LOTRO NDA is lifted

[Twobit Whore]

Most of what you list are subjective, though I do agree with some. The combat isn't as good as it could be, but if you haven't played it in the last couple of months you should, because it's improved quite a bit.

World size, well it's no Vanguard (what a bummer!), but it is respectably large.


http://img300.imageshack.us/img300/6263/worldmapos4.jpg (see image below)

For comparison sake, I believe the Qeynor-Freeport run was about 25 minutes. So Breeland looks to be about half the size of Antonica or so. Using my amazing power of extrapolation, it looks like LotRO is going to be larger than EQ originally, probably somwehere between Kunark and Velious EQ.

Quest system is a WoW clone, take that for what it's worth. Some people hate, I don't mind it.

Gameplay is very broad, but the traits, deeds, PvMP, destiny and more are all good ideas and if done right will provide many carrots to keep people interested.

Crafting is pretty evil though, mostly the archetypes which try to force interdependency. Crafting itself is well done, but the forced part irks me, but every game that does it in some way irks me.

Yeah those are all subjective, and I don't even think I will be playing LotRO, but if you haven't played it recently, reinstall the beta or try out the open one.

[Hippos II]

i played from alpha 1 to beta 1... then i tried selling my account and got nuked.

[Drednots]

Originally Posted by Twobit Whore

Most of what you list are subjective, though I do agree with some. The combat isn't as good as it could be, but if you haven't played it in the last couple of months you should, because it's improved quite a bit.

World size, well it's no Vanguard (what a bummer!), but it is respectably large.


http://img300.imageshack.us/img300/6263/worldmapos4.jpg (see image below)

For comparison sake, I believe the Qeynor-Freeport run was about 25 minutes. So Breeland looks to be about half the size of Antonica or so. Using my amazing power of extrapolation, it looks like LotRO is going to be larger than EQ originally, probably somwehere between Kunark and Velious EQ.

Quest system is a WoW clone, take that for what it's worth. Some people hate, I don't mind it.

Gameplay is very broad, but the traits, deeds, PvMP, destiny and more are all good ideas and if done right will provide many carrots to keep people interested.

Crafting is pretty evil though, mostly the archetypes which try to force interdependency. Crafting itself is well done, but the forced part irks me, but every game that does it in some way irks me.

Yeah those are all subjective, and I don't even think I will be playing LotRO, but if you haven't played it recently, reinstall the beta or try out the open one.

Combat not as good as it can be? Its a piece of shit.

[woqqqa]

Originally Posted by Drednots

Combat not as good as it can be? Its a piece of shit.

Seeing as I've not tried the beta, what makes it suck so much?

[Mkopec1]

Originally Posted by woqqqa

Seeing as I've not tried the beta, what makes it suck so much?

10 diffrent melle+ 1 caster type =shit...

[Hal2005]

The only question I have is:

Does the game have the Two ring, which is far better then the One ring ?

My serious contribution to the discussion is I had the luxury of trying it out and most of their inspiration did come from World of Warcraft. Sadly, it does show in how they designed their quests and the 'frame' of middle earth.

Personally I doubt the game will gain the hardcore content of Warcraft or Vanguard. Their market niche is aimed at 6 man content (fellowships), and quick questing. It's basically Dungeons and Dragons online, but with hobbits, by Turbine. The content that has been slated, or is currently in the final beta edition is pretty much 'what you will see' for a while. Which might be enough for the most casual MMOist, but I doubt there will be any sort of boss encounter released akin to C'thun or Aran (two of my personal fav. bosses to date).

Will it do well ? I suspect those players who were turned off by the key grind and Karazhan (very few in my personal sample and guild) might pick this up, simply due to how close it appears to Warcraft and the franchise name. The long term growth of this title does appear to be stunted.

The lack of realtive PVP also might limit their customer base, but this has already been pretty much decided a PVE game.

My only real final comment is that the game could be better as an MMO hobbiest and it brings minimal growth to the genre, despite the polish.

[Twobit Whore]

Originally Posted by Drednots

Combat not as good as it can be? Its a piece of shit.

When is the last time you tried it? 3 months ago I said the same thing. Yesterday I thought it was much improved, but could still use a bit of work.

[Draegan]

I just updated my LOTRO client while reading the Nerd Rage thread. Logged in today and I have to say that the combat is amazingly better. All the old complaints I had about combat have almost been fixed. It went from shitty to average.

Combat works easily right click a mob and yous tart swinging at it. You press skills to activate them just like normal. However instead of spamming 1 button to use it as soon as it's ready you can press it once and it will queue it to go off as soon as the cooldown is up.

I have to say, load the game up if you havn't beta'd it in a while. Combat's much better. Though it's still a little slow for my tastes.

[Draegan]

Random Screenshot. "Very High" graphics.


Noobie event. Pretty cool script to run through when you first start out.


Minstril (healer class) playing an instrument. This particular skill does damage. Pretty cool sound comes with each song. (So far.)


Another part of the event.

I'm low level, havn't played around too much. Any requests with what I can see at level 3?

[Cuppycake]

That game is so visually appealing. Can't wait to try it when it comes out.

[Draegan]

Yes it is. I can see myself playing this game, depending on what the end game is like. I don't know anyone who is playing the game or plans to when it's released. I won't play an MMO where I don't know anyone these days.

[Roa]

There will be an open beta starting April 6th or 7th lasting until the game releases April 24th. I'll be giving it a go, see if it's worth getting, even if only for a few months.

[Aphextwin]

Originally Posted by Twobit Whore

When is the last time you tried it? 3 months ago I said the same thing. Yesterday I thought it was much improved, but could still use a bit of work.

The last time I played was probably 3 months if not a little more and I did like the game except for the combat, that turned me right off. I may have to take another look once the beta goes public, thanks for the update.

[Cuppycake]

Here's some interesting information about the "Monster PVP" element in the game.

Tobold's MMORPG Blog: LotRO monster play - the new way to PvP

I thought this sounds pretty innovative and unique. Thoughts?

[Itzena]

Originally Posted by Cuppycake

I thought this sounds pretty innovative and unique. Thoughts?

everquest casters realm - news, spells, items, equipment, prices, maps, quests, factions (c) 1999-2002

Project M

Tonight we have patched something to the PvP servers that many players have been waiting for. The ability to play that gnoll, orc, or the cute and fuzzy rat. On your character select screen you will notice another button in the upper right part of your screen called "Monster". Clicking this button will randomly place you in a low-level NPC in a random zone. You will be given full control of the creature to do with it what you like. You may hunt and kill other creatures. You may even attack other players.

Some things to remember when playing your own personal monster (NPC).

* You will not be able to interact with players or NPC's other than moving and hitting attack. -You cannot speak, trade, sell, or do anything else that a player can do.
* You will spawn with normal loot for the monster you are playing and Player Characters will be able to kill you for loot and experience.
* If you are a spell casting monster you might want to take a moment to memorize some spells.
* Once you die, you will return to the character select screen where you may choose to return as another NPC or play your normal character.
* You may gain experience, levels, and skills as this NPC, but once you die, it is all lost. You will need to start over the next time you choose to be a NPC character.
* You can't zone as a monster. If you try to cross a zone-boarder you will lose your progress and return to the character-select screen.
* Monster PCs (MPCs) can not loot, sell, or gain items. They only get what they start out with.
* This ability to play a monster is being implemented for PvP servers only as we have no plans to implement non-consensual PvP on a non PvP server.

However, we are still working with this system. We may find other ways to implement Project M on the non-PvP servers that are acceptable. We aren't done looking at the possible uses of this new feature