Top companies are rolling out licensed video games to kick off the holiday shopping season.
Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment launched "The Lord of the Rings: War in the North" in North America for the Xbox 360 and Playstation3. Inspired by The Lord of the Rings films and literature, this action RPG game supports co-op for up to three players and introduces a new story to the canon.
To support the game release, WaterTower Music is putting out a CD, "The Lord of the Rings: War in the North-Original Video Game Score" by composer Inon Zur. Recorded at famed Abbey Road Studios in the U.K., the CD will be available online.
Disney Interactive Studios made "Disney•Pixar’s Cars 2: The Video Game" available for Nintendo 3DS.
Activision Publishing has shipped the latest game in its NASCAR franchise, "NASCAR Unleashed," for Xbox 360, PlayStation3, Wii and Nintendo 3DS.
Ubisoft has released its "NCIS: The Video Game" through an agreement with CBS Consumer products for Nintendo 3DS, Playstation3, Xbox and Wii.
Upcoming licensed game releases include "Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3," "Aliens: Colonial Marines," Jurassic Park: The Game," "Lego Harry Potter: Years 5-7," "Victorious" and "Marvel Super Hero Squad: Comic Combat."