I just got an email with an offer to buy Mines of Moria for $9.99 including one month free. I have played LOTRO for maybe one day before and never really got into the game. Would I be able to live without the next expansion? How is the game for grouping? Will I have trouble as a casual player?

Thanks for the help!

Take free trial, see for yourself and if you like it play it.

 I also tried the game a long time ago and never gave it a real chance, i quit twice before I reached level 10. Last week-end, I was looking for a game to play and decide to give the game another try. Having a new laptop, i wanted to see how the game would run.

It's been a week now and well, I got the 10$ offer for MoM and I am about to turn LVL 20. I am really having a blast. For casual players (like me), there is enough to do so you will never get bored. You can solo easily and if you need a group, it is pretty easy to get one fast :)

I play on Brandywine server and you can find peeps to play with ANYWHERE. You can send a tell ingame to Aldstanhelm .

I think the game is great. You really need to play through at least level 20 before making a final decision though (preferably level 30 so you can get a taste for group quests).

From what I can tell, you won't need the Mirkwood expansion until you get to level 60 so new players need not worry about having to purchase the expansion in December unless you are some sort of power gamer.

Finally, if you are new, play either on Brandywine (highest population server), Landroval or Elendilmir. The later two are slightly less populated and Landroval is the unofficial RP server. The other servers feel underpopulated so don't make the mistake of starting on any server except one of the 3 above. You won't have fun if you can't get groups to do all the group quests (and there are a lot of group quests after level 20).

 I would say try it. I also did not give it much a chance back in 07 and now that I'm actually trying to play it and iv gotten level 21 I like it a lot more than before. 

There's still a ton of things I wish this game had though, and the NPC and character graphics / animations could use heavy work.  Lots of other things too. Everything just feels generic with a beautiful environment. Been there done that. 

I would say for 10/mo if you are looking for a typical mmorpg to just grind and quest in this is a good choice. It's not going to turn any heads and from my experience so far it does not do much new that I have not seen before but its a solid game.  Best way to sum it all up in 1 word. "Typical"  I'm going to finish up my 30days that I got free for my 10 dollar purchase and then probably not continue to subscribe. It's not worth subbing to imo but its still an ok game.  Worth my time playing 30 days and reaching level 28-32. 

Now would be the time to try it. If you really like it you might consider the 199 lifetime offer. I don't think that offer will stay at that price long. My opinion it is worth it. I play both AoC and LOTRO it has paid for itself.

Give the trial a go and see for yourself.