By Fletcher Wilkinson One of the most beloved Lord of the Rings games from the Xbox 360 era has unexpectedly returned, with The Lord of the Rings: War in the North – Legacy Edition shadow-dropping onto Xbox Series X|S today.
The new Legacy Edition brings the cult-classic action RPG to modern platforms for the first time, with releases also available across PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch and PC via Steam.
Publisher WB Games and developer Aspyr appear to have launched the game without any major announcement or lengthy marketing campaign, making its sudden arrival a massive surprise for Lord of the Rings fans.
Originally released in 2011, War in the North takes place alongside the events of Tolkien’s legendary trilogy. Instead of following the Fellowship directly, players control a separate group of heroes attempting to stop Sauron’s forces from gaining control of the northern regions of Middle-earth.
Players can choose between three playable characters: the human ranger Eradan, the elven Loremaster Andriel and the dwarven champion Farin. Each character features their own abilities, combat style and equipment.
The original game was particularly well known for its three-player cooperative gameplay, allowing a group of players to fight through Middle-earth together.
Although War in the North received mixed reviews when it first launched, it gradually developed a passionate following. Physical Xbox 360 copies have also become increasingly difficult to find over the years, especially following the game’s removal from digital storefronts.
This new Legacy Edition isn’t being described as a complete remaster, meaning players shouldn’t necessarily expect substantially overhauled graphics or a full technical rebuild.
However, the modern release reportedly contains brand-new content that expands upon the original story. Full details surrounding this additional content haven’t yet been revealed, but its inclusion gives returning players another reason to venture back into Middle-earth.
The ability to purchase and play the game on Xbox Series X|S is arguably the biggest attraction here. Until now, Xbox owners wanting to experience War in the North have largely needed access to an original Xbox 360 console and a physical copy of the game.
The Lord of the Rings: War in the North – Legacy Edition is priced at $19.99, although an introductory discount has temporarily reduced it to $17.99 in supported regions. UK pricing should be displayed directly through the Xbox Store and its about the £15 mark.
Its surprise return could also introduce the game to an entirely new audience particularly those who missed it during the original Xbox 360 generation.
Are you excited to see War in the North return, or were you hoping for a full remaster?
Paula Beaton