Lord of the Rings Online?

[dragon wench]

There is a good chance that I'll be able to upgrade my computer in a couple of months, and the one recently released game that has grabbed my attention is Lord of the Rings Online. Given that I've never actually played an MMORPG before, and haven't had a lot desire to do so, I find this both ironic and amusing

But, LOTRO has captured my interest because from what I understand it is, in fact, heavily story-based and it stays quite faithful to Tolkien. Also, it doesn't really have true PvP, which I consider to be a big plus. What also appeals is that from what I gather it is fairly well suited to casual players.

Anyway, all of this to ask if anyone here plays the game, and if so what your opinions are.

I know of at least one person at GB who plays, but I'm curious if there are more

[Xandax]

Got one of them 3 day passes, but didn't really feel up to it, as I'm currently not that interested in a "same-old-same-old" elves, monster, slashing game.
Instead I'm looking at other MMOGs which seems to offer something new.

I dunno if this passes are "transferable" and all that, but if you want DW, hit me with a PM and I'll PM the code to you.

[dragon wench]

Fair enough, which is why I'm also looking forward to "Age of Decadence" since it seems a bit different from the usual fare.
But, even so I've heard good things about LOTRO, and it probably helps that I'm not burned out on games like Wow, since I haven't had the opportunity to play them.

lol! The other person at Banshee has also offered me a pass, if I am in fact able to upgrade my computer a couple of months hence I'll certainly contact one or both of you
Thanks!

[Ulfang]

Originally Posted by dragon wench

There is a good chance that I'll be able to upgrade my computer in a couple of months, and the one recently released game that has grabbed my attention is Lord of the Rings Online. Given that I've never actually played an MMORPG before, and haven't had a lot desire to do so, I find this both ironic and amusing

But, LOTRO has captured my interest because from what I understand it is, in fact, heavily story-based and it stays quite faithful to Tolkien. Also, it doesn't really have true PvP, which I consider to be a big plus. What also appeals is that from what I gather it is fairly well suited to casual players.

Anyway, all of this to ask if anyone here plays the game, and if so what your opinions are.

I know of at least one person at GB who plays, but I'm curious if there are more

*puts hand up* I'm in! I've been playing LOTRO since the first stress test and through the Beta and am still playing it. I've played loads of MMORPG's since the dawn of time starting with EQ and UO and through probably 90% of the other games out there and LOTRO is the best I've played (on a par with EQ when there were few other MMORPG's out there to challenge it). Of course I'm a massive Tolkien fan and the fact that I can wander round Middle Earth is a big part of my love of the game and not everyone feels the same way

A few people have compared it to WoW and I've played WoW and I can assure you it's nothing like that game! It does have a similar quest system but besides that there's little similarity. Well no more than any other MMORPG anyway.

If RPG is your thing and you can find a good Kinship with a lot of RPG fans then you're laughing. I'm in one called the Sanctuary and they are all pretty much mature gamers in there. My problem is I tend to play quite late on (about 11pm to 4am GMT) so I tend to solo a lot Another thing is if you're a North American player then you can't play together with EU players unless they also have the NA version etc.

They've just run an update funnily enough wihich adds Chapter 11 to the main quest (i've not even finished Chapter 1 yet ... I'm a patient player lol) as well as adding player housing and a lot more feature. It's similar to DDO as in the updates are free (well free other than the monthly fee you play) although I'm sure there will be some big retail expansions in the future when the want to add the likes of Rohan, Gondor etc into the game.

[dragon wench]

@Ulfang,
Thanks so much for your reply! Sorry it took me a while to respond, I have just been through a rather major move and related upheavals, and it has taken me a while to get things sorted out.

Your description of LOTRO sounds very promising and certainly dovetails with what I've heard from other people. I'm attracted to LOTRO because I'm assuming that just by its nature it will be heavily story-based, and thus resemble an RPG far more than other online games..

I have a a question, though..
My son actually plays WoW, so I've become fairly familiar with the demands made by guilds, especially when it comes to raiding and the like.
Now, I fully recognise that if you commit to your group and say you will be present at a certain time, you are expected to uphold the promise. That is reasonable. But... I do not want to be in a situation where gaming feels like a job that detracts from other Real Life obligations and interests, and people don't understand that the gaming world is not my primary place of interest.
So, while I imagine it will vary from server to server and kinship to kinship, what is the LOTRO community like in this regard?

It's timely I saw your post today, I'm just getting set to order a new computer... LOTRO and The Witcher will be purchased rather soon as well, me thinks

[Ulfang]

Originally Posted by dragon wench

Your description of LOTRO sounds very promising and certainly dovetails with what I've heard from other people. I'm attracted to LOTRO because I'm assuming that just by its nature it will be heavily story-based, and thus resemble an RPG far more than other online games..

I have a a question, though..
My son actually plays WoW, so I've become fairly familiar with the demands made by guilds, especially when it comes to raiding and the like.
Now, I fully recognise that if you commit to your group and say you will be present at a certain time, you are expected to uphold the promise. That is reasonable. But... I do not want to be in a situation where gaming feels like a job that detracts from other Real Life obligations and interests, and people don't understand that the gaming world is not my primary place of interest.
So, while I imagine it will vary from server to server and kinship to kinship, what is the LOTRO community like in this regard?

It's timely I saw your post today, I'm just getting set to order a new computer... LOTRO and The Witcher will be purchased rather soon as well, me thinks

As for the suggestion the game is more like a CRPG game than a MMORPG then I'm afraid that's not really the case. Like all MMORPG's the game highlights grouping (although it's not a necessity) and the quests are similar to other MMO's such as visiting a certain person, killing a certain person or creature, creating a certain crafted item etc.

Can I ask if you're based in the U.S. Or in Europe? (possibly somewhere else but I'm just basing this on the two clients) if you're in the U.S. then you'll be playing with fellow Americans using the North American Client whereas if you're based in Europe you'll be playing on the EU clent so you can't play with members who are using the opposing client which is a bit annoying.

As for guilds in LOTRO they are called Kinships but work the same way and there are plenty of them to choose from depending on which server you choose to play on. I play on the Laurelin server on the EU client which is the roleplaying preferred server. I've not heard of any demanding guilds that expect you to be on at a certain time every night but I suppose there could be some like that. Most Kinships are happy with you playing when you want. I hardly get to group with any of my kin because I play at strange hours and not many of them are around. You can also quit and join other Kinships if you find one that suits your needs more. Some are for hardcore RP'ers, some for Mature or laid back gamers, some are Race based so only accept a particular race so there's a good mix out there on on the main LOTRO forums they list many of the Kinships.

I'd suggest having a look around the forums on the website(s) to get a feel for it. There are also links for 7 days trials if you want to give it a go first.

The Lord of the Rings Online™: Shadows of Angmar™ > Home Page (NA site)
http://www.lotro-europe.com (EU site)

Going back to your "demands" question... I also vary my servers as I'm set up on two others as well. I'm a laid back gamer and just play when I want. I certainly don't let my Kinship rule my playing time. Sometimes I like to wander round on my own and go resource gathering (such as wood, animal skins and ore) or sometimes I like to sit in a local inn such as the Prancing Pony or Golden Perch and just RP with fellow players (this is the best place to find RP ... where there's alcohol). Player Housing has also been added. I was at a house warming at my Kinship's house last night

Any questions just let me know and I'll try to answer them.

By the way .. good choice in regard to The Witcher. Great game although it's not popular with certain other members of this site

[dragon wench]

Originally Posted by Ulfang

As for the suggestion the game is more like a CRPG game than a MMORPG then I'm afraid that's not really the case. Like all MMORPG's the game highlights grouping (although it's not a necessity) and the quests are similar to other MMO's such as visiting a certain person, killing a certain person or creature, creating a certain crafted item etc.

Can I ask if you're based in the U.S. Or in Europe? (possibly somewhere else but I'm just basing this on the two clients) if you're in the U.S. then you'll be playing with fellow Americans using the North American Client whereas if you're based in Europe you'll be playing on the EU clent so you can't play with members who are using the opposing client which is a bit annoying.

As for guilds in LOTRO they are called Kinships but work the same way and there are plenty of them to choose from depending on which server you choose to play on. I play on the Laurelin server on the EU client which is the roleplaying preferred server. I've not heard of any demanding guilds that expect you to be on at a certain time every night but I suppose there could be some like that. Most Kinships are happy with you playing when you want. I hardly get to group with any of my kin because I play at strange hours and not many of them are around. You can also quit and join other Kinships if you find one that suits your needs more. Some are for hardcore RP'ers, some for Mature or laid back gamers, some are Race based so only accept a particular race so there's a good mix out there on on the main LOTRO forums they list many of the Kinships.

I'd suggest having a look around the forums on the website(s) to get a feel for it. There are also links for 7 days trials if you want to give it a go first.

The Lord of the Rings Online™: Shadows of Angmar™ > Home Page (NA site)
The Lord of the Rings Online (EU site)

Going back to your "demands" question... I also vary my servers as I'm set up on two others as well. I'm a laid back gamer and just play when I want. I certainly don't let my Kinship rule my playing time. Sometimes I like to wander round on my own and go resource gathering (such as wood, animal skins and ore) or sometimes I like to sit in a local inn such as the Prancing Pony or Golden Perch and just RP with fellow players (this is the best place to find RP ... where there's alcohol). Player Housing has also been added. I was at a house warming at my Kinship's house last night

Any questions just let me know and I'll try to answer them.

By the way .. good choice in regard to The Witcher. Great game although it's not popular with certain other members of this site

Hmmm.. OK. I likely will try a demo out first, so I suppose if I don't like the whole MMO, as opposed to CRPG, style of play, I can always decide to simply not get the game.

I'm in Canada, so I'd assume I'll probably be accessing the US servers. I have, in fact, lurked around the LOTRO site and forums, and from what I can tell, Windfola sounds like it would be a good server for me. I don't want to join an exclusively roleplaying server, I just couldn't stay "in Middle Earth" mode all of the time. But, neither do I want to deal with a lot of 13-year-old power players, something in between those two extremes would suit me quite well.

It definitely sounds as though there are plenty of options in terms of kinships and the like, and I also get the impression the game is well suited for casual gamers, as well as those who like to group. So... thus far, it seems quite promising..
Now I just have to figure out what components I want for my new computer, the shop has changed quite a few of them since I originally looked into it *sigh*
Regarding the Witcher.. er yeah.. I have been following certain of those threads in said forum..
I'll see how I end up liking it personally, but it looks like the best CRPG title to appear since Planescape Torment, so I'm definitely looking forward to trying it out.

Thanks very much for all the info, as I wade in and start to get my feet wet I'll probably have more questions, so, cheers!

[Ulfang]

Originally Posted by dragon wench

Hmmm.. OK. I likely will try a demo out first, so I suppose if I don't like the whole MMO, as opposed to CRPG, style of play, I can always decide to simply not get the game.

Give it a go. I found it the best out of all the MMORPG's I've played and there are a lot of Middle Earth fans playing which adds to the experience. It's also great to be wandering around Eriador which they have portrayed amazingly well. I'm happy playing just for the chance to view the world but you will always get those typical MMORPG experiences such as camping etc.

Originally Posted by dragon wench

I don't want to join an exclusively roleplaying server, I just couldn't stay "in Middle Earth" mode all of the time. But, neither do I want to deal with a lot of 13-year-old power players, something in between those two extremes would suit me quite well.

Well the RP servers don't force anyone to RP there are plenty of none RP'ers on there. You'll find small groups or RP'ers in taverns etc but RP'ers only respond to other RP'er in terms of ... um ... RP.

Originally Posted by dragon wench

Regarding the Witcher.. er yeah.. I have been following certain of those threads in said forum..
I'll see how I end up liking it personally, but it looks like the best CRPG title to appear since Planescape Torment, so I'm definitely looking forward to trying it out. [/size]

Definately one of the best out there. There are problems with loading times which can be annoying but it's bug free (after you install the two patches ) and has plenty of action with some good NPC's. Maybe the translation from Polish has lost a bit in said translation but it's very enjoyable.

[galraen]

Well I was interested in trying the trial verion, unfortunately the Euro site is about as responsive as a concrete block. I had to go via the US link Ulfgan posted to even get to the Euro site, and when I got there I tried click ong on the 7 day trial, but nothing happened, ever. If that's a sample of the service I guess it's not worth bothering with.

Ah well, back to one player games I guess.

[Ulfang]

Originally Posted by galraen

Well I was interested in trying the trial verion, unfortunately the Euro site is about as responsive as a concrete block. I had to go via the US link Ulfgan posted to even get to the Euro site, and when I got there I tried click ong on the 7 day trial, but nothing happened, ever. If that's a sample of the service I guess it's not worth bothering with.

Well I just tried it and it works fine ... although I seem to remember a friend of mine not being to access the euro site at all (same sort of problem as you have) when I could so I'm guessing there maybe something on your comp conflicting. I have a similar problem with fileplanet.com using my work com I can access links for Beta's etc with no problem but if I try to click those same links at home I don't get any response to the link.

I have a spare trial key at home that I got with the game (buddy key) which is a seven day trial I think so if you still want it let me know and I'll send it to you.

[galraen]

A possible cause did occur to me as I was trying to get to sleep, it could be because of the pop-up blocker on Firefox. I'll try again later, but if it is that the administrator of the Euro site needs her/his derriere kicked.

PS It was a pop-up problem, no trouble getting in with IE, started to download the file then noticed the reminder that the worlds worst browser can't handle downloads bigger than 2GB!!! So had to disable the blocker in FF, it's going to take flaming ages to download. What broadband speed is the minimum requirement?

PPS Well this game looks like a no go for me. Spent hours downloading, installed the game, but when I try to run it it insists on updating. Unfortunately the update always fails (HTTP 404 not found), the only advice on the support site is regarding firewalls, I don't have one. When I try the link on the site, to another page on the same site, it can't find the page!!! Should have known better than to try and get involved with a Crudmasters game I guess.

[dragon wench]

I wanted to post a bit of an update here..

Now do bear in mind that I am still in the euphoric stage of actually being able to play demanding games like this, and my LOTRO character is only at level 10... which further amplifies said "honeymoon" phase, but so far I am truly enjoying this game. It honestly does feel as though you are wandering around Middle Earth, the solo quests are surprisingly varied, and I have seen numerous instances of a subtle humour. I find the writing is well done and in keeping with the atmosphere of the book.
I have also been grouping with a friend who has made me some equipment, and she is showing me a lot of the ropes, which I truly appreciate. Of course, that has also influenced my positive impressions, playing with friends is a lot of fun.

Last night I was so completely immersed while exploring and questing in the Shire and Bree, that when the phone rang, it took a minute to register, even though it was right next to me...
If a game can do that to me, it is a big plus in my books!

So far then, I'm very happy to have purchased LOTRO.

Oh, and while I do not at all view this as paramount to any game, I can also say, for those who do value such things, LOTRO is very pretty.

[Ulfang]

The Shire is one of my favourite areas in the game. It's so beautiful and peaceful. There are a few creatures wandering around but nothing tough so even at low level you can explore safely. Good thing about the Shire is that there are plenty of resources to collect for crafting and because the area is pretty safe it means lots of resources with little work.

You may already know this but if you want to make a lot of cash you can with the most basic of resources. For instance making the most basic leather from the hides you collect and then selling them in the trading/auction halls can make you a lot of cash, same with ore and wood just concentrate on making treated wood and copper and bronze (bronze preferably) ingots, wait till you have a full set of 50 and then put them up for auction and you'll find you make a fortune!

This is also a good reason not to sell hides you collect when you are low level even for a bit of quick cash. It makes better financial sense to save those hides until you can craft them into boiled leather.

Glad you're having fun.

[galraen]

Can you download the US version and play on the US server if you're in the UK? The Euro server is so badly administered I had to give up, but I'd love to play it.

[dragon wench]

@Ulfang,
lol! I keep thinking I should explore crafting, but I haven't gotten there yet. My Loremaster opted for the scholar profession though, wouldn't that preclude me from making stuff out of hides? I am so totally new at this..

I am indeed liking the Shire, partly because it's so peaceful and partly because most of the quests seem well suited to starting characters. That is really where the full sense of immersion hit me. I also like Bree, but I get the sense that beyond the city starts to become a tad dangerous. I was in some marshes around there, and something just told me it wasn't the best place for a humble level 10 character to be

@Galraen,
I have no idea about downloading the US version, you could always try it and see what happens?
I'd suggest trying to contact Turbine, but I don't know how successful that would be.

EDIT
Here are a few screenshots: http://my.opera.com/DragonWench/albu....dml?id=418718