Originally posted by neonwire

Originally posted by Majestico

So Blizzard has announced that it's second expansion pack for WoW will hit the stores on November 13th.

For awhile now, I have thought that Lord of the Rings Online's first expansion; Mines of Moria was due to be released on November 14th.  Is this true?  If so, do you think that Blizzard's decision to release their's one day earlier is deliberate?

I am a fan of both games.  However, I must admit that I am much more excited to see Mines of Moria than Wrath.  The fact that it is mostly set in a vast, underground dungeon, is very appealing, and ambitious, and I don't think something like this has been attempted before. 

Wrath I think will be an improvement over The Burning Crusade, and I am keen to see what form this 'increased story-telling' expansion will take.  For me though, Mines is where my interest is at.

I'd like to hear you folks' opinions.

 

There is nothing ambitious or original about setting an expansion in an underground dungeon. What a silly statement. Never been attempted before? Loads of expansions to mmos add extra dungeons. I seem to remember one expansion in DaoC being completley underground and even adding an underwater city. LotRO is quite possibly one of the least original mmos out of all of them.

If you want to pit both the expansions against each other then the only way of doing that would be through the number of sales each gets and the amount of extra subscribers and money each one gains. Everyone knows that WoW is a giant and will sell a LOT more than silly old LotRO.....not that I will be buying either of them mind you. Blizzard does indeed have nothing to fear from Turbine and having the release date 1 day ahead of Turbines product may have been coincidence or it may have simply been a way of banging the nail in the coffin harder just for amusement.

Do you even know the scale of what they are attempting with Mines of Moria?  I don't know why I am even wasting my time replying to you, as you are either a youth, and so I understand you have a lot to learn, or else you are an idiot.

Yes, most MMO's have dungeons added to their expansions.  It's what attracts most people.  But who has ever attempted to replicate the largest dungeon of them all?  I doubt you have read the books, but maybe you have seen the movie.  In which it gives you a slight indication of the size of the place.  It's vast.  Almost the size of one of  WoW's continents.  (In gaming space I mean).  So imagine if you were a dev, and you had to do this.  At the same time keeping all the fans of the books happy.  Don't you think it is quite a challenge they have set themselves?  And this is why a lot of people are talking about it in the press (I don't know what magazines the people who said it wasn't being talked about read, then again, I can hazard a guess!)  On top of this they have continued the epic quest line, with a whole new volume, this time narrated by Galadriel, and beginning with 6 books, with more to come.  There are some momentous moments promised with Moria, and I cannot wait to explore it.  Then they have included Lothlorien as well.   Two brand new classes.  And a legacy weapon system, where your weapon actually gains experience points and levels up just like your character.  A new tier of crafting, including specialist crafting kins, to accompany the kin you make already be in.  And that is just some of what is in this expansion.

Bear in mind that they plan to follow the behind the progress of the Frodo by a couple of weeks, you will see the sheer scale that Turbine is attempting to recreate with this game,  We are only at Moria.  What will future expansions contain?  The Battle of Helm's Deep?  On, and on, the world grows.

So tell me what game has done that with their first expansion? 

I'm looking forward to playing Wrath as well, just not as much, as I am eager to see how they will manage to do this Moria.  I know from playing their game that the attention to detail is amazing.  I doubt it will change with Moria.  At the entrance you will remember The Watcher.  He is there, but you cannot hurt him with your weapons (that is when the legendary weapons come into play).  Also, Tolkienists will know of the vast, three hundred stairs that lead into Moria.  Did Turbine make it more player friendly?  Supposedly not, as rumours say that they have included the whole three hundred!

Originally posted by neonwire

Originally posted by Z3R01

My MMO is better than yours.

No mine is better wanna fight?

Start Epeen Jerk off....... freaking newbs.

Anyway, I enjoyed both games Pve wise Lotro just does it better.

WoW may have more subs but that really means nothing.

Think about the music genre for a second just because Backstreet boys sold a ton of albums did that mean they were the best?

 

Indeed it really doesnt matter either way does it.......so why did the OP start this thread at all? Oh yeah it was to start a verbal battle which is what mmorpg.com is all about

As a side note though its true that the fact that one game sells more copies than another doesnt indicate it is a better quality product. It does however indicate that more people prefer it so the fact that WoW has more subs doesnt mean nothing at all......it means something......that there are more players willing to pay money to play WoW than there are that want to play LotRO.

In the above you wrote:  'so why did the OP start this thread at all? Oh yeah it was to start a verbal battle which is what mmorpg.com is all about '

Please do not have the temerity or the arrogance to presume upon my motives.  It only makes you look like a fool.

If you would like to know, I am a fan of both games, as you can see by checking my x-fire figs, they almost share played hours.  For sometime I have been aware that Moria was due to be released on Nov 14th, or so I believed.  I was also led to believe that Wrath was set to be released several weeks later.  Then, on the day I posted this thread, I had just seen the advertisement about Wrath's launch date, and thought it peculiar.    I was interested in knowing what peeople's opinions were towards both expansions.  What they were looking forward too, etc.   I never once brought up subscription  numbers, for to do so would then have turned this thread into the verbal sparring match you so crudely accussed me off doing.

As a fan of both, I wanted to know what people were looking forward to, and why. 

If I wanted to have started a war of words, which this thread has sadly degenerated into.  I would have cited the accussation that people who can prove they bought Moria and then cancelled their account would get Wrath for half price (which surely cannot be true).

So please don't jump to conclusions in future. 

From what I have played of Guild Wars, I still don't really understand how that one works, so I would vote for that.

FFXI was pretty bad as I recall, purely because the server's economy was out of whack, and it was pointless even trying to buy the simplest of things.

It was nice though when you got back to your mog house and had some coins in your vault.

WoW's is easily the best I have come across.

Lotro's is quite good too, but it is flawed in that players do not know how to price things, so you can buy high level equipment dirt cheap.  As a result, you can't really make much money, unless you sell certain items.  So if they had an easier way of displaying what everyone is selling their items at, like WoW's autioneer, then it would be better than the drag and link system they have now.  Which I doubt much people use, which is why there is so many silly priced items.

Without a shadow of a doubt:

The Sunset Lands - those made famous by the great writer George RR Martin.

And which I suspect we shall see in this form one day in the future!

Not read the books?  You don't know what you are missing,

Like most players here, I have been clamouring out for a tougher gaming experience.

By tough, I do not mean ridiculous timesink, or having to grind out the best gear.  In this day and age, of games that guide you by the hand, those (as well as raiding which requires more timesink and organisation) are what equates to a skillful player.

Therefore, for a long time now, many of us have been looking for a game that does not molly-coddle you.  A game that punishes you, without some silly respawn point whch gives you a tiny penalty for a couple of minutes.

Sure, the bulk of players don't want harsh penalties.  But what about those of us who are in search of a true challenge?

Well Dufus has finally announced a perma-death server on 26th september.

It may not be the greatest game.  But it is free2play, and a lot better than the standard crud out there.

If you can bear the cutesy style, then this might be the start of the 'hardcore' revoloution.

http://www.dofus.com/en/mmorpg-game/heroic-server.html

Let me know what you think.

Saddened that nobody replied.  I'll leave it a while then ceck again. 

You see, although I think the game is gorgeous, i am suspicious that it is going to be another Korean grinder, and I don't want to waste my time and effort playing if it is.

Thanks for the advice guys.  I'll prob wait for D3 although I do not know the min specs

Thanks for the replies.   I like to play 'theme-park' style games like Lotro, as I enjoy the story and the escapism it provides.

But I would also like to play a sandboz style game.  Of which Ryzom and Eve are the two contenders.

My problem with Eve, is the sheer bulk of information required to play.  I mean, I want to spend a few hours away from the rigours of the real world, not have to wade through countless tutorials just to learn the very basics!!  Ryzom on the other hand seems more my kind of game.  Something I can dip into for an hour or two, or even speand an entire weekend enjoying.

I simply love the creatures AI.  They don't just stand there waiting to be attacked, and they also seem to have an ecological purpose (was it my imagination or did one of the larger ones eat a small one?).

This ecology attracts me a lot.  Does the world have an active bio-system, and how so?

I also appreciate the level of difficulty.  I thought at first that it was just me doing not so well.

Can you tell me the features of the game?  What made it special to you, as opposed to other games?

Normally before I post on a thread, I would read what has been written before.

However, as I am meant to be writing My Best Man's Speech (for a wedding tomorrow - and dreading it!) I shall just get to the point.

I understand the the reference 'jumping the shark' pertains to a later episode of Happy Days when The Fonze did a ludicrous stunt by waterskiing over a ramp, and 'jumping the shark'!

The term was then adopted by production companies to express when their programme had went past it's peak audience, and therefore loosing ratings, and due to be dumped by the execs.

Applying it to a successful MMO, that is just about to receive its first ground-breaking expansion, is a wonderful example of how stupid you are.

Are you a troll?  I hope so, then I can kick yer butt in the game! (I like killing the in-game trolls, especially the large ones)

Are you a concerned fan?  Then you are simply an imbecile, and the game would be better off without you. As it states on numerous occassions, gameplay may change. 

Turbine are attempting the most ambitious MMO project I know off, and so far, have done a really good job.  I guess that in your hands, there would be NO expansion.  That we would be restricted to the part of the world at the beginning.  Woah!  A game full of level 50 players - great fun...not!

Instead of 'jumping the shark', why don't you try to swim with it instead?  A Great White preferably!

First off, I am a bit pushed for time, so I have not been able to check out the other threads.

I've been wanting to try something different, and the customer asst in GAME suggested this.

However, although I think it might be quite good, I wanted to know you guys opinions first, as I remember someone saying that it was maybe shutting down soon.

Is this true, and if not, is it worth getting?

Please just don't say no.  Can you elabourate?

Thanks  to anyone who answers.

PS: What are the system specs?

Against contrary advice, I downloaded Archlord...

Now let me start before saying that I normally detest grinding games.  I had suspected that this was one of them.

However, bearning in mind my pc is quite old, I was amazed at how spectacular the graphics were.  The game itself made me feel as though I was part of the world, and I spent ages just looking around in awe of the visuals.   Coupled with this was the 'glitch' free gameplay.  It simply ran like a dream, putting even Guildwars to shame.

The quests are so far quite rudimentary and slightly childish, but at least they are presented well, and the text is word-wrapped, unlike most of these free2play's where the text is all over the place.

Combat is refreshingly quick (bearing in mind I'm used to the poderous Lotro system).  Fast enough to make it almost like Diabloo games!

Of course, I am still at the newbie village.  So will my experience change for the worse?

Any hints and tips on how to play would be of great use to me.  For example, how do I pick up loot quickly? Or do I have to double click on it all the time?

Also, how do I learn spells, and use my points?  Or will one of the villagers teach me this?

Also, how do I summon a monster to help me?  As I love games that allow this.

And how large is the game world, in compared to other MMO's?

And how does pvp work?

Any other tips are useful, and thanks to anyone who answers.  

Let me know your in-game name if you want to become friends (I have none yet -boohoo)

I've been aware of this game for several years now.  I'm really glad to see that it is still going strong.

It seems different to the normall MMO's that I have tried, and thus I posted regarding it on the Pub Forum, as I know very little about it, and I really want to like it.

Hopefully I shall be seeing you guys more often.  If you have any hints or tips, then I would love to hear them.

Best Wishes to All,

Majestico

I've been a played of MMO's for several years now.  I love the genre, and it is still my favourite.  I can see a future when we will play in photo-realistic maps, using 3d technology, allowing us to partake in the greatest imaginable playing experience.  This may be a couple of decades away, but no other current genre has a chance to emulate this success.

However, that is a debate for another time.

Now onto the present state-of-affairs.  Whilst many of us bicker and moan about the stagnation of this genre.   They fail to see that this is just the process it has to go through before it evolves to the next level.

As such, whereas I am still enjoying the likes of Lotro, EQ2, WoW.  I am always on the look out for other titles.  MMORPG.com is a great site as is my resource in finding less well known games.  Face of Mankind being one of them, and whilst I was only able to log-in once, I saw much potential.

Eve is another title I wish I could spend more time in., and no doubt once I have played Mines of Moria and Wrath of the Lich King, I shall.

The other day, I asked for a recommendation of something different whilst I awaited the arrivel of my 'big two expansions'.

Other than Requiem (which I could not get to work), the other title was Ryzom.  A game that I have yet to hear a bad word against.

I downloaded the client and it does have a different 'feel' to it.

Now, what I want to know is this:  What makes this game so special (other than just being able to merge classes)?  How does it work?  Is there a storyline?  Does the planet actually evolve?  Anything that you can think of, I would like to hear.

I noticed that the creatures seemed to form herds, and appeared to have a life of their own.  Was this just my imagination? 

Anything you can tell me would be appreciated.  Go into as much detail as you can.  Does pvp exist, and how?  Are there role-playing oppertunities?  Crafting?  As much info as poss.  And why is it different from other games?  What is its size?  I'm hoping that by your answers that I may add this game to my list of favourites!

I too need a lap-top, as I will not be at home a lot in the next year.

Basically, I need one that will run Lotro on dx10, and will run Diablo3.  Also would like to be able to try AoC or WAR on it, for those lonely hotel nights.

However, I know next to nothing about these machines.  Worst still, I have a VERY lmtd budget, say 300 pounds or a bit higher $700 will be around my max.

So can I get one that will run these games, and I mean on very high settings, with minimul lag?

I lie to think that I have had an extensive experience with most of them.  The trouble is that most MMO's require some level of dedication in order to get involved into them.

For a sand-box title, you could try EvE.  Although it does take a lot of information before you can get fully into it.

At the moment, Mines of Moria is coming out on Nov 14th, and it is being touted as being the greatest expansion pack of any game.  Easy to get into, a beautiful world, with loads going on.  The MInes themselves look set to be amazing,  Complete with a whole new volume, and many glorious cinematics (as in proper cineamtic cut-scenes).  Too much to mention here, but it is going to be great without a doubt.  Please give it a try.

EQ2 is quite good.  With excellent graphics.  Also, full voicing for all NPC's.  However, not the easiest game to get into.

Wrath of the Lich King is also looking set to be an excellent expansion.

Try Moria for a month when it comes out, it was astounding, and I am in a great kin.

So Blizzard has announced that it's second expansion pack for WoW will hit the stores on November 13th.

For awhile now, I have thought that Lord of the Rings Online's first expansion; Mines of Moria was due to be released on November 14th.  Is this true?  If so, do you think that Blizzard's decision to release their's one day earlier is deliberate?

I am a fan of both games.  However, I must admit that I am much more excited to see Mines of Moria than Wrath.  The fact that it is mostly set in a vast, underground dungeon, is very appealing, and ambitious, and I don't think something like this has been attempted before. 

Wrath I think will be an improvement over The Burning Crusade, and I am keen to see what form this 'increased story-telling' expansion will take.  For me though, Mines is where my interest is at.

I'd like to hear you folks' opinions.

Thanks for the suggestions.  Seeing as the moderators have moved this thread though, it is doubtful that you will probably see my answer.

Anyway, as to the recommendations.  Last night I tried to download some of them.  The others I will try later, and let you know what I think.

For some reason, I could not get onto Requiem's web-site.  I answered their question about my age, to get access, but it just kept jumping back to asking for my date of birth again.  And yes, unfortunately I am way over the age of 18!

This was the second time I have tried to play Requiem.  The first time was awhile back at the start of beta.  That time I at least was able to download the client, but then I could not get it to work.  A theme that happens quite a lot for me when it comes to these Asian free2plays.  Really they should put some effort into trying to get them to work better, and maybe they would have more Western fans.

Also for the second time, I tried to install Swords.  After downloading the client over night, it still comes up with an error message when I try to extract the files.  Again, if only the company spent some time trying to make the game easier to download without all this hassle!

The last game I downloaded was Saga of Ryzom.  This download worked, and I was able to install the client.  I then tried to open up a new account, but it would not let me, saying something that they were not allowing new players at this time.  Thankfully, I had downloaded the client a couple of years ago, and had also made an account, although for reasons that I cannot remember, I had not actually created a character and played the game (maybe it used to be pay to play, I don't know).  So by using my old password and account name, I was pretty astonished that it actually worked and that I could play.

So far I have spent a couple of hours trying to get to grips with the interface, and learning about the game.  I am currently on a training island, but even for a newbie zone, it has a huge feeling, which I like.  Also glad that it seems to be different from the bog-standard type of game, and I like the sandbox feel.

After hunting yubo's for a while (which was harder than normal as the mobs in this game act with a life of their own, rather than just your normal, boring creatures) I met several friendly players, and heard that they thought the game was great.

I'll let you know more after I have given this game a proper chance.  I was not expecting to add another title to my gaming list, but this might just be a new MMO for me to add to my favourites.  Thanks for the recommendations.

To put it into perspective though, what you are discussing is character customisation, not the actual games themselves. 

So it is getting late on a sunday evening.  I'm going to pop into Lotro for an hour or so, but instead of just logging off, I was going to perhaps try a new free2play.

So I shall come back here in about an hour or so, and if anyone has any recommendations then I shall download the client, instead of just logging off.  I'll give the game a try tomorrow, and let you know what I think.

I'm looking for a new free2play, and have been unable to find one so far that has been able to grasp my attention long term.  I would appreciate anything you guys think is worthwhile trying.  Of course, my tastes may be different from yours, so what I am ideally looking for is something that is a bit different from the normal free2plays.  I love games that have a strong story, and involving quests.  Also, I like games that are tougher towards the player, so anything that has tough death penalties, etc would be good.  Also, anything that is a little bit different from the normal korean style grinders.  If there is nothing too different, then I shall try a grinder, if you think it is worth the effort.

Below are some of the games I've tried, so don't want recommened, as they are already installed.

Shayia.

Sho Online.

Dofus.

RF Online.

Twelve Swords.

Archlord.

Dungeon Runners.

Silkroad.

Last Chaos.

Space Cowboy.

So none of these please.  I will download your recommendations overnight, and then let you know what I think of them.

Thanks to anyone who answers, as I am looking forward to trying something I haven't played yet.

Originally posted by Disastorm

Originally posted by tsitluc

Yes they have some unknown Greek DVD distribution company as their publisher because no real video game publisher would touch this.

Should tell you enough about how innovative , groundbreaking and simply amazing the game is.

This game is going to be a monumental failure.

 

Imagine if instead they got a real video game publisher like EA or something.  Damn, the supposedly perfect game would be completely ruined, like EA did with UO, Spore, and just about every other game they have ever released.

Very good point.  They would have to drop a lot of what is making the game special in the first place.  Also, as the company is Greek, they probably know them quite well, and have a good working relationship with them.

I have to admit, that before I knew this information, I was one of the biggest sceptics of this game.  Now I am taking a leap of faith, and just hoping that the veil of secrecy was to prevent plagarism.

I still don't think it will be ready for a 2008 launch though. 

Also, does anyone know what the specs are?  My pc is seriously needing upgarded!