The Lord of the Rings Online has numerous purchase choices to consider. What one you decide upon is up to you. It's not my duty to lean anyone towards one side, or the other. It's only my duty to break it down (or so it feels). The game client itself is part of the original release, "The Lord of the Rings: Shadows of Angmar", while the latest release, "Lord of the Rings Online: Mines of Moria" is an expansion to the original game. Mines of Moria is not a stand-alone product, and while for most this may be obvious when we've had years of experience in MMO gaming, a casual buyer can be confused. Each segment can be purchased seperately and because Mines of Moria is designed for high level content, the new player can hold off on the expansion until a later date, unless you're keen on having immediate access to the two new classes; The Warden and The Rune-Keeper.
If you're someone who has difficulties finding a store with available copies, or a person who can't access a store in person due to such factors as location, or transportation, Turbine, Inc has the deluxe package available for digital purchase/upgrade, which includes The Shadows of Angmar and the expansion, Mines of Moria.
Aside from the actual purchase of the game, a subscription fee is required to play Lord of the Rings Online. Turbine, Inc has made it clear that they wish to make the game equally affordable and equally worth the money as its competition. Therefore, there are 5 levels of subscription an account holder can choose from.
Monthly at a cost of $14.99
3 Months at a cost of $41.85 (Equates to $13.95 per month)
6 Months at a cost of $77.70 (Equates to $12.95 per month)
12 months at a cost of $143.40 (Equates to $11.95 per month)
Lifetime (Not YOUR lifetime, but the games lifetime), one time payment of $299.00
Whatever your choice in plans, all plans includes your first 30 days of play absolutely free. I, for one, chose the Monthly plan in the event I'd ever need to cancel my subscrption to fit my household budgets. Game Cards are also available at select store outlets. Check your local electronic and game stores to find out if they have them available. Game cards are a great way to enjoy the game without having to provide a Credit Card, or submitting yourself to a subscription contract tied to the Credit Card.