Some questions about LOTR Online

[Anubis]

I have been looking at the LOTRO web site and have some questions...
1 - How much feeling of the flavour of Middle Earth is felt? The screenshots often appear a bit cartoony but that may be due to their size so won't look a ot into that.
2 - How much time would have to be spent in orger to get used to the system and to get anywhere in the game (being a PhD student my online time will not be great)?
3 - How does gameplay feel? I am not a great fan of EQ or Asherons Call, partly due to the clunky graphics and game appearancs.
4 - How much is the monthly subscription?

Thanks for replies...

 

[Treebeard]

I have been looking at the LOTRO web site and have some questions...
1 - How much feeling of the flavour of Middle Earth is felt? The screenshots often appear a bit cartoony but that may be due to their size so won't look a ot into that.
2 - How much time would have to be spent in orger to get used to the system and to get anywhere in the game (being a PhD student my online time will not be great)?
3 - How does gameplay feel? I am not a great fan of EQ or Asherons Call, partly due to the clunky graphics and game appearancs.
4 - How much is the monthly subscription?

Thanks for replies...

1 - A mixed bag. The Shire is magnificent for example while some other area's leave a lot to be desired. Graphically its a lot more realistic and less cartoony than WoW. Quite often for me it doesn't capture the flavour of Middle Earth, especially when you out level the starting areas and Bree. I would avoid the RPing server as well. I've moved from there.

2 - Its pretty easy to get into, especially if you have played other MMO's. Its not a big departure.

3 - I guess it depends on what you are used too. At the time EQ and AC had very good graphics for an MMO although obviously now, after all of these years, they look dated. You are not going to get Crysis quality from an MMO really but they are some of the best for the genre. Gameplay is typical of an MMO although leaning towards the more casual side.

4 - Its about �9 a month I think.

 

[Swither]

Try the free 14 day or 10 day trial first.

 

[Anubis]

I will probably do that - what about when you die? Do you have to start again or just lose eveything you have and get ressed?
The most important question of them all - what is lag like?

 

[Chick]

IIRC It's like canada. If you die there, you die In Real Life!

 

[Anubis]

Currently downloading it - THIRTEEN HOURS????

Is this correct on a computer that is about a year old????

 

[Zed]

Its more the speed of the internet connection bud. IIRc its probably close to a 3gb download now so 13 hours, is a little slow but not unexpected.

As for dieing - when you die you go back to the nearest bind point or stone, without a loss of gear. Instead much of your kit takes a pounding on its effectiveness. you might loose 20% or 30% of your effectiveness on a number of items... (its been a while, i cannot remember). There is then a penalty to your life energies for a few minutes (5 or so). Compared to say UO its not harsh as no one can steal your gear etc.

 

[kipp]

The most important question of them all - what is lag like?

You do get the odd lag spikes here and there but i have never had any major complaints with it at all . The place you will get lag if any is bree due to it being the central hub kinda thing and is always very busy.

At the moment there is a problem with rubberbanding which codemasters say they are aware of and are trying to fix asap ! Its nothing major you just get stuck on a piece of elastic for a minute or so every now and again

Kipp !

 

[Anubis]

I managed to tweak some settings and reloading it again - should obly take 10 to 10 1/2 hours so when i get up tomorrow morning hopefully it will be ready.
I'd like to give it ago in the next 3 or 4 days before work piles up on me next week when term starts...