Thread: Initial Impressions from a newcomer

Hello forum. I've always heard good mentions about LOTRO, but with my schedule I've never had a chance to try it. Finally I decided to download and check it out (albeit with a small degree of difficulty due to an at first corrupted download).

Now let me say first that I'm a very casual gamer when it comes to online games, usually I'll be drowning in arrows to my knees in Skyrim or suffering infamous endings of Mass Effect 3. Also time-wise I don't have too much during the school year,
I have school and work to cope with, plus I like to connect a bit to the characters for games I play, most MMO's don't have the best stories or much in the way of character development in the way of story. LOTRO on the other hand, has a solid foundation in that regards as Lord of the rings one of my favorite novel series growing up.

This super quick review is all based on my first log-in of a couple hours. I didn't get too far, nonetheless I'll try and be fair.

Graphically, it's not bad for a F2P game, but far from great. The environments are quite pretty though, however I seem to get strange fps drops here and there for little reason. My computer is a beast (well it was a year ago) meant for high stress games and my game development projects.

Combat-wise, it's defiantly on par with other MMORPG's. The combat system is good, though (understandably to hook new gamers) rather too easy at low-levels giving a false sense of a change in difficulty once you advance high enough.

I'm also starting to wonder how much I can do if I say, don't purchase anything. If I can stay interested I wouldn't mind pouring a few bucks into it, but I don't want to be "forced" to pay alot of money to play half of the important quests or unlocking skill/level caps. I saw the comparison chart for VIP vs Free, but how much good content is available that requires money?

Finally, again I must say as I hinted above. The story for even the side quests is much better then the other games I've player. Maybe it was just the intro but it did make LOTRO stand out for me.

I'm eager to get back to playing (Class ends soon and I'll have more free time then). Hopefully I can find a few people to play with online since I don't know anyone else yet (trying to get my GF to play as well). And if anyone has any tips or advice for this newbie I'll welcome them.

Welcome to Middle Earth! A couple of things to note. One, the hitching you are seeing is something that has been happening for some reason since Update 6 (which happened only a month or so ago). It is stilll unclear why this is happening but they are trying to get a handle on it so they can fix it. Hopefully it will be fixed soon. Secondly, the game can be played pretty far by playing free. Basically, it comes down to time versus money. I know for a fact that there are people that have made it all the way to level 75 (current level cap) without paying a single cent. However, this takes a lot of effort and a lot of playing in order to earn TP in-game. Of course as a convenience most people will shell out some money to make the TP grind less. However, it is nice that Lotro gives an option of earning TP by playing the game. I don't know any other MMO's (Other than Turbine's other Free to play MMO D&D online) that offer this feature. Good luck and have fun playing!

I have found that for my smoothest game play I go into Options: Graphics and let the computer determine the recommended graphic setting. Then I manually select the next lowest setting.

There are a few generic suggestions I make to new players:

1) Do not try and compare LotRO classes to other game classes. Sure, it is natural to try and do so, but the LotRO classes are unique and should be enjoyed for what they are. Although LotRO classes can be categorized into the generic classifications of healer, tank, DPS, support, the methods used to implement the class roles and mixture of skills plus customization is very well done.

2) All classes can solo and all classes provide benefit to fellowship (group) play. Race selection is not critical. Select the race/class combination that appeals to you. There are no 'bad' characters.

3) Take your time and enjoy the story. Most players find that due to the source material, THIS game rewards those that savor the journey, not rush to the destination.

4) Once you get comfortable with the game, start to look for a good kinship (guild) on your server. Being in a kinship is not mandatory, and the game supports solo play all the way to end game, but your game experience will be greatly enhanced by having a group of friends available to share.

5) Keep in mind that you can create characters on all servers. Experiment with the different character classes, even those that may not seem to be ones you would normally enjoy. You may be pleasantly surprised and it will help you decide what classe(s) you want to pursue on your main server.

6) Don't be shy about asking questions either here on the forum or in game. LotRO has attracted quite a lot of first time MMO players (not saying you are one) and has a well earned reputation of having a very welcoming community. There will always be a few jerks in any online community but I think you will find most players helpful and courteous.

7) HAVE FUN!

Welcome to Middle-earth!

In further addition another reason for pronounced lag in the starter areas (esp. the Shire, Thorin's Gate and Bree) would be the masses of characters that have returned here for the current five year anniversary. If you have the time you should definitely visit the firework sites at the Methel Stage close to Hobbiton-Bywater and near the north gate of Bree (this one only at night) - it's really a spectacle!

Welcome to LotRO!

As about the graphics, i dont quite agree to be honest but thats just my opinion of course. The scenery is just wonderful especially in some areas such as Imladris, Lorien, Great River, Shire and more.

And awhile back i found this video that shows most of the areas in-game, take a look, you will see that graphics are not far from great imo

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