolkein is a bad writer, just not my cup of tea as far as narrative style. Just like Anne Rice never impressed me.
Anyhow . . . I'm definitely not a player that rushes through content. Took me 2 years to get a level cap in WoW, and 3 years in CoH. Mainly because:
1) I am an ALT-o-holic
2) Owning my own publishing company, I don't play daily.
3) I'm just not a power-gamer. Never was a video-gamer outside of MMOs, and for me story and character interaction are first.
Not really sure I like the animation style in LoTRO, yet. My jury is still out on it. But so far, game-play wise as far as combat goes, nothing really special.

It's possible you wont' like it.

However, I would hold your opinion until you get your character to the late [edit] teens [edit] (yeah, I know, it should grab you before hand but doesn't really in my opinion), do several of the book quests, and just for good measure to the hobbit opening instance.

Reason I say this is that I usually play elves, don't really like any other race. So in LOTRO I started an elf and always played through the first elf narrative instance.

However, I read that the hobbit one was pretty good. In my opininon it uses some techniques that you will find later in the game and gives the player a sense of how the game can convey certain elements.

Unfortunately some of this is not reached until later. The use of dread, the automatic cowering of your character, the fiery eye where the map in the upper right hand corner would be.

I will never forget approaching one of the areas in angmar and my character practically dying of fright as the screen turned color and the eye appeared.

Yeebo · July 2008

hmm

tfox2k1 · July 2008

I came from several previous MMOs, all of which I enjoyed to some extend, until end game. End game in most MMO's tend to fall apart for the exact reason you stated, I can only run the same dungeon so many times.

Other MMOs I've played rely upon endless faction or reputation farming to one slow down the power gamers and keep regular gamers out of the high end content. Then when you finally get to the point you're able to run the high end content, you realize its endless runs into the same dungeon to outfit everyone.

Additionally you're required to farm endless amounts of lower level gear to stand a chance at the next higher dungeon. Basically this creates a vast void in the player base which a working adult with a family can never cross. So you have the 'elite' players who are either unemployed adults or kiddies with endless time, or you have the regular people who never quite seem to get to the point of doing end game until its no longer end game.

Along comes LOTRO, and what interested me was the Developers stating this will be the MMO for the working adult with a life. So I figured, lets give it a try. For about the first 20 levels I was thinking, well I enjoy the LOTR universe, but the game isn't quite fantasy enough for me. Flying mounts, killing dragons and demi-gods at level 20, I was missing. Slowly this changed and I began to really enjoy the subtle nature of LOTRO.

As I progressed in levels I gained more power and started taking on dragons and other mythical beasts. But never felt the fantasy was out of line. I had grown as an MMO gamer and when I went back to EQ all the bright colors and such actually really annoyed me. Same experience, but to a lesser extent in WoW.

Yes LOTRO is a copy cat MMO, like all other MMO's. Yet this is an MMO where the rough surfaces have been ground down. If you remember the Lexus commercials from years back, where they took a ball bearing and ran it along the body lines of the car. Well that Lexus is LOTRO. Sure its in many ways like a Chevy or a Hyundai, but all of its body lines are properly aligned.

Not to say there aren't a few minor bugs, but mostly its the best running and least buggy MMO of any.

Also keep in mind a few more points, the game starts off slow and doesn't really pick up until 30+. Secondly that $199.00 special for a lifetime account is running one more month and its the best deal in the gaming world. I ended up buying two accounts and sometimes when I'm feeling crazy, consider a third. I did run 3 in EQ, and 4 in SWG and DAOC, 2 in WoW.

Basically while LOTRO isn't revolutionary it is the furthest along the evolutionary chain of any MMO we have today or for the near future. Including WAR and anything else listed currently on this webpage.

In closing, the community in LOTRO is absolutely the BEST in any MMO I've played. Seems LOTRO took the best the MMO gamers and put them together into one magical place. There are a few annoying ones, but they typically do not last long.

Vortigon · July 2008

Originally posted by tfox2k1

Originally posted by Beauman

However, I will say this: while I enjoyed the LoTR movies for what they were, I never really cared for Tolkein's writing. His concepts were good, but I always felt his execution and writing style were dry and boring. In other words, I'm not a Tolkein fan nor excited about the opportunity to play a MMO based upon his world. For me, that is about the same in priority as playing on Norrath or Azeroth.

Truthfully if you do not appreciate the writing of Tolkien I really do no believe LOTRO should be the MMO you play.

Wrong. I have no interest in Tolkien, but love LOTR as a MMORPG. It's high quality and fun to play.

It's irrelevent that it's based on Tolkien, if it had to rely on fans of his writings then it would not be as popular as it is.

It appeals to all MMO fans not just Tolkien fans or it would of died long ago.

fortuente · July 2008

"Basically while LOTRO isn't revolutionary it is the furthest along the evolutionary chain of any MMO we have today or for the near future."

I agree. LOTRO has taken the level-based paradigm and sanded it down to an almost perfect finish. This is a big reason why LOTRO is my current favorite MMO and, right now, the only one I am playing.

I am also a BIG fan of the subtlety of LOTRO with regard to the "fantasy" element of the game. Turbine pretty much has got this about as right as anyone could. This toned-down approach is a welcome relief since it seems most games (not just MMOs) have abandoned this in favor of pandering to peoples' coolness-factor.

And even though LOTRO has a loot system typical to these sorts of games, it is not really at all a phat lootz sort of system. Crafted items are often just as good or better than anything that drops from a mob, and there is not much of an arms race to be the most l33t player on your server.

Another thing I have noticed about the LOTRO community: if you have been in a game like WoW (for example) how many players have you seen with names like "Ipwnyou" or "Critshappen" or "Zomgunoob" any other number of stupid, immersion-breaking and psyche-griefing names? Hundreds if not thousands. How many in LOTRO have I noticed? A couple. There's always a few morons, but miraculously LOTRO seems to have precious few. (Maybe it has something to do with the of lack of the phat lootz and cartoonishly overdone graphics I mentioned earlier.)

I'm not an RPer (not hardcore anyway), but I think LOTRO would be a prime candidate for someone interested in that aspect of an MMORPG. Aside from the costuming you get at level 20, there is also an /rp switch you can set that announces you are RPing in the tooltip when someone mouses over your avatar in-game. Add to that the smaller-than-normal community of immersion-breaking asshats, and you have a recipe for RP fun (as much fun as you'll get in a public video game anyway).

So I hope your enjoying your trial!

I personally have been pining for a more sandbox game like EVE, but with people instead of ships - kinda like SWG pre-CU. But until a good fantasy or sci-fantasy sandbox game comes along I will be playing LOTRO if any MMO at all.

EDIT: I also think the initial reaction to your comment about not liking the LOTR books was knee-jerk. I have to admit, being something of a Tolkien fanboi for many, many years at first I was a bit put-off. But then I realized that it *is* Tolkien we are talking about - one of the great figures of 20th century English literature. I couldn't expect anyone else to be as stoked on, say, a Jane Austen MMO as I would be.

So no worries there - just take it as a positive sign that most if not all of us who are English lit nerds and Tolkien fanbois acknowledge that Turbine did a Fantastic (capital F) job with their treatment of the subject matter.

Beauman · July 2008

Don't get me wrong, I'll admit that from what I have seen thus far in the trial, Turbine has done a great job with the material.

I wouldn't say I'm not an English lit nerd, myself. Hell, I've been a published author for over 20 years (here and there) and run a publishing company of sorts (albeit a small one, currently). I just found his narrative style to be dry. Like I said, my personal tastes run more along the lines of the hit-and-run narrative styles of Roger Zelazny, Steven Brust, and Robert Asprin (and in some regards, Moorcock).

I won't say I don't like Middle Earth. I do. Just not his writing style.

fortuente · July 2008

Originally posted by Beauman

Don't get me wrong, I'll admit that from what I have seen thus far in the trial, Turbine has done a great job with the material.
I wouldn't say I'm not an English lit nerd, myself. Hell, I've been a published author for over 20 years (here and there) and run a publishing company of sorts (albeit a small one, currently). I just found his narrative style to be dry. Like I said, my personal tastes run more along the lines of the hit-and-run narrative styles of Roger Zelazny, Steven Brust, and Robert Asprin (and in some regards, Moorcock).
I won't say I don't like Middle Earth. I do. Just not his writing style.

No worries on that one. It took me quite a while I to slog my way through the books at first, and when I finally did it was mainly because I used several excellent maps from the old ICE MERPs (remember that game?) to track the fellowship's progress. I marked their path on the maps and wrote out bits of the book I liked on the back of the maps which made digesting the stories much easier for me.

Also, I floated my Jane Austen MMO idea past the gf last night and she said she would definitely play it, even though she has never played a video game in her life. Lol, I sold it as a Sims Online in early 19th century Britain. World of Fannycraft or Age of Darcy. lol

Ginaz · July 2008

If you like playing as a caster type or are really into pvp then you probably won't like it. The only type of character that you can create that even remotely resembles traditional rpg casters (like mages or wizards) is the loremaster, and even then its very very limited. Pvp is restricted to player vs. monster, where other players (including yourself) can assume the role of various monsters and fight against others playing their main characters. You can't pvp against regular players using your main. As well, the combat seemed very lacking, which might have been due to the limited types of characters you can choose from (5 I think).

All that being said, its not a bad game. Its well made, the servers are stable and bugs aren't a major issue. If you can buy it for a cheap price or (better yet) find a free trial then give it a try.

tfox2k1 · July 2008

I have always played casters, even back in AD&D with dice and books. I also enjoy PVP combat. LOTRO has both aspects of a caster and PVP nearly perfect.

First the Loremaster starts out slow, but as you progress you really gain power and versatility, which lacks in every other MMO caster I've played. As an LM I'm actually able to take hits and melee a bit, reminds me a lot of the stereotypical warlock caster (not the crap in WoW). The LM is a far more subtle yet powerful caster than any other I've played. By far my favorite caster in any MMO, until I didn't feel entirely this way until 50. Then I looked back and said is was all worth it.

PVP is simply the best, with exception of Guild Wars at release. LOTRO pvp isn't based upon gear, as much as skill. Other MMOs unless you have the best or near the best gear, obtained by spending endless hours farming, you have almost no chance. In LOTRO you can play a Monster immediately after reaching level 10 on your main. You will die a lot as a new monster, but its so much fun you hardly care. Then you start to level up and gain monster powers you suddenly realize you're pretty powerful.

In normal free people PVP, you can obtain near the top crafted loot, for a fairly cheap price and this is about 95% as good as the very best gear in the game. Basically the tread mill to being PVP competitive is far shorter than any other MMO.

LOTRO is absolutely the best MMO.

gbooster · July 2008

Originally posted by Beauman

Don't get me wrong, I'll admit that from what I have seen thus far in the trial, Turbine has done a great job with the material.
I wouldn't say I'm not an English lit nerd, myself. Hell, I've been a published author for over 20 years (here and there) and run a publishing company of sorts (albeit a small one, currently). I just found his narrative style to be dry. Like I said, my personal tastes run more along the lines of the hit-and-run narrative styles of Roger Zelazny, Steven Brust, and Robert Asprin (and in some regards, Moorcock).
I won't say I don't like Middle Earth. I do. Just not his writing style.

If you really get into this game, I would suggest, after you play the game for a few months, you go back and try to read them

You might really enjoy the novels with an understanding of how your character experienced Middle Earth, and it would definately improve your gaming experience with the game ALOT! You might just end up hangin out with Tom Bombadil for hours, RPing with the Hobbits that come by. Good times there.

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