So I just received this game for my birthday, and have been doing some research on the game prior to diving in. One of the things I'm reading VERY frequently is how obtusely difficult it is, even one the first scenario. Apparently this is the case regardless of which of the three starter decks you use. So I figured I'd come here to get this answered once and for all: is this true? If so, what card sets do I need to add to make the game manageable? I'm really excited to start playing (and hopefully looping my kids in to play with me) but I'm worried that if it's really as difficult as I'm reading it won't last long on our table.

Thoughts and/or suggestions would be most welcomed!

Thanks in advance folks!

Youtube is your friend, check through these forums and look at the following for some info on playing solo and what to buy etc, I have read forums and topics until my eyes ache but it helps learn all about this game and also dive in and play the solo decks it's how you learn about the cards and synergies before you start building your own decks.

http://boardgamegeek.com/blogpost/16397/guide-new-lotrlcg-solo-players

https://talesfromthecards.wordpress.com/2013/09/13/new-player-buying-guide/

You said 3 starter decks? Then you're missing something because they are four.

If you're playing with a single deck and only the core set, there's really only three starter decks. The tactics deck is only useful in combination with another deck (no questing power).