Tech Shout!

Leading video game developer and publisher Electronic Arts (EA) has started shipping The Lord of the Rings, The Battle for Middle-earth II (BFME 2) for the Xbox 360, in stores in the U.S. and they will be available for purchase from July 7th onwards.

EA said that The Battle for Middle-earth II is the very first strategy game available for the Xbox 360 system, boasting a new and innovative console-specific control scheme that enables new players to enjoy the game’s signature strategy gameplay, while giving expert strategy players the flexibility needed to employ in deeply complex battles.

Louis Castle, VP of Creative Development at EA Los Angeles (EALA) said, “We are thrilled to bring the first Real-time Strategy game to the Xbox 360 and offer you the opportunity to command massive armies from The Lord of the Rings universe for the first time on console. The Xbox LIVE gameplay is also truly enjoyable which features exclusive multiplayer modes. We can’t wait to see you online!”

Based on the PC version of the same name, The Lord of the Rings, The Battle for Middle-earth II for the Xbox 360 system transports players into the hub of Middle-earth to live the battles seen in the blockbuster New Line Cinema films and detailed in the classic J.R.R. Tolkien literary fiction. Players now can command the epic battles of Middle-earth presented in spectacular high-definition from the comfort of their living room couch.

Players can challenge friends online and immerse themselves in powerful, action-packed real-time battles over Xbox LIVE, a first in The Lord of the Rings videogame series. Directly controlling hundreds of units, players can attempt to defeat enemy armies, conquer new lands and seal the fate of Middle-earth.

Developed at EA’s Los Angeles studio, The Lord of the Rings, The Battle for Middle-earth II for the Xbox 360 offers a new depth of The Lord of the Rings fiction never before explored in an EA console game.

The game makers at EALA have brought The Lord of the Rings world to life in accordance with an agreement with The Saul Zaentz Company d/b/a Tolkien Enterprises that grants EA the rights to develop games based on the books, in addition to a separate agreement that allows for games based on the New Line Cinema films.

The Lord of the Rings, The Battle for Middle-earth II for the Xbox 360 has been giving a “T” rating for Teen by the ESRB and has an MSRP of $59.99.