Random loading screen of LOTRO. Promising...
It is clear by now that F2P is the way of the future, with other amazing MMORPGs going the same route (stay tuned if you want to know about them).
With LOTRO, you step on Tolkien's Middle Earth and find yourself completely involved in the storyline, which mixes elements from the books with new ones by the developer, Turbine (within a reasonable limit: You won't find elements not matching the storyline, like aliens).
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.Starting this September, LOTRO offers up to the Mines of Moria expansion for free. There's still the subscription option and the Online Shop. However, you won't be paying for power levelling like in other games, but to achieve things faster.
Have a look at the ratings (from 8 points over 10 and even better), then at the screenies in this post, and tell me your mouth isn't watering to try this awesome game, if you have not tried it yet.
LOTRO is an incredibly polished MMORPG. The graphics are simply beyond description, tremendously engaging. Have a look at a LOTRO sunset and you won't feel like going back to your boring real life window views anymore.
Levelling up takes time, but you'll eventually get where the PROS are. Class dynamics are also interestingly thought out and leaves the player with a lot of freedom to design his path in the game. The tasks you can do, if you wish, are varied and very well developed technically; you can swim, fish, craft or fight, to name a few. The quests are many and very well written, but you can go without them if you like. Lore is supreme.
What about the community? And character creation options? If you're wondering about these issues, take a look at this vid and find out yourself:
If you're a The Lord of the Rings fan, you should give LOTRO a try. It won't cost you a single cent!
