Lord of the Rings Online

Originally posted by Wrymstrum

While I'm at it, I'd like to comment about the complaints that the game is too linear and limited to Eriador.

 

Look, Turbine can only do so much in so much time.  I am very happy with the decisions they have made about how to develop middle earth.  There's no way they could have put out a game that included all the areas from the books without making huge sacrifices to the detail and content density of the zones.  And if they had chosen to try to include everything that we want to see at the start, then what?  What would there be to look forward to in a couple of years?  Look at all the excitement that the Mines of Moria expansion has created among the player base.  Moria is going to be freaking huge and awesome.  Thank god they didn't rush it for the original release and make it disappointing. 

Yes, the game is pretty linear.  But it is also very story-driven.  Those two go hand in hand.  Frankly, for this IP I think that was the right choice.  The epic quest lines are unique, well done, and add a lot to the game.  Also the original size of the game was a limiting factor in how non-linear the game is.  Because the number of zones were limited, sometimes you were forced to fight in a particular area at a particular level range.  But Turbine has continued to add new zones which has helped add variety.  In fact a new 44-50 zone is coming out today.  Again it comes down to the fact that you can only do so much in a period of time.  If you want an mmo that is content-rich, detailed, and story focused you probably aren't going to find that it's a gigantic non-linear world.   I like what Turbine has chosen to do.

I gotta laugh at those that criticize the focus of LoTRo's area in Middle Earth.   Umm... did they even read the books?   (You know the books that the game is based on).  Heh... where else is the story supposed to start?   I'm guessing that they did not know that the story starts in the Shire... then Bree... then Barrow Downs... then WeatherTop... then Rivendell... and then next comes Moria.  

Heh... guess what?  That's a lot like the progress your character makes in the game.  Wow!  What a coincidence!  LOL! 

I really like how they manage the progression and storyline in LotRO.  What Turbine has done very well is allow for a mix and match approach to levelling.  There are so many quests, and you don't have to do all of them.  I mix questing with grinding for traits, then I do alot of crafting (5 slots gives you alot of different possibilities in crafting), and I also love to explore the landscapes (which helps immensely when questing).

And it's easy for RPers because they have so many different spots that are seeped in lore.  PvP may not be as good as other games, but Turbine has been pretty vocal about how PvP is NOT the axis of the game, cooperative play is.  This is awesome.  I love to skirmish with other players, but an MMO like this is PvE-centric for a reason.

Originally posted by Evilsam

Since you haven't put forth the effort to even try it for FREE..I would say no,this isn't the game for you

So I am quite excited about playing it.  Is the guidbook worth getting?

If you're joining up, don't look for any innovations in terms of combat.  There are cool group moves, but solo play is pretty straight forward MMO stuff.  What shines about LotRO to me is the landscaping and the quality/quantity of quests, as well as the diversity of activities you can do.  And with the recently added housing update, you can now 'live' in ME (which to me is a huge plus for the game, although prices are a bit steep).

Good luck.

Originally posted by Majestico

 

Originally posted by Evilsam

Since you haven't put forth the effort to even try it for FREE..I would say no,this isn't the game for you

Axtually I did put forth the effort.  I downloaded the client registered, only to find that they key did not work.  In actual fact, I think I shall be purchsing this game on Monday, as from what I have heard, this could be the best MMORPG out there for me.  At least the closest to my perfect MMO that there is.  I hope I am not disappointed.

 

So I am quite excited about playing it.  Is the guidbook worth getting?

There's a guide for LoTRO? O.o

lol... I never knew that. Man I used to pick the up for almost any MMO I played. Never really had the thought to get one for LoTRO.

I've always got a browser open to lorebook.lotro.com. Comes in very handy when I just can't seem to find a NPC I need.

Originally posted by Majestico

 

Originally posted by Evilsam

Since you haven't put forth the effort to even try it for FREE..I would say no,this isn't the game for you

Axtually I did put forth the effort.  I downloaded the client registered, only to find that they key did not work.  In actual fact, I think I shall be purchsing this game on Monday, as from what I have heard, this could be the best MMORPG out there for me.  At least the closest to my perfect MMO that there is.  I hope I am not disappointed.

 

So I am quite excited about playing it.  Is the guidbook worth getting?

I'm glad hope to see you online. If you get on the Brandywine server look me up. Characters name is Tyndum, I'm in a pretty cool very helpful Kinship to if you want to join.

LOTRO is great for imersion. The world is very detailed. This game has many linear storylines BUT you are NOT forced to do anything. You don't have to follow any story. You are free to do your own thing and level any way you want.

It's so immersive and detailed I even by accident drove my horse off a cliff admiring the scenery.

Best PVE MMORPG on the market in the truest sense.

If you are over 25 years of age in real life check out TheOlderGamers.com

We have a great kingship on Elendilmir server

I may just do that Jarash.  I will be looking primarily for a rp-specific server, if there is one.  If not, then I shall create my main in Brandywine and check for your character.  I always like to join a guild in a MMO, as I like the comaradirie.

Cool. I know there is an unofficial RP server people talk about but don't know what that one is. Brandywine is one of the biggest I hear though so there will be ppl to have fun with. Yeah look me up, remember the name is Tyndum. When you make your char tell me on here too. Cant remember if you can msg on trial. Unless you are on their friend list.

Get this...you know I was having problems with thr trial key?  Well a friendly MMORPG.com user, pm'ed me to say he would refer me as a buddy, so that I could get a pass.

I waited, and nothing arrived in my e-mail's in-box, even checked spam. Nothing.

I told the guy who promptly got back in touch with Turbine to issue me another key.

Well, after everyone's comments (and thanks to all who replied to this thread), you guys have convinced me that LotR is the game to replace EQ2 in my Big Three (to those who don't know what I mean by this, I have a short attention span, and therefore usually have three subs running at once - my main games.  That is not to say that I don't dabble in free2play.  For my sins I do, and if I am in the mood for a grindfest, and some difficulty, and mindless killing, they suffice, where Lineage2 used to.  Incidentally, if you ever liked L2, try Shaiya, virtually the same graphically, and gameplay wise. Even better in my novice opinion.  The community is friendlier, and the other players are actually people, not bots.  I also love how you have to get to level 50 in normal, to unlock hard setting, then I think it is level 80 in hard setting to unloc