The Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar

Codemasters has extended its relationship with Turbine, Inc., a premier publisher of online subscription entertainment, and today announces it has secured the exclusive European publishing and online operational rights to The Lord of the Rings OnlineTM: Shadows of AngmarTM; the first and only MMORPG based on the literary works of J.R.R. Tolkien.

The Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar is currently in development at Turbine's studios in Westwood, Mass. and is expected to launch late in 2006. Codemasters Online Gaming will publish and operate the title across Europe. Language support will include English, French and German.

Jeffrey Anderson, president and CEO of Turbine, Inc., commented: "Through the last year we have established a close working relationship with Codemasters and have been impressed with its commitment and expertise in the online gaming space. We are delighted to partner further with the company to deliver The Lord of the Rings Online experience throughout Europe."

Rod Cousens, CEO of Codemasters, commented: "The Lord of the Rings is one the most-suited literary pieces of fantasy to translate into a rich and rewarding MMORPG experience and it is immensely pleasing to be extending our relationship with Turbine, Inc to bring its superbly crafted work to Europe."

The Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar will allow players to forge heroic legacies in the War for Middle-Earth. Gamers will experience an evolving persistent recreation of Tolkien's world-renowned fantasy realm where they can establish their unique reputations, and discover and wield legendary weapons in strategic battles, while adventuring solo or in Fellowships.

This game spans legendary Eriador, including the pastoral Shire, the Elven enclave of Rivendell, rustic Bree, and more. As the lands of Middle-Earth fall under a growing threat from the dark realm of Angmar, only the mightiest of deeds and the stoutest of hearts can halt the advance of Sauron's minions.

For the latest news and images from The Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar, visit http://lotro.turbine.com.

The Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar

Be a hero: Show the world your mettle and risk your life to protect all the Free-peoples. Combine class, race, traits and experience to create your own unique character. Forge your Fellowship and struggle together against evil with other adventurers in your campaign across Eriador. Work as a team leveraging your diverse talents, skill-sets and classes to gain strategic advantage.

Evolving world: Unique instancing technology allows every player to make their mark within the world. Save a Hobbit village, clear a Dwarven mine, purify an Elven glade – the power is in your hands to change the fate of entire realms.

Choose your lineage: Follow in the footsteps of your favorite Tolkien hero. Choose one of Middle-earth's signature races of Human, Elves, Dwarves and Hobbits. Mark your own place in history.

Unlock the secrets of Middle-Earth: Working directly with Tolkien Enterprises, Turbine has crafted an experience directly from the literary works of J.R.R. Tolkien. Explore the pastoral Shire, roam the eerie Barrow Downs, visit elegant Rivendell, walk beneath the dark canopy of the Old Forest, adventure to the depths of Moria and discover many other locations fully realized from The Fellowship of the Ring.

Classic characters: The faithful recreation of Middle-earth is populated with familiar friends and corrupt foes. Join in the battle against Orcs, Trolls, Spiders, Barrow Wights and the Nazgűl. Meet Elrond, Tom Bombadil, Bilbo, the Dúnedain and even members of the Fellowship itself.

Intense combat: Combat in Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar grows in intensity as you master your skills and gain strategic advantage. Combine your efforts into devastating compound attacks. The game rewards those who join forces through an exciting combo system that amplifies the effectiveness of groups and fellowships.