LOTR: War in the North raging this fall

Warner Bros. offers new release window for upcoming fantasy action game; $130 Collector's Edition and retailer-specific preorder bonuses announced.

When Warner Bros. announced Lord of the Rings: War in the North in March, it noted the fantasy action game would ship later this year. Now, the publisher has narrowed its release window, letting gamers know the war in the north will commence this fall.

In addition to announcing the new release window for the game, Warner Bros. offered information about War in the North's Collector's Edition, as well as its various retailer-specific preorder bonuses.

The $130 Lord of the Rings: War in the North Collector's Edition includes a Ranger of the North Quiver Case (pictured at right), art book, behind-the-scenes DVD concerning the game's music, three songs from the game's soundtrack, and a copy of the game.

War in the North's CE packs a quiver.

In addition, the collector's edition will include a Ranger of the North avatar for Xbox 360 copies of the game and a War in the North Theme Pack for PlayStation 3 iterations of the title. The theme pack includes wallpapers, fonts, and icons.

On top of the collector's edition, Warner Bros. today announced preorder incentives for War in the North at various North American retailers. Those who preorder at Best Buy will score the Elf Theme Pack, a collection of in-game items that include an Elven sword, armor, and helmet. Additionally, this pack includes access to the Lothlorien Challenge Map.

Gamers who reserve War in the North at Amazon will score part two of the War in the North digital comic, which serves as a prequel to the game. Additionally, players who preorder at Amazon will score the Orc Champion in-game sword.

Target preorders will be awarded three tracks from the War in the North soundtrack, composed by Inon Zur. Toys R Us reservations will score a limited edition autographed War in the North poster by artist Jim Lee, as well as parts one and two of the War in the North digital comic.

Specialty retailer GameStop is offering those who preorder War in the North the Human Theme Pack, another in-game item collection featuring a human sword, as well as armor and battle dressings worn by the human Ranger. Further, those who preorder at GameStop will score the Osgiliath Challenge map.

Lastly, players who reserve War in the North at Wal-Mart will be awarded the Dwarf Theme Pack, which includes a dwarf sword, armor, and helmet.

Currently in development at Snowblind Studios, Lord of the Rings: War in the North will feature "unseen lands, story elements, and characters from Middle-earth, as well as elements familiar from past feature films." It will offer upgradeable weapons and special abilities that develop along with the game's characters, which can be customized by players.

$130 bucks for a fucking collectors edition for a game that doesn't even sound promising.  NO THANKS.