The Lord of the Rings: The Third Age announced

Let's face it, an adventure game based on the LOTR trilogy was what we in the business term a no-brainer, and we've been expecting this announcement since EA signed up the license. Which doesn't stop us being as excited as a Hobbit with a foot spa this morning.

Currently under development at EA Redwood Shores, The Third Age takes the main plot of the films as its narrative spine while occasionally branching out to flesh out elements of the books that were glossed over on-screen through the magical medium of unlockable characters and side-stories.

Expect much more on this at E3, including the specifics of the turn-based combat, the make-up and size of your party and any plans (or lack thereof) for online play.