ZAM's Lord of the Rings ContestFollow

As a player since September 2007 and a dedicated fan of Tolkien's legendarium, I have to say that this game is an absolute masterpiece. I am not an MMORPG player by nature as I tend to take more to FPS's and games like Grand Theft Auto, however I jumped all over this the moment I knew it was out and have spent many many hours in the game since. At first it was a bit of a struggle as I needed to get to understand MMORPG game basics as far as what certain things like Fate, Vitality, etc. meant and the whole group concept (i.e. what am I supposed to do in a fellowship since I am this class), but the developers made it extremely easy and before I knew it I was going along exploring many places in Middle Earth that I had read about in the books, seen in the films, or both. For me as a fan I was having all kinds of fun just running around to Weathertop, Bree, Hobbiton, and other such places caught up in the beauty of the environment as it appeared just as I would expect it to be if I was there myself. The developers made sure that they didn't deviate from the lore with some minor exceptions for the sake of the game mechanics which was a huge plus with myself and other fans as we would be infuriated if they had created an Istari class with flying Eagle mounts or some such rubbish. I have since kept to my longstanding rule that games are just games unlike some who let the games take over, however I have been able to put in an hour here and an hour there and built an entire family of characters (one of each class) to enjoy all aspects of the game and it continues to provide me with much entertainment that games like World of Warcraft just don't provide. The whole fact that the majority of the LoTRO player base is composed of mature adults makes a dramatic difference when you are trying to help out, seek help, or need to bind together to take down certain intimidating foes. I am proud to say to many people online and in the real world that I play the game and have gotten others to try it as well and they all have gotten into it as well (not as much as myself) and we all have a blast. You don't have to have good gear to do well. You don't need to do anything but walk around exploring and still have fun. You don't have to have other players help you for everything if you don't want. The game is designed for the occasional player to have fun and when you chose, team up and really take down some bad guys to strengthen the defences of Middle Earth against Morgoth's corrupted servants. I have yet to make it through Moria on any of my characters, but can only imagine what it'll be like to step into Lothlorien and finally meet up with Celeborn and Galadriel and beyond. I am a lifetime member and hope that this game goes on for many years to come.

I started playing LOTRO when I got tired of having to do EVERYTHING as part of a group in FFXI. I still love FFXI and play it often but I like LOTRO because I can play it by myself. I like having the option to play by myself as well as being able to play with friends when I want to. I also think it's absolutely beautiful. I'm sure people are tired of hearing me say, "PRETTY!!!" The environment is probably my favorite thing about LOTRO. I also really like the legendary items system. It's one more way to make your characters really customized to the way you play the game. Crafting is also really fun, and so easy!
There are some things about this game that could be better. The housing system is really lacking, but this isn't The Sims so that really doesn't matter. I just don't understand how a game as old as FFXI can have a better housing system than LOTRO. I'm refering to item placement and how only certain items can be put in certain places. There also seems to be a lot of bugginess and glitches. Like getting stuck in one spot and then instantly dying. Or not being able to enter certain areas due to invisible barriers. It's just really weird. I guess I've gotten spoiled playing FFXI, I expect games to work properly.
Overall, the good things about LOTRO outweigh the bad and I would reccommend it to anyone that wants to play a newer MMO that looks really nice. I would definitely reccommend it to anyone thinking of playing WoW because it plays the same as WoW but it actually has a story line and is fun to play.

I stumbled across an open beta application for LotRO back in March/April of 2007 and have been playing every since. I had always avoided MMOs due to monthly fees and the bad reputation of the online communities. I think LotRO has spoiled me for future MMOs, as I have dabbled in AoC and WAR and just couldn't stick more than 2 weeks in either of them. I love the Lifetime Account option and community in LotRO.

As for the game itself - the classes are all unique enough to present different roles and appeal to a variety of people. I find the Burglar my favorite, as it seems to be one of the more versatile classes and probably has the most innate survivability of all of the classes.. although Warden probably gives it a run.

The world is gorgeous and the vast majority of the quests are well written and the epic story line is fantastic. I enjoy the crafting and it is very viable in relation to other gear up until the last tier, where radiance armour and legendary weapons are obviously better than most of the crafted gear. Although, Jewelers and those that make consumables can still make a decent profit.

Anyway - I'd definitely recommend this to anyone looking for an MMO that offers something for everyone. There is a bit of a grind at high levels, but from what I've learned, just about all MMOs are subject to this, and if you find a good kinship (LotRO's guilds) then the experience is even better.

I've been playing LOTRO since Open Beta and have been hooked from the start. I have always admired Turbine's ability to tell a story while maintaining a dynamic game environment. I have played the PvE side as several Freep classes (main is a Level 54 Captain) and PvP in the Ettenmoors as both Creep and Freep. I will admit, the PvP play is what keeps me interested in the game. The keep-capture system makes it more interesting than the typical battleground PvP arena and provides a common area for all players (not just 5-20) to come and enjoy player combat.

Aside from actual gameplay, I think Turbine has developed the most aesthetically pleasing game on the market. The scenic views are unparalled in the game industry. Walking into Rivendell at sunset for the first time will literally take your breath away.

Overall, very pleased with my time playing the game and hope to keep enjoying it as much as I have been!

I just started playing Lotro and i think it's awesome.

LotRO finally got me out of Everquest, and I've been here since. The lore is great, although they've stretched things a bit in some of the content expansions, and the graphic style suits me better than another game I won't name. There are some annoying things (swimming, mounts) that seem less than state-of-the-art, but not enough to drive me elsewhere. I'm not a PvP'er at heart, but I've started playing creep-side lately and -- again despite some limitations -- it's a lot of fun. It's not a revolutionary game, but until someone manages to come up with something significantly better I will continue to wander Middle Earth.

I played the beta till my keyboard melted. Ipassed on release because i pretty much got burnt out on it during beta. I did everything I think or almost. So now Moria is out and I just signed up today and installed. its been patching over an hour. Looking forward to running through the Shire again and jumping into a lake :) Plus I can fish now!!

Dae

Well for tor the last 10 years almost i have been a dedicated everquest player, but as of recently the game has made changes that make the game no longer enjoyable. My room mate got me into LOTRO. Ive been playing for about 5 months now and all in all its really a great game, there are a few things though that i dont like simply cause im used to less restrictions cause of my EQ gaming exp. For example, you cannot swim below water which is a huge turn off to me cause i would love to see underwater content. In addition to that, there are other restrictions with class abilities that seem a bit off. like a Guardian can only wield a one 1-handed weapon and shield with exception to a 2-handed. They are restricted from duel wielding, makes no sense to me. To me a tank should be able to wield a wide variety of weapons and be able to duel wield aswell. However i also believe that any class should be able to choose what they arm themselfs with.

Another thing i dont care for is the extended time in between combat attacks/spells and the cooldowm associated with it. im also not a huge fan of the "questing" aspect to level up. Then again im a hack-and-slash kinda guy any way. but im used to this type of style from my 2 years in WoW.

Now, with all that being said. you cant beat the graphics in this game. With my pc spec and everything set to high with DX10, Yeah its nice. EQ is pasty, WoW is cartooney(sp?), LOTRO is like a motion oil painting. the art is so unique it really captures the LOTRs feel. Like Rivendell for example. ALSO, the best thing about LOTRO is, the annoying kid factor is rather low. Atleast IMO, as compared to WoW.

1 year ago if you had asked me to play LOTRO i would have said no thanks. Now im really glad i decided to join. I cant comment on the raid style of the game as i havent joined any guild runs, though i have seen my roommate do them, and i must admist it looks like alot of fun. There isnt alot per say, of raids to do, but the game is growing and now is the absolute best time to join. Its affordable monthy subscription cant be beat. Also online/retail purchases are equally a bargin. Turbine really has gone the extra mile weather on purpose or not to suit the budget of todays players. Considering the current economic situation. Plus the free conent patches just add so much more to the game, where as other games would profit on what they call an exspansion.

In short- its a great bang for your buck. If you have a half way decent pc, you will enjoy the eye candy. Its fun and relaxing at times, and more so peaceful playing with heart pounding action leaving you begging for more if you like the LOTR books/movies you will love the game. Take the free trial if you havent played it, check it out. I give it 4 out of 5 stars all around.

I have been playing lotro since beta. I have played other turbine games like AC, and have found that with lotro they took all the mistakes from their other games and made it not only right this time but way better. If anything the game is too easy, with quest trackers and guides. But quests are getting harder and instead of doing the quest the way it was intended most groups find ways to bug the quest or they can't do it. I find that very funny because these same people who cant do the quest without the bug also complain about the quest content.

I love the cries in the game, especially the dwarfs, "stop I beg you" and the goblims with "die". The only anoying cry is from the holly lizzards in morria if you have to deal with a cave full of them. LOL

I enjoy the fellowship content. The fellowship quests that goes along with the story line. When the fellowship left rivendale was awesome because you felt like you were really helping them get ready. And I like the fellowship of 6 in the game. I enjoy needing the differnt classes such as hunters, guards ect. What I dont like is you get no xp for raids which are fellowships of more then 6. They really need to change that.

I like the differnt things you are forced to experiance if you want your toon to come out the best. Like grinding for book pages, yuk, but it's fun when you finaly are done. Individual class quests that lead you on jouneys like you wouldnt believe to get all your skills.

My first toon was a hunter but they ruined the hunter and made it a taxi service. The hunter used to be good at both ranged and melee but now needs more of something. I stopped playing my hunter at level 53 and now have 2 level 60 toons I play all the time and enjoy, a captian and a minstrel. They changed the hunter too much and they are only good for solo when you just want to go off by yourself. The warden is hard to play unless you have a printout of all the gambits in front of you.

My last major complaint and other girls who play the game will agree with me is you cant make a female dwarf. The closest you can get is a dwarf in drag lol and who wants to play that but some do.

My favorate thing about lotro is even at level 60 the game doesnt stop. You have your weapon to finsih and deeds to complete to make your toon the best. Each thing you finish leads to somtihng else you want to acomplish, and be a part of, for reputation, fesival events and more. Your toon's xp may be maxed but the character will never be finished being made or improved on. And this makes the game very addicting because you cant quit playing until you finish just one more .... need I say more the game goes on

Lastly the lifetime membership is the greatest because you never have to worry about paying a monthly fee. Praise the Lord!

Well after playing for a little while and reaching level 19, I do have to say it is a little like WoW. But that's ok. It doesnt have an as cartoony feel to it. The main thing I love about this game is you can be the bad guy. The moment I hit level 10 the other day, I hopped on Monster Play and played for about 3 hours straight. Getting infamy for ranks can be kinda hard to do when your a Weaver though. =)

I've been playing LOTRO since Day #1 of Open Beta. I left World of Warcraft (which in turn succeeded Star Wars Galaxies after Sony Online created the RGE, the "Ruined Game Experience" in November 2005) and have never looked back.

Turbine has absolutely nailed the feel of Middle-Earth, and scored a genuine triumph with the Mines of Moria. The Moria expansion pack was one they absolutely HAD to get right, and they did. Boy, did they ever! For legions of gaming fans, this one is one for the ages.

LOTRO's downside? That's easy. They started out by positioning the game as a casual-friendly experience, but they have gradually insinuated a number of elements that are pure hardcore grind, such as a system to earn the respect of various factions within their version of Middle-Earth. And then with the Mines of Moria expansion, they rolled out a "legendary-weapons" feature. This has turned out to be the mother of all grinds. For scale of time wasted, it actually manages to eclipse the infamous Jedi Grind of post-Book 9 Star Wars Galaxies, and ekes out a piddling reward for time invested. Hailed as a system that gives you "a weapon that levels up with you!", the reality is that players plow through hundreds of not-so-legendary items just to get one that will have something approximately close to the features they want, while also levelling up and deconstructing hundreds of rejects to salvage a handful of accessories for these "legendary" items. And these accessories (known as "relics" -- an obvious ripoff of WoW's socket items) can be boiled down on a roughly 5-for-1 basis into slightly-more-powerful relics. Unfortunately, there are eight tiers of relics, so if you boil down five Tier-1 relics to get one Tier-2, and then five Tier-2 relics for one Tier-3 relic and so on, you can see the exponential nightmare that sets in with this system. And worse, the table upon which the results of these relic combines are played out is shared among ALL professions, so the odds are about 50/50 that you will wind up with relics that are almost totally useless for your character's class. Quite a drag for a SPELLCASTER to get a Tier-8 setting that's perfect for a bow.

I am lobbying hard in the LOTRO Forums for a Legendary-Item Revamp.

I have played LOTRO for 2 years wonderful game, the deeds can be a bit on the boring side but we do set up nights for kin members to go together. The free content is good and Mines of Moria is good. However before the next expansion I for one would love to see the Devs work on fixing some of the in game bugs,
I am real tried of trying to kill a mob and it bugs out gets "confused" that is getting old real quick. I have friends that have left LOTRO because of the bugs. Free content and expansions are not going to keep good players around if you don't address some of these issues.

I hated MMORPG games with a passion especially since you had to subscribe and was an ongoing expense. I liked paying 50 or so for the game and play with online servers that were free. A co-worker was talking to me about it and mentioned he's been playing LOTRO since it was beta. Another co-worker signed up and used the 10 day buddy key. They both ranted and raved about it at work and I wanted to see what all the buzz was about. I was given the key and got my lore-master up to level 10. I was amazed at the detail put into the game as well as all the things that you can do to keep you occupied and prevent boredom. My trial was up and so I asked him more questions about game play and what sealed the deal for me was turbine was offering a lifetime membership option at a discount. I asked my co-worker how long he's been playing and he said about 2 years. That justified paying for the lifetime. I like the fact that I don't have to stress about always having to play to get my moneys worth. LOTRO is by far the best game I've played...EVER..and that's saying a lot coming from a FPS die-hard. I can't wait to see what else comes from those geniuses at turbine in the future. To the shire!