Downloading LOTRO. Which MMO is truly the best?

So I find myself downloading LOTRO. I think I’m bored. This must be the only reason as I have dabbled in LOTRO many years ago and since have delved into a wealth of MMOs of different types over the years, but have never stuck it out on any one specifically for an exceptionally long length of time.

Maybe I’m not the kind of guy for MMOs. Perhaps my attention span warrants a car racing game or a quick-fire shoot-em up. My craving however, that niggling feeling at the back of my mind always maintains. The craving for an MMO, any MMO. Just get me levelling up!

What are your thoughts and do you have any preference over MMOs? I note that all MMOs tend to follow the same basic structure, however they all have their unique selling points (most, at least).

Free To Play vs Subscriptions

We may be at a turning point, not only in the MMO genre, but with gaming overall. Whether it be with the majority of MMOs now turning towards a free to play model, rather than the regular financial support of a subscription, or with the same model being adopted now into the casual gaming market (such as FarmVille and the many other apps out there).

So what is best, is the future bright when it comes to a free to play model? The only game that appears to of avoided this is WoW (yes it may be free to play up until level 20 but that isn't any good for anybody), and it is still going strong.

Surely we still get the same content updates and user support across both platforms, as of course, ultimately the company is still getting their money, whether this be through advertising, in game purchases or subscription fees.

- Guild Wars 2 vs WoW
- LOTRO vs Rift

Personally, nothing will beat the subscription as there just seems to be more effort put in. What I don't agree with however is games which ask for a subscription fee but then still prompt you for in game purchases.. for shame..

Lego Games.. What Do You Think?

Is it just me, or do Lego games simply not stack up?



I've tried my best to get into Lego Star Wars, Lego Indiana Jones, Lego Lord Of The Rings and Lego Batman but, as much as a I try, I just can't find it in me to like them. Reasons being:

- There is a certain tedium with collecting coins and all the other things in order to try and obtain 100% completion, which makes it feel more like a chore than a game.

- The campaign/story is far too short, resulting in the other 80% of the game being tasked with collecting coins and handling dreary side missions.

- Glitches! I've never encountered so many in any other type of game.

This is one of the few types of game my partner does play so I always try to get involved, it's a shame I can't like them. Is it just me?!

Book Thoughts: The Hobbit

The Hobbit is about a happy go lucky (or in this case, very very lucky) Hobbit who stumbles upon unexpected adventure when a wizard by the name of Gandalf knocks on his door.

The book is a must read, especially with the first film that has been recently released, which will be in a series of three that are expected to be premiered over the next few years. I read the book before watching the film and am glad I did. Although lots of people may of suggested not to, as 'the book will ruin the film' and vice versa, I must disagree.

The Hobbit keeps you entertained throughout and is a book you would rather not put down. Personally, it is a book which I could read from start to end in one sitting (if only I had enough time). From its quirky characters and signature landscapes from The Lord of the Rings saga, plus its never ending adventure, it is rightfully an instant classic. It would appear that the film has largely elaborated on the story, from what I remember, the ending to the film is still relatively close to the beginning of the book.

A renewed fan of Tolkien having never read this book before, I'm looking forward to seeing the film trilogy pan out over the coming years.