I came to this game relatively late, but I'm blown away by its quality. I haven't had this much fun reading game rules since '81, when I stayed up all night reading the magic items section of the Dungeon Master's Guide.

The most impressive feat in this game is the way the rules & mechanics fit the narrative style of Tolkien's writings. Combat is rare and scary, you balance Hope against the Shadow growing in your heart, traveling across the wild is the most dangerous part of some adventures, and there are no dual wielding ninja hobbits with Vorpal blades.

I wish there were more than 5 stars to give.