I actually welcome OpenEdges perceptions of the game. Having people willing to speak openly about what they like and dislike is helpful because it just shows a game can always improve. We need supporters of all kinds. Negative and positive. Hes usually very constructive in the manner which he posts. Anyways gota go to work. Keep up the good work Open and I do enjoy this game so not all fanbois dislike you hehe.

Originally posted by WSIMike

 

I don't know if I agree with the "linear game play with a narrow focus" part as a rule.

I think the experience of linear or otherwise boils down to how one approaches the game.

If you follow the quest lines, one after another like a bread-crumb trail, then yeah.. I can see it becoming a bit linear feeling.

But for me... I don't get that feeling at all. I'm all over the place. I'm actually *behind* on my epic book quests.. The one I'm up to right now, in fact, has been grey for 2 levels. I've been occupied with other things I'm doing and haven't really been paying attention to that 'til earlier when I decided to skim through my quest log and see what "dead weight" (aka grey quests) I could get rid of.

So.. I think the experience of linear or otherwise is really a product of how you approach the game, not that it's "forced" by the design itself.

 

The design of the game is linear though.  You level, from 1-50, by questing through a progression of zones that are designed for a specific level ranges.  And, theres only one way to progress through the game...combat.  Like other MMOs, the stream of content and world design are pushing you in one specific direction, through the zones in order, from level 1-50.  Its not as linear as some single player RPGs, but it is a linear MMO.   

Originally posted by Techleo

     I actually welcome OpenEdges perceptions of the game. Having people willing to speak openly about what they like and dislike is helpful because it just shows a game can always improve. We need supporters of all kinds. Negative and positive. Hes usually very constructive in the manner which he posts. Anyways gota go to work. Keep up the good work Open and I do enjoy this game so not all fanbois dislike you hehe.

Problem is, he has zero credibility, although he acts like he had.

 - hasn't played the game for many months (outside the free trials)

- self-admittedly avid hater of the game (I'm sure someone will post the link :)

- poses anything he dislikes in the game as "general fault", instead of his subjective dislike of it - examples from the last 2 days are "Big Mac", "chicken shit", lollipop etc.) - the list goes on. Those who had been following these boards for the last year, know this. Less feeding is better...

PS: He's already successful now, as there are people actually responding to him/about his posts. Attention taken, ego fed :) turbulence caused. 

DB

Originally posted by EbonHawk

 

Originally posted by Majestico

WSIMike, that was an excellent post, and the sort of information I was looking for.

When I originally set-up this thread, I wanted the viewpoints and experiences of everyone, whether good or bad, so that I could make an informed judgement regarding buying the game.  As someone who has played many MMO's, I have noticed that players of a particular game become so loyal, that they cannot even entertain the idea that another MMO might be good.  For example, I used to play both EQ2 and WoW  at the same time (well not exactly the same time, but you know what I mean).  The EQ2 players mocked WoW, and vice versa.  I understand that playing a MMO is a unique gaming experience, and one that takes up a vast amount of time.  Therefore, I can understand how these partisan views spring up.

Howvever, on this thread, I've noticed that anyone who spoke badly of LotR was shot down in flames.  When I was actually looking for everyone to look at the game from an objective stand-point.  In saying, it seems that some of the people who detracted the game had another agenda, and therefore, I can understand if some people got angry about those people's so-called, neutral views.

As for trying the free trial?  I could not get it to work.  I signed up to Codemasters, and activated a 7 day pass, however it did not get me into the game, and the key they gave did not work when trying to sign-up a Turbine account.

As things stand, from what I have read here, and elsewhere, Lord of the Rings Online looks as though it could be the closest game out there to my perfect ideal of a MMORPG.  As a seven year old kid, the first 'proper' book I ever read was The Hobbit, and my love for Tolkien grew from there.  To this day, Lord of the Rings is probably still my favourite book, and the only fantasy author who has ever been worthy to stand in his presence (in my opinion) is George RR Martin.

However, even without my love of Tolkien, this game sounds as though I would enjoy it.  It sounds like the first MMO to truly embrace the atmosphere which a great, single-player RPG can.  The only thing that still makes me hesitate is the fact that it is made by Turbine.

A while back, I was ecstatic to hear that there was finally going to be a Dungeons and Dragons Online game.  If ever there was a system best suited for a MMORPG it was that.  Then I played it...

Granted, I only played for the ten day trial, but I was severely disappointed.  They had the chance to make the most imaginative, enjoyable, immersive MMO, and in my opinion they ruined it.

Anyway, back on subject.  Your experiences, good or bad with this game (and please, speak from a neutral stance, no outside agenda). 

Oh, and does the game have cut-scene's?  And is it true that you can actually play instruments?  I love those kind of touches.  To me, an MMORPG should be more than just combat.

 

While I agree with you to a certain extent that it's hard for one to be objective if they are bias towards something they care about.  You need to know that for the most part the people who play LoTRO (in my opinion) are one of the more mature (in terms of  character, not necessarily age) communities in MMO's out there.  And with that being said, I truly do believe that most here will give you an honest answer regarding the game.  It's just that we or anybody who cares about something tend to get a little upset when people come here with an agenda to bash the game or give statements like "it SUX", "it's a piece of shit", "boring" etc., etc. without giving facts or reasons why.

As for your apprehension regarding Turbine, I would say you can put those to rest.  Turbine has done an amazing job with LoTRO.  For me it's the little things I find to be well done.  Their attention to detail is simply great.  One example would be when you finish a quest the NPC remembers you and as you run pass him/her the tell you how grateful they are that you helped.  Or in the town of Bree there is a tree near an NPC who is practicing archery with arrows sticking out of it.  Most people run right past it without ever noticing it, but it's there.  And many, many others.  So don't worry about Turbine, as I said before they are doing a great job on this game.

So give LoTRO a try I don't think you will be disappointed.  But remember it's what you get out of it that's important.  Good Luck.

Aye Ebonhawk, those kind of touches are just the kind of things I love in games.  Still curious to hear about whether there are cut-scenes, and if you can actually play musical instruments (not just as an e-mote, but actually play them)?

Originally posted by Majestico

 

Aye Ebonhawk, those kind of touches are just the kind of things I love in games.  Still curious to hear about whether there are cut-scenes, and if you can actually play musical instruments (not just as an e-mote, but actually play them)?

DB

Originally posted by DonnieBrasco

 

Originally posted by Majestico

 

Aye Ebonhawk, those kind of touches are just the kind of things I love in games.  Still curious to hear about whether there are cut-scenes, and if you can actually play musical instruments (not just as an e-mote, but actually play them)?

Yes, there are cutscenes (in the Epic storyline), and you can actually play music with your keyboard, or with scripts. ANY music :)

 

DB

LOL, glad someone got around to answering the OP's questions that were hidden at the end of his 2nd post.  I thought the music feature was great.  I loved hearing people playing songs and would stop whatever I was doing to listen, even if they were playing "Dust in the Wind" (Kansas) or some other contemporary tune.

My guild at the time had two musicians in it, and we held a concert at one of the local stages in the Shire where people from all around came to play for us and we cheered for our favorites.  Was an amazing sight to see about 50 people you never met before all gathered together and listening to the music. I hope that sort of thing continues to this day, because I think its great.

It kept me and a couple others I know occupied for a few months, but progression was more linear than any other MMO I've played, and at the time of our cancellation, the game was still pretty buggy and they were adding things like chicken play rather than devoting manpower to fixing major issues.

It gave a GREAT first impression, especially for LOTR fans, but a few weeks later, after the initial wonder had died down a bit, it became pretty obvious that the game wouldn't have the longevity at the time to keep making us want to log in. Also, there really was no worthwhile high level content then, so as we were approaching level 40, the question "why bother?" kept popping up.

And since we moved on, none of us have even thought about going back to see how things have progressed. A fully fleshed out Middle-Earth with exciting classes and a variety of non-combat content would be a truly wonderful thing, but I'm not gonna keep my eyes on LOTRO until 2013 to see that achievement realized.

Originally posted by bonzoso21

It kept me and a couple others I know occupied for a few months, but progression was more linear than any other MMO I've played, and at the time of our cancellation, the game was still pretty buggy and they were adding things like chicken play rather than devoting manpower to fixing major issues.

It gave a GREAT first impression, especially for LOTR fans, but a few weeks later, after the initial wonder had died down a bit, it became pretty obvious that the game wouldn't have the longevity at the time to keep making us want to log in. Also, there really was no worthwhile high level content then, so as we were approaching level 40, the question "why bother?" kept popping up.

And since we moved on, none of us have even thought about going back to see how things have progressed. A fully fleshed out Middle-Earth with exciting classes and a variety of non-combat content would be a truly wonderful thing, but I'm not gonna keep my eyes on LOTRO until 2013 to see that achievement realized.

Name any bugs.... the only one I remember was the AH search issue, which has been fixed recently.

No other bugs I came across since launch...

BTW, if ever the "why bother" question even comes up in any game, then that's not the game for you, I agree. Games should be played for fun, not for the hope of some kind of "super achievement at the end" :)

DB

 You  may have a point Donnie but I still think his posts are good. Just my personal taste. Whether it feeds his ego or not isnt my concern. Frankly I probably have just as many opinions as he does. Ive certainly played longer then he has. I just like how he writes his opinions because they give me ideas.

ANYWAYS!!! Back to the topic- I totally agree with Donnie, if you cant find a reason to go on, you probably shouldnt be playing the game. Personally I almost ran into that problem though when I was playing the wrong classes. The second I played a Burglar I found meaning in the world.

Originally posted by Techleo

 You  may have a point Donnie but I still think his posts are good. Just my personal taste. Whether it feeds his ego or not isnt my concern. Frankly I probably have just as many opinions as he does. Ive certainly played longer then he has. I just like how he writes his opinions because they give me ideas.

ANYWAYS!!! Back to the topic- I totally agree with Donnie, if you cant find a reason to go on, you probably shouldnt be playing the game. Personally I almost ran into that problem though when I was playing the wrong classes. The second I played a Burglar I found meaning in the world.

I did not see any bugs, not even going as far as "major issues" :) even haters agree that LOTRO had probably the smoothest, most bug-free launch of all MMO's ever.

DB

 That I'll agree with. The release was very smooth. Personally I've seen a few bugs. Primarily doing with the combat system. As a burglar I have about 100 different combination of attacks and every now and then a few of the attacks simply dont work in conjuction with other skills. When you push them they fire off and there is no effect whatsoever. Normal damage just dissapears. Then theres the ore collection bugs I found which make them regen much faster then there supposed to. AI flaws out the wazzo.

 I really could'nt count all of the bugs I deal with. With that said I dont think there even noticeable because the bugs are so damned minor. As for Opes opinions. I focus on balance issues and style issues he brings up. The rest I ignore. Im really good at finding the little peices of gold in the generally 99 percent of shit people spew out. I guess that makes it so I can love everyone

Originally posted by Techleo

 That I'll agree with. The release was very smooth. Personally I've seen a few bugs. Primarily doing with the combat system. As a burglar I have about 100 different combination of attacks and every now and then a few of the attacks simply dont work in conjuction with other skills. When you push them they fire off and there is no effect whatsoever. Normal damage just dissapears. Then theres the ore collection bugs I found which make them regen much faster then there supposed to. AI flaws out the wazzo.

 I really could'nt count all of the bugs I deal with. With that said I dont think there even noticeable because the bugs are so damned minor. As for Opes opinions. I focus on balance issues and style issues he brings up. The rest I ignore. Im really good at finding the little peices of gold in the generally 99 percent of shit people spew out. I guess that makes it so I can love everyone

Good points indeed. I am more concerned over design decisions, flaws with visuals, and the overall need to make a copycat type game. I never had major "bug" issues except for getting stuck or AI problems, or the infamous "sound bug"  in the Barrows (has that been fixed?)

But, the game is quite stable, and the landscapes are gorgeous...but, too many things not to like as well..

Just differing opinions...as people are all different...and I just enjoy the conversations...good discourse is good for the soul! (PS: Also, I use to be on the debate team in school...always fun to make sure we point out the opposing strengths and weaknesses of all types of subjects without bashing the person we oppose..)

Later

 To some extent what mite be taken poorily is when Opie says things like, The need to make copycat games. Its not to say he thinks everyone should think its a copycat game. Its just he thinks its a bit to copycat. Personally I think there are some elements that need some work as well to distinguish the game from others.

That doesn't mean I think they did a bad job though. Somehow Im not surprised you were or are on a debate team Opie I can tell from the way you type out your response. Sadly I lack the mental faculties to debate.

Originally posted by DonnieBrasco

 

Still wondering, what the hell the guy means by "many bugs", or especially by "major issues".

 

I did not see any bugs, not even going as far as "major issues" :) even haters agree that LOTRO had probably the smoothest, most bug-free launch of all MMO's ever.

DB

Well, it was an exercise in frustration for Loremasters at least as often as it was fun. And I've never been the loot-obsessed type that rushes to the level cap in order to grind for the best gear, but I DO want my experiences to have a lasting impact, and when I was playing it, LOTRO seemed to be forcing me down a linear road in which adventuring (levelling) was really the only thing to do. Being at level 15 when the game launched didn't help its longevity, either.

I'm a  fan of LOTR, and I wanted to like the MMO so much that I purchased the retail version and convinced friends & family to do so even after getting impressions of mediocrity throughout closed & open beta. When the class I truly wanted to play was still unfinished and half-broken for months after launch and  fixes were still months away, but devs were working diligently on bringing me the ability to play as a chicken, I just thought it might be time to jump ship.

There were many reasons it wasn't the game for me (or my friends), not the least of which is that I'm a jaded MMO vet who's still foolishly searching for "the one" while knowing full well the only things that separate one game from the other is the setting and a few minute details. It certainly isn't Turbine's fault they chose a license so beloved that they really had no chance of doing it justice...15 square kilometers in the least interesting (personal opinion, of course) corner of Middle-Earth is not what I envisioned when Middle-Earth Online was first announced, and I wasn't about to support Turbine for the 5+ years they plan to take to deliver Return of the King content.

Just realized I hit 1000 posts after 5 years of being on Mmorpg on my lost post on this topic! YAYYYY!!!!!!

Originally posted by bonzoso21

It kept me and a couple others I know occupied for a few months, but progression was more linear than any other MMO I've played, and at the time of our cancellation, the game was still pretty buggy and they were adding things like chicken play rather than devoting manpower to fixing major issues.

It gave a GREAT first impression, especially for LOTR fans, but a few weeks later, after the initial wonder had died down a bit, it became pretty obvious that the game wouldn't have the longevity at the time to keep making us want to log in. Also, there really was no worthwhile high level content then, so as we were approaching level 40, the question "why bother?" kept popping up.

And since we moved on, none of us have even thought about going back to see how things have progressed. A fully fleshed out Middle-Earth with exciting classes and a variety of non-combat content would be a truly wonderful thing, but I'm not gonna keep my eyes on LOTRO until 2013 to see that achievement realized.

Bugs?  What bugs?  Major issues?  What major issues?

Personal preference's and one's own opinions (which I respect) aside this was and is one of the most b ug free, major issue free MMO's out there, even at launch.

Originally posted by bonzoso21

 

Originally posted by DonnieBrasco

 

Still wondering, what the hell the guy means by "many bugs", or especially by "major issues".

 

I did not see any bugs, not even going as far as "major issues" :) even haters agree that LOTRO had probably the smoothest, most bug-free launch of all MMO's ever.

DB

 

Well, it was an exercise in frustration for Loremasters at least as often as it was fun. And I've never been the loot-obsessed type that rushes to the level cap in order to grind for the best gear, but I DO want my experiences to have a lasting impact, and when I was playing it, LOTRO seemed to be forcing me down a linear road in which adventuring (levelling) was really the only thing to do. Being at level 15 when the game launched didn't help its longevity, either.

I'm a  fan of LOTR, and I wanted to like the MMO so much that I purchased the retail version and convinced friends & family to do so even after getting impressions of mediocrity throughout closed & open beta. When the class I truly wanted to play was still unfinished and half-broken for months after launch and  fixes were still months away, but devs were working diligently on bringing me the ability to play as a chicken, I just thought it might be time to jump ship.

There were many reasons it wasn't the game for me (or my friends), not the least of which is that I'm a jaded MMO vet who's still foolishly searching for "the one" while knowing full well the only things that separate one game from the other is the setting and a few minute details. It certainly isn't Turbine's fault they chose a license so beloved that they really had no chance of doing it justice...15 square kilometers in the least interesting (personal opinion, of course) corner of Middle-Earth is not what I envisioned when Middle-Earth Online was first announced, and I wasn't about to support Turbine for the 5+ years they plan to take to deliver Return of the King content.

I started playing with my Loremaster on the 14th of April, 2007 - day 1 of the early access. I have never met a single gameplay bug (there were very seldom sound issues, but nothing breaking the immersion).

(skills that were added later do not count as "release bugs" imho)

I perfectly understand and accept that LOTRO is not your game. Nothing can suit everyone, fair and square. However, mentioning "lots of bugs" and "major issues" is definitely not justified when describing LOTRO. Even in beta if was more stable and bug-free then any other MMO I played so far.

DB

Originally posted by openedge1

 

Then I guess you do not understand the meaning of "Devils Advocate"

 

Def: One who argues against a cause or position, not as a committed opponent but simply for the sake of argument or to determine the validity of the cause or position.

"The phrase "let me play devil's advocate" or equivalent is used in group discussions to counter groupthink;"

Which is what we have in the LOTRO forums. A specific group of LOTRO "fans" always play the game up as the best thing since sliced bread...and it is not in my opinion..

As well, playing devils advocate does not need to be objective. I never once said I was being "objective"...just like the LOTRO fanbase is not being "objective" by saying everything is hunky dory in Middle Earth Online, they are not willing to lay out the negatives...

Some one coming in and doing this helps give a prospective player an overall perspective...so THEY can be "objective"...they will have "both sides" of the argument

But, instead of arguing my points I have made, it is much easier for this fanbase to slam my posts and counter by giving attitude. How does this look to a prospective player about the community of LOTRO?

Argue my points logically but, maybe try to be civil about it. Yes, I may not like LOTRO overall, but I also know the things they did right...for example, I hate my US president, but I can also point out things he did right...well, what few they are..

I am sure this post will lead to "fanboi" slamming as well, but it is true.

As to playtime, I have retested each book update to check if the issues I see in game have been resolved. They have not, so I can continue to state those issues anytime I please as long as I know they still exist. Turbine has not made much progress in UI, animations, stuttering or quests changes...so, I do not see why I am not able to continue to state these issues here.

I came here to answer the OP's post...pure and simple. I feel LOTRO is not truly immersive as a RP'er's game. Now, if you wish to argue that point, please do...but, you may keep your opinions of my posting habits to yourself...as nothing derails a thread more than when the "fans" have to argue why I come here..

Give it a rest and stop hijacking the thread

LOL.. that's funny. Shall I post links to the various threads you've hijacked - in non-LoTRO related forums - to bash LoTRO? Get off your high-horse.

I know what playing Devil's Advocate means, thank you.

As for the rest... Blah blah blah. Rhetoric, rhetoric, rhetoric.

 My point stands...

Anything you post here is suspect at best because of the precedent *you* set as a LoTRO/Turbine hater through *your* quite extensive and active posting history. I, and others, are not pulling this out of thin air. We didn't hack into your account and post those messages where you gleefully and glibly knock Turbine and LoTRO. We know your angle and know that anything you post is fed by your bias against the game - not by any objective, relevant or even recent experience.

So, do not start crying foul now that your "views" aren't accepted with much credibility. You made your own bed, as the saying goes.

I really have to laugh at how determined you are to claim any kind of relevant footing here. Your need to knock this game is so extreme that you're now putting up facades.

In case you haven't noticed... we are quite welcoming of criticisms of the game here... by people who have at least played the game recently and don't have an obvious agenda or bias against the game. There's a clear difference and we address each on its own merit - or lack thereof. That said, no one seriously takes you to task on your opinions of the game because we know what you say is built on out-dated or limited experience at best. We do, however take you task on your well-established motives.

For the record...  Do I think the game is perfect? Hardly. I think the way they implemented mounts is weak - that they don't run faster and/or are so easily dismounted due to aggro - to the point that in some areas, I don't even bother mounting up because I just get knocked off a few moments later. I've posted this on the official forums where it's more likely to be seen as well. I'm not crazy about how mobs can "block" or "evade" an incoming opening attack they don't know is coming - unless they all have Spidey Sense. I take issue with how some slopes are unclimbable even when they're no more steep than others that you can run up just as well. And on and on... I have my own list of gripes with the game that I'm more than happy to discuss. For the most part, however, I'm thoroughly happy with LoTRO and, yes, will tend to post more positive than negative about it.

The key thing with all those concerns, agree with them or not, is that they're all based on current and relevant experience - not month-old gripes.

Based on what you seem to be looking for, LotRO could well be the game for you.  Its immersion is its strong suit.  If you are a Tolkien geek, then it will be heavenly for you. 

It is relatively bug-free and more stable than any other MMO I've played.

However, its gameplay is lacking.  I got bored and quit at level 45.  The combat and the design of some areas and quests turned me off.  There are open world areas of elites that have multiple waves of quests, so getting a group for Dol Dinen doesn't mean that anyone else is working on the same quests as you.  If you have a regular group to quest with, this irritant is removed, of course.

As to immersion, there is a 15 minute+ quest that is nothing more than following Frodo around listening to him qq.  (I /followed him and made a sandwich).

If you play, I recommend a Minstrel.  Best Healing Class Ever.

Originally posted by bonzoso21

 

Originally posted by DonnieBrasco

 

Still wondering, what the hell the guy means by "many bugs", or especially by "major issues".

 

I did not see any bugs, not even going as far as "major issues" :) even haters agree that LOTRO had probably the smoothest, most bug-free launch of all MMO's ever.

DB

 

Well, it was an exercise in frustration for Loremasters at least as often as it was fun. And I've never been the loot-obsessed type that rushes to the level cap in order to grind for the best gear, but I DO want my experiences to have a lasting impact, and when I was playing it, LOTRO seemed to be forcing me down a linear road in which adventuring (levelling) was really the only thing to do. Being at level 15 when the game launched didn't help its longevity, either.

I'm a  fan of LOTR, and I wanted to like the MMO so much that I purchased the retail version and convinced friends & family to do so even after getting impressions of mediocrity throughout closed & open beta. When the class I truly wanted to play was still unfinished and half-broken for months after launch and  fixes were still months away, but devs were working diligently on bringing me the ability to play as a chicken, I just thought it might be time to jump ship.

There were many reasons it wasn't the game for me (or my friends), not the least of which is that I'm a jaded MMO vet who's still foolishly searching for "the one" while knowing full well the only things that separate one game from the other is the setting and a few minute details. It certainly isn't Turbine's fault they chose a license so beloved that they really had no chance of doing it justice...15 square kilometers in the least interesting (personal opinion, of course) corner of Middle-Earth is not what I envisioned when Middle-Earth Online was first announced, and I wasn't about to support Turbine for the 5+ years they plan to take to deliver Return of the King content.

Im sorry but I think they did a wonderful job depicting the world. A much better job then I thought they would orginally (before I tried it and thought it eould flop). There is so much they put in from the books, from the obvious to the most obscure, it really is insasne how much detail they put in that 75% of the people that play wont even notice. Being a fan of Tolkien really helps the immersion in this game but even if you are not it still is beautiful to behold.