Player Review: Lord of the Rings Online

My system, which I stated at the top of this article, runs the game without much issue of High and Very High graphic settings. Graphically intense areas do pose some lag issues and frame rate issues, but they can be easily adjusted in the Adv. Graphics panel.

The environments in the game are stunning. In fact, stunning is an understatement when you include the use of DX10. Gone are the bulky generic shadows and dynamic lighting and you welcome in detailed shadows in which every tree leaf, every pillar, rock, and piece of grass wraps around objects in amazing realism. It adds a whole new atmosphere in the world and provides a feel that the place you stand is alive and breathing.

The one worry, as a fan of both Tolkien's books and the films, I had when starting this game was would this really feel like Middle-Earth? Or would it simply feel like a generic based fantasy world we've all played through. The answer came quick enough when you walk through Celondim, the Shire, and the town of Bree. Every detail says Tolkien on it, and like I expressed earlier, you're provided with small touches of the film. Even if you're not lucky enough to have a high end gaming system, lower graphic settings still provide a great amount of detail for the player to enjoy.

To add to the atmosphere, Middle-Earth also has small details that add to your surroundings. The game world shifts through day and night cycles and will put you in the middle of intense rain storms with lightning flashing through the clouds. Don't be surprised to walk into a marsh ridden with fog, or a Northern Forest with snow fall to add to the chill in the air.

Those who enjoy exploring will not be disappointed as the worlds are open and a sense of freedom is always present. There is a great sense of distance in open fields and an insecure sensation when walking through valley's, or backed into the corner of brush in the Old Forest. No matter where you find yourself, or what position you've been put into, you'll find yourself in a happy land of visual candy to enjoy at every moment.

Combat

If you've found yourself tired of A.I. that has a brick for a brain, you're in for a treat in LotRO gold. There is a mix here that can be overlooked. Your enemies do adapt to the battle. Ranged attackers will suddenly rush you into melee. Enemies will, when threatened under attack, take a route behind a tree, or other objects, before engaging you. It's a change of pace from other games that apparently prefer the abuse.