The Lord of the Rings Online Reviews

The new week starts off with a pair of enthusiastic reviews for Turbine’s The Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar. The first is at YouGamers with an overall score of 84/100:

LOTRO is a fine MMO but the fairly limited play area and numerous small issues coupled with the unfinished economic balancing and beta-quality crafting can’t be overlooked. The game will probably improve a lot over time, and can keep you entertained for a while even now, but World of Warcraft it ain’t.

While the other is at TheOneRing.net with no overall score:

LOTRO is fun. While there has been an admirable attempt to balance a fun game with reverence to Tolkien’s Middle-earth the translation isn’t exact. Those expecting to find the book on-line will be disappointed. Those looking for a fun game inspired by Middle-earth will enjoy exploring. The novels cover only a rail through gigantic maps while the game fleshes out the rest with genuine fun. The game shines as a social interactive environment and a series of carefully planned features make this the best part of the experience. Time spent in Middle-earth was satisfying and fun but it is thoughts of pushing the borders of the current map that really induces salivation. Turbine has released a splendid game that is an acceptable version of Middle-earth.