R.I.D BASE OF OPERATIONS

Well, I finally decided to take the plunge on a new MMORPG. This time I settled for another game with a popular license: The Lord of the Rings. After taking my good old time creating a character, I finally got to dive into the game tonight. After about four hours of game time, I am now a level 7 Champion and am well on my way to level 8. While it has been all PvE missions and the occasional running of errands, it has been quite pleasant so far. From the reviews I've read, the game really picks up in depth after you get past the Introduction (which I just finished up). Visually, the game is impressive, but not grand. It definitely puts games like EQ2 and SWG to shame (hey, SWG is four years old). So far, I've had only a handful of framerate issues, but those tend to revolve around high concentrations of players. Of course, I'm running a 8800GTS 640MB card, so my computer is running everything on Ultra-High settings without much difficulty.

So far, I'm having fun and flashbacks to the good old days of SWG keep popping into my head. Is it SWG? No. SWG still had player cities, player housing, mounts, and vehicles. LOTRO doesn't have any of those (the devs are considering player housing though) and from what I hear, the crafting system is a little shallow, if not flawed... Still, I think I actually understand the combat system which is more than I can say for SWG. Leveling up is more defined and not as complicated as it was with the SWG I knew. Still, I'm very early in the game, but so far I am very impressed.

People tend to compare LOTRO to WoW, but say it offers much more depth than what WoW has to offer. Since I never played WoW, I can't really comment, but I can't complain yet.

Out of curiosity, has anyone tried LOTRO yet? I'd really like to hook up with some friendly RID peeps in-game. No, I don't want to take you away from SWG, but let's face it SWg won't be around forever and one can only stand the SWG devs for so long before needing a break.

So, if you are looking to play this game, you can find me on the Brandywine server. My character's name is Aumway (I figured Aumea wasn't pronouncable to most people, so I tweaked it). I'll gladly help you group and do whatever you want to do. Hell, maybe we can even form our own RID in LOTRO. If anyone has any questions, feel free to ask as I will gladly answer them.

Note: All retail copies of the game come with a 10-day trial Buddy Key that you can give to one of your friends to let them try it for 10 days. If anyone is interested let me know. I may give mine to you (my RL friends get first dibs though). Once you receive a buddy key, you can download a low-resolution version of the game client off of the Turbine web site.

Wait, you don't get to ride horses? I thought I saw a pic of a player riding a horse. If not, then that really blows. Then again, keep in mind that's the way SWG started. No mounts or vehicles.

i was hoping to find a free trial somewhere send me a pm if non of ur friends want the free trial key. thanks and good to see you mmo'ing again

SWG leveling is now the most linear system out there!

telemchus wrote:SWG leveling is now the most linear system out there!

Yeah, when was the last time I played SWG? Yeah, before it went to hell in a hand basket.

As for mounts, I'm not sure if they are actually in or out yet. If they are in, I haven't encountered them yet. So far I have completed the introductory quest and its related side quests. I've also only explored one city, the starting city. I've seen no one over rank 10 so far.

Also, a neat thing I noticed in the manual is that your character gains experience over time when you are logged offline. It is designed for casual players who aren't on often enough to grind. I'm not sure if LOTRO is the first to do this, but kudos for doing it.

i may join u at the end of this month.. before summer break

how is i looking for ze buddy key.

Excellent. I could use the company. I was able to join a group last night, but they weren't the talkative types... At least the region chat was kind of talkative.

wait what is this about EQ2 graphics? No game besides maybe vanguard can touch EQ2 graphics if you have a good machine.

The environments in LOTRO are beatiful to look at. The character models aren't top-notch, but the game is very pleasing on the eyes. Like i said, I have everything on ultra-high.

As for the buddy key, I'm waiting for a decision by my one friend.

well tell his ass to hurry up rofl.

LotR online is for noobs.

telemchus wrote:LotR online is for noobs.

So is your mom.

Or was that too cheesy and 4th graderish? Ehh, I just spent 9 hours sitting in an office doin not much... My brain is slightly fried...

I'll give my friend till Sunday to make up his mind on it or not. After that, it goes to whoever still wants it.

Also, I discovered last night on my way to Level 11 that you CAN ride horses. However, the players on the horses go by so quickly that I almost missed seeing them... I don't think you can ride a mount till level 35 though (from what I hear). At level 10 you get to partake in Monster Play. It's one of the ways that LOTRO does PvP I believe. I don't know for sure because I haven't tried it yet and I haven't read that part of the manual yet...

i got first dibs on the key if yo buddy dont want it by sunday.

Deal. Now I am off to see my gf for the weekend.