by Darkgolem on May 03, 2007
by: Tony “RadarX” Jones
<!-- if (!document.phpAds_used) document.phpAds_used = ','; phpAds_random = new String (Math.random()); phpAds_random = phpAds_random.substring(2,11); document.write ("<" + "script language='JavaScript' type='text/javascript' src='"); document.write ("http://ads.tentonhammer.com/adjs.php?n=" + phpAds_random); document.write ("&what=zone:19"); document.write ("&exclude=" + document.phpAds_used); if (document.referrer)http:// document.write ("&referer=" + escape(document.referrer)); document.write ("'><" + "/script>"); //--> href='http://ads.tentonhammer.com/adclick.php?n=a44824e0'So you're thinking about trying out Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar. You may know a little bit of the lore, and might have even seen some of the screenies or talked to someone about beta. What is this game all about? What differentiates it from World of Warcraft, EverQuest 2, Dungeons and Dragons Online or anything else out right now? We're going to take a look at a few of the important mechanics and give you a comparison you can use. Remember that old saying: The more you know, the more you forget...or something like that.
Of course almost every MMO (with a few exceptions like Fury) is going to have a traditional Player vs Environment (PvE) setup. This means it's the players versus whatever challenges the developers tossed in. Whether it's goblins or sharks with frickin' laser beams you won't find combat with other players. Will LOTRO have Player vs Player like EQ2, WoW, SWG, etc... does? The answer is, sort of.
There is an unusual system being implemented which allows a player to take control of a creature in the game. This player is then challenged with attacking or defending themselves from other players. The monster can also be upgraded through questing and killing monsters providing a method of advancement. This gives an element of consenual PvP and will reduce the amount of ganking/griefing.
How different are you going to be from everyone else? No one wants to be an unoriginal Frohdoh or Aregon so what kind of options can you expect? Unlike World of Warcraft/EverQuest you'll only find 4 races to choose from: Dwarves, Elves, Hobbits, and Humans. This means you evil folks who've enjoyed Freeport or the Horde are out of luck.
EverQuest 2 is known for its plethora of class choices at a whopping 24, followed by DDO with 9, and World of Warcraft having a less impressive 8. LOTRO slides in behind everyone else with a mere 7, but makes up for it by using completely original names. To further complicate things though, classes are restricted by certain races so expect your choices to be limited. The classes are as follows:
Burglar – This would probably best fall under Damage Per Second (DPS) classes, but it seems to fit best with EverQuest 2's Brigand. A heavy focus is put on debuffs.
Captain – This one is hard to peg. I'd perhaps liken it to a Paladin in EverQuest2 or World of Warcraft, heavy on the buffs.
Champion – DPS pure and simple. If you like hurting stuff, this class is for you.
Guardian – This is the Tank and the only unoriginal name I saw.
Hunter – Ranged DPS very similar to a Ranger in EverQuest or Mage in World of Warcraft.
Lore-Master – This is a crowd control class similar to an Enchanter in EverQuest.
Minstrel – This is your healer plain and simple. Don't leave home without one.
There is solo content in the game as any MMO should have, but what about those looking for the challenge of raiding or grouping?
You'll be happy to know that LOTRO does support a full group of 6 people so only one class gets to be little orphan Annie. Find yourself 3 more groups and you have yourself a 24 man raid force similar to what is seen in EverQuest2. There is raid content in the game, but I wouldn't hold your expectations too high if you are a disgruntled EQ2/WoW hardcore raider.
To assist in the inherent socialization people want in MMO's, a full guild structure has been built. Kinships provide a way for players to all game under one banner. No, there are not guildhalls in the game so don't ask.
Getting around the game is an extremely important so a robust fast travel system is necessary to keep most folks happy. This game provides horse transportation you can take once you've visited the stable master in each area. This is very similar to the griffin system in World of Warcraft, and the interzone travel in EverQuest2's Lower Faydwer.
The game also includes a broker for your shopping convenience, allowing players to toss up their wares and wander off in pursuit of adventure. Let's face it, most people don't like standing around auctioning or haggling so this is perfect for most of them.
LOTRO takes a page from World of Warcraft and provides nothing in the way of player housing. While the necessity of personal housing in MMO's can be debated, it seems to be something extraneous and not even in the works. If this is important to you, you can pay me weekly rent and I'll pretend to be bedroom furniture.
Finally, as in other MMO's you are provided a variety of useful and unusual Tradeskills. Similar to World of Warcraft you are allowed to have 3 at one time, but these professions all seem to have a very serious interdependency on one another. The Tradeskill professions are as follows:
Cook – They make...yeah, so you know. The food provides bonuses to players out of combat when eaten.
Farmer – This one made me giggle. No this is not a quick way to earn money. They provide the cook with ingredients.
Forester – This guy gets the shaft and mainly makes subcomponents which put us all to sleep when we make.
Jeweler – This profession develops jewelry for those needing protection and power in combat.
Metalsmith – This is very similar to Armorsmith in EQ2 or Blacksmith in WoW.
Prospector – They create resources for tradeskills by harvesting resources.
Scholar – They provide a series of potions, scrolls, and other necessities.
Tailor – A tailor makes clothes. Yup that simple.
Weaponsmith – They craft powerful weaponry.
Woodworker – This class works with bows, arrows, spears, etc... They are vital to the support of the ranged infantry.
As you can see, there are some familiar and unusual mechanics mixed into the game. Looking at this information should allow any experienced MMO player to know exactly what they are getting into and if LotRO is for them.
Thanks for reading the Ten Ton Hammer LotRO Guide for Veteran MMO players. Have you seen something which should be added or that we've missed? Email me.