At the moment, LOTRO is primarily PvE (player vs. environment). However, when a character reaches Level 10, Monster Play is unlocked, in which players can choose to play as monsters (e.g. Warg, Uruk-Hai) and duke it out. Monsters aren't customizable as the regular characters, but they start off at Level 50 and are badass. At the moment there aren't too many people participating in Monster Play since the game has only been out for a couple of weeks, but I expect this to change within the next couple of months.
In terms of graphics, I have to give a big hand to LOTRO. Middle-Earth is breathtakingly beautiful. The sun hitting crystal clear lakes and ponds looks terrific. I was awed when I saw the majestic Elven structures, and walking around the Shire really makes me want to live there. When I walked in Bag End for the first time, the geek in me squealed inwardly. It felt like I was in a celebrity's home. Naturally, its prior occupant wasn't there, out on some business involving a ring.
There's plenty to do in between killing monsters. You can take up a profession. Make weapons, armor, or cook some hearty Hobbit breakfasts. You can even make a pretty penny by selling your wares to other players. Or, buy a lute and make music! Yes, you can actually perform music in LOTRO. The other day a guy was playing the Indiana Jones theme on his flute. I've also heard that a group of players have formed a band and can often be found playing together at various town squares.
Not surprisingly, many reviews and players have compared LOTRO to the World of Warcraft juggernaut. It's hard not to compare the two. In fact, many LOTRO players are current or former WOW players. I've never played WOW and so can't make the comparison. However, I have played Guild Wars, and there are a few minor things in that game which I wish could be applied to LOTRO. One is to use different colored text for identifying PCs (playable characters) and NPCs (non-playable characters). It's really confusing when all names are in yellow, especially for beginners. Another is that I wish that the mini-map indicated the locations of quest givers. It's pretty easy to get around in Guild Wars since all you have to do is follow the arrow. However, in LOTRO you're given very basic directions (e.g. "The bear den is north of the pond."), and it can often be tough to find your way around Middle-Earth, especially at night!
Article comments
1 - Ken Edwards
Congratulations! This article has been selected for syndication to Advance.net, which is affiliated with newspapers around the United States.
2 - Eldarion
Nice stuff I Love LOTRO
3 - Kaonashi
Eldarion - Thanks! I love LOTRO as well. Too much ;)