The Battle for Middle-earth is about to begin. Again.

EA have announced their plans to bring a brand new title set in J.R.R. Tolkien's fantasy realm of Middle-earth to the DS in the form of The Lord of the Rings: Conquest.

Developed by EA's recently-acquired development team Pandemic Studios, Conquest is an action game taking place during the War of the Ring in which you must take place in the movie trilogy's epic battles. From the Battle of Pelennor Fields to the siege of Gondor, you can fight as either the Free Peoples in an effort to destroy the One Ring, or as Sauron's vile hordes, who must prevent the Ring's destruction and wipe out the forces of good. The Balrog, Cave Trolls and Sauron will all be playable characters in the dark campaign, for those feeling a bit naughty.

Conquest is being viewed as the spiritual successor to the excellent Star Wars Battlefront series (also developed by Pandemic), though obviously set in Tolkien's vast and wonderful fictional world. The Lord of the Rings: Conquest is expected to launch on the DS this autumn.