"The Lord of the Rings Online: Siege of Mirkwood" is the second paid expansion for the well-known MMORPG titled The Lord of the Rings Online. It was released on Russian servers in mid-December 2009.
The plot of The Lord of the Rings Online is based on the famous novel by J.R.R. Tolkien, "The Lord of the Rings." In the game, players can encounter characters who are known from both Tolkien's books and the movie trilogy "The Lord of the Rings." Russian-speaking players were able to experience the new MMO on September 26, 2008, when the first Russian servers opened. Until September 21, 2011, the game operated on a monthly subscription model and then transitioned to a free-to-play system.
In The Lord of the Rings Online, there are a total of 4 playable races: dwarves, hobbits, humans, and elves. Each race has its own characteristics, strengths, and weaknesses. There are 9 classes: Guardians, Warriors, Wardens, Burglars, Knights, Hunters, Minstrels, as well as the protectors and Rune Keepers added in the "Mines of Moria" expansion. Many of the classes are available to only one or two races. The Lord of the Rings Online primarily focuses on PvE and questing, while PvP in the game consists of voluntary duels with no serious consequences for players in the event of defeat. The group leveling mode offers 4 types of groups: Small Fellowship (3 players), Fellowship (6 players), Small Raid (12 players), and Full Raid (24 players).
The entire game is built around quest completion, which provides the majority of experience. Completing specific "deeds" (particularly difficult tasks) grants titles and other significant bonuses. Additionally, players earn "virtues" and "traits" from completing quests, which are equipped in special slots to enhance various character attributes.
The crafting system is also quite interesting. Any player can choose a single profession, each of which is divided into three crafts. For example, a metalsmith can be a blacksmith, a miner, and a tailor, while a scholar can be a loremaster, a weaponsmith, and a farmer.
The epic story consists of a series of storyline quests where players can experience events described in the novel and encounter well-known heroes. The epic story is divided into volumes, each of which is released alongside expansions, advancing the quest line. As players progress through the story, they gain access to new locations and maps.
There are also several other interesting modes. In "Monster Play," players can assume the role of an orc, warg, taint, etc., engaging in battle against regular players. In "Session Play," players can play as a ranger, troll, and... chicken.