I thought I'd post some screenshots of LOTRO beta. Sorry for the bad jpegs but that's how the conversion goes with the screenie utility.
It's a great game and much more polished than most MMOs on release even in closed beta. If you're even vaguely interested in LOTR, it's a must-have.
Some of the special effects are amazing as you'll notice in the noob quest line.
Best of all.. I haven't had to grind one bit. Actually, I find myself dropping a few quests after surpassing them in level. It's all about the questing. The LOTR setting is quite true for those of you purists. They really did well making you think you're there.
Not to mention their innovative way to PvP. Monster play! Starting at level 10, you can take a hiatus as various evilness such as Orcs & Wargs. Form a party and raid! It gives you extra "Fate" points to spend on your characters and/or beefing up your evil dude.
Any questions, ask. They lifted the NDA on the beta testers over a month ago. That takes b@lls so obviously the developers are quite sure of themselves.
(Keep in mind this is the low-res beta client. Evidentally the pre-order version at Best Buy has the hi-res version. Also, if you pre-order, you can get special pricing along with bonus items. $9.99/mo. or $199 for lifetime subscription.)