OP : Just try it out / get a trial , its no good asking what a game is like on these boards - its all fanbois and trolls for the most-part. Play and form your own opinion , its the only way. Hope you find what you are looking for
The best advice here; try for yourself
...and i'll take offence to the fanboi comment. Does enjoying a game make a fanboi? o.0 ...I personally have been playing the game 8 months and still havent gotten bored of it yet; compared to others that say the have. So the best thing is to play it and decide for yourself.
Eh so WoW is a niche game? Seems like WoW have the most rabid fans on theese forums (not counting Darkfall)
No, Lord of the Rings: Online is a niche game in the genre that is MMOs.
haha that one really went over your head
Originally posted by Papadam
Do you have any source at all? No didnt think so... If we look a xfire stats we can see that EVE and LotrO are preyy simillar and that LotrO have alot more players than EQ 1/2. LotrO probably have around 400k-500k subs worldwide. Comparable to CoH?? lol
According to the fiscal statements of the companies. By dividing average subscriber cost, you can find approximate number of subscribers. Turbine is a publically listed company. It is not so exact that you can claim to have a precise number but enough to show tendencies. By doing a bit of browsing I also found that MMOGChart has numbers that are not so far from what I stated although I don't know what they base their numbers on. I'm aware there is a dark horse in the calculation, ie the lifetime subscribers that would only show up in year one of their fiscal statements but I was not able to find any information as to how many lifetime subscribers are currently active.
As far as I know Turbine is a private company and is therefor not publically listed. Maybe you can give a link to Turbines fisacal statement? The only thing we know (or knew) is that some months after release, LotrO had less subs than WoW but more than EQ2. (second largest NA MMO)
Originally posted by Papadam
Its pretty clear you played the game at released and now are basing your opinion on what it was like 1.5 years ago. To me the world felt alot more free and open than WoWs.
I have not included your list of what you find fun. I cannot dispute that, that's your oppinion and common sense implies that for me to say you don't find those facets fun is ridiculous.
I did not, or to be more precise, I didn't find the combined features available in Lord of the Rings: Online to be more fun or equally fun as the combined elements available in other MMOs. The biggest letdown for me was, and still is, the Traits. Yes, I'm aware they changed the system in Mines of Moria, no I do not think it adds anything of interest nor value to the game. It is a patch incorporated badly into a system that was very unimaginative to begin with if you want my honest oppinion. Changes sometimes work (Achievements added to EverQuest2 made the game better) and sometimes they don't (NGE was propably not the most popular move in Star Wars: Galaxies) and sometimes they leaves everything the same (Lord of the Rings: Online Traits change or Vanguard: Saga of Heroes re-vamp).
For me the game is not important, but the features are. Viewed from a sufficient distance, all MMOs are the same, and the distance needed for the major fantasy MMOs (World of Warcraft, EverQuest2, Lord of the Rings: Online, Warhammer: Age of Reckoning) to seem more identical than different, is even less. The preference is to be found in the little details.
This is your personal opinions and Im not gonna argue with thoose Im just going to dissagree. I have written alot fo critical posts about LotrO on this forum and my main complaint have been the lack of character custimization and the progesion at level-cap. Mines of Moria really improved the game in thoose areas wether you believe it or not and I think Turbine is moving in the right direction here. I think the trait system is alot more flexible and less cookie cuter than the trees used in most other big MMOs and Im glad that turbine did something different.
If WoW = The Beatles and WAR = Led Zeppelin Then LotrO = Pink Floyd
I remember playing lotro in beta and found it extremely boring. Then I tried it a few months or so ago, and I enjoyed it. I did find the combat a bit sluggish, but the quest lines were pretty good, especially the epic line. I think it was more the melee classes I didn't like much.
I'll probably go back and give the runekeeper a try. I do like the game, but I just can't get into the classes which is kind of a big problem for me, lol.
You really need to give the game a shot yourself though because people having varying opinions. Lets say you like a quest oriented game with good story which I find lotro to be, you might still dislike it once you log in. Could have my problem with the classes not working for you, or you don't like the combat, or any number of possiblities. Same could be said for someone whole loves the combat and classes, but hate to do quests, lol. All you can really do is give the game a shot.
Oh, as far as grouping, I started on brandywine (think thats how it was spelled) and I did solo quite a bit because it was easy to, but when I did need a fellowship (group) I found people np. Heck, often people just saw me or I them and we went, hey, you need this? and we did it.
[quote]Originally posted by Papadam [b]haha that one really went over your head [/quote] Hehe. Yeah, I misinterpreted your retort as I assumed you misunderstood my meaning. Ah well, the intricacies of written communication. Got it now, good one, I think you're right all games have their fanatical crusaders.
I decided to put the claim to the test concerning Traits. Do you need Mines of Moria to use the new system or is it like World of Warcraft where all base game elements are updated and available regardless of Expansions?
Not that it matters much, but I'd go for just a subscription renewal instead of an expansion purchase if possible.
[b]haha that one really went over your head [/quote]
Hehe. Yeah, I misinterpreted your retort as I assumed you misunderstood my meaning. Ah well, the intricacies of written communication. Got it now, good one, I think you're right all games have their fanatical crusaders.
I decided to put the claim to the test concerning Traits. Do you need Mines of Moria to use the new system or is it like World of Warcraft where all base game elements are updated and available regardless of Expansions? Not that it matters much, but I'd go for just a subscription renewal instead of an expansion purchase if possible.
No you dont need MoM for the trait sets (as far as I know) but I imagine that it doesnt have much impact untill higher levels. Legendary items is only for the expansion thou.
If WoW = The Beatles and WAR = Led Zeppelin Then LotrO = Pink Floyd
It's okay. Kind of a lonely game though, with so few people playing and those that do being so quiet. At least they aren't obnoxious, though, like in some games (Guild Wars for instance)
This is untrue, I am a quitting player from WoW (Frostmane EU) and Evernight EU on Lotro is quite populated, no matter what time I play there's always people on here and there even at low levels (10-20)
I found LOTRO to be very boring. Don't care for the classes nor the combat. The questing is NOT any better than that of WoW, so if that is your draw, you might want to pass. Not a solo friendly game. Most of the good rewards and interesting quest line, read Epic, require grouping. Something to keep in mind since you're coming from WoW.
O NOES I HAS TO PLAY WITH OTHERS
No this game is far from boring. WoW is boring, its been the same game with 10 new levels each time and more rep grinds.
Hold on Snow Leopard, imma let you finish, but Windows had one of the best operating systems of all time.
If the Powerball lottery was like Lotro, nobody would win for 2 years, and then everyone in Nebraska would win on the same day. And then Nebraska would get nerfed.-pinkwood lotro fourms
AMD 4800 2.4ghz-3GB RAM 533mhz-EVGA 9500GT 512mb-320gb HD
[quote]Originally posted by Papadam [b][quote]Originally posted by nitefly
[quote]Originally posted by Papadam [b]haha that one really went over your head [/quote] Hehe. Yeah, I misinterpreted your retort as I assumed you misunderstood my meaning. Ah well, the intricacies of written communication. Got it now, good one, I think you're right all games have their fanatical crusaders.
I decided to put the claim to the test concerning Traits. Do you need Mines of Moria to use the new system or is it like World of Warcraft where all base game elements are updated and available regardless of Expansions? Not that it matters much, but I'd go for just a subscription renewal instead of an expansion purchase if possible.
[/quote]
No you dont need MoM for the trait sets (as far as I know) but I imagine that it doesnt have much impact untill higher levels. Legendary items is only for the expansion thou.[/b][/quote] Ah well, that's like most other MMOs then.
How high level are we talking? I remember that if you wanted to, you could get to 50 from 1 in about 10 to 12 days previously. Is Character customization only available at near-to-max level or is there relevant changes that fundamentally changes character performance (including the addition of unique characteristics otherwise not attainable at the sacrifice of other things you then will not be able to do)?
I'm looking for something as impacting as slotting in City of Heroes, Talents in World of Warcraft/Age of Conan/Warhammer or Multiclassing/Feats in Dungeons & Dragons: Online.
I'm looking for something as impacting as slotting in City of Heroes, Talents in World of Warcraft/Age of Conan/Warhammer or Multiclassing/Feats in Dungeons & Dragons: Online.
LotRO traits do affect quite a lot how a class "plays" even from pretty low levels and definitely makes much greater impact on game than for example on WAR. In WoW anything that matters is your class selection in start and the amount of raid grind gear you have equipped.
AoC... isn't that the game where even basic stats are meaningless and broken still?
DDO multiclassing is different beast though and allows maybe the greatest "customisation" of character outside systems like UO, where characters skillset is freely selectable.
Originally posted by rturja Originally posted by nitefly I'm looking for something as impacting as slotting in City of Heroes, Talents in World of Warcraft/Age of Conan/Warhammer or Multiclassing/Feats in Dungeons & Dragons: Online.
LotRO traits do affect quite a lot how a class "plays" even from pretty low levels and definitely makes much greater impact on game than for example on WAR. In WoW anything that matters is your class selection in start and the amount of raid grind gear you have equipped. AoC... isn't that the game where even basic stats are meaningless and broken still? DDO multiclassing is different beast though and allows maybe the greatest "customisation" of character outside systems like UO, where characters skillset is freely selectable.
Now I'm getting curious because this is NOT what you see on Lord of the Rings: Online websites concerning Traits. Even with the new system the impact seems to be very little and gives no real change to how you would play your Character.
I'm doubly curious since you dismiss the Talents in World of Warcraft as meaningless. In Lord of the Rings: Online it reads as if we're talking small percentages, increased ability for some Skills (stop bleeding or something) but not the fundamental change as for instance going for a Frost spec in World of Warcraft that will give access to a strong Pet and several new Spells as well as alter your tactical presence in both PvE and PvP at the cost of lowering your instant damage output, less Mana management, and a strong lack of efficiency against specific enemies.
Weird that none of the Lord of the Rings: Online sites I found lists any of these Class altering effects, it just seems like minor superficial changes. But this is untrue?
Is there some website you could recommend since that kind of information would be greatly appreciated!
nitefly - "Now I'm getting curious because this is NOT what you see on Lord of the Rings: Online websites concerning Traits. Even with the new system the impact seems to be very little and gives no real change to how you would play your Character."
This is defenately not true. Atleast I can confirm for minstrel that makes big difference if you choose Warrior - Skald path or The Watcher of Resolve; dps vs healer.
Now I'm getting curious because this is NOT what you see on Lord of the Rings: Online websites concerning Traits. Even with the new system the impact seems to be very little and gives no real change to how you would play your Character. I'm doubly curious since you dismiss the Talents in World of Warcraft as meaningless. In Lord of the Rings: Online it reads as if we're talking small percentages, increased ability for some Skills (stop bleeding or something) but not the fundamental change as for instance going for a Frost spec in World of Warcraft that will give access to a strong Pet and several new Spells as well as alter your tactical presence in both PvE and PvP at the cost of lowering your instant damage output, less Mana management, and a strong lack of efficiency against specific enemies. Weird that none of the Lord of the Rings: Online sites I found lists any of these Class altering effects, it just seems like minor superficial changes. But this is untrue? Is there some website you could recommend since that kind of information would be greatly appreciated! Just finished downloading the client.
Im going to try to expain using Captain as an example since its my main class. First we have the virtue traits and the race traits that give you some limited custimization that gives your character better stats.
With class traits you get improved versions of you skills or other benefits. With the new trait sets you will get further bonuses when equipping several traits in the same of the 3 sets. You get a bonus when having 2-3-4-5 traits in a set. At lvl 59 you get your 7th and last class trait slot.
Legendary traits are very powerfull skills/bonuses that are usually harder to aquire, at level 45 you have 2 slots and get your third at lvl 60. When you have 5 class traits in a set you can slot the legendary trait from that set. In total there are 1 legendary for each trait set + 4 pre-expansion legendaries to choose from.
So now you have to choose which traits to use and how many from each set. I currently use 3/2/2 for my captain giving him some benefits from all sets but dont get the higher benefits and can only use the old legendaries since I dont have 5 traits in a set to get one of the new legendaries.
If I want to I can easily change to a 5/2 or 4/3 build in the differnt sets. The differnce theese traits and sets is pretty big but still keeps the classes broad. There are even som single traits that have a large impact on your character such as the Muster courage trait that gives MC (a fear removal/resist skill) a self heal but you cant summon a pet when you have that trait equipped. So one captain can be very different from another but you still usefull even if not speced right.
I think Papadam summed the traits pretty well with his post - Just to add that traits can make Minstrel which is my main class either a pure healbot or frontline DPS helper/healer, bit like Disciple in VG.
The main thing with LotRO I think is that there aren't "right builds", the thing that matters more is how how you use your chosen trait set with your class. The bottom line being that the classes itself are but very loose bases on which you create the character you want to ply with slotting the traits you deem worthwhile.
LOTRO is fun to play when you are playing at first time, and maybe even more fun if you have group whenever you needed for group quest or grinding elite mobs.
But it gets boring quickly if you do the same thing on a new character, and triple up the boredom for every new character. The more character you created the maximun boredom would came to you.
Unlike some other games that you level up in different zone to max level, but in LOTRO, it doesn't matter what race you are playing, you do exactly same quest exploring same maps just for the stupid virtues. And the stupid virtue are not even updated in the Moria expansion.
Larry2298 ... not realy true. You have many areas that you can skip and still lvl up to max, so you can do them with your alt later. For example I maxed my minstrel to lvl 60 not doing much of quests in Durin's Way or Fundation of stone and Redhorn Lodes. Those areas I will explore with my other alts.
Same when u are lvl 40+, you can decide between Angmar or Forochel, or maybe Eregion.
Larry2298 ... not realy true. You have many areas that you can skip and still lvl up to max, so you can do them with your alt later. For example I maxed my minstrel to lvl 60 not doing much of quests in Durin's Way or Fundation of stone and Redhorn Lodes. This areas I will explore with my other alts. Same when u are lvl 40+, you can decide between Angmar or Forochel, or maybe Eregion.
There are many ways to level up character, and you dont need to chose between Angmar or Forechel if you don't even care about virtue level.
But, you may want to know the importance of virtue in lotro.
Unlike other games, quest gives exp or reward some silvers or armor/weapon things like that. In lotro, since lotro is storyline based and quest grinding game, so each zone may have 3 phase quest completion, and some up to 4 phase (intermediate). Upon complettion of each phase you will gain 1 level up Virtue.
And you need to complete 8 books both vol 1 and vol 2 questss.
I always maxed out my role doesn't matter in any game. But it's your choice to play a weaker role.
If you tried to maxed 3 characters or just 2, then you will know how boring is that.
Before MOM I had 3 lvl 50's. On 2 all traits maxed. With Moria deeds for virtue traits are now easier to max out and you dont need to visit every place or do every quest.
Comments
The best advice here; try for yourself
...and i'll take offence to the fanboi comment. Does enjoying a game make a fanboi? o.0 ...I personally have been playing the game 8 months and still havent gotten bored of it yet; compared to others that say the have. So the best thing is to play it and decide for yourself.
I have not included your list of what you find fun. I cannot dispute that, that's your oppinion and common sense implies that for me to say you don't find those facets fun is ridiculous.
I did not, or to be more precise, I didn't find the combined features available in Lord of the Rings: Online to be more fun or equally fun as the combined elements available in other MMOs. The biggest letdown for me was, and still is, the Traits. Yes, I'm aware they changed the system in Mines of Moria, no I do not think it adds anything of interest nor value to the game. It is a patch incorporated badly into a system that was very unimaginative to begin with if you want my honest oppinion. Changes sometimes work (Achievements added to EverQuest2 made the game better) and sometimes they don't (NGE was propably not the most popular move in Star Wars: Galaxies) and sometimes they leaves everything the same (Lord of the Rings: Online Traits change or Vanguard: Saga of Heroes re-vamp).
For me the game is not important, but the features are. Viewed from a sufficient distance, all MMOs are the same, and the distance needed for the major fantasy MMOs (World of Warcraft, EverQuest2, Lord of the Rings: Online, Warhammer: Age of Reckoning) to seem more identical than different, is even less. The preference is to be found in the little details.
This is your personal opinions and Im not gonna argue with thoose Im just going to dissagree. I have written alot fo critical posts about LotrO on this forum and my main complaint have been the lack of character custimization and the progesion at level-cap. Mines of Moria really improved the game in thoose areas wether you believe it or not and I think Turbine is moving in the right direction here. I think the trait system is alot more flexible and less cookie cuter than the trees used in most other big MMOs and Im glad that turbine did something different.
If WoW = The Beatles
and WAR = Led Zeppelin
Then LotrO = Pink Floyd
I remember playing lotro in beta and found it extremely boring. Then I tried it a few months or so ago, and I enjoyed it. I did find the combat a bit sluggish, but the quest lines were pretty good, especially the epic line. I think it was more the melee classes I didn't like much.
I'll probably go back and give the runekeeper a try. I do like the game, but I just can't get into the classes which is kind of a big problem for me, lol.
You really need to give the game a shot yourself though because people having varying opinions. Lets say you like a quest oriented game with good story which I find lotro to be, you might still dislike it once you log in. Could have my problem with the classes not working for you, or you don't like the combat, or any number of possiblities. Same could be said for someone whole loves the combat and classes, but hate to do quests, lol. All you can really do is give the game a shot.
Oh, as far as grouping, I started on brandywine (think thats how it was spelled) and I did solo quite a bit because it was easy to, but when I did need a fellowship (group) I found people np. Heck, often people just saw me or I them and we went, hey, you need this? and we did it.
[quote]Originally posted by Papadam
[/quote]
[b]haha that one really went over your head
Hehe. Yeah, I misinterpreted your retort as I assumed you misunderstood my meaning. Ah well, the intricacies of written communication. Got it now, good one, I think you're right all games have their fanatical crusaders.
I decided to put the claim to the test concerning Traits. Do you need Mines of Moria to use the new system or is it like World of Warcraft where all base game elements are updated and available regardless of Expansions?
Not that it matters much, but I'd go for just a subscription renewal instead of an expansion purchase if possible.
No you dont need MoM for the trait sets (as far as I know) but I imagine that it doesnt have much impact untill higher levels. Legendary items is only for the expansion thou.
If WoW = The Beatles
and WAR = Led Zeppelin
Then LotrO = Pink Floyd
This is untrue, I am a quitting player from WoW (Frostmane EU) and Evernight EU on Lotro is quite populated, no matter what time I play there's always people on here and there even at low levels (10-20)
O NOES I HAS TO PLAY WITH OTHERS
No this game is far from boring. WoW is boring, its been the same game with 10 new levels each time and more rep grinds.
Hold on Snow Leopard, imma let you finish, but Windows had one of the best operating systems of all time.
If the Powerball lottery was like Lotro, nobody would win for 2 years, and then everyone in Nebraska would win on the same day.
And then Nebraska would get nerfed.-pinkwood lotro fourms
AMD 4800 2.4ghz-3GB RAM 533mhz-EVGA 9500GT 512mb-320gb HD
[quote]Originally posted by Papadam
[b][quote]Originally posted by nitefly
[quote]Originally posted by Papadam
[/quote]
[b]haha that one really went over your head
Hehe. Yeah, I misinterpreted your retort as I assumed you misunderstood my meaning. Ah well, the intricacies of written communication. Got it now, good one, I think you're right all games have their fanatical crusaders.
I decided to put the claim to the test concerning Traits. Do you need Mines of Moria to use the new system or is it like World of Warcraft where all base game elements are updated and available regardless of Expansions?
Not that it matters much, but I'd go for just a subscription renewal instead of an expansion purchase if possible.
[/quote]
No you dont need MoM for the trait sets (as far as I know) but I imagine that it doesnt have much impact untill higher levels. Legendary items is only for the expansion thou.[/b][/quote]
Ah well, that's like most other MMOs then.
How high level are we talking? I remember that if you wanted to, you could get to 50 from 1 in about 10 to 12 days previously. Is Character customization only available at near-to-max level or is there relevant changes that fundamentally changes character performance (including the addition of unique characteristics otherwise not attainable at the sacrifice of other things you then will not be able to do)?
I'm looking for something as impacting as slotting in City of Heroes, Talents in World of Warcraft/Age of Conan/Warhammer or Multiclassing/Feats in Dungeons & Dragons: Online.
LotRO traits do affect quite a lot how a class "plays" even from pretty low levels and definitely makes much greater impact on game than for example on WAR. In WoW anything that matters is your class selection in start and the amount of raid grind gear you have equipped.
AoC... isn't that the game where even basic stats are meaningless and broken still?
DDO multiclassing is different beast though and allows maybe the greatest "customisation" of character outside systems like UO, where characters skillset is freely selectable.
Playing: AC2
Played: UO, DaoC, Horizons, Ryzom, WAR, LotRO, Eve, VG...
LotRO traits do affect quite a lot how a class "plays" even from pretty low levels and definitely makes much greater impact on game than for example on WAR. In WoW anything that matters is your class selection in start and the amount of raid grind gear you have equipped.
AoC... isn't that the game where even basic stats are meaningless and broken still?
DDO multiclassing is different beast though and allows maybe the greatest "customisation" of character outside systems like UO, where characters skillset is freely selectable.
Now I'm getting curious because this is NOT what you see on Lord of the Rings: Online websites concerning Traits. Even with the new system the impact seems to be very little and gives no real change to how you would play your Character.
I'm doubly curious since you dismiss the Talents in World of Warcraft as meaningless. In Lord of the Rings: Online it reads as if we're talking small percentages, increased ability for some Skills (stop bleeding or something) but not the fundamental change as for instance going for a Frost spec in World of Warcraft that will give access to a strong Pet and several new Spells as well as alter your tactical presence in both PvE and PvP at the cost of lowering your instant damage output, less Mana management, and a strong lack of efficiency against specific enemies.
Weird that none of the Lord of the Rings: Online sites I found lists any of these Class altering effects, it just seems like minor superficial changes. But this is untrue?
Is there some website you could recommend since that kind of information would be greatly appreciated!
Just finished downloading the client.
nitefly - "Now I'm getting curious because this is NOT what you see on Lord of the Rings: Online websites concerning Traits. Even with the new system the impact seems to be very little and gives no real change to how you would play your Character."
This is defenately not true. Atleast I can confirm for minstrel that makes big difference if you choose Warrior - Skald path or The Watcher of Resolve; dps vs healer.
Im going to try to expain using Captain as an example since its my main class. First we have the virtue traits and the race traits that give you some limited custimization that gives your character better stats.
With class traits you get improved versions of you skills or other benefits. With the new trait sets you will get further bonuses when equipping several traits in the same of the 3 sets. You get a bonus when having 2-3-4-5 traits in a set. At lvl 59 you get your 7th and last class trait slot.
Legendary traits are very powerfull skills/bonuses that are usually harder to aquire, at level 45 you have 2 slots and get your third at lvl 60. When you have 5 class traits in a set you can slot the legendary trait from that set. In total there are 1 legendary for each trait set + 4 pre-expansion legendaries to choose from.
As a captain you have 3 sets that focus on: Tanking/DPS, healing or Buffs/utility. Here is the dev-diary about Moria captain changes http://www.lotro.com/gameinfo/devdiaries/245-developer-diary-captain-advancement-beyond-level-50
So now you have to choose which traits to use and how many from each set. I currently use 3/2/2 for my captain giving him some benefits from all sets but dont get the higher benefits and can only use the old legendaries since I dont have 5 traits in a set to get one of the new legendaries.
If I want to I can easily change to a 5/2 or 4/3 build in the differnt sets. The differnce theese traits and sets is pretty big but still keeps the classes broad. There are even som single traits that have a large impact on your character such as the Muster courage trait that gives MC (a fear removal/resist skill) a self heal but you cant summon a pet when you have that trait equipped. So one captain can be very different from another but you still usefull even if not speced right.
More reading:
Trait sets: http://www.lotro.com/gameinfo/devdiaries/248-developer-diary-trait-sets
Traitsmastery: http://www.lotro.com/component/content/article/250-traits-mastery
If WoW = The Beatles
and WAR = Led Zeppelin
Then LotrO = Pink Floyd
I think Papadam summed the traits pretty well with his post - Just to add that traits can make Minstrel which is my main class either a pure healbot or frontline DPS helper/healer, bit like Disciple in VG.
The main thing with LotRO I think is that there aren't "right builds", the thing that matters more is how how you use your chosen trait set with your class. The bottom line being that the classes itself are but very loose bases on which you create the character you want to ply with slotting the traits you deem worthwhile.
Playing: AC2
Played: UO, DaoC, Horizons, Ryzom, WAR, LotRO, Eve, VG...
Okay, I'm not THAT pretentious! Hehe!
Might see you around if you play on EU servers.
LOTRO is fun to play when you are playing at first time, and maybe even more fun if you have group whenever you needed for group quest or grinding elite mobs.
But it gets boring quickly if you do the same thing on a new character, and triple up the boredom for every new character. The more character you created the maximun boredom would came to you.
Unlike some other games that you level up in different zone to max level, but in LOTRO, it doesn't matter what race you are playing, you do exactly same quest exploring same maps just for the stupid virtues. And the stupid virtue are not even updated in the Moria expansion.
Larry2298 ... not realy true. You have many areas that you can skip and still lvl up to max, so you can do them with your alt later. For example I maxed my minstrel to lvl 60 not doing much of quests in Durin's Way or Fundation of stone and Redhorn Lodes. Those areas I will explore with my other alts.
Same when u are lvl 40+, you can decide between Angmar or Forochel, or maybe Eregion.
There are many ways to level up character, and you dont need to chose between Angmar or Forechel if you don't even care about virtue level.
But, you may want to know the importance of virtue in lotro.
Unlike other games, quest gives exp or reward some silvers or armor/weapon things like that. In lotro, since lotro is storyline based and quest grinding game, so each zone may have 3 phase quest completion, and some up to 4 phase (intermediate). Upon complettion of each phase you will gain 1 level up Virtue.
And you need to complete 8 books both vol 1 and vol 2 questss.
I always maxed out my role doesn't matter in any game. But it's your choice to play a weaker role.
If you tried to maxed 3 characters or just 2, then you will know how boring is that.
It's very true.
Before MOM I had 3 lvl 50's. On 2 all traits maxed. With Moria deeds for virtue traits are now easier to max out and you dont need to visit every place or do every quest.
It is interesting to know how easier to maxed out virtue in MoM? Was it more difficult before MoM?
Yep, killing less is one example.
Second, many deeds you can finish just doing instances.