By: Antti Summala Sep 21, 2007

Tokyo Game Show's first day featured a Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar special presentation by SAKURA Internet, developer Turbine's Japanese distribution partner. The had a great show and talked a bit about future expansions - but the main attraction were the four "Ring Girls".

SAKURA's presentation was mainly to promote the game's Japanese localized version for the local audience, and they had the perfect spokespersons for the job. Each Ring Girl or Yubiwakko, not to be confused with girls carrying big signs at boxing matches, was not only in costume on stage but a real Middle Earth adventurer in the game too.

Cute and disarming in real life - despite the weapons

Musical and deadly in the game

All the girls had developed their own level 30-40 character, and they showed off the game's unique features by putting together a great four-piece musical number. They then went on a monster hunt, which didn't work quite as harmoniously as the music. A bit of stage fright, perhaps - the audience was impressed nonetheless. Other publishers take note: instead of booth babes, give us more gamer girls (and boys)!

SAKURA's representative also told about the upcoming Book 11 update and gave some new info about the features it introduces. There will be housing system with two house types for player use and three for Kinships: houses are great for storing your personal swag, and you can decorate them with ornaments of your choice, but they cost a rent to keep. As expected, there will be new areas and adventures, but the much-hyped appearance of Balrogs was left in the dark.

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