I think it’s a good testament to the game to note that even when my character is topped out on levels, I still do the side quests for the experience of doing them. There’s certainly no shortage of things to do in the game, and either way I go, I’m usually having fun. Whenever I come back to LOTRO, I’m always torn between starting fresh and picking back up where I last left off. Perhaps some of the architecture is rather more grand than would be feasible for that civilization to construct, but for the most part it puts into mind scenes of nature, of medieval castles, and of log cabins. We don’t get floating islands or anything like that Middle-earth is a contemporary of our own world, and so most all that we see in the game is relatable. I think this is where the guidelines of Tolkien’s books have proven to be a great asset to the MMO: They’ve kept the world builders from going off-road into some of the more fanciful and ludicrous designs that spring up in other games. I’m never yanked out of a sense of immersion if I quickly map from one place to another. The different regions of Middle-earth all have their own identities, but they are also very much part of the same world. I’m always astounded by how large this world has become while still retaining a great sense of cohesion and connectiveness. I like a lot of MMORPGs for various reasons, but when it comes to a favorite setting, Middle-earth tops the list for me. Perhaps the greatest source of re-discovery is the sense of the world of Middle-earth that the developers have labored to craft over the years. And I head off for the latest adventure on this never-ending road. I have some fun tinkering around with my house and a new outfit or two. I slip back into the shoes of a comfortable tab-targeting combat system. I see how nicely the community (typically) treats each other. It’s something that is fun in the here-and-now.Īnd like with any return to an old favorite MMO, I spend that week or so clocking all of the little details about LOTRO that attracted me to this game in the first place. It’s not a burden to play or a relic of the past. I’m reminded that, yes, I genuinely like this game and its world. Almost invariably, my first return login is accompanied by a sensation of warm fuzzies and glad tidings. LOTRO is like an old friend that I’m delighted to see, knowing that it’ll be there when I’m ready for another visit. Since I’ve been coming back to LOTRO after a multi-month absence, I thought that today I would share what returning to this game always feels like to me. If you’ve stayed away long enough to rejuvenate interest and if it’s the right time for that re-entry, then it can be a thrilling period. However, one of the best things about leaving an MMO is that day when you return. I’d rather take a break on my own peaceful terms than hit a nasty wall of burnout and have to contend with drama and loathing. I have never met an MMO that’s kept my attention nonstop because sooner or later, we all need a break. Play LOTRO for freeI realized a long time ago that when it comes to engagement with MMOs, you have to listen to your inner interest and not to external forces like social pressure, developer incentives, or even guilt.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |