Turbine Releases LOTRO Book 1: Oath of the Rangers

[BreakingBacks]

TURBINE RELEASES VOLUME III, BOOK 1: Oath of the Rangers

Next Major Update Goes Live for Subscribers of The Lord of the Rings Online™

WESTWOOD, MA – March 1, 2010- Turbine, Inc. announced today the release the newest Volume in the epic story of The Lord of the Rings Online™ (LOTRO). Volume III: Allies of the King begins a new adventure for subscribers of LOTRO who can now experience Book 1: Oath of the Rangers, the latest of Turbine’s frequent and substantial updates to the award-winning MMORPG. Book 1 builds on the success of the critically acclaimed Skirmish system with the introduction of Duo Mode and four new 12-player Skirmishes, new high-level skills and recipes and the Spring Festival. Book 1: Oath of the Rangers is now available to subscribers of The Lord of the Rings Online.

“2009 was another outstanding year for LOTRO with Siege of Mirkwood™ earning us another game of the year award while driving solid growth in the population of Middle-earth,” said Aaron Campbell, Live Producer of The Lord of the Rings Online. “Today we continue our journey with the introduction of the third volume of our award-winning story and the addition of new epic battles as we expand our popular Skirmish system. There has never been a better time to play LOTRO!”

NEW FEATURES IN BOOK 1: Oath of the Rangers:

* Introducing Volume III: Allies of the King – The epic story continues with Volume III which will introduce players to new lands, new threats, and new adventures, as the tide of destiny pushes them ever onwards into danger. Book 1: Oath of the Rangers begins in Rivendell, where Elrond and his sons try to decipher the meaning of Galadriel’s mysterious message. One thing is clear: if Aragorn has need of the Dúnedain, they will have to be found throughout the wilderness of Eriador and summoned forth with as much haste as can be managed. Players who have experience with the wide lands west of the Misty Mountains are called upon to bring word to the Rangers of the mission that awaits them.

* More Skirmishes! – The critically acclaimed Skirmish system introduced with Siege of Mirkwood™ has been a huge hit for LOTRO players. With over ten million Skirmishes completed, Book 1 will introduce a brand new Skirmish that will take players back to the Rift of Angmar as well as several new additions to the system. Until today, players could only experience Skirmishes in Solo, 3-player and Small Fellowship modes, Book 1 introduces the new Duo Mode which will now let 2 players and their soldiers team up for epic battles throughout Middle-earth. Additionally, players will now be able to experience four new 12-player Skirmishes.

* Celebrate the Spring Festival! – The Spring Festival returns to Middle-earth from March 22nd through April 19th. The world will come together in celebration as the free people of Middle-earth enjoy the season with special decorations, festive costumes and special quests including the return of the Hedge Maze and the introduction of the new arena in Duillond.

The Lord of the Rings Online is the ultimate interactive adventure. This award-winning massively multiplayer online role-playing game delivers an interactive experience brimming with life and filled with the familiar people, places and monsters from the most beloved fantasy of all time. From the picturesque surroundings of the Shire to Moria, the most fearsome underground realm ever imagined, players will experience the world of Middle-earth as never before. For more information or to download a free trial, visit www.lotro.com.