Pandemic has announced today that The Lord of the Rings: Conquest for the Xbox 360, PS 3, PC and Nintendo DS platforms, is available today in North America and January 16, 2009 in Europe.

In a partnership with New Line Cinema and The Saul Zaentz Company, The Lord of the Rings: Conquest builds on “The Lord of the Rings” universe of J.R.R. Tolkien as depicted by the Academy Award-winning films and thrusts players in to key moments of the story and on the frontlines of the epic battles.

“‘The Lord of the Rings’ experience is something our team has been passionate about delivering and we believe players will discover a Middle-earth experience like no other,” says Andrew Goldman, Pandemic Studios co-founder and general manager. “Starting today ‘The Lord of the Rings’ fans can choose to save The Shire or set to destroy it. Providing that level of control and freedom is something we are proud to offer.”

Created by the same team behind the best-selling Star Wars Battlefront and Star Wars Battlefront II titles, The Lord of the Rings: Conquest opens the fantasy world of Middle-earth giving players the choice to join the powers of good or the forces of evil, in the eternal struggle to control the One Ring.

Players can choose to control their favorite heroes and villains including Aragorn, Gandalf, the Witch-king, the Balrog and even the Dark Lord Sauron. Players can also engage surrounding characters in the world such as wargs and oliphaunts, control catapults and balistas, and even play as giant creatures such as cave trolls and Ents. As well, fans can play through the campaign modes cooperatively via online or split-screen and relive their favorite battles competitively via four-player split-screen or online with up to 16 players.

For more information on The Lord of the Rings: Conquest, please visit: http://www.pandemicstudios.com/conquest.