http://images.mmorpg.com//images/galleries/formatted/462009/59bc888e-b927-4889-84cd-271f1ac63153.jpg

This is what I saw when I played the trial (not my picture but it's the best example) and you have this great landscape but such horrible character design. It put me off going any further throughout the game because if I can't like my character then I wont care about the exploring the world with him and his advancement.

Can you explain what the problem is with the character model there?

Looks good to me, the problem is that alot of low level armor is to tight to the body.

I think the characters in LotrO are among the best looking in MMOs but the gear is hit and miss. The cosmetic outfuts makes up for that thou. Compare to the ugly character models in games like EQ2 and Vanguard..

I think the OP is referring to the...
Mis-shapen barrel chest
Dropped shoulders
Short legs

I agree with the OP that LotRO's character design leaves a bit to be desired, but I never seen it as a game-breaker. LotRO would not only benefit from a character re-design, but also more choice of character voices, since all dwarves, men and elves have the exact same voices.

I kinda liked that look. The Race of Man is supposed to be the determined and will-driven race, so the puffed chest seemed to work well with the style and lore of the game. I can see how it might bother the OP, though.

The textures certainly need work, especially compared to other recently released games. However, the bigger issue is the character animations. Unfortunately, the avatars move like mannequins, too stiff robotic like movement.

Actually, this picture looks better than I expected.

Yeah, I'm not seeing any huge issue here.  They could be better, and starter armor textures and designs are just bad(the pants have yellow halfmoon stripes on the hips, making it look like you're just wearing leather underwear and chaps).  But as a whole, they look fine, though it seems like they could add at least SOME non-sillyness to the hobbits... just a little too cutesy.

Either way, not a game breaker.  If they said they were gonna redo them, I'd be eager to see the result, but I'm no closer to quitting because of how they currently look.

 Honestly, the only thing I really think needs a redesign is

A: all the silly hats and B: Animations. 

combat needs to run smoother as well

Originally posted by Frostbite05

combat needs to run smoother as well

I believe combat is being overhauled somewhat in Siege of Mirkwood

I think the graphics including the character graphics are fairly well done all considered. But, I do have an issue with my hobbit in that the body type and appearance is just not something I really like very much. But, it is a style and they have been pretty consistent with their style guides. The lower level armor can be pretty horrendous at times with some omg awful color combinations. A couple of times I thought my hobbit was a clown in Lord of the three ring circus but it got better.

Looks okay to me.  /shrug

Only thing I dident really care for was the hood... then again I havent seen a game get hoods right yet so...

wtb pvp

I can't believe you guys are complaining about the hobbits.  The dwarves have hunchbacks and no necks...lol.  I think the picture looks great.  I have no problem with the characters when they stand still (except for the play dough hair).  The problem I have is the stick up their arse when they run/move.  This doesn't deter me from playing this great game t hough.  To me, Vanguard character animation/textures are worse, but its all a matter of opinion anyway.

Originally posted by LynxJSA

Can you explain what the problem is with the character model there?

Its in noob gear, and does not have giant, flashy shoulder pads and other fantasy elements in its armor.

LOTRO is a stylized realism, some people just cant handle that low fantasy take on visuals.

Here are some midlevel armors.

As you can see from this dwarf, there is nothing wrong with the texture fidelity. Of course they dont use all the bleeding edge graphical techniques, but LOTRO has one of the best system requirements to performance ratios of any MMO.

Forchel armor above.

Originally posted by lolunatic

wtb pvp

Go play a FPS lots of online pvp there.

Originally posted by Mrbloodworth

Originally posted by LynxJSA

Can you explain what the problem is with the character model there?

 

Its in noob gear, and does not have giant, flashy shoulder pads and other fantasy elements in its armor.

 

LOTRO is a stylized realism, some people just cant handle that low fantasy take on visuals.

 

Here are some midlevel armors.

 

 

 

As you can see from this dwarf, there is nothing wrong with the texture fidelity. Of course they dont use all the bleeding edge graphical techniques, but LOTRO has one of the best system requirements to performance ratios of any MMO.

 

Forchel armor above.

 

In contrast with the lands they are in no they don't look good, It's like having wow characters in aion (well that's exagerating but should get my point)

Originally posted by lolunatic

wtb pvp

Originally posted by bloodaxes

Originally posted by Mrbloodworth

Originally posted by LynxJSA

Can you explain what the problem is with the character model there?

 

Its in noob gear, and does not have giant, flashy shoulder pads and other fantasy elements in its armor.

 

LOTRO is a stylized realism, some people just cant handle that low fantasy take on visuals.

 

Here are some midlevel armors.

 

 

 

 

 

As you can see from this dwarf, there is nothing wrong with the texture fidelity. Of course they dont use all the bleeding edge graphical techniques, but LOTRO has one of the best system requirements to performance ratios of any MMO.

 

 

Forchel armor above.

 

 

In contrast with the lands they are in no they don't look good, It's like having wow characters in aion (well that's exagerating but should get my point)

I disagree. Completely. Also, players can color there armor whatever they want.

Have some perspective: