Lord of the Rings Online update coming

By Casey Lynch Jun 6, 2007, 0:07 GMT

Book 9: Shores of Evendim, the first update for LOTR Online: Shadows of Angmar is on the way!

Turbine, Inc. and Codemasters Online Gaming announced today that subscribers to The Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar will be getting the first free update next week, entitled Book 9: Shores of Evendim. Starting June 13, the update introduces an entirely new landscape region, over 100 additional quests, the battle for Helegrod raid, nine new monsters and major enhancements to monster play and the music system.

"The Lord of the Rings Online has taken the world by storm and we're thrilled with the community's response to the game," said Jeffrey Anderson, president and CEO of Turbine, Inc. "Shores of Evendim offers an enormous amount of content that delivers even more value to our subscribers."

David Solari, Vice President and General Manager of Codemasters Online Gaming, commented, "we are ecstatic to unveil the first in a long line of planned free updates to The Lord of the Rings Online. In just over three weeks, thousands of players have already experienced the world of Middle-earth."

As the Fellowship prepares to leave Rivendell, Aragorn must re-forge Narsil, the Sword of Elendil. Gandalf has asked for help in Aragorn's search of the lands of Evendim for an ancient jewel that once belonged in the sword's hilt. This powerful relic must be recovered before the Dark Lord Sauron finds it. Players are challenged to secure the valuables of the abandoned city, defy Angmar's encroaching grip on Annúminas, and aid Aragorn in his quest to re-forge Narsil.

NEW FEATURES:

Discover Evendim - About 100 miles north of the Shire, in northern Eriador, lies
Evendim, a vast region dominated by the Lake Nenuial, the 'Lake of the Twilight'. On the southern shore, the ancient abandoned city of Annúminas - the former capital of the kingdom of Arnor - is well known amongst the Free Peoples. For according to the Legends, amidst its ruins lay a great wealth and powerful artifacts now threatened by evil creatures and the nefarious forces lurking in Angmar.

• Over 100 New Quests - The story continues for players as they aid the Fellowship and encounter new adventures, characters and monsters including the Rogmûl!

• Raid in the Battle for Helegrod - Challege the fearsome dragon Thorog in a massive 24-player raid in the Misty Mountains.

• Major Updates to the Music System - In addition to the new percussion and bass instruments, players can now utilize a new music notation system that enables them to compose music offline and upload it to your character in-game.

• New Collectible Armor Sets - Seven new sets of epic armor enable players to gain progressive bonuses for each piece of armor worn from a set.

The Lord of the Rings Online delivers an interactive experience brimming with life and filled with the familiar people, places and monsters from the most beloved fantasy adventure of all time. From the quaint surroundings of the Shire to Angmar, the vile kingdom of the Witch-king, players will experience the world of Middle-earth as never before. The Lord of the Rings Online is now available for purchase at major retailers across North America and Europe. For more information about The Lord of the Rings Online, please visit www.lotro.com or www.lotro-europe.com.