Turbine's latest MMORPG Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar (LOTRO) originally launched back in 2007. As the name implies, the game is based on J.R.R. Tolkien's popular fantasy-based Middle-earth realm and takes place within the time-period of the first book, The Fellowship of the Ring.
As Turbine states, the overall storyline "snakes" through the Fellowship's quest, intersecting with it at key points and allowing for contributions that supplement the lore in exciting and "believable" ways. The epic storyline is broken up into books, each of which is broken up into chapters.
Underneath the Middle-earth exterior, LOTRO is your typical MMORPG featuring various races (man, elf, dwarf, and Hobbit), classes (burglar, captain, champion, guardian, hunter, lore-master, and minstrel), quests, and level grinding. Fans of the franchise can adventure through popular spots like the Shire, the Misty Mountains, Mirkwood, and more.
In June, Turbine announced that the game will incorporate the free-to-play model, but they will be required to purchase expansions, quest packs, items, and account services. The typical subscription rate is $14.99, while LOTRO also offers additional methods of payment for gamers who want more than the free service.
Turbine officially launched the free-to-play model on September 10, 2010.
