Feedback: THE LORD OF THE RINGS ONLINE™: RISE OF ISENGARD™ Announcement

[Hrefntor]

The expansion doesn't sound a lot bigger than Enedwaith, unless they are not making something clear about the scale of the place, but at least we're getting it.

We shall probably both put the pre-orders in later today, at a basic level as the horse seems to be the same as the 500 silver horses (if anyone has posted stats to say otherwise, I haven't seen them) and cosmetics rarely interest us. The XP boost is nice as it will help with my altitis problem.

[Sambe]

With regard to account linking: Purchasing the expac, grants an actual game-key, that is then applied to the account of your choosing on the LoTRo account page. However, as with all things in every fringe game, yes, it is way more confusing than it should have been.

[Silverbrow]

Just so you all know. The +25% experience pocket token when equipped, the buff gives you +25% on Monster kills UNTIL the Rise of Isengard. I was looking forward to levelling alts with this however the buff wording makes it appear to only be useful until Sept 27th. If this is the case, wtg Turbine on more FALSE Advertising.
I for one will be sorely disappointed if this proves to be the case and it may very well be the proverbial "straw that broke the camel's back".

[Palaimon]

Just so you all know. The +25% experience pocket token when equipped, the buff gives you +25% on Monster kills UNTIL the Rise of Isengard. I was looking forward to levelling alts with this however the buff wording makes it appear to only be useful until Sept 27th. If this is the case, wtg Turbine on more FALSE Advertising.
I for one will be sorely disappointed if this proves to be the case and it may very well be the proverbial "straw that broke the camel's back".

Who says this? This item has no time limitation. It works only till level 65!

[Zombielord]

Who says this? This item has no time limitation. It works only till level 65!

http://img849.imageshack.us/img849/3316/buffq.jpg

Well they could have written it more clearly :/

"This is a display issue with the text. The item will continue to work after Isengard's release. The wording was meant to suggest that it gave the XP bonus to level 65 (about the time you would head to Isengard). Unfortunately it's a bit more ambiguous than anticipated."
(quote: Sapience)

The Path of the Fellowship Questpack also is a rather poor choice in my book: Vip/Lifers don't need that and most F2P/Premium already own them.

A full scale skirmish unlock for all chars or vault/wardrobe unlocks would have rocked more :/

[JohnFoam]

What I find weird about all the complaining about the pre-purchase perks is that people are acting like they are paying 30, 40, or 50 dollars just for those perks. You're not. You're pre-ordering the expansion, which you will have to pay for to have whether pre-ordered or not. If you don't like or need the pre-purchase perks, don't pre-order. It's that simple. But you will still have to pay for the expansion one way or another. What do you think the price of the expansion will be when it is released?

[SCHawks73]

What I find weird about all the complaining about the pre-purchase perks is that people are acting like they are paying 30, 40, or 50 dollars just for those perks. You're not. You're pre-ordering the expansion, which you will have to pay for to have whether pre-ordered or not. If you don't like or need the pre-purchase perks, don't pre-order. It's that simple. But you will still have to pay for the expansion one way or another. What do you think the price of the expansion will be when it is released?

It just looks like this:

You are wanting to build an addition onto your house and will be getting a 25,000 IRS tax refund in a couple months, the construction guy says the job will be around 25,000 but if you pay 50,000 up front, we will give you 5,000 of free landscaping to make your house look more cosmetically pleasing AND we will throw in your yard as a perk for early payment.

I already OWN my yard, why would I care about you giving me something I already own... so should I spend 50,000 on something as little as a few cosmetics, or should I wait and get the work done for free (pay with the refund)?

But if I was someone that built a house on a dirt lot that I didn't own and I was offered the same deal, then having the land and having it look cosmetically more appealing with a new lawn and bushes/trees/flowers might be worth it...

__________________________


A lot of the lifers and dedicated VIP's actually WANT to purchase the Legendary, top of the line, $50 expansion that Turbine offers... BUT since the differences between the 29.99 version and the 49.99 version is so small (in our lifer/VIP eyes) that we see no reason to spend the extra $20. And on top of that, when the expansion hits the LOTRO Store after the 27th, it will probably be in the range of 1995 - 2995 TP's which most VIP's/Lifers have (probably several times over) which means that Turbine is not getting a single PENNY from us for this expansion...

It looks as if the expansion is catered to the F2P/Premium population and instead of offering 2x 49.99 Legendary packs, one as-is for the F2P/Premium players and one for the VIP/Lifers with some/all of the perks I mentioned a few posts ago, or similar perks (which they would sell MUCH more 49.99 packs) they will now sell MUCH less, and GIVING AWAY the expansion to people with 3000+ TP's (mostly Lifers and VIPs)

Just doesn't sound like good business sense to me... there are ton's of people ready to throw $50 at Turbine, but if they are only offering $20-25 worth of expansion, we will opt to wait and get it for free.

[-Aelg-]

What I find weird about all the complaining about the pre-purchase perks is that people are acting like they are paying 30, 40, or 50 dollars just for those perks. You're not. You're pre-ordering the expansion, which you will have to pay for to have whether pre-ordered or not. If you don't like or need the pre-purchase perks, don't pre-order. It's that simple. But you will still have to pay for the expansion one way or another. What do you think the price of the expansion will be when it is released?

A lot of the anger comes from the fact that people weren't expecting to pay "anything" for the expansion. Rather they wanted to use their TP like promised. If you're on a life-time account you can save up TP without spending any more money. Now it's clear this wont happen without not-getting the extra goodies of the pre-order. In short - people feel left out and betrayed. Finding reasons to complain, such as "it's not worth the money", is just a side effect.

[Slayanor]

I think it's just hard for people to be told they are a VIP and then be told they should spend money when they already have a voucher in hand that would cover the cost. The perks aren't worth it, but they are worth something by themselves to some people. Yet they aren't going to be available by themselves, as a way to promote the pre-order. I'll just skip out and hope that the horses in game are going to look a little more battle-worthy as we head south. I just want the horse The green one, not the red one.

If that doesn't happen, I'd say Turbine kind of missed the boat on this. I guess it's small change though in the big picture.

[Hrefntor]

I 'upgraded' my wife's VIP/SoM account earlier with an RoI pre-order code.

It immediately became a Premium account with no expansions (not even SoA) listed.

Great upgrade, eh?

Yes, raised a ticket, but how hard can it be for Turbine just to get their own website/accounts to work properly?

[SCHawks73]

A lot of the anger comes from the fact that people weren't expecting to pay "anything" for the expansion. Rather they wanted to use their TP like promised. If you're on a life-time account you can save up TP without spending any more money. Now it's clear this wont happen without not-getting the extra goodies of the pre-order. In short - people feel left out and betrayed. Finding reasons to complain, such as "it's not worth the money", is just a side effect.

Turbine already stated that the expansion WILL be available via the Turbine Store in-game using Turbine points... which is exactly what they promised. What is the issue?

IF the issue is that you were promised one thing, and wanted something different (ie perks of the pre-order) then you have to decide if the pre-order perks are worth you spending $$$ for, or if you should continue with your original expectation that you will be able to purchase RoI w/ TP's, because you will.

If they promised that we were able to pre-order with TP's but now they are saying that we can't and can only get the base expansion, then I could see a problem. You are getting exactly what you wanted, nothing more, nothing less...

[GDavey]

$50 for the legendary with all the perks you get is a no brainer. Im a life time subscriber and I dont feel ripped off or upset. If folks only want 1 of the 3 pre order sets, there was an option for that.

My mains have always been from Rohan so its nice to see some Rohan inspired stuff.

Now they just need to add more Wardrobe space!

[Rouven]

(...)
A lot of the lifers and dedicated VIP's actually WANT to purchase the Legendary, top of the line, $50 expansion that Turbine offers... BUT since the differences between the 29.99 version and the 49.99 version is so small (in our lifer/VIP eyes) that we see no reason to spend the extra $20. And on top of that, when the expansion hits the LOTRO Store after the 27th, it will probably be in the range of 1995 - 2995 TP's which most VIP's/Lifers have (probably several times over) which means that Turbine is not getting a single PENNY from us for this expansion...(...)

So something like the Steed of Night goes for ~2000 TP = ~ $20

Two extra Horses + 3x Armour Set's + 2x Cloaks + 1000 TP is not worth $20?


Edit: Should have said something for myself - I like the bundle, from the questpacks I can "only" use Trollshaws because I have bought all the others previously already. Not sure about the look of the horses/pony's but I really dig the armour. Love to have the 25% as a pocket item, will come in handy to keep characters a bit more on the same level - and is way nicer then to just overall change the xp-curve of the game like some other games do.

[Artemis3175]

Sigh.

Great marketing strategy on this preorder bundle...if you are a mid level Premium player that is.

What does this really offer for my fiance and I's two VIP accounts with level capped main toons? Meh. Some armor, cloaks and some fail 162% horses. For $100 bucks.

A"Legendary" preorder for VIP's/Lifers with the 1000 TP, the 3 offered comsetics, and maybe something useful? Storage, Vault, wardrobe? Relics? Not real sure, but the marketing department is overlooking a whole segment of folks...hopefully not intentionally.

[phantasiarose]

So how do I prepurchase the expansion without creating a new account? Every time I click on the "pre purchase" button and go to order, it always gives me the "create a new account tab."

[Glox]

I really don't understand why Turbine continues to advertise for the expansion....I really don't care about the expansion as long as you guys won't give me my points that was lost in the EU migration.......So please concentrate about the migration errors and get to those support tickets ASAP......

[SmallWonders]

Cheers to the developers of this great Expansion! Can’t wait to see the new places and take on the new challenges. So all you programmers, artist, and designers are welcome to come to my tiny house in the Shire for a lovely spread of food and an open bar. Yeah, Devs!

Now for a wee chat with the marketing folk. So there’s been a bit of confusion. It happens to the best of us - but how you address and/or fix the issues shows the core of your intentions.

Well bless your hearts, you did try to come up with a nice incentive to pre-order. All in all, the pocket item will be just wonderful for some folk. You deserve a lot of credit for respecting the rights of folk to choose to gain experience or not. However, there are some of us that do love our little pocket items. Burglars I know just love em and some youngish folks spend lots of time getting acquainted with those Lone Land folks to buy a pretty pocket bobble. The older folk use their pocket items to get Set bonuses.

So what’s a body to do about this situation. Well, here’s a thought which will utilize an existing item type and delivery system. I know nothing - de nada - zip about coding so ya should go talk to those nice Dev folk, who know all about code.

Ask them to take the Horn given out in the Intro quests. Change the name to something, oh anything, like Horn of Anticipation or Elegant Tusk Horn, whatever. Open up the code and change the ending level to 65, the buff to experience, and then just add in a very short cool-down time with it lasting until the ‘person’ exits Middle-earth. Sounds easy but it may not be that simple. Anyway, the delivery system?

Now. When you pre-order this great expansion, each of the folk on your account get a wee token to spend. Then you ask the same folk in the big towns that helped us trade in those Tokens for the bird cages and such, to let us redeem this new token for either a Pocket-item or the Horn. There ya go. Lots of choices. To use or not to use. Which best suits our personal preference for game-play style. Yeah.

What’s that you said? Yes, it will take some added work but I think we are worth it. Don’t you?

[Joefender2001]

Lifer here....For the pre-order and goodies.....well there is a choice..so no complaints from me on that ....but.....(ahh yess...the but!!)
but they sure didnt make it easy to pre-order......filled in ALL my personal info for Turbine (though its on file,yuh?)..then had to join Click and Buy (which is anything but) and filled it all in yet again....then 3 or 4 confirms later..got a confirm for the order from Digital River..then a final one from Turbine where at the verrrrry bottom is the Product Key (which they dont call a product key on the email but do on the account page.....and ok all done.

So, yeh I know I'm missing a couple of cans of the sixpack, but they sure didnt make it quick and easy to buy this thing.

To top it off...possibly unrelated but I suspect otherwise.....I go to get gas today and my card is refused......call the bank....my account has supposedly been compromised....though there are no "odd" charges or unverified purchases.....Last buy? uhhhhhhhhhhhhhh......LOL. So perhaps my bank doesnt like Companies based in the UK?.....and believe me, I'm not paranoid. I KNOW you are all out to get me.
hugs,
Sut

[Lochhi]

So how do I prepurchase the expansion without creating a new account? Every time I click on the "pre purchase" button and go to order, it always gives me the "create a new account tab."

I get the same.

[Mithrinder]

You know here is another browser BESIDES the ms on.... the entire registration process for isen has been an utter disappointment for me speaking from beta never had this much of an issue to get the information into my turbine account. I will check for double billed and what the hell ever else but what the hell native explorer brower you decided to spawn did not show me any PRODUCT CODE...had to wait for the email and enter it manually.

If that was the *(()))*******in intent then just say so...

[-Aelg-]

Turbine already stated that the expansion WILL be available via the Turbine Store in-game using Turbine points... which is exactly what they promised. What is the issue?

IF the issue is that you were promised one thing, and wanted something different (ie perks of the pre-order) then you have to decide if the pre-order perks are worth you spending $$$ for, or if you should continue with your original expectation that you will be able to purchase RoI w/ TP's, because you will.

If they promised that we were able to pre-order with TP's but now they are saying that we can't and can only get the base expansion, then I could see a problem. You are getting exactly what you wanted, nothing more, nothing less...

What an odd post.

First part, yes.. so what? I never said differently.

Secon part, yes.. that is the stone cold approach to it. It was never (back then) stated that pre-order purchase would not be possible through TP.

Third part, yes.. but what does that have to do with me? I never said I was getting more or less of what I wanted - hell I even already pre ordered what I want.

In short I was explaining one reason why people are upset, not trying to reason with it. So please, don't put words in my mouth.

[SCHawks73]

So something like the Steed of Night goes for ~2000 TP = ~ $20

Two extra Horses + 3x Armour Set's + 2x Cloaks + 1000 TP is not worth $20?

To my understanding, the SotN has 250 morale and 168% run speed, these that come with the expansion are 200 morale and 162% run speed.

Granted you get multiple of them, but they are basically for cosmetic purposes only b/c they do not off any benefit of fast speed over the majority of the mounts in-game, nor more morale.

The 3x armour and 2x cloaks are nice and if you are a cosmetic collector, role player, etc. but just not my cup of tea.

Would I like 3 free outfits with matching cloaks and steed incase we want to do a group shot later on down the road, or I participate in a RP event... sure. Is it worth $20 to have a sub-par mount for cosmetic use, or wearing an outfit that you will see other people frequently wearing making it less unique and "special", or 1000TP which I rarely spend and earn 1/2 that amount every month... no

In short I was explaining one reason why people are upset, not trying to reason with it. So please, don't put words in my mouth.

I was using "you" in general terms for everyone that is complaining about not being able to use TP to pre-purchase the expansion because Turbine broke their promise, and "you" feel betrayed, and blah blah blah. Sorry for any misunderstanding about a personal attack against you, that was not my intent, I should have made that more clear.

[Rouven]

To my understanding, the SotN has 250 morale and 168% run speed, these that come with the expansion are 200 morale and 162% run speed.
(...)

Ah, I forgot about that part.

I am not trying to convince anyone, don't get me wrong - but a deal is always only a deal if you want the product. In this case we are talking about a pre-order edition, which you always pay a little bit more for - for the tiny little extra you get. Some people want a little figurine (which doesn't work since this is digital only), some mounts - I would have loved a little mouse for my house that I will never be able to get.

Thus I can only compare a "relative" value. The cheaper mounts go for what, 800 TP, cloaks around 300 TP, other cosmetics in the 200 TP range, if I am adding that up I still get $20's worth.

Of course I understand that it has no value to some people that have 10k+ points sitting and collecting dust.

Was it actually ever confirmed that RoI will be available for purchase with TP right away?

[Slayanor]

Do we have in game screenshots of the pre-order stuff up somewhere yet?

[campsean]

I am just going to wait and see if these issues with ordering get fixed, the account website doesn't keep dropping out for maintenance and to see if turbine is going to entice their loyal customers to pay cash for an expansion that includes something actually enticing (as a pre-order deal should be). Until then my status is to keep being an altaholic and spend TP when the new xpac becomes available in the store.

Turbine's attempts to get my cash since introducing the store: 0/10
Successful attempts to get my cash before introducing the store: 3/3 (Lifetime, Moria and Mirkwood/Adventurer's pack)
Hmmm, I think I see a pattern here...