So DDO is still fun once a week, but I've been finding myself wishing there was something else on the horizon a few of us could agree on and play once a week or so. Possible choices are Aion, Star Trek Online, Warhammer, Conan, LOTRO, or EQ2. None are particularly appealing, and I know Phil, Doug, and Griffon all have multiple committments already, so this may not inspire any interest. I know a couple of people weren't too impressed with Lotro as a solo game, but I thought it had real potential for a regular full group once a week.
Anything anybody has been considering? Doen't have to be an MMO, could be a Sim or Shooter, or multi-player RPG (if only there were such a thing). I've been playing Borderlands for the PS3 and it's really quite fun, if blowing things up and laughing about it are your thing. There's the barest thread of a story and the action is good, but it's only 4 players. My son is going to pick it up and we may play for an hour or two on Tuesdays in the near future if anybody has a PS3 and is interested in some hack and slash.
I'm not hopeful, but hey, at least the web site gets some use...
MORTHANOS Sorcerer 20 Argonesson Server, The Avatars
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Borderlands
At Rick's urging, I bought and have checked out Borderlands. It's basically a post apocalyptic feeling FPS, with a few RPG character building and questing elements. On it's surface, it's nothing special. However, the animation/art style grows on you and the vehicles are a ton of fun. Early on, at least, what weapon you choose to use makes far more difference than which character you play, but each of the four characters has it's own set of skill trees, and they should differentiate over time. I've played the soldier and the siren so far, and they're both fun. I won't be trying the other two because you can't skip the intro/tutorial and the first 6-7 levels were close to identical, again other than the choice of weapon. SMGs with some zoom are great fun. Combat rifles are good as well. Both characters sucked in melee, regardless of the weapon equipped, and SMGs are much better at close range.
Anyway, decent game and I'll be trying it multi-layer with Rick's family in the near future. Should be a fun alternative to the L4D gatherings, as it's basically the same sort of game.
Ariande Bard 20 • Nightfall Ranger 19
The Avatars, Argonessen Server
I prefer LotRO to WoW as
I prefer LotRO to WoW as well, but that's like saying I prefer a shot of axel grease to a shot of turpentine in my latte. ;^)
Really, I agree with what you said and what you quoted, but things like solo-ability, crafting, and housing are irrelevant to playing with a group once a week. If I'm not doing that, I could be playing a far superior single player game, i.e. Mass Effect. It's not a knock on LotRO so much as a knock on the whole MMO genre and WoW's lowest common denominator approach to it.
Anyway, if we had a dedicated group in LotRO, I'd be willing to give it another try.
LotRO v WoW
Well, the rule systems are similar enough that switching between is pretty easy. And I've probably said this before, but here's why I prefer LotRO:
1) An engaging and deeply developed world
2) the community is much better
3) solo play is better overall, which is great for me
4) housing
5) the crafting system is far superior
6) lifetime accounts early on have saved me a ton of $$, and still could for someone looking for a longterm game
I could probably go on, if I weren't already running late. So, let me just link you Massively's article on the same theme: http://www.massively.com/2010/03/05/the-road-to-mordor-10-reasons-why-lo...
Games
To me, LotRO and WoW are nearly indistinguishable. I'd only play it again if you already had a 5 man group going and needed a sixth.
STO isn't ready to be anything more than a momentary diversion.
Of all the MMOs out there, only EVE holds any interest for me outside of DDO, and I can't really imagine it as a once a week group game.
I hope SWTOR or DCUO will be different, but I'm not holding my breath. Jump Gate looks interesting, but is still vaporware and I won't be playing the beta.
The expansion pack for DAO comes out this this month, and I just finished the first King's Bounty title, which I enjoyed. I'm looking forward to Elemental: War of Magic, which should be out in September.
I will probably try STO over
I will probably try STO over my spring break next month when I should have some bigger chunks of playtime. Really hoping for a hit there by then. Griffon, Mac, and I play L4D2 on a semi-regular basis and if you have that one you are certainly welcome to join us.
The Avatars, Argonessen Server
LotRO
I'd love to see you guys pop back into LotRO (I'm over on the Landroval server these days, and part of the Small Kinship Alliance of Landroval). I'm also subscribed to STO and a member of the Lone Star Fleet, but haven't been on in a couple weeks due to life.