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LoTRO gfx evolution
howardb
Member Posts: 286
How much has LoTRO changed from starter zones to book 14?
I recently bought a gtx280, a 800W PSU and overclocked my Core2Duo to 3.2ghz. That means the following weeks I'm usually a total graphics whore.
I've squeesed everything on LoTRO to max (yes I resubbed yesterday), but I'm not actually happy with it's gfx. Maybe it's because I restarted and the starter zones has worse gfx than what I remember when I stopped playing?
I remember LoTRO for having awesome gfx, but have I just become used to AoC and other games just recently released? It's probably nothing and if I know myself I'll forget all about it when I immerse myself into my new champion tonight.
Comments
I re-subbed last night and feel kind of the same way... I have all my settings at max, and get no lag, but was a little dissapointed with the graphics...
I think maybe I was just expecting too much or got used to ps3 style graphics... really for a MMO - this game is beautiful - the character animations could use some work - but the environement ( shadows, trees, grasses, sky etc) and the architechture is top notch..
I think you hit the nail on the head that you will forget it all once you are immersed in your character - which I am pretty sure this game will allow you to do better than any other on the market right now. See you in game !
It is hard to compare LOTRO to AoC's next gen engine. Some people enjoy the LOTRO more cartoony character models, but others prefer more realism.
It is a personal preference actually. I agree with you that LOTRO leaves a lot to be desired, and I enjoy AoC the most.
Aion even looks more gorgeous with the Cry Engine!
Progress is what we really are seeing is all.
i think the graphics in the game are fine. graphics are a big part of what draws me to a game but content and things to do in the game are what really make it happen for me. thats why i quit AoC. the graphics in that game were unbelieveable but once i had nothing left to do after 2 months, that was it for me.
I recently upgraded to a GTX260 with an E8400 @ 3.6GHz and it's overkill for this game. Like you said, you can max out everything. And the frame rates will still be in the 40-100 FPS range. 40s for me in the populated areas like Bree.
The graphics haven't changed much since the game launched with exception of the addition of DX10. I don't think DX10 added much more than real looking shadows and better water effects though.
One thing to make sure to check though is that you're running the high resolution client since there are 2 different versions of the client to download. You should have a texture setting of 'very high' rather than just 'high' if you are running the high res client.
I recently upgraded to a GTX260 with an E8400 @ 3.6GHz and it's overkill for this game. Like you said, you can max out everything. And the frame rates will still be in the 40-100 FPS range. 40s for me in the populated areas like Bree.
The graphics haven't changed much since the game launched with exception of the addition of DX10. I don't think DX10 added much more than real looking shadows and better water effects though.
One thing to make sure to check though is that you're running the high resolution client since there are 2 different versions of the client to download. You should have a texture setting of 'very high' rather than just 'high' if you are running the high res client.
DX10 also adds new GFX in some mobs, raid bosses, skills and zones (eg.: Forochel).
"Freedom is just another name for nothing left to lose" - Janis Joplin
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I came back to LotRO about a month ago, after being away playing AoC. I also remembered the game as having gret graphics, but was a little disppointed when I got back in. I suspect it is just the characters aren't as lifelike or as well animated as the AoC ones.
However, after getting back into the game, I really don't notice it and think the graphics are great again. It is amazing how much fun gameplay makes up for poor graphics (as long as they aren't too poor).
Are you guys using DX 10 and the hi res client? The low resolution client is often loaded/downloaded by default.
2 things:
1. Be awered you need the Highres client for best graphics
2. The best DX10 dynamic feature is DX10 distance effect which doesn't work yep. They will enable it with the expansion. With that the game looks lots better.
See I am the opposite of the OP.
I have recently come back from playing AoC and WAR (with a little WoW thrown in) and I can't help but be amazed at how good the graphics are in LOTRO and how well it runs.
LOTRO in my opinion has the best graphics engine of any MMO currently on the market.
Currently playing:
LOTRO & WoW (not much WoW though because Mines of Moria rocks!!!!)
Looking Foward too:
Bioware games (Dragon Age & Star Wars The Old Republic)
After being away for a while and having played AoC & WAR inbetween, I had forgotten just how beautiful this game is.
I just wish that I had had the patience to wait around for the high level content they eventually released.
I'm back now, but miles behind my kinship - but that serves me right.
AoC was good looking, but always felt 'detached', LoTRO looks good and feels more immersive.
Anyways, Evendim is spectacularly beautiful, but still has no boats (grrrr)
Currently Playing Nothing...
It's a strange phenonenom, but I've noticed that when you go back to an older game, one which you thought the graphics were amazing, when you try it again, you are usually disappointed.
I've been salivating over the looks off next-gen games for awhile. Due to my aging pc, I was unable to play them. So I finally got rid off my dusty, old PS 2 and bought a 360. At first the graphics were amazing, but after awhile, I found that I had gotten 'used' to them. Now, I EXPECT draw dropping visuals from the games I buy for it, and if they are not up to scratch, then I get disappointed.
After several weeks I returned to Lotro, and fair enough my machine does not handle the game in Dx10, but I noticed a drop in the visual quality, just because I had gotten used to the next-gen visuals from my console.
The same thing happened when I went back to EQ2, after being away from the game for over a year. I had an image of the EQ2 graphics in my head, which thought it was much more superior to Lotro in the visuals department. However, when I got back into the game, I was taken aback by how dated the visuals looked, and that Lotro was a much more beautiful game.
So I think you just have to accept the game for the technological level it was made for, and judge it on its own merit, rather than compare it to next-gen games such as AoC. I remember someone made a video comparing AoC and WoW, just when AoC got released, and it slagged off WoW's more dated, and comical look. However, it was hardly a fair comparison, bearing in mind the minimum spec's required for each title.
In finishing, aye, you may be disappointed for awhile, but when you adjust to the game, and accept the graphical limitations of the game engine, then you will be able to appreciate the true beauty of Lotro, especially with the upcoming expansion; Mines of Moria.
Also note that the game looks better in motion than screenshots !
Especially with DX10...
Btw yeah characters animate kind of "differently" - Mostly when running or walking if you ask me, combat animations I'm pretty happy myself as an Elf Guardian