LOTROFollow

Well for tor the last 10 years almost i have been a dedicated everquest player, but as of recently the game has made changes that make the game no longer enjoyable. My room mate got me into LOTRO. Ive been playing for about 5 months now and all in all its really a great game, there are a few things though that i dont like simply cause im used to less restrictions cause of my EQ gaming exp. For example, you cannot swim below water which is a huge turn off to me cause i would love to see underwater content. In addition to that, there are other restrictions with class abilities that seem a bit off. like a Guardian can only wield a one 1-handed weapon and shield with exception to a 2-handed. They are restricted from duel wielding, makes no sense to me. To me a tank should be able to wield a wide variety of weapons and be able to duel wield aswell. However i also believe that any class should be able to choose what they arm themselfs with.

Another thing i dont care for is the extended time in between combat attacks/spells and the cooldowm associated with it. im also not a huge fan of the "questing" aspect to level up. Then again im a hack-and-slash kinda guy any way. but im used to this type of style from my 2 years in WoW.

Now, with all that being said. you cant beat the graphics in this game. With my pc spec and everything set to high with DX10, Yeah its nice. EQ is pasty, WoW is cartooney(sp?), LOTRO is like a motion oil painting. the art is so unique it really captures the LOTRs feel. Like Rivendell for example. ALSO, the best thing about LOTRO is, the annoying kid factor is rather low. Atleast IMO, as compared to WoW.

1 year ago if you had asked me to play LOTRO i would have said no thanks. Now im really glad i decided to join. I cant comment on the raid style of the game as i havent joined any guild runs, though i have seen my roommate do them, and i must admist it looks like alot of fun. There isnt alot per say, of raids to do, but the game is growing and now is the absolute best time to join. Its affordable monthy subscription cant be beat. Also online/retail purchases are equally a bargin. Turbine really has gone the extra mile weather on purpose or not to suit the budget of todays players. Considering the current economic situation. Plus the free conent patches just add so much more to the game, where as other games would profit on what they call an exspansion.

In short- its a great bang for your buck. If you have a half way decent pc, you will enjoy the eye candy. Its fun and relaxing at times, and more so peaceful playing with heart pounding action leaving you begging for more if you like the LOTR books/movies you will love the game. Take the free trial if you havent played it, check it out. I give it 4 out of 5 stars all around.