The Lord of the Rings goes Online

MMORPG based on Tolkien's classic novels launches for eager gamers

April 17, 2007

Lord of the Rings fans can now play online in a persistent world of Middle-Earth. The massively multiplayer online RPG (MMORPG) The Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar has gone live for those players who pre-ordered the game. Since Saturday, these players have been able to begin their characters' journey through this famous fantasy land, giving them a ten-day head start on other players, who can't play until April 24.

Pre-ordered games do still seem to be available from the Lord of the Rings Online Web site, and from several game retaillers.

The Lord of the Rings Online, like most modern MMORPGs, consists of mostly player-versus-environment (PvE) combat and gameplay, along with player-versus-player (PvP) combat options. According to the developers, players can play through the adventure on their own, or they can form fellowships with other players to participate in a joint adventure. Common online RPG features such as races, jobs, crafting and pets will also be featured in the game.

The Lord of the Rings Online allows you to explore a persistent online version of Middle-Earth.

The official launch of The Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar is on April 24. The game was developed by Turbine, Inc.