Since its launch in 2007, The Lord of the Rings Online has expanded and improved greatly over the years.  There have been three official expansions, along with numerous other major updates.  Not only has the content been expanded, but the developers included various graphics improvements as well with the inclusion of DirectX 10 and 11 capabilities.  All that combined with the move to a "Free Play" subscription model has led to continuing success of this Turbine Entertainment title.  Now let's take a look at some of the specifics of what you can expect if you decide to play.

As I mentioned, the quality of the graphics has improved over time, but even using the standard DirectX 9 client provided a quality visual experience without requiring an expensive gaming rig.  As a matter of fact, the game is currently playable on a number of slightly older PC's and laptops as well.  But if you have a PC capable of meeting the recommended specs or higher, you can really experience some stunning environments.  The newer DirectX shaders enhance the quality of more detailed features like shadows, bloom effects, weather effects, and various other aspects.

The music and sound effects of the game are also very fitting and help enhance the overall gameplay.  Much of the background music is very similar to what you might find in the Lord of the RIngs movies, and certain areas and storyline quests really provide a certain feeling of "epicness" with the addition of some menacing tracks.  Many of the "battle sounds" are basically the same as most other fantasy MMO's, but the various player shouts and monster sounds are a nice touch.  Some players dislike the "yell" sound effect that accompanies a few of the class powers, but in a previous update they allowed for those sounds to be disabled.  The only downside to the music and sound would probably be the rather repetitive battle music.

Looking into the actual gameplay of The Lord of the Rings Online, there is a great deal of depth available, even to the "Free Play" accounts.  The world of Middle Earth (which is what the lands invented by author J.R.R. Tolkien are called, in case you are not familiar with the various books) is considered to be the very foundation for the fantasy genre and games like "Dungeons & Dragons".  The available races include Men (the name for humans, which does in fact include women), Elves, Hobbits (often referred to as halflings in D&D and other fantasy games), and Dwarves.  Each race has available female genders, with the exception of the Dwarves.  There is a very good reason for this choice, however.  Tolkien explains this by stating that "Dwarven women are very rarely seen, and even when they are they get easily mistaken for the men as they are equally hairy with similarly long beards." (I'm paraphrasing there, so please no emails about the exact quote.)

Character creation, while not the most robust system, is certinaly acceptable and offers a niec variety of visual customization.  You may be a bit disappointed in the beginning, as many characters of the same race/gender look similar.  But with the addition of custom outfits later on it is easier to develop your own unique style.  There is a good variety of class choices available in the game, though some of them are race-limited (according to the lore of the books).  Here is a brief description of the various classes:

• Guardian - The "tank" class of the choices, these characters can wear heavy armor and typically use heavy shields and one-handed weapons.
• Champion - Also able to wear heavy armor, but more geared toward dealing damage rather than preventing it, the Champion is able to dual-wield weapons or specialize in 2-handed style if chosen.
• Minstrel - Since there is no real measure of "health" in LotRO, player durability is measured in "morale".  As such, the Minstrel becomes the main healer class of the game.  Able to wear medium armor and use light shields, they still have the ability to involve themselves in melee combat.
• Burglar - The Middle Earth version of the thief or rogue, these characters can wear light armor and specialize in sneaking and heavy damaging attacks from behind.
• Lore-Master - Similar to a "mage" class, the Lore-Master can harness various magics to damage enemies, summon animal companions, and even provide some secondary healing to the group.  Somewhat a "jack of all trades" but as they wear robes they are not as viable in melee combat.
• Hunter - Similar to the "ranger" in many games (though the term "Ranger" has a separate connotation in Middle Earth), these characters are deadly both solo and in a group.  Capable of dealing damage at a distance with their bows, they can also engage in melee combat with dual-wielding their weapons.
• Captain - Specific to the race of Men, the Captain can wear heavy armor and has a variety of combat skills.  The thing that makes this class unique is their ability to aid their group with a variety of "command" skills/powers, and their NPC follower (called a Herald) which can perform a variety of actions based on the specific type of herald.  Some are simply soldier-like, while others can offering healing and support powers.
• Rune-Keeper - One of the classes added with the "Mines of Moria" expansion, the Rune-Keeper is another "mage-like" class, but much more complex.  Able to use both offensive and healing magics, they must decide what is needed in each battle as they gather their power in one direction or another.  They cannot, however, engage fully in damaging AND healing at the same time, making the class quite strategic.
• Warden - The other class added with "Mines of Moria", the Warden is possibly the most complex class in the game.  They are capable of wearing medium armor, and use a class-specific  While they do have "single-click" attacks, their true power comes in using what are called "gambits".  These are essentially combo attacks that work by combining 2 or more of the single attacks into a chain.  Each combo provides a different result.

In addition to the "good" side of the game with the Men, Elves, Dwarves, and Hobbits, players can also choose to participate in "Monster Play".  This unique feature of LotRO allows you to create an evil creature and fight against other players who have levelled their good characters up beyond level 50.  Upon creating a monster character, it is immediately granted level 50 to begin competing against said players.  There are a variety of monster races to choose from, including giant spiders, Wargs, and various Orcs.

This PvP interaction is limited to specific zones, so you don't need to worry about someone bringing their powerful Orc into the middle of a quest against your level 10 Elf Hunter.  Within these PvP zones, there are a variety of quests and objectives available.  Some of them can be completed solo, such as gathering resources to help bolster your team's weapons and armor, or taking out various enemy NPC guards.

The real fun comes into play though with the "territory control" aspect of PvP.  Each side is ultimately fighting for control of certain strongholds that provide them with bonuses.  These battles often involve larger "raid" groups from each side going against each other.  More experienced players can become Generals and help lead their side and provide strategy on the battlefield.  And even the newer monsters can still participate in these large battles.  Though you may die more often at first, every player available is significant.

Another interesting aspect of the gameplay in The Lord of the Rings Online is the storyline or "chapter" quests.  The idea behind these major quests is that your player is basically going along with the events from the Lord of the Rings books and the journey of "The Fellowship" from the area near The Shire and (eventually) to the lands of Mordor.  Keep in mind that is the ultimate goal of the game, but that the journey currently only takes you as far as Isengard.  The plan has been for further destinations on the journey to be added via expansions, and so far that seems to be working out.  These storyline quests are more involved that standard quests, and are often narrated and more exciting as well.

If at any point you get tired of fighting the forces of evil (or good if you are doing Monster Play), you can spend some time in the various non-combat activities available.  The game offers various crafting professions, a fishing hobby, the ability to play a variety of instruments (class dependent), and a housing system that lets you fully decorate your home with items you have crafted, purchased, or some that are received through combat and quests.

The crafting system is rather extensive, though there are some other MMO's that offer more, and can also be profitable if done correctly.  And not only can you make a profit from crafting items, but many of the later-level items are in high demand due to their superior quality.  Many of the rare crafted weapons and armor are better than what you get from questing or drops.  The crafting system also advances in a "fair" manner, not requiring you to sink an unrealistic amount of time or money to advance.

The game certainly offers a great deal of options, even if you decide to go the "Free Play" route.  In that case, all the races are available for free, and all the classes with the exception of the Rune-Keeper and Warden from the "Mines of Moria" expansion.  Those can be unlocked on your account for a one-time fee.  In terms of available gameplay, all quests are accessible until about level 20+.  After that point you will either need to subscribe or purchase a "quest pack" which unlocks the quests in a certain region/zone.  That can also be done for a one-time fee.

Regardless of whether you prefer the regular subscription route or the new "Free Play" model, you can download and try The Lord of the Rings Online for free.  And whether you are looking for something to take a break from your current MMORPG, looking for a permanent home, or if this will be your first time playing an online RPG, LotRO is one we would definitely recommend.

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