For today's batch of LOTRO Beta Journals, we asked our Beta participants to talk about the experience of playing as a Hobbit. Below are some of their impressions.

After Archet burned, I didn't stick around to help with the cleanup. I went directly to The Shire to begin exploring. I found that even as a low level Hobbit Burglar, I could safely wander just about any where I wanted as long as I stayed on the roads. Now mind you, if I saw a wolf just off my right side, I veered off the road a little to the left side J. Of course there was no way I was going to actually STAY on the roads, but it was nice to know I could get from point A to point B by myself if I wanted. But, let me tell you every foot of the way there is something alluring just off the path in just about every direction. As a chicken burglar, err, Hobbit Burglar, I could sneak around the beasties and thugs with a little effort. So I adventured off the roads often, and I had countless opportunities to engage in battle if I chose.

I don't want to boast, but I have a Widescreen LCD monitor and 5.1 surround sound, and let me tell you I was immersed. The sound cues of birds and animals all around me in the woods are fantastic. I could hear a gentle breeze blowing as an occasional leaf or two fell from the trees. I can't believe the diversity of the NPCs. As I trotted along I would see workers on the roof of a shop making repairs, people sitting under a tree picnicking, and I came across an Inn where there were 3 minstrels performing on an outdoor stage while others danced. There were big tables with food, and people eating, drinking (pints), talking, and laughing, and there was even one guy passed out at the table hugging his pint. The amazing thing was that none of these people were anywhere near any of the major Points of Interest.

I decided that I could probably work on a Quest or two while I was exploring. I thought I would try some of the delivery quests and Lo and Behold, some things needed to be addressed in an urgent manner! I found myself with a mail satchel and a little timebar letting me know how long I had to get to my destination. Along with all the distractions, it was also necessary to avoid Nosey Hobbits and as I hurried with my parcel, the list of things I wanted to go back and look at later became longer and longer. Lots of fun little minigame type things collecting eggs without getting spotted by the rooster are fun, although it took me several attempts before I finally succeeded.

I chose a Hobbit so as to play in a different area than Combe and Bree, where I have spent extensive time already. I also wanted to explore the Shire and find such revered locations as Bag End. While I was expecting a different geography, and even NPC representations of characters as the Gaffer, I was not prepared for the charm of the quests.

I believe that the personality of the Hobbit race is well captured in the quests. The majority of the quests I have undertaken as a Bounder give wonderful insights into the everyday life of the Shire's denizens. From saving some chickens from encroaching wolves, to delivering eggs, to a Postal delivery series (that helps to teach you where the towns are) - the quests were fun and allowed the explorer in my blood to concentrate less on killing X-quantity of Y-threat, and more on exploring and discovering.

The sights themselves were rather captivating as well. I popped over a hill heading out of Hobbiton and I was greeted with an unexpected rainbow in the sky. I found there to be many small surprises such as this, such as the Hobbit lad that is having an adventure by paddling a canoe a few hundred yards down a shallow creek.

This is not to say that the questing is all community relations. Beyond Scary and the Greenfields, there is the danger of two Goblin encampments that I helped to uncover. As I move upwards in the responsibilities of a Bounder, I am beginning to see more of Sauron's work tainting the Shire. Hobbits are the Shire and the Shire is the Hobbits, so it's no surprise that I like my Hobbit as much for the location as I do for the race.

Concerning Hobbits.

I created my Hobbit and entered Middle Earth not knowing what to expect. Sure, I have read the books (many times), and seen the movies (again, many times), but what would I see in LOTRO?

In short, the world is absolutely beautiful! As I was wandering around in the Shire, I was totally blown away by how everything looked. Turbine has captured the Shire perfectly. Every building, the landscape, the people, all seem so familiar to me. Honestly, I wish I could buy a house and live there.

As I began my questing journey (and thank you so much for making the quests in the Shire mostly non-violent!), time and again I was impressed by the actions, motivations, and dialog of the local Hobbits. Each 'clan' of the Hobbits have their own issues, reactions, and ways of dealing with their problems. While running back and forth completing quests I ran into so many of the people I knew from the books. I really enjoyed seeing the Sackville-Bagginses standing out front of Bag-End.

I began doing the quests, but in all honesty, I didn't get very far before I started just running around and exploring. Crossing the Brandywine into Buckland. Taking the Great East Road to Bree and the Prancing Pony. It all was just fantastic.

I haven't gotten very far with my Hobbit yet. It seems I just get started playing and it is time for bed. I get so immersed in Middle Earth that time just flies. There are so many things I still have to learn how to do in this game it is going to take me a long, long time. I found, and reported, a few things I found wrong, but the general state of this game is way ahead of where I thought it would be in a Beta.

I love the look and feel of my Hobbit. The size is right, the clothes are right, and the world is right.

Thanks to our Beta participants for sharing, and we'll release more Beta Journals soon!