Turbine has announced that the Mines of Moria expansion for Lord of the Rings Online has entered the final stages of beta, and they are beginning the process of inviting players into the beta.

WESTWOOD, MA – August 29, 2008 – Turbine, Inc. announced today that The Lord of the Rings Online™: Mines of Moria™ has entered the final stages of its Beta Program and that players across North America and Europe are invited to sign up for a chance explore the dark majesty of the world beneath Middle-earth™. The Mines of Moria Beta Program is by invitation only and over time more and more players will be invited. Beginning today, players can register for a chance to participate in the Beta Program by visiting www.unlocktheminesofmoria.com.

“Mines of Moria extends the world of Middle-earth into the dark heart of the Misty Mountains where players will explore one of the largest underground worlds ever created. The Legendary Items system where players can craft unique and powerful weapons and armor that will grow in power and value is just one of the breakthrough features that will further establish The Lord of the Rings Online as one of the world’s premium online games,” said Jeffrey Steefel, Executive Producer of The Lord of the Rings Online. “Player enthusiasm continues to exceed our expectations at every milestone and we are very excited to enter this stage of our Beta Program and take the next major step toward our launch.”

The Lord of the Rings Online is the ultimate interactive adventure. This award-winning massively multiplayer online role playing game delivers an online experience brimming with life and filled with the familiar people, places and monsters from the most epic and powerful fantasy of all time. Mines of Moria expands the online world of Middle-earth to let players adventure into one of the largest and most dangerous online underground environments ever created while extending the challenge to new heights with two new classes, ten additional levels and hundreds of new quests. Mines of Moria introduces Legendary Items, a revolutionary new system that Turbine believes will redefine high level gameplay for all MMOs by eliminating the grind of endless raiding for high-end gear and allows players to forge weapons that grow in power with their hero. Players will be able to explore the ancient underground cities of the dwarves, battle epic characters in the depths, face off with the Watcher, be a part of the fateful release of Durin’s Bane and more.

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