Finally got wife convinced ...question...Follow

Hello all,

First time writer, long time reader.

Recently, I conviced my wife to play an MMO with me (only 8 years to convince). Realize, I have been playing online since the inception of Ultima Online. Since then have played DAOC (4 years), WOW (a few years), War Hammer (blah) and a multitude inbetween. The point is, I have a bit of experience, however the "Old lady" has Zero. I have been looking at LOTRO recently but not sure if this will be a good starter game for her. I am alway able to get into a game, but I want her to experience something positive as a first time player (for obvious reasons).

Would this be a good 1st time game?

Also, will a GeForce NVidia FX 5200 be an adaquate video card? or is an upgrade needed? (her comp - has other periferals I believe are good to go).

Thank you all in advanced.

Edited, Jan 18th 2009 7:27pm by KaiLogan

A few tips for setting the MMO hook good and deep in your S.O.

Character creation - Sit her down in front of the character create screen and let her fool around for as long as it takes. Go watch TV or get a beer or WHATEVER you need to do to stay out of her lap!

Girls often enjoy spending inordinate amounts of time getting the facial features and hair on a toon "just right" and don't enjoy playing the toon if everything isn't "just so". (This will also apply to armor and cosmetic clothing once she has started to play) So even though you're chomping at the bit to get in there and mix it up with some orcs, give her the time and space to make her character look exactly the way she wants it to.

IF she asks for your opinion on what class to make, give her a quick suggestion based on her RL personality and move on. No pressure, just a helpful suggestion... In any case, be sure and tell her that if she doesn't like the toon she can always scrap it and create another.

True story - a woman I dated once scrapped a toon because she didn't like the way the character looked in armor (Does this armor make my butt look big?) She scrapped another because of the facial animations and sounds the character made while fighting!

Game play - Let her play! Nothing is more frustrating or less fun for a newbie than being told what to do at every turn. I know you have the experience to back up teaching her how to play but thats not the point. Even character death is more fun than having someone sit on your shoulder and critique your play.

Help her if she asks but limit your suggestions to technical details like how to adapt to the UI, where a given NPC might be found or what the quest directions mean. Steer clear of critiquing her style of play, even if you KNOW you could teach her how to kill something faster!

Playing together - Create a pair of toons who you can duo and only play them when you are both on. Even if you do this on a different server, create something that is just for the two of you as a couple. Since you have more experience, let her decide what class she wants to play then you pick something that will compliment that toon.

Once you are both ingame, let her take the lead and play at her pace till she has gotten comfortable with the UI and game mechanics. Let her go through the primer and learn the things the game shows her and then you can meet up with her and begin to explore the world of Middle Earth.

One last thing - try and find a Kin (guild) that has a few couples or at least has some women members. This will make her more comfortable and encourage her that she is not alone in a world full of nerdy guys!

To this end, I'd recommend "There Is No Fifth Star" located on the Meneldor server. We are the "unofficial Allakhazam kin" and our members include husband/wife and boyfriend/girlfriend teams as well as a bunch of actual girls!!! (In fact, the two folks who lead the kin are a husband/wife couple)

To both of you - Good luck and welcome to LOTRO!

Come find us on the Meneldor server. You'll regret it...uh, I mean won't regret...well, actually...

Yeah, just come join us. We like new people, cause we're all pretty feed up with each other by now:)

Ok, I could not get past this line, I am roflmao...Hello, 21st century calling OBD...(not saying he is wrong here, just lmao)

Edit: Ok now trhat I am done laughing...

I agree that newbs should learn as much as they can without critique or interference, but there are some helpful things to learn about standard group [battle] dynamics i.e. tank/healer/dps roles. Having said that though LoTRO is very flexible in who plays which roles. A primer on the basics is always helpful. They can still make mistakes, but they have a reference to adapt. (Not saying all there is to do is 'battle' either, but there is a war going on...)

Edited, Jan 19th 2009 10:07am by Dottiel