LotR Online

I got into the early beta for Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar a while ago. I participated in the first stress test, and then played for a while. Then they did a server wipe, and I haven't had the heart (especially post-"Burning Crusade") to start all over again.

If you haven't read up on it - players can be any of the Free Peoples; Elves, Dwarves, Hobbits, and Men. There are various flavors of each of the peoples - for instance, Men consist of both Gondorians and Rohirrim, as well as others like Breelanders. There are variation in each race, and each comes with inherent advantages or disadvantages. Other than racial traits, there are no stats to speak of - and abilities are acquired by leveling in one's profession; minstrel, burglar, captain, guardian, champion, hunter or loremaster. Different races have access to different professions.

Starting quests are a great example of what can be done with something as developed a genre as Middle Earth. As an elf, for instance, you'll help defend a last hold out in Lindon alongside Elrond - and then after the passing of many centuries - return to the vicinity to complete your quest and move on to a new area. They've borrowed a cue from WoW with using quests to usher players from area to area, always remaining level-appropriate. But there are a number of novel concepts, as well.

For instance, there are traits that are earned by accomplishing things in game- my character was known as Angthelion the Wary, for instance, because I made it to Level 4 without dying. Later on, those traits actually confer in-game bonuses, and can be made "official" by telling your story to a bard (and picking the reputation that you want to be known by). Additionally, adventuring parties are known as Fellowships - and classes like minstrels and captains confer advantages to other members of their Fellowship. Guilds are called Companies, and much is done to make not just the environment, but the system as well reflect a very Tolkien feel.

I can't say enough how great an idea it was to have new players interact with elements from the plot of the books in their introductory quests - immediately one is immersed in the Middle Earth-ness of it all, which makes it a stand out property, and distinct from the glut of other MMORPG's. That said, it is done by Turbine, who also did Dungeons and Dragons Online - and the visual engine will look familiar (disappointingly so) to any who, like me - tried DDO and were quickly disenchanted.

I'll write more as my impressions deepen - for now I'd say they succeeded at making something appropriately Middle Earth in quality, but disappointing in terms of game play.