LOTR Online

[diggler]

Sweeeeet. The level cap's not going up is it?

[Takizawa]

Nope, new area and loads of added reputation zones, deeds and all sorts.

[idespair]

If anyone is thinking of getting (back) into LotRO, its worth looking around shops for a copy of the Mines of Moria expansion. I picked one up for £5 in HMV yesterday, and successfully added the code to my account - saves £25 of points at some future point, and gives access to the two extra classes (normally about £6 each) right from the start. I did have a long-expired retail account, but reports are that you should be able to add MoM to any new free account.

[Takizawa]

So has anyone decided to give the game a try?

Evernight is nice and busy, there's a real buzz in the starter zones again.

[Garwoofoo]

So has anyone decided to give the game a try?

Evernight is nice and busy, there's a real buzz in the starter zones again.

I'm on the US server Vilya. I couldn't wait for Codemasters to get their act together (and wasn't even sure at the time it was going to happen) plus you're always going to get the quickest updates and best service from Turbine in the US rather than their European sub-contractors.

It's a bloody marvellous game. I am hopelessly hooked.

[Takizawa]

I'm on the US server Vilya. I couldn't wait for Codemasters to get their act together (and wasn't even sure at the time it was going to happen) plus you're always going to get the quickest updates and best service from Turbine in the US rather than their European sub-contractors.

It's a bloody marvellous game. I am hopelessly hooked.

Doesn't seem like it was Codemasters fault, there were legal issues stopping it going ahead in Europe.

A lot of people have joined the US servers, but there's no way i'd give up the friends and achievements i've made on Evernight, now F2P has launched everyone is all smiles again, it's a great time to play.

[Matt Defis]

I got Divinity 2, Risen and Two worlds 2 to get through then I may make a return with a Warden.

[Nathan Wind]

Just packed in my WoW sub (again) and rolled a human on Evernight. Nice looking game on the highest settings, non?

[CandyBob]

Just packed in my WoW sub (again) and rolled a human on Evernight. Nice looking game on the highest settings, non?

Yes lovely, maybe the nicest looking MMO.

I've returned after a few months out and with the F2P coming into effect, there are a lot more n00bie Champions and Hunter's around with names like Blayde and Leegoles. Awesome.

[Takizawa]

Just packed in my WoW sub (again) and rolled a human on Evernight. Nice looking game on the highest settings, non?

Very much so, it manages to keep that up throughout too, Evendim and the Trollshaws are particularly lovely.

I'm an Evernighter, give me a shout if you need anything

[Filth]

Evernighter here too.

For any newcomers to Middle Earth a captain is highly recommended as a fun class to play solo or in groups. And a hunter. And warden. Oh hell, they're all good!

[Nathan Wind]

Yeah, I went for a Captain - sounded ideal for solo play. I'll hopefully give it a good few hours play over the next couple of days, so hopefully I'll enjoy it!

[Takizawa]

Unfortunately the captain is the least solo-orientated class. It holds it own for sure, heavy armour, heals, and good buffs, but it IS a group class, that is where it really shines.

I don't want to put you off, i've loved playing my captain whether solo, in fellowships or raids but you'll find a lot of your skills will be designed with group dynamics in mind. When you do get to that stage, the captain is amazing

Everyone needs a burglar

[Nathan Wind]

Curses! It read like a decent damage class with buffs, which sounded pretty good for solo. I should have probably read up about the classes on a wiki rather than going off their little bio's on the character choice screen. Not to worry - I've only played an hour or so anyway, so a re-roll is no problem if I start to struggle.

[Takizawa]

Like I said don't let me put you off, it is a great class but it isn't a high damage class, far from it.

All the classes are capable solo, and can be traited to strengthen this too. Each class has a red trait line which generally boosts damage, minstrels and loremasters get a massive boost this way.

My recommendation would be to try a few and see which you get a feel for.

If it'll help, i'll list the classes in order of dps for solo (when all traited for dps):

Champion/Runekeeper - Both AOE and single target. Champs have few utility skills, but kill so quick it barely matters. RK's are more vulnerable when mobs get into melee range but have the ability to switch to healing.

Hunter - Single target, few AOE skills. Hunters have traps and fear skills to assist when overrun. Very powerful in the right hands and one of the speediest solo classes.

Loremaster - AOE and single target. LM's ability to crowd control lessens with more dps traits (30 second stun drops to 20s, then 5s), but are surprisingly sturdy in melee despite light armour. Pets provide 'flanking' heals.

Burglar - Single target. Requires a clever approach early on, using stealth and picking targets. Once dual wielding and level 20+ burglars become one of the most efficient solo classes, capable of things other classes aren't.

Warden - AOE and single target. Wardens are sturdy regardless, but lose some healing and defensive ability, but never enough to put you in any danger.

Minstrel - AOE and single target. 'War Speech' stance lowers your healing output but improves dps massively.

Guardian - AOE and single target. 'Overpower' drops your shield and allows you to up your damage with a 2-handed weapon without dropping too much defence.

Captain - Single target. Steady all the way through, 'on-defeat' heals and buffs keep you in fights for a looong time.

[Takizawa]

Isengard in 2011

[sandman]

Is this a good first MMO? I have no idea what to do in an MMO. Are the specs high? I like the idea of a F2P MMO based on one of my favourite books of all time.

Do I have to play with other people? How do I meet them? Any help would be much appreciated. I'm planning to pick up a new laptop in the new year. Is it advisable to use a wired connection to play?

[Matt Defis]

Perfect for a first time MMO, you won't find a friendlier or more helpful community in any other MMO and the game makes it so easy to play and enjoy, if you want you can send me a message on the forum when you're ready and I'll run thorugh the first few hours with you.

Most low end PCs can run this these days I think.

[Garwoofoo]

It's a great first-time MMO, it can pretty much be played solo if that's what you want and you can just dip into grouping up with other people as and when you feel comfortable.

Everyone's really friendly and it treats the source material with an amazing amount of respect.

Plus of course it's now completely free to download and try out so you have nothing to lose.

[sandman]

Thanks for the replies. What about a wireless conenction? My broadband is only 2 meg!

[Takizawa]

Perfect for a first time MMO, you won't find a friendlier or more helpful community in any other MMO and the game makes it so easy to play and enjoy, if you want you can send me a message on the forum when you're ready and I'll run thorugh the first few hours with you.

Most low end PCs can run this these days I think.

You're clearly looking for an excuse to make a comeback yourself, just do it

sandman, I can only echo what the other guys have said. The 'starter zones' have recently been overhauled and are much cleaerer and friendlier to new players, so you shouldn't have any problems picking up the basics.

I'm on the Evernight server and will gladly help you out any way I can if you decide to give it a go

[sandman]

Thanks for all the offers of help. Hopefully be getting the laptop soon!

[Takizawa]

This might be worth a read sandman, its fairly accurate: http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2010-11-15-the-lord-of-the-rings-online-re-review?page=1

[Matt Defis]

I dove back in with my Warrior and after being away for so long I have no idea what I'm doing, keep missing you as well Lilman, I'm guessing my gear is pretty good for my level because I have the full Gloom-bane set with the wespons form that raid instance as well.

[Takizawa]

Sorry mate I was only online to sort a few things out, and as you saw I was jumping between characters.

I'll happily give you a hand and answer any questions, a lot has changed since you were last online.

Your Rift set will last you well enough, though I highly doubt its as good as level 52 crafted armour, and you'll see some very good sets in the late 50's. You'll want a legendary main hand weapon, you can pick up your first during the Moria intro, aswell as a nice helm and some jewellery.

I'll be mainly on Kilyara and Arranath at the moment, from about 7 in the evening if you wanna catch me online, alternatively i'll do my best to respond here.

[Matt Defis]

Helpful as always, thanks mate.

Me and my 2 friends have taken your advice and are starting out on a new adventure as a Warden, Captain and Burglar tonight, really looking forward to somthing a little more easy going than I've played in the last few years.

[Takizawa]

...starting out on a new adventure as a Warden, Captain and Burglar tonight...

This'll be a great combo, you'll never find anything too tricky early on, but when you do you'll be well equipped to deal with it. I'm quite jealous, me and three friends did this about a year ago and we had the best time, taking it easy and enjoying the locales, clearing every quest we could find.

I have a champion at level 30 if/when you start heading into the Great Barrows instances and need someone to kill/steal aggro/die too fast.

[Takizawa]

So the latest update, Echoes of the Dead arrived last Thursday and so far it's been brilliant

The newest book questline is one of the best yet, including an exellent session play where you get to accompany Isildur reclaiming a Gondorian city. While there is no new landmass, the latest area, Enedwaith is used brilliantly in continuing the story.

There are now 3 new skirmishes (based in Moria), 2 new 3-man instances, 2 new 6-man instances and a new raid which based on early impressions, is the best since the Rift.

Several other changes include a revamp to the legendary item system, which now has much more customisation and more flexibile relic combinations. Minstrels, Burglars and Hunters have had a slight reworking and from the 2 i've tried (not logged in my minstrel yet) they are much improved.

It's a good time to be playing LOTRO

[Inky]

How far-reaching is the gameworld now? Basically I mean... can you walk from The Shire to Mordor, and travel through Moria?

[Takizawa]

There's a fair bit of ground to cover still before Mordor, though the actual area already covered is huge. We're currently as far south as Enedwaith, and Isengard is the next planned expansion, then I presume Rohan, and Gondor.

Yes you can travel through Moria, which was released nearly 2 and a half years ago now, with Lothlorien, Mirkwood and Enedwaith added since. If you've any interest at all in Tolkiens world its well worth a visit