The action RPG 'The Lord of the Rings: War in the North,' originally released in 2011, has returned to current-generation platforms after nearly 15 years.

On the 11st (local time), Aspyr released 'The Lord of the Rings: War in the North - Legacy Edition' without prior announcement. The game is available on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC (via Steam, Epic Games Store, and GOG). It is scheduled to go on sale in the European Nintendo eShop starting on the 18th.

'The Lord of the Rings: War in the North' is an action RPG developed by Snowblind Studios, known for the 'Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance' series. Set in the same era as the main 'Lord of the Rings' story, it depicts a separate conflict occurring in the background rather than following the journey of the Fellowship. While Frodo and Sam head to Mordor to destroy the One Ring, the story follows Eradan the Ranger, Farin the Dwarf, and Andriel the Elf Mage as they confront Sauron's lieutenant, Agandaur, in the North of Middle-earth.

The game was also officially released in Korea. The PS3 and Xbox 360 versions were launched locally with Korean localization on January 26, 2012, slightly later than in other regions. At the time, it was notable as a dedicated action RPG based on 'The Lord of the Rings,' featuring combat and cooperative play centered on three characters with distinct traits.

The game features a co-op action RPG structure centered on its three protagonists. Eradan specializes in bows and stealth, Farin in CQC, and Andriel in Magic; in single-player mode, the other two characters are controlled by AI. While it includes RPG elements like character progression and equipment collection, it places a heavy emphasis on action, allowing players to directly slash and execute enemies.

Reviews were mixed at the time of its original release. While the action and co-op mechanics were generally well-received, the game was criticized for its technical shortcomings, including repetitive combat, AI issues, collision detection problems, and bugs that hindered multiplayer and progression. It held a Metacritic score of 66 for PC, 63 for PS3, and 61 for Xbox 360.

The Legacy Edition retains the core structure of the original while introducing several improvements for current-generation hardware. It supports up to 60 FPS, features improved enemy targeting and UI/UX, and adds an auto-save function. It supports up to 3-player online co-op and 2-player local split-screen, and introduces a 'hot-swapping' feature that allows players to switch between the three characters during gameplay. Gyro controls are also available on PS5 and Switch 2. Note that the standard Nintendo Switch version does not support 60 FPS or local co-op.

'The Lord of the Rings: War in the North' had been difficult to play on modern platforms since the PS3 and Xbox 360 era. With the release of this Legacy Edition, players can once again enjoy the title on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Switch, Switch 2, and modern PC environments after nearly 15 years.