Electronic Arts has announced Lord of the Rings: The Third Age for PlayStation 2, GameCube, Xbox and Game Boy Advance. The three console versions are being developed by Electronic Arts' internal Redwood Shores studio, whereas development of the Game Boy Advance version is underway at handheld specialist, Amaze Entertainment subsidary Griptonite Games.

Unlike previous Lord of the Rings games, this new title will put players in charge of new characters, instead of the main characters of the movie triology. Fans of the book and the movie trilogy however will see plenty of familiar faces, locations and scenes in the game. Originally fighting turn-based battles against Sauron's armies, players will also be able to unlock scenarios in which they fight on Sauron's side. Featured locations will include the Mines of Moria, the fallen city of Osgiliath and Helm's Deep. Certain quests will also be closely linked to major events which happened during the three books/movies, giving players the chance to experience the battle at Helm's Deep from a new perspective.

Lord of the Rings: The Third Age will be available this fall.

• GameSpot