New to DDO, and ive got a couple questions about classes...

[kenyamk]

Ok, ive been playing LotRO since beta and i understand all of the classes extremely well... the DDO classes confuze me alot. from what i can tell, the Paladin and the Captain are alot alike, the Fighter and the Guardian are alot alike, the Ranger is a Hunter, the Barbarian is a Champion, the Rogue is somewhat like a Burglar... other than that im totaly confuzed.. could someone give me a rundown of all the classes and what their functions are?
thanks!

[tihocan]

I don't know LOTRO so can't really help with the comparisons... but one important thing is that in DDO, each class can typically be built in different ways which may lead to different roles (and when you combine this with multiclass options, possibilities are even more plentiful).
I suggest you read the description of each pre-made build here (http://compendium.ddo.com/wiki/Category:Path_Directories), it'll give you an idea of some typical things each class can do (but I'd advise you not to actually pick any of these builds since many are flawed).

[DragonDrago77]

There are three primary things when making a character that I watch for:
AC- Armor Class- The higher this value, the less chance enemies have to hit you.
DPS-Damage Per Second- How much damage you do.
Saves-Certain events such as spells and traps require you to make a save.
Whenever you make a character, you have to watch out for these things.

The thing about this game is diversity, (like tihocan said)-One fighter could be completely different than another fighter.
It's completely different than LOTRO. Each class can branch off into different directions.

What type of character do you want to play? Tanker, Damage Dealer, Healer, Caster, etc....?

[kenyamk]

my main on LotRO was a Warden (Med armour tank/Uber solo mode) and my alt was a captain (buffer/alt healer/alt tank/alt dps)

[DragonDrago77]

my main on LotRO was a Warden (Med armour tank/Uber solo mode) and my alt was a captain (buffer/alt healer/alt tank/alt dps)

A Paladin is a good solo and team class. They get nice saves, nice AC, nice DPS. They get the ability to heal themselves.
They provide an aura of good which can give allies extra AC and more saves.
Probably one of the more easier classes to being the game with, imo.

[kenyamk]

that sounds like a good class to start with! thanks yall!

[DavionFuxa]

If you are going to start with the Paladin, keep in mind that you shouldn't try to customize right from the beginning. Take a pre-made path and run with it first.

[EKKM]

Here are the prototypical calss roles. keep in mind that DDO is very custumizable, so classes can perform other roles

Fighter: Either DPS or Tank, lots of options to choose the melee style you like.
Barbarian: Only defence is hitpoint, the best at doing damage
Paladin: self sufficient melee, dependant on multiple stats (str, con, wis, chr)
Ranger: DPS melee, good at ranged (for DDO), lots of good buffs
Cleric: Primarily a healing class, good at crowd control, capable at melee and offensive casting
Favoured soul: Similar to a cleric, less versatile in spell selection but gain other abilities and have more spell points
Wizard: Spells, offensive, crowd control, buffs etc, get bonus feats
Sorceror: Same as wizard but less versatile, faster casting, more spell points, no bonus feats.
Rogue: Traps locks, lots of damage, sneaking
Bard: Buffing and crowd control, capable melee
Monk: melee, unique abilities, not for first timers

[DoctorWhofan]

my main on LotRO was a Warden (Med armour tank/Uber solo mode) and my alt was a captain (buffer/alt healer/alt tank/alt dps)

To give an comparison--Monk is similar to Wardens, just without weapons. They play similarly in combat and have "moves"

As for comparing classes, toss everything out the door. But to help you, I will give you basics. THe DDO classes are FAR MORE FLEXIBLE than I am saying here!

A few comparisons.

Bards and Minsterls are similar, and can be healing and combat oriented.

Clerics and Favoured Souls are healing powerhouses, though the closest is the Rune Keeper who is healing specced. THey (can) are deticated healers, something LotRO doesn't have.

Captains and Paladins share ALOT of the same basic abilities. Pallys are HARD to build and play here. becareful playing that class.

Hunters and Rangers are NOT that similar. Ranged combat is at the low end here.

Burglers and Rogues are the same, except Rogues ACTUALLY Pick locks and disarm traps.

Wizards and Sorcerers share alot with Loremasters and Runekeepers. BUT the not enough to say they are similar.

Champions are Barbarians...pretty much.

Fighters are Guardians...Pretty much.