Originally posted by dragonace

 

And LoTRo has end-game raiding as well.  With more instances being added.

 

I played EQ2 for 1.5 years so, I'm very familiar with the size and scope of that game since I was with it when it first started.  I'm basing WoW's content on a few of my close friends who are now in LoTRo after spending 2+ years in WoW.

Based on my time and experience in EQ2 and my friends time and experience in WoW; in my judgment, LoTRo is on par (if not above) content-wise; with what EQ2 and WoW had at release.  But, I believe that is what I said in my first post. 

As to EQ2 being "deeper"; that's subjective, so each will have their own opinion of it.  It all depends on what you are looking for in an MMO.  It isn't a bad thing that we all like different games.  If you are having fun playing your MMO... great!  It doesn't lessen the fun that others are having in their MMO though. 

I think the "deeper" comment is spot on if you think of depth meaning variable activities, more to do than just combat. LOTRO is a really, really great example that all MMO developers (if they want to succeed), but it is pretty shallow in a way, very linear, whereas EQ2 is a bit more sandbox style.

At release, my opinion is that both WoW and to a lesser extent EQ2 had much more content to experience. That is, LOTRO is exactly the same after the tutorial no matter what class/race you choose. Good 'ol Turbine is delivering timely and content-laden patches as they are known to do though.

Originally posted by Die_Scream

 

Originally posted by dragonace

 

And LoTRo has end-game raiding as well.  With more instances being added.

 

I played EQ2 for 1.5 years so, I'm very familiar with the size and scope of that game since I was with it when it first started.  I'm basing WoW's content on a few of my close friends who are now in LoTRo after spending 2+ years in WoW.

Based on my time and experience in EQ2 and my friends time and experience in WoW; in my judgment, LoTRo is on par (if not above) content-wise; with what EQ2 and WoW had at release.  But, I believe that is what I said in my first post. 

As to EQ2 being "deeper"; that's subjective, so each will have their own opinion of it.  It all depends on what you are looking for in an MMO.  It isn't a bad thing that we all like different games.  If you are having fun playing your MMO... great!  It doesn't lessen the fun that others are having in their MMO though. 

You're comparing LOTRO now as opposed to WoW and EQ2 at release? That's not very fair IMO. You really need to compare games at the same state to be fair. As in all three gamess at release, or all three at 2 years in etc.

 

I think the "deeper" comment is spot on if you think of depth meaning variable activities, more to do than just combat. LOTRO is a really, really great example that all MMO developers (if they want to succeed), but it is pretty shallow in a way, very linear, whereas EQ2 is a bit more sandbox style.

At release, my opinion is that both WoW and to a lesser extent EQ2 had much more content to experience. That is, LOTRO is exactly the same after the tutorial no matter what class/race you choose. Good 'ol Turbine is delivering timely and content-laden patches as they are known to do though.

I guess each must have a different take on the content then, as I've found many more activities to keep me occupied in LoTRo than I had in EQ2.  However, I may not be the typical MMO gamer; so perhaps it's just me. 

I enjoyed EQ2 quite a bit, as I played it for 1.5 years.  However, when I no longer enjoyed playing; and when it wasn't fun anymore... I stopped and switched to another MMO.  End of story.

Originally posted by braamer

 

Originally posted by dragonace

Originally posted by dA_fReAK

 

Originally posted by Synadil

 

Originally posted by openedge1

 

Originally posted by slyths

Guys.. this game is really rocks... thank you Turbine u've done a good job...

Uhhh....did you just start this game?

 

What else have you played?

 

I like the game quite a lot. Been playing since the open beta.

 

As to your second question...

EQ, AO, Horizons, EQ2, WoW, AC2, CoH,

plus I tested MXO, Tabula Rasa and a couple others that sucked harder than Horizons even...

 

Ah okay nice.... I dont know though, it just seems it has to few zones and content or am I wrong?

It has as much or more content now than what EQ2 and WoW had at release for a comparison.  Granted, EQ2 and WoW probably have more content now that what LoTRo does... however, they are 3+ year old games... so they SHOULD have more content.

 

The devs have been consistently adding new content every couple of months as well.  The game is about 6 months old and by the devs estimate they've added an additional 20% of content.  So, if they continue at that pace they'll be close to 40% by the time the game is a year old.  That's pretty good; considering that is all additional content at no extra cost to the subscriber.

They have yet to release an "additional-cost" expansion.  Some people (myself included) believe that the first expansion will be when they include Rohan with mounted combat, as that seems to be a popular topic on the forums.

My guess is that their first expansion will be sometime late in 2008 perhaps into first quarter 2009.

Huh?

 

I don't think so. WoW had much more content, including end-game raiding. And EQ2 still is a deeper overall MMO experience.

 

 

Outland raids  ( All after Burning Crusade)

25-man:
Gruul's Lair 
Magtheridon's Lair 
Serpentshrine Cavern 
The Eye 
Black Temple 
[edit]
Future release raids
Sunwell Plateau

So after 7 months WoW had Molten Core, Upper Blackrock Spire and maybe Onyxias Lair.

Lotro had Helegrod and the Rift.

Not even WoW had all this Endgame stuff from the beginning.

Originally posted by antoniuspius

 

Originally posted by braamer

 

Originally posted by dragonace

Originally posted by dA_fReAK

 

Originally posted by Synadil

 

Originally posted by openedge1

 

Originally posted by slyths

Guys.. this game is really rocks... thank you Turbine u've done a good job...

Uhhh....did you just start this game?

 

What else have you played?

 

I like the game quite a lot. Been playing since the open beta.

 

As to your second question...

EQ, AO, Horizons, EQ2, WoW, AC2, CoH,

plus I tested MXO, Tabula Rasa and a couple others that sucked harder than Horizons even...

 

Ah okay nice.... I dont know though, it just seems it has to few zones and content or am I wrong?

It has as much or more content now than what EQ2 and WoW had at release for a comparison.  Granted, EQ2 and WoW probably have more content now that what LoTRo does... however, they are 3+ year old games... so they SHOULD have more content.

 

The devs have been consistently adding new content every couple of months as well.  The game is about 6 months old and by the devs estimate they've added an additional 20% of content.  So, if they continue at that pace they'll be close to 40% by the time the game is a year old.  That's pretty good; considering that is all additional content at no extra cost to the subscriber.

They have yet to release an "additional-cost" expansion.  Some people (myself included) believe that the first expansion will be when they include Rohan with mounted combat, as that seems to be a popular topic on the forums.

My guess is that their first expansion will be sometime late in 2008 perhaps into first quarter 2009.

Huh?

 

I don't think so. WoW had much more content, including end-game raiding. And EQ2 still is a deeper overall MMO experience.

 

 

  WoW raids

10-man:
Upper Blackrock Spire ( not really endgame more like Carn Dum; )
Karazhan  (after Burning Crusade)
Zul'Aman  (after Burning Crusade)

20-man:
Zul'Gurub (released in patch 1.7 nearly one year after release)
Ruins of Ahn'Qiraj  (released with Patch 1.9 - about 14 months after release)

25 man:
Battle for Mount Hyjal  (after Burning Crusade)

40-man:
Molten Core ( only 40 man raid on release)
Onyxia's Lair ( not sure when)
Blackwing Lair ( released with patch 1.6)
Temple of Ahn'Qiraj (released with Patch 1.9)
Naxxramas (Patch 1.11.0 a few months before BC)

 

Outland raids  ( All after Burning Crusade)

25-man:
Gruul's Lair 
Magtheridon's Lair 
Serpentshrine Cavern 
The Eye 
Black Temple 
[edit]
Future release raids
Sunwell Plateau

 

So after 7 months WoW had Molten Core, Upper Blackrock Spire and maybe Onyxias Lair.

Lotro had Helegrod and the Rift.

Not even WoW had all this Endgame stuff from the beginning.

RAID

A dirty concept used for a LAZY GAME DEVELOPERS to HIDE that they DO NOT WANT TO DEVELOP NEW CONTENT FOR GAME.

SO instead they build ARTIFICIAL TIME SINKS aka RAIDS.

Thank you TRUBINE for developing actual NEW QUESTS instead of RAIDS

Let Blizzard develop RAIDS for their brainwashed populace that think that FUN MEANS actuall repeating of some RAID instance for 100 times until their eyes pop out, brains turn into sponge and puke on mere mention of its name.

But if you actually enjoy this - than please do go play your FUN game

I'm just stating that lotro can also be the "raiders" choice.

Originally posted by Lobotomist

RAID

A dirty concept used for a LAZY GAME DEVELOPERS to HIDE that they DO NOT WANT TO DEVELOP NEW CONTENT FOR GAME.

SO instead they build ARTIFICIAL TIME SINKS aka RAIDS.

 

Thank you TRUBINE for developing actual NEW QUESTS instead of RAIDS

Let Blizzard develop RAIDS for their brainwashed populace that think that FUN MEANS actuall repeating of some RAID instance for 100 times until their eyes pop out, brains turn into sponge and puke on mere mention of its name.

But if you actually enjoy this - than please do go play your FUN game

 

This man speaks the truth.

But hell, as said, if you enjoy mindlessly raiding, go for it!

Only 2 days into the trial and i'm having a blast with Lotro. Well done mmo, the graphics are awesome,no mindless grinding for levels, community is very helpful and just exploring middle-earth is fun. Most definitely will pick up the game tomorrow and take advantage of the Holiday offer. I read they are giving Angmar a facelift and going to be shoveling out more content soon so there will be plenty of content to keep me busy for awhile :D 

Dont forget they have 3 months for 29.99 $ deal

Originally posted by Lobotomist

Dont forget they have 3 months for 29.99 $ deal

Yeah and if I read correctly as long as you have an active account it stays that way too. I'll have to go to the main website just to make sure of that again. I been playing a Captain on the Brandywine server, it has been great fun.

for anyone who is intrested i'm on the Eldar server... and i'm currently trying all the classes but i privilage burglers and hunters... since i kind of hate direct combat

Originally posted by Flodgy

 

Originally posted by Lobotomist

RAID

A dirty concept used for a LAZY GAME DEVELOPERS to HIDE that they DO NOT WANT TO DEVELOP NEW CONTENT FOR GAME.

SO instead they build ARTIFICIAL TIME SINKS aka RAIDS.

 

Thank you TRUBINE for developing actual NEW QUESTS instead of RAIDS

Let Blizzard develop RAIDS for their brainwashed populace that think that FUN MEANS actuall repeating of some RAID instance for 100 times until their eyes pop out, brains turn into sponge and puke on mere mention of its name.

But if you actually enjoy this - than please do go play your FUN game

 

This man speaks the truth.

 

But hell, as said, if you enjoy mindlessly raiding, go for it!

I liked Lotro from the start. I played a hunter and minstrel to 30-34 and crafted with both as far as i was able to gather raws without dieing to often.

But then there was not much to do but group quests. There is plain nothing to do while downtimes or if you dont want to group or only have 25 minutes. Thats why EQ2 still is the queen of mmo. Many are maybe bored with it, but i do collections, grey heritages, grey adventure packs, books, L&L and languages when i dont feel like endgame or just have no time for endgame.

I am not saying EQ2 is the better game, but it has much more content. If Lotro would have some sideshows i most probably would be a better game.

Originally posted by eugam

 

 

 

I liked Lotro from the start. I played a hunter and minstrel to 30-34 and crafted with both as far as i was able to gather raws without dieing to often.

But then there was not much to do but group quests. There is plain nothing to do while downtimes or if you dont want to group or only have 25 minutes. Thats why EQ2 still is the queen of mmo. Many are maybe bored with it, but i do collections, grey heritages, grey adventure packs, books, L&L and languages when i dont feel like endgame or just have no time for endgame.

I am not saying EQ2 is the better game, but it has much more content. If Lotro would have some sideshows i most probably would be a better game.

In EQ2...I can do the following...Gather more than one type of material for crafting (and can sell what I do not need), do collections, do quests for crafting, do writs for Status (as it helps my guild level), language, AA systems...on and on...

I believe they have added the collection system for faction...but, anything else to do in LOTRO besides...quest or raid?

later

Originally posted by openedge1

 

Originally posted by eugam

 

 

 

I liked Lotro from the start. I played a hunter and minstrel to 30-34 and crafted with both as far as i was able to gather raws without dieing to often.

But then there was not much to do but group quests. There is plain nothing to do while downtimes or if you dont want to group or only have 25 minutes. Thats why EQ2 still is the queen of mmo. Many are maybe bored with it, but i do collections, grey heritages, grey adventure packs, books, L&L and languages when i dont feel like endgame or just have no time for endgame.

I am not saying EQ2 is the better game, but it has much more content. If Lotro would have some sideshows i most probably would be a better game.

I think this was my issue as well. It is all well and good to quest away (LOTRO does have a good quest system...with lots of these)...but, the crafting was very light...kinda like WoW, and otherwise...what else was there?

 

In EQ2...I can do the following...Gather more than one type of material for crafting (and can sell what I do not need), do collections, do quests for crafting, do writs for Status (as it helps my guild level), language, AA systems...on and on...

I believe they have added the collection system for faction...but, anything else to do in LOTRO besides...quest or raid?

later

Well let's see using your examples from EQ2 how well LoTRo stacks up:

"Gather more than one type of material for crafting (and can sell what I do not need)"

LoTRo has this.   Everyone can gather hides from kills... they are very sought after in the AH and can make even a beginning character very rich.  There are also the Critical crafting components that everyone can gather as well.  Depending on the item there is some good money to be made there as well.

If you choose the Explorer profession you can also gather Mineral resources (for Armorsmith, Weaponsmith, and Jeweler) and Wood resources (for Forester and misc.)  Each profession has at least one resource gathering ability with it.  So, even if a person doesn't choose the Explorer profession there will still be at least 3 different types of crafting components that a person can collect.

"Do collections"

For this one LoTRo doesn't have a direct correlation that would be comparable (i.e. no killing of mobs involved). 

However, there are Exploration Deeds available for every area that you come across which doesn't involve any killing.  It can be quite an adventure to find every spot to complete the Deed (especially if you don't "cheat" by looking up the location on a spoiler site), and some of them give very nice increases to your stats for completing as well.

"Do quests for Crafting"

LoTRo has Crafting quests as well.  Just because you dismiss LoTRo's crafting as "very light" doesn't mean that there aren't just as many or more people in LoTRo that enjoy it's crafting as EQ2's.  I'll gladly compare the quality and quantity of crafted items produced from LoTRo against anything that EQ2 has available for your character. 

The one area that is still lacking for crafting in LoTRo is in the housing items.  They are adding a slew more recipes in the upcoming books to address that area though... so even that may be on par in the near future.

Also remember... LoTRo has yet to celebrate it's first birthday or release it's first expansion.  EQ2 has the advantage of being over 3 years old AND 3 expansions and a few "adventure packs" under it's belt.    Considering that LoTRo stacks up as well as it does in it's first year is pretty impressive. 

"Do writs for Status"

The most comparable in LoTRo would be the Reputation system that was recently added.  It allows you to gain favor with a handful of NPC groups from around Middle Earth by collecting different items that drop off certain mobs.

Again, remember that the writs currently in EQ2 are not what it released with.  I believe they have been changed twice or perhaps 3 times to their now current functionality.  As with many things in EQ2, they have made many changes since it's release, a lot of them have made it a much better game than what it was upon release.  Some of them... not so much.   (The main example being the Crafting changes... I liked  the old way a lot better.)

"Language"

LoTRo has music with different instruments being trainable.  I'll venture to say the music in LoTRo is more popular than the different languages in EQ2... unless it's changed drastically since I left EQ2.

"AA systems"

LoTRo's closest match to this would be the Deeds and Traits available to all from the very first levels.  It is not as fully developed yet as EQ2's AA system... but considering that they released the game with the system already in place speaks volumes.  It will be added onto and expanded as it grows.

"on and on..."

LoTRo has more as well.  Come on... who can resist the temptation to play as a chicken! 

In the end it boils down to what a person finds fun. 

As for the amount of content... does EQ2 have 3 times the content of LoTRo?  I'd concede they have more content now that what LoTRo does now... but is it 300% more?  Also consider where EQ2 was 3 years ago... which game will be in a better position 3 years from now? 

The game I'm currently playing... LoTRo... is how I answered.

Originally posted by dragonace

  

"Do writs for Status"

The most comparable in LoTRo would be the Reputation system that was recently added.  It allows you to gain favor with a handful of NPC groups from around Middle Earth by collecting different items that drop off certain mobs.

Now dont worry. I am aware that Lotro is much younger then EQ2. The graphics are really great (minus the tree blending). This game will be around for quite a while. Still i think they need some sideshows. The one i liked is the guy who barters stuffed animals for bodyparts. Just sad that housing is so limited.. Even if 40 stuffed animals would be available, you dont want to collect them if you dont have room (housing slots) for them. 

Originally posted by openedge1 I think this was my issue as well. It is all well and good to quest away (LOTRO does have a good quest system...with lots of these)...but, the crafting was very light...kinda like WoW, and otherwise...what else was there?

 

In EQ2...I can do the following...Gather more than one type of material for crafting (and can sell what I do not need), do collections, do quests for crafting, do writs for Status (as it helps my guild level), language, AA systems...on and on...

I believe they have added the collection system for faction...but, anything else to do in LOTRO besides...quest or raid?

later

Just remember that you talk about EQ2 after what ?  4 years of existence , 4 adventure packs and 3 major expansions !

Remember EQ2 when it just came out ? It was so bad that its bad reputation killed it. Even today it is
not recognised as truly great game that it is , because of that.

LOTRO is also evolving. And it is evolving in great speed.

LotRO may well have all the content detailed by the posters in this thread, but they fail to mention that much of it is extremely repetitive.  WOW may have firmly adopted the standard "Kill XX Boars,"  or "Gather XX Sticks," but LotRO took them to an extreme not seen before in any previous game.  If you think you don't grind in LotRO just try and get all the deeds, you'll see there's plenty of grinding out there. (and let's not even mention factions)

It seems that Turbine took a look at what made WOW successful and magnified and intesified them, while discarding WOW's already weak PVP system.

And what LotRO will never have is player controlled territories, influence/control of the economy, massive battles on an epic scale that the LotRO franchise is so famous for.  (Might as well toss in meaningful PVP as well)

So sure, if you like LotRO for what it is, I guess its a great game.  For the rest of us who are looking for a challenge in our gaming, (and please, you can't tell me there is anything challenging in LotRO) the game falls far short.

BTW OP, if you wish to praise Turbine for their fine efforts, feel free to post on the LotRO forums, I'm sure they read them more often than this one.  Otherwise your initial post was merely a troll attempt, and of course, look what happened, it drew a troll.

Originally posted by Trollstar

LotRO may well have all the content detailed by the posters in this thread, but they fail to mention that much of it is extremely repetitive.  WOW may have firmly adopted the standard "Kill XX Boars,"  or "Gather XX Sticks," but LotRO took them to an extreme not seen before in any previous game.  If you think you don't grind in LotRO just try and get all the deeds, you'll see there's plenty of grinding out there. (and let's not even mention factions)

It seems that Turbine took a look at what made WOW successful and magnified and intesified them, while discarding WOW's already weak PVP system.

There was Asheron's Call 2 three years before WoW. It was spamned with solo quests that sent you to kill X/X boars and collect X/X bazilisk eyes. AC2 was a Turbine game built on same engine as LOTRO. AC2 was the first game that was focused on solo easy content full of quests (This was an extreme already at that time).

Originally posted by Thillian

 

Originally posted by Trollstar

LotRO may well have all the content detailed by the posters in this thread, but they fail to mention that much of it is extremely repetitive.  WOW may have firmly adopted the standard "Kill XX Boars,"  or "Gather XX Sticks," but LotRO took them to an extreme not seen before in any previous game.  If you think you don't grind in LotRO just try and get all the deeds, you'll see there's plenty of grinding out there. (and let's not even mention factions)

It seems that Turbine took a look at what made WOW successful and magnified and intesified them, while discarding WOW's already weak PVP system.

I don't think you have enough information to state such a comment that Turbine took something from WoW.

 

There was Asheron's Call 2 three years before WoW. It was spamned with solo quests that sent you to kill X/X boars and collect X/X bazilisk eyes. AC2 was a Turbine game built on same engine as LOTRO. AC2 was the first game that was focused on solo easy content full of quests (This was an extreme already at that time).

The same engine, same quest system? The same game that failed....?

Hmmm...was that smart? You decide....

Originally posted by Wiznumb
...

Johnny Motrin - "Just my Opinion and I don't mean to offend anyone but WOW = kids game, LOTRO = adult game. Again, this is just my opinion."

Not offended, but this is coming from someone who's all time highest played game via xfire is Guildswars . . . the wtfbbq_O.o_pwnasaurusrex of all kid games?

That title is still reserved for WoW my friend ;) Although I think AoC will be even worse, I can imagine all those teenagers having 'fun'. After all, it's like the mmo fantasy version of GTA.

Anyway about LotRO, it isn't a bad game, but it lacked a reason to pay for a subscription a few months ago. However I've been thinking about opening my subscription again in a few months, that'll depend on Codemasters. Their servers were pathetic...