HomeLAN - What can tell us about the RPG aspects of the game?

Steve Gray - This is a real RPG. Complete with turn-based combat system, deep statistics that you can manipulate as you level your characters, a skill tree system that allows you interesting and varied configurations of each character and a questing system.

HomeLAN - How will the combat system be handled for The Third Age?

Steve Gray - The combat system is turn-based. By moving towards a more measured combat system (as compared to EA's previous Lord of the Rings games The Return of the King and The Two Towers) we allow players to more fully understand and appreciate the value of the customizations and skills they've developed for their characters. I think the linkage between the combat system and the inventory/skill systems is key to making a good RPG.