I would say it's equal with AoC, having played both. And LOTRO is far better than L2 and WAY better than Guild Wars. Guild Wars has stiff animations a lot of the time, faces are all quite flat, any dynamic shadows/lighting is non-existent. L2 has some really nice lighting and post proccesing, although once you turn that have you have some pretty shoddy graphics.
Vanguard has some nice high-res texture and I would rank it up pretty high, probably equal with LOTRO and AoC. Let me put it this way:
1. LOTRO - AoC - VG - Honorary Mention for Tabula Rasa -- 3 Way Tie - They all look really nice and have what I'd expect in games today, dynamic lighting and deferred lighting, high-res textures, high poly models and pretty fluid animation. Also, both LOTRO and AoC run on DX10, which really does add a nice boost. The honorary mention for TR is there becuase it also had this, fluid animation, high-res textures, high poly models, the art style was great, it had the deferred and dynamic lighting (what's awesome is that flamethrowers would create new light sources, pretty cool in an MMO). It gets top ratings even if I can't play it... yet
2. CoX - The textures are sharp and I love the little physics details. The only issue is that some textures, like the faces and earlier hair styles, aren't so great.
3. L2 - GW -- 2 Way Tie. They don't look bad, and I enjoy GW, but the graphics are sub par. There's little/no dynamic lighting or deferred lighting (I don't care when it was made, because it's not 2004 anymore and I'm not comparing it to a 2004 game). L2 has some nice Post-Processing effects and shadows, really good effects all around, like the water reflections and what not. But the models and textures, especially on detailed stuff, are a bit low res.
4. WoW - It's an old game, it's aged well (although it bores me to death). Although the textures are sub par as are a lot of the effects. Sub par isn't bad, just not great.
5. Runescape - I actually put this on the list over my other choices (SWG and Planetside) because I didn't play PS long enough to judge it and SWG doesn't really have many players left. After the graphics update, RS actually looks decent. You really have to consider, it's a browser game. Again, if I was taking into consideration fully some of the techinal achievements certain games would have ranked higher (CoX, WoW, GW). But comparing then purely graphical, RS doesn't. No lighting, low res textures, which is why it rounds out the bottom.
By the way, can anyone justify why Guild Wars looks better than LOTRO? I just don't see it, at all. It looks nice, sure, but it's not up to par with a game like LOTRO, if you think it is, please, tell why.
Yes, I agree with the clipping and collision problems, and hope they're fixed. I've ran through some odd stuff (anvils, dwarves, elves, humans, walls, the ground). Although I run some odd places, I hope that stuff gets sensible collision detections. Like the forges aren't ten feet high, when the models ends far before it. Although this doesn't ruin the enjoyment of the game, just as GW graphics don't and as AoC's graphics didn't increase the enjoyment. The gameplay stays the same.
____________________________ Telthalion Rohircil - Guardian - Elemandir - Lord of The Rings Online --- == RIP == Torey - Commando - Orion - Tabula Rasa == RIP == --- Jordaniel Torey - Navy Megathron, Active Armor Tank - Tranquility - EVE Online --- Torey Scott - Rifleman - Fallen Earth ____________________________
"I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but I know World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones." - Albert Einstein
Lotro graphics are nice but not better than Guild Wars or Lineage 2.
ROTFL that made my day
Irony is cool.
Why the necro BTW?
DB
HAHA, i was going to say the same thing. How in god's name can someone think that GW's and L2 have great graphics, that shit looks almost like korean f2p grinders. I am exaggerating a little bit there but it really just looks like a really nice f2p korean game....which is what it is. They should no means be anywhere near this discussion, what the hell are people looking at when they make a retarded statement like this. Open your eye and then think before you act.
Yeah i know i'm trolling right now....sorry but the statement involving GW and L2 is the dumbest damn thing i think i have read on these forums.
I would say AOC has the best graphics of any MMO i have played. LOTRO would be next . EQ2 is also nice for its age. WOW is pretty but i need some amount of realism even in my fantasy Cant comment on EVE as i havnt played it but ive heard the graphics are good in that game also but fantasy is all i play so im limited on my experience somewhat.
I agree with the graphics on this one. AoC is a dark horse that got off to a bad start but I do believe we will see that change. I do not play aoc right now but I am tempted to give it a 30 day retry now that they are doing the directx 10.
In proportion to the machine that you need to run it well, LoTRO has astounding graphics. TR, for example, looked and ran like crap on my PC even on the lowest settings. My PC could likely not even run AoC at a playable frame rate. In contrast, LoTRO runs well and looks fantastic on medium settings on my PC. Even without DX 10 or post processing effects, it's still a very pretty game.
I don't want to write this, and you don't want to read it. But now it's too late for both of us.
I feel that, to those who enjoy a realistic graphical approach, LotRO is by far the best among MMO's. I'm a founder, and I still find myself standing still and just staring, not just at newly discovered areas, but all favorite places, even in the starter zones. For those who find it bland, it is worth noting that the game strives for a very realistic design, which has often given me the feeling that I've just "stepped into" the scene. I've never felt that way with the various stylistic designs of other games, so LotRO's approach works very well.
However, for those who follow this site and others which feature copious screenshots from various games, I'd say this isn't a well-kept secret. LotRO appeals to a specific segment of the player base VERY well, and to the general MMO player base fairly well. For some, the game itself cannot appeal, and the graphics would therefore be irrelevant. For others, the game is not "fantastical" enough, not enough of an escape, and the environments would feel less appealing to those who enjoy places either more dreamlike or far grittier.
Many players who don't care for the game, though, will agree that it's graphically outstanding. If it seems a well-kept secret, that'd be because the size of its player base cannot compare -- nor tries to, for which I'm VERY thankful -- to certain other games, the most popular of which has graphics which are, overall by my standards, merely good, sometimes very good, and very rarely, so good as to be deserving of the game's acronym. To many -- perhaps most? -- of the players there, almost ALL other games are virtual unknowns, including those that preceeded it (UO, RuneScape, etc.). That game brought so many players to the MMO community; some leave there and discover other games, but some do not. It's those who come to places like this (mmorpg.com) who are already well-aware, even if they don't play it, that the graphics in LotRO are exceptional.
I played for about a month or so after initial release then stopped. Cant recall why exactly but I am sure my addiction to a certin other game (hint...me an 10 million others) had something to do with it. Anyway, this game may be the best kept secret in MMO's. It has, by far the best graphics (I have played AoC and LoTR is far better). It uses DirectX 10 (only current MMO?) and is just plain fun. I hope more people will give it a try. Dont expect it to compete membership wise with above un-named game...but would like for it to stay around for a long time. I think espec ially those that think AoC is best graphically should give it a shot. They are in for a surprise.
It depends what you judge the graphics on. I have played both games for a long time, well LotRO 2 months only but I think you are quite wrong here. I like LotRO's graphics but they aren't even close to AoC dx10 or not.
* Avatars - AoC really does own this with minute detail and real depth of muscles etc.
* Nature / Greenery - AoC looks like it has been drawn with no repetition on any map. Such small details in flowers, grass etc. There is so much foliage you feel like you can get lost in it. LotRO has nice scenary but its mostly flat with lots of open space...cant believe you can compare the two.
* combat - dont even go there. AoC has slightly clunky graphics in combat. AoC has full gore and when bodies fly it looks like an actor.
* Buildings, objects - there are times i stop and zoom in on an object because I cant believe the detail. I even noticed a mozaic in a dungeon and it looked almost real.
Let me state something. I really like LotRO and I think it has the 2nd best graphics in the industry but hand on heart its hard to imagine any game in the market close to AoC in quality for graphics and detail. If I could be arsed I would put some screenies up to prove it.
IMO LotrO and AoC are the only ones I consider having great graphics (even if ther are other games who look good). LotrO have better landscape and AoC haven beter characters and animation.
Its really wierd how different peoples opinion is about the visuals.. Personally I think games like EQ2 and VG looks horrible.
If WoW = The Beatles and WAR = Led Zeppelin Then LotrO = Pink Floyd
Graphics in MMOs is always such a fun discussion IMO LotrO and AoC are the only ones I consider having great graphics (even if ther are other games who look good). LotrO have better landscape and AoC haven beter characters and animation. Its really wierd how different peoples opinion is about the visuals.. Personally I think games like EQ2 and VG looks horrible.
I agree with the LOTRO -AOC comparison but i think EQ2 graphics are decent, not on a par with the other two but not bad. I especially like the spell affects in EQ2. But you are right LOTRO and AOC are the two that have great graphics. Ive heard it said that EVE online also has good graphics but have never played it so i dont know.
I LOLed. But yeah, I've been impressed by the oeverall atmosphere conveyed in some of the screenshots, if not the actual graphics from a technical standpoint. I'll probably try it out again now that I've become bored with EQ2.
Lotor Landscapes: "was" better than AOC before DX10. One reason was "Depth of Field"
Now with DX10 that has been Fixed. Its like a brand new Game. One of my Clan mates Said it looked it allot of ways. like Crysis. i dont think so but its damn good.
AOC: has always had better models.
But the Trees in AOC are retarded.
Now.. Anyone that really knows about gaming, would know that Screen shots are not a good way to show a games graphics.
You can always set it up to get the "best image". But when you turn around, the game looks like shit. (AOC's Trees up close? looking up at them with the sun as a back drop..... Lego tree?)
But with the new DX10....wow, you have to play it to Get what I'm saying. (even know its bugged as hell... but its a beta)
I did love Lotor and did agree its graphics are Under rated.
But Conan in terms of quality (aside from Taste and Bugs) now completely Destroys Lotor.
But one thing you should all know... is something I found the other day.
You remember back when the only good games (graphics, game play etc.) came from Japan?
And they would not release certain games into EU or US. (we were not worthy?)
And you had to get a Modded PS1 N64 to play them?
I thought that was all a thing of the past, and that the States and EU caught up..... (NOPE....NOT AT ALL)
Someone just mentioned Korean Grinders having bad graphics.
Yea from what i gathered, that's the Crap they give us to play.
Some of the games I saw on this site, makes everything we have ever played look like dog shit.
It seams like when they are done with a game (its a respected art form in the east. here your just a nerd)
they kick there scraps to us, or keep it to themselves.
this game here is full DX10, Physics, full everything and its all Game play. (Unreal 3 Engine and a few others)
Yes... some of the art direction is a matter of taste, but put that aside. look at the lighting , Animations, textures, Depth of field, etc, all the elements that would make a good game. You will realize that its back to that east vs west Game war. and we are soundly losing. at least in Terms of Graphics. Who knows if game-play is good. But it Fucking looks like it...
"Beauty is only is only skin deep..." said the AMD/ATI fan. "Blah..Thats just what ugly people say..." said the Intel/Nvidia fan. You want price / performance, use the dollar menu..
I agree that LoTR has great graphics. It's not even that they are the "best" but perhaps it's that the graphics are the "best" fit for this game. IMO LoTR has the best atmosphere than any other MMO. I don't play LoTRO but mostly because I never really found a good group of friends to play with. It sure was pretty and fun to explore though... kinda makes me want to play it right now the more i think about it.
For the system requirements it supports, yes , they are the best.
---------- "Anyone posting on this forum is not an average user, and there for any opinions about the game are going to be overly critical compared to an average users opinions." - Me
"Hello person posting on a site specifically for MMO's in a thread on a sub forum specifically for a particular game talking about meta features and making comparisons to other titles in the genre, and their meta features.
I would agree that graphics are not the most imortant thing in a game (if so why are Maple Story and WoW so popular). However, I like eye candy and have a fast enough computer to appreciate it. I totally agree with previous posters arguements that character design and animation in LOTRO is not that great, and hope the system gets an update sometime down the road. I have seen clips and screen shots of AION and the Cry engine just sets a new benchmark in graphics.
Lets try to keep in mind, what kind of computer AOC requires to run VS. The computer for LOTRO.
Yes, AOC is stunning, but for the machine requirements, LOTRO is simply the best. Two diffrent classes of requirements here.
---------- "Anyone posting on this forum is not an average user, and there for any opinions about the game are going to be overly critical compared to an average users opinions." - Me
"Hello person posting on a site specifically for MMO's in a thread on a sub forum specifically for a particular game talking about meta features and making comparisons to other titles in the genre, and their meta features.
Lets try to keep in mind, what kind of computer AOC requires to run VS. The computer for LOTRO. Yes, AOC is stunning, but for the machine requirements, LOTRO is simply the best. Two diffrent classes of requirements here.
Put another way, on a high end "price is no object" PC, AoC has the best graphics among modern MMOs (at least I think most would agree). Which MMO comes after that will be a matter of personal taste, but LoTRO is certainly in the top five. My top three would be AoC, TR (defunct), and LoTRO.
However, on an average to old PC, LoTRO has the best graphics available. Nothing that runs well on my PC looks nearly as good. TR looked and ran like ass, and AoC would likely not run at all (haven't tried it...was turned off by the "bewbs and blood" marketing and the abortion of a launch).
I don't want to write this, and you don't want to read it. But now it's too late for both of us.
Best PVE,RP game i ever played. well i used to play at least. they took there time ith this game as you can tell. unlike most games who through in some crap story line and quest lines, LOTRO has the best quests and story lines i ever seen. they did the book justice being i read all of the LOTR books. Some things are a bit diffrent but for the most part great story detail for a game. an honestly i never seen a game with so many friendly players, especialy RP's.
As for grahic stand points its better then most IMO and has more detail then any game i ever seen. An i have played alot. and for fun stand point its a 9. An honestly the idea of the game with the best grahics is the best is a dum thing to say after all if its got a 10 in grahics and a 3 for game play its not worth it. Yes LOTRO dos not have the best grahics but hell its got the best game play i have ever had the plessure of playing.
There is a lot of detail in LotRO that's easy to take for granted. For example, stand in the Bree-fields on a moonlit night and watch the grass ripple in the moonlight. Or see how the buildings in town come alight as the sun goes down. All without slowing your frame rates to a crawl, and all without the instancing of AoC.
That's not to say the graphics are perfect. Lone Lands are pretty depressing, really. North Downs are a different flavor of depressing. But overall, the game is quite beautiful.
There are also some touches that AoC simply doesn't come close to rivaling. Last night I finally made it to Forochel for the first time. I enjoyed watching the aurora borealis come and go overhead while I was questing. Then my adventuring led me deeper into the zone, and when I came out one the other side of the ice tunnels I could scarcely see a thing. It was snowy and foggy to the point where the road was hard to spot in the dark and the only signs of civilization were when the glow of a torch could occasionally be seen through the gloom. It was thoroughly creepy and enjoyable all at the same time. Today I logged back in to continue adventuring -- and was shocked. The sun was shining brightly, and I could see for miles. Stuff that I'd stumbled around in the dark to find at all was no easily spotted at a distance. Totally different atmosphere. A little later in the day, it started to snow again but as large flakes without any fog to be found.
I have never seen such impressive weather in any other game. Not only does the weather perfectly fit each zone when it comes rolling in, but there are actually multiple severity levels. Very cool stuff.
Just joined this site so thought I'd post my 2 cents worth for the first time.
I personally have only played 3 MMO's (well, one is a "sort of" MMO so i don't know if it really counts).
Eve-Online.
Guild Wars.
LoTRO.
Graphically speaking, I think LoTR is (to me) about the same as GW. Like the person before me said though, the weather in LoTR is awesome and way better (can't even recall if there was "any" weather in GW, I don't think so though).
As far as fun goes, of the 3 games I listed, LoTR is by FAR the most fun I've paid for. Actually, after playing for a little while now, I actually feel kinda jipped that I wasted so many months on Eve as that game gets excruciatingly boring in so many ways.
Not trying to be a fan boy or knock anyone else's opinion, just sharing my 2 cents worth and my 2 cents worth is this:
This game, LoTR, is worth every single penny so far, I'm having a great time playing it. It's just so darn fun to play.
See you out there. o/
Char = Hunter by same name. Firefoot for server.
"We may throw the dice, but the Lord determines how they fall." -Proverbs 16:33
There is a lot of detail in LotRO that's easy to take for granted. For example, stand in the Bree-fields on a moonlit night and watch the grass ripple in the moonlight. Or see how the buildings in town come alight as the sun goes down. All without slowing your frame rates to a crawl, and all without the instancing of AoC. That's not to say the graphics are perfect. Lone Lands are pretty depressing, really. North Downs are a different flavor of depressing. But overall, the game is quite beautiful. There are also some touches that AoC simply doesn't come close to rivaling. Last night I finally made it to Forochel for the first time. I enjoyed watching the aurora borealis come and go overhead while I was questing. Then my adventuring led me deeper into the zone, and when I came out one the other side of the ice tunnels I could scarcely see a thing. It was snowy and foggy to the point where the road was hard to spot in the dark and the only signs of civilization were when the glow of a torch could occasionally be seen through the gloom. It was thoroughly creepy and enjoyable all at the same time. Today I logged back in to continue adventuring -- and was shocked. The sun was shining brightly, and I could see for miles. Stuff that I'd stumbled around in the dark to find at all was no easily spotted at a distance. Totally different atmosphere. A little later in the day, it started to snow again but as large flakes without any fog to be found. I have never seen such impressive weather in any other game. Not only does the weather perfectly fit each zone when it comes rolling in, but there are actually multiple severity levels. Very cool stuff.
QFT.
---------- "Anyone posting on this forum is not an average user, and there for any opinions about the game are going to be overly critical compared to an average users opinions." - Me
"Hello person posting on a site specifically for MMO's in a thread on a sub forum specifically for a particular game talking about meta features and making comparisons to other titles in the genre, and their meta features.
---------- "Anyone posting on this forum is not an average user, and there for any opinions about the game are going to be overly critical compared to an average users opinions." - Me
"Hello person posting on a site specifically for MMO's in a thread on a sub forum specifically for a particular game talking about meta features and making comparisons to other titles in the genre, and their meta features.
Comments
I would say it's equal with AoC, having played both. And LOTRO is far better than L2 and WAY better than Guild Wars. Guild Wars has stiff animations a lot of the time, faces are all quite flat, any dynamic shadows/lighting is non-existent. L2 has some really nice lighting and post proccesing, although once you turn that have you have some pretty shoddy graphics.
Vanguard has some nice high-res texture and I would rank it up pretty high, probably equal with LOTRO and AoC. Let me put it this way:
1. LOTRO - AoC - VG - Honorary Mention for Tabula Rasa -- 3 Way Tie - They all look really nice and have what I'd expect in games today, dynamic lighting and deferred lighting, high-res textures, high poly models and pretty fluid animation. Also, both LOTRO and AoC run on DX10, which really does add a nice boost. The honorary mention for TR is there becuase it also had this, fluid animation, high-res textures, high poly models, the art style was great, it had the deferred and dynamic lighting (what's awesome is that flamethrowers would create new light sources, pretty cool in an MMO). It gets top ratings even if I can't play it... yet
2. CoX - The textures are sharp and I love the little physics details. The only issue is that some textures, like the faces and earlier hair styles, aren't so great.
3. L2 - GW -- 2 Way Tie. They don't look bad, and I enjoy GW, but the graphics are sub par. There's little/no dynamic lighting or deferred lighting (I don't care when it was made, because it's not 2004 anymore and I'm not comparing it to a 2004 game). L2 has some nice Post-Processing effects and shadows, really good effects all around, like the water reflections and what not. But the models and textures, especially on detailed stuff, are a bit low res.
4. WoW - It's an old game, it's aged well (although it bores me to death). Although the textures are sub par as are a lot of the effects. Sub par isn't bad, just not great.
5. Runescape - I actually put this on the list over my other choices (SWG and Planetside) because I didn't play PS long enough to judge it and SWG doesn't really have many players left. After the graphics update, RS actually looks decent. You really have to consider, it's a browser game. Again, if I was taking into consideration fully some of the techinal achievements certain games would have ranked higher (CoX, WoW, GW). But comparing then purely graphical, RS doesn't. No lighting, low res textures, which is why it rounds out the bottom.
By the way, can anyone justify why Guild Wars looks better than LOTRO? I just don't see it, at all. It looks nice, sure, but it's not up to par with a game like LOTRO, if you think it is, please, tell why.
Yes, I agree with the clipping and collision problems, and hope they're fixed. I've ran through some odd stuff (anvils, dwarves, elves, humans, walls, the ground). Although I run some odd places, I hope that stuff gets sensible collision detections. Like the forges aren't ten feet high, when the models ends far before it. Although this doesn't ruin the enjoyment of the game, just as GW graphics don't and as AoC's graphics didn't increase the enjoyment. The gameplay stays the same.
____________________________
Telthalion Rohircil - Guardian - Elemandir - Lord of The Rings Online
---
== RIP == Torey - Commando - Orion - Tabula Rasa == RIP ==
---
Jordaniel Torey - Navy Megathron, Active Armor Tank - Tranquility - EVE Online
---
Torey Scott - Rifleman - Fallen Earth
____________________________
"I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but I know World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones." - Albert Einstein
ROTFL that made my day
Irony is cool.
Why the necro BTW?
DB
HAHA, i was going to say the same thing. How in god's name can someone think that GW's and L2 have great graphics, that shit looks almost like korean f2p grinders. I am exaggerating a little bit there but it really just looks like a really nice f2p korean game....which is what it is. They should no means be anywhere near this discussion, what the hell are people looking at when they make a retarded statement like this. Open your eye and then think before you act.
Yeah i know i'm trolling right now....sorry but the statement involving GW and L2 is the dumbest damn thing i think i have read on these forums.
I would say AOC has the best graphics of any MMO i have played. LOTRO would be next . EQ2 is also nice for its age. WOW is pretty but i need some amount of realism even in my fantasy Cant comment on EVE as i havnt played it but ive heard the graphics are good in that game also but fantasy is all i play so im limited on my experience somewhat.
I agree with the graphics on this one. AoC is a dark horse that got off to a bad start but I do believe we will see that change. I do not play aoc right now but I am tempted to give it a 30 day retry now that they are doing the directx 10.
The Shikkadance Cometh!
In proportion to the machine that you need to run it well, LoTRO has astounding graphics. TR, for example, looked and ran like crap on my PC even on the lowest settings. My PC could likely not even run AoC at a playable frame rate. In contrast, LoTRO runs well and looks fantastic on medium settings on my PC. Even without DX 10 or post processing effects, it's still a very pretty game.
I don't want to write this, and you don't want to read it. But now it's too late for both of us.
I feel that, to those who enjoy a realistic graphical approach, LotRO is by far the best among MMO's. I'm a founder, and I still find myself standing still and just staring, not just at newly discovered areas, but all favorite places, even in the starter zones. For those who find it bland, it is worth noting that the game strives for a very realistic design, which has often given me the feeling that I've just "stepped into" the scene. I've never felt that way with the various stylistic designs of other games, so LotRO's approach works very well.
However, for those who follow this site and others which feature copious screenshots from various games, I'd say this isn't a well-kept secret. LotRO appeals to a specific segment of the player base VERY well, and to the general MMO player base fairly well. For some, the game itself cannot appeal, and the graphics would therefore be irrelevant. For others, the game is not "fantastical" enough, not enough of an escape, and the environments would feel less appealing to those who enjoy places either more dreamlike or far grittier.
Many players who don't care for the game, though, will agree that it's graphically outstanding. If it seems a well-kept secret, that'd be because the size of its player base cannot compare -- nor tries to, for which I'm VERY thankful -- to certain other games, the most popular of which has graphics which are, overall by my standards, merely good, sometimes very good, and very rarely, so good as to be deserving of the game's acronym. To many -- perhaps most? -- of the players there, almost ALL other games are virtual unknowns, including those that preceeded it (UO, RuneScape, etc.). That game brought so many players to the MMO community; some leave there and discover other games, but some do not. It's those who come to places like this (mmorpg.com) who are already well-aware, even if they don't play it, that the graphics in LotRO are exceptional.
It depends what you judge the graphics on. I have played both games for a long time, well LotRO 2 months only but I think you are quite wrong here. I like LotRO's graphics but they aren't even close to AoC dx10 or not.
* Avatars - AoC really does own this with minute detail and real depth of muscles etc.
* Nature / Greenery - AoC looks like it has been drawn with no repetition on any map. Such small details in flowers, grass etc. There is so much foliage you feel like you can get lost in it. LotRO has nice scenary but its mostly flat with lots of open space...cant believe you can compare the two.
* combat - dont even go there. AoC has slightly clunky graphics in combat. AoC has full gore and when bodies fly it looks like an actor.
* Buildings, objects - there are times i stop and zoom in on an object because I cant believe the detail. I even noticed a mozaic in a dungeon and it looked almost real.
Let me state something. I really like LotRO and I think it has the 2nd best graphics in the industry but hand on heart its hard to imagine any game in the market close to AoC in quality for graphics and detail. If I could be arsed I would put some screenies up to prove it.
Graphics in MMOs is always such a fun discussion
IMO LotrO and AoC are the only ones I consider having great graphics (even if ther are other games who look good). LotrO have better landscape and AoC haven beter characters and animation.
Its really wierd how different peoples opinion is about the visuals.. Personally I think games like EQ2 and VG looks horrible.
If WoW = The Beatles
and WAR = Led Zeppelin
Then LotrO = Pink Floyd
I agree with the LOTRO -AOC comparison but i think EQ2 graphics are decent, not on a par with the other two but not bad. I especially like the spell affects in EQ2. But you are right LOTRO and AOC are the two that have great graphics. Ive heard it said that EVE online also has good graphics but have never played it so i dont know.
Just feeding the trolls...
"best graphics...fact"
I LOLed. But yeah, I've been impressed by the oeverall atmosphere conveyed in some of the screenshots, if not the actual graphics from a technical standpoint. I'll probably try it out again now that I've become bored with EQ2.
I have played both Lotor and Aoc.
Lotor Landscapes: "was" better than AOC before DX10. One reason was "Depth of Field"
Now with DX10 that has been Fixed. Its like a brand new Game. One of my Clan mates Said it looked it allot of ways. like Crysis. i dont think so but its damn good.
AOC: has always had better models.
But the Trees in AOC are retarded.
Now.. Anyone that really knows about gaming, would know that Screen shots are not a good way to show a games graphics.
You can always set it up to get the "best image". But when you turn around, the game looks like shit. (AOC's Trees up close? looking up at them with the sun as a back drop..... Lego tree?)
But with the new DX10....wow, you have to play it to Get what I'm saying. (even know its bugged as hell... but its a beta)
I did love Lotor and did agree its graphics are Under rated.
But Conan in terms of quality (aside from Taste and Bugs) now completely Destroys Lotor.
But one thing you should all know... is something I found the other day.
You remember back when the only good games (graphics, game play etc.) came from Japan?
And they would not release certain games into EU or US. (we were not worthy?)
And you had to get a Modded PS1 N64 to play them?
I thought that was all a thing of the past, and that the States and EU caught up..... (NOPE....NOT AT ALL)
Someone just mentioned Korean Grinders having bad graphics.
Yea from what i gathered, that's the Crap they give us to play.
Some of the games I saw on this site, makes everything we have ever played look like dog shit.
It seams like when they are done with a game (its a respected art form in the east. here your just a nerd)
they kick there scraps to us, or keep it to themselves.
this game here is full DX10, Physics, full everything and its all Game play. (Unreal 3 Engine and a few others)
http://feature.mmosite.com/content/2008-07-31/20080731004136040,1.shtml
watch it all the way through......
Yes... some of the art direction is a matter of taste, but put that aside. look at the lighting , Animations, textures, Depth of field, etc, all the elements that would make a good game. You will realize that its back to that east vs west Game war. and we are soundly losing. at least in Terms of Graphics. Who knows if game-play is good. But it Fucking looks like it...
here are some others.
Tera online.
http://video.mmosite.com/display.php?vid=9727&gid=559
C9
http://video.mmosite.com/display.php?vid=9729&gid=807
"Beauty is only is only skin deep..." said the AMD/ATI fan. "Blah..Thats just what ugly people say..." said the Intel/Nvidia fan. You want price / performance, use the dollar menu..
I agree that LoTR has great graphics. It's not even that they are the "best" but perhaps it's that the graphics are the "best" fit for this game. IMO LoTR has the best atmosphere than any other MMO. I don't play LoTRO but mostly because I never really found a good group of friends to play with. It sure was pretty and fun to explore though... kinda makes me want to play it right now the more i think about it.
For the system requirements it supports, yes , they are the best.
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"Anyone posting on this forum is not an average user, and there for any opinions about the game are going to be overly critical compared to an average users opinions." - Me
"No, your wrong.." - Random user #123
"Hello person posting on a site specifically for MMO's in a thread on a sub forum specifically for a particular game talking about meta features and making comparisons to other titles in the genre, and their meta features.
How are you?" -Me
Nah. Overall, AoC graphics are better than LotRO. Of course, given the recommended system specs, they should be.
I wish Turbine would improve the character models. IMO AoC's character models absolutely kill LotRO's.
Tier 1 LotRO medium armor looks like purple pajamas. I'd rather have AoC's bland brown rags.
Other than those two areas, they are quite close IMO.
I would agree that graphics are not the most imortant thing in a game (if so why are Maple Story and WoW so popular). However, I like eye candy and have a fast enough computer to appreciate it. I totally agree with previous posters arguements that character design and animation in LOTRO is not that great, and hope the system gets an update sometime down the road. I have seen clips and screen shots of AION and the Cry engine just sets a new benchmark in graphics.
Lets try to keep in mind, what kind of computer AOC requires to run VS. The computer for LOTRO.
Yes, AOC is stunning, but for the machine requirements, LOTRO is simply the best. Two diffrent classes of requirements here.
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"Anyone posting on this forum is not an average user, and there for any opinions about the game are going to be overly critical compared to an average users opinions." - Me
"No, your wrong.." - Random user #123
"Hello person posting on a site specifically for MMO's in a thread on a sub forum specifically for a particular game talking about meta features and making comparisons to other titles in the genre, and their meta features.
How are you?" -Me
Put another way, on a high end "price is no object" PC, AoC has the best graphics among modern MMOs (at least I think most would agree). Which MMO comes after that will be a matter of personal taste, but LoTRO is certainly in the top five. My top three would be AoC, TR (defunct), and LoTRO.
However, on an average to old PC, LoTRO has the best graphics available. Nothing that runs well on my PC looks nearly as good. TR looked and ran like ass, and AoC would likely not run at all (haven't tried it...was turned off by the "bewbs and blood" marketing and the abortion of a launch).
I don't want to write this, and you don't want to read it. But now it's too late for both of us.
"Freedom is just another name for nothing left to lose" - Janis Joplin
Best PVE,RP game i ever played. well i used to play at least. they took there time ith this game as you can tell. unlike most games who through in some crap story line and quest lines, LOTRO has the best quests and story lines i ever seen. they did the book justice being i read all of the LOTR books. Some things are a bit diffrent but for the most part great story detail for a game. an honestly i never seen a game with so many friendly players, especialy RP's.
As for grahic stand points its better then most IMO and has more detail then any game i ever seen. An i have played alot. and for fun stand point its a 9. An honestly the idea of the game with the best grahics is the best is a dum thing to say after all if its got a 10 in grahics and a 3 for game play its not worth it. Yes LOTRO dos not have the best grahics but hell its got the best game play i have ever had the plessure of playing.
CENTER]Take the Magic: The Gathering 'What Color Are You?' Quiz.[/CENTER]
There is a lot of detail in LotRO that's easy to take for granted. For example, stand in the Bree-fields on a moonlit night and watch the grass ripple in the moonlight. Or see how the buildings in town come alight as the sun goes down. All without slowing your frame rates to a crawl, and all without the instancing of AoC.
That's not to say the graphics are perfect. Lone Lands are pretty depressing, really. North Downs are a different flavor of depressing. But overall, the game is quite beautiful.
There are also some touches that AoC simply doesn't come close to rivaling. Last night I finally made it to Forochel for the first time. I enjoyed watching the aurora borealis come and go overhead while I was questing. Then my adventuring led me deeper into the zone, and when I came out one the other side of the ice tunnels I could scarcely see a thing. It was snowy and foggy to the point where the road was hard to spot in the dark and the only signs of civilization were when the glow of a torch could occasionally be seen through the gloom. It was thoroughly creepy and enjoyable all at the same time. Today I logged back in to continue adventuring -- and was shocked. The sun was shining brightly, and I could see for miles. Stuff that I'd stumbled around in the dark to find at all was no easily spotted at a distance. Totally different atmosphere. A little later in the day, it started to snow again but as large flakes without any fog to be found.
I have never seen such impressive weather in any other game. Not only does the weather perfectly fit each zone when it comes rolling in, but there are actually multiple severity levels. Very cool stuff.
Just joined this site so thought I'd post my 2 cents worth for the first time.
I personally have only played 3 MMO's (well, one is a "sort of" MMO so i don't know if it really counts).
Eve-Online.
Guild Wars.
LoTRO.
Graphically speaking, I think LoTR is (to me) about the same as GW. Like the person before me said though, the weather in LoTR is awesome and way better (can't even recall if there was "any" weather in GW, I don't think so though).
As far as fun goes, of the 3 games I listed, LoTR is by FAR the most fun I've paid for. Actually, after playing for a little while now, I actually feel kinda jipped that I wasted so many months on Eve as that game gets excruciatingly boring in so many ways.
Not trying to be a fan boy or knock anyone else's opinion, just sharing my 2 cents worth and my 2 cents worth is this:
This game, LoTR, is worth every single penny so far, I'm having a great time playing it. It's just so darn fun to play.
See you out there. o/
Char = Hunter by same name. Firefoot for server.
"We may throw the dice, but the Lord determines how they fall."
-Proverbs 16:33
QFT.
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"Anyone posting on this forum is not an average user, and there for any opinions about the game are going to be overly critical compared to an average users opinions." - Me
"No, your wrong.." - Random user #123
"Hello person posting on a site specifically for MMO's in a thread on a sub forum specifically for a particular game talking about meta features and making comparisons to other titles in the genre, and their meta features.
How are you?" -Me
I disagree 100% with your assesment. - Openedge1
/dropsjaw That was pretty clear. Wow, ty ty.
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"Anyone posting on this forum is not an average user, and there for any opinions about the game are going to be overly critical compared to an average users opinions." - Me
"No, your wrong.." - Random user #123
"Hello person posting on a site specifically for MMO's in a thread on a sub forum specifically for a particular game talking about meta features and making comparisons to other titles in the genre, and their meta features.
How are you?" -Me