It's been at least two years since The Lord of the Rings Online was first announced (albeit under the name Middle-Earth Online), but it looks like players will need to wait a bit longer before wandering around a massively multiplayer Shire. The early version shown is based on the same engine that powers Dungeons & Dragons Online, and while it was running smoothly, there's no release date to ꦜannounce.

The game will offer four races - human, dwarf, elf and hobbit - and seven classes, including Burglar, Captain and Hunter. The game will be story driven and not just random missions; there is an "end" to the Shadows of Angmar storyline, which involvജes the Witch King. Future expansion packs will have their own subtitles and unlock new rea🔯lms.

The good news is that the gameplay is promised to be straightforward, not unlike World of Warcraft - the game will be soloable but is designed to be more engaging at higher levels, and a six-person party system will make sure that you can play with your friends too. We've got a video sneak peek to hold you over until the game's release, which doesn't seem likely until 2007. Click the Movies tab and enjo🍰y.

May 11, 2006