Rings: Lord of the Online Games

Having played at least 20 massively multiplayer online games in the past five years, I can finally say that I have found one -- like the ring in the fabled J.R.R. Tolkien story -- to rule them all. Anyone who has read the "Lord of the Rings" books or seen the movies will enjoy exploring Middle Earth themselves.

Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar is set in the early part of the war of the rings, in and around Eriador, including Rohan, Bree, Rivendell and, of course, the Shire. In the game, the Witch King of Angmar has risen and is trying to conquer the land in the name of Sauron. While the main characters from the books are preparing to head to Mordor (you might see them), you are tasked with helping on the home front and thwarting the Witch King.

You can play a human, an elf, a hobbit or a dwarf, and the game features eight classes to choose from, including hunters, burglars, minstrels and champions.

Unlike most online games, the emphasis is not on grinding up levels by endless fights, though you can if you want. Instead, many characters you encounter will have quests for you. You might find yourself rushing to deliver pies in the Shire and avoiding hungry hobbits, hunting for a rumored giant spider's nest or defending a lost traveler from a horde of brigands. As you go, you will earn such titles as defender of the halls, fur-cutter or brew master, depending on your chosen quests. You will also earn skills such as shield bashing to use in combat, and traits such as loyalty, which will boost your stats.

With such a vast world, the game is rich in content even after you get over the "Oh, my God, I am really in Middle Earth" syndrome. But it's also extremely easy to play. In fact, I tested the game with two people who had never played online games, and both picked it up quickly and still enjoy playing it.

Combat is straightforward, and there is no real penalty for dying. You have a morale score instead of hit points. When your morale reaches zero, you retreat from battle, which means defeat is no big deal. Even crafting is relatively simple; players can create magic jewelry, swords, armor and food that can be used or sold for in-game currency to other players in an eBay-like auction house.

The world looks beautiful and straddles the line between realistic and storybook in its style. It's full of details, including raging waterfalls, children listening to a storyteller and barefoot hobbits napping in the noonday sun. The sound is also top-notch, with each land and town having its own musical style. Players who reach the fifth level can even join in with their own playable musical instruments.

The game is clearly aimed at both the casual player and the hard-core fan. Somewhat limited character options and the lack of a true player-vs.-player interface may bore advanced gamers, but I doubt it. There is just so much to do and see here, you may find yourself missing a lot of sleep. And with expansion packs planned to provide new quests and lands, expect LOTR to rule massively multiplayer online games for a long time.

-- John Breeden II

Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar Teen; PC Windows XP ($50, plus $14.99 per month after 30 days) Midway