Since it's a brand new game, there are many bugs in LOTRO. Some quests don't work properly and creatures take a long time to respawn. Within two hours after installation and playtime, my computer experienced a Blue Screen of Death. However, the developers encourage players to report bugs. In fact, in a few weeks a massive upgrade will be released called the Shores of Evendim, which includes new quests, monsters, and armor.

In spite of its minor flaws and bugs, LOTRO is an incredibly fun and addictive game. With my four different characters, I've got four different storylines and infinite ways of playing the game. There's so much to do and experience, and the community is full of helpful, friendly people who can direct you to the nearest stable, or assist you in taking down a goblin chieftain. I doubt that it'll knock WOW off its pedestal, but then again I don't want LOTRO to become big and bloated. I wouldn't want to wait an hour for a server to open up and then have to deal with jackass players in the game, as I've heard often from WOW players.

LOTRO will appeal to just about anyone - MMORPG veterans, Tolkien fans, and WOW defectors. Now, please excuse me, for I have to meet a Ranger at the Inn of the Prancing Pony.

The Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar is rated T (Teen) by the ESRB for Blood and Gore, Use of Alcohol and Tobacco, Violence.