This past Easter weekend I had my first chance to dabble in an MMORPG (Massively-Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game) called 'The Lord of the Rings Online - Shadows of Angmar”.  I've long resisted playing these games (though I flirted with the Star Wars Galaxies game for about 2 hrs) for a multitude of reasons, not the least of which is the potential time-sink it would become.

I was initially turned on to the game by a good friend, Eric Tolman, and the screenshots that he took while in-game.  I thought I'd bite the bullet and install it and give it a trial run during a free, open beta they're calling 'World Tour'.  I can honestly say - WOW (and no, not World of Warcraft).  The game is pretty amazing.  I played for a few hours, completing quests, gaining levels, interacting with other players, formed a fellowship, and helped save the town.  It was a lot of fun.  Like I say, though, I don't have much to compare it to since I've never really played the other games like it.

Though I'm not sure I'll ultimately subscribe to the service (when do I really have time to play games?), I can honestly say I'd have fun if I did.  I still have another 14-odd days left in the World Tour beta before the game goes live, and I intend to enjoy them.