The LotR TCG is On the Way
Press Release

(NORFOLK, Va., January 17, 2002) - The eagerly-awaited second installment in Decipher's The Lord of the Rings Trading Card Game (TCG) is going to press: Gamers and collectors who have made the new TCG a global phenomenon can begin their journey into the Mines of Moria in February!

With the first printing of starter decks for the Premiere Set sold out, Decipher has decided to release Mines of Moria starter decks in February; booster packs will be released in early March, as originally scheduled.

The 122-card Mines of Moria set will include the never-before-seen rare Balrog card, Twilight Ringwraiths, and new "artifact" cards, such as Gandalf's Staff, Mithril-coat, and the Balrog's Sword. There are two starter decks ¾ one featuring Gimli and the forces of Sauron, the other showcasing a new Gandalf and the goblins of Moria.

"With The Lord of the Rings TCG starter decks sold out, timing could not be more perfect for this release," says Ross Campbell, Decipher senior vice president of manufacturing. "We have actually had to push up the production schedule for the Mines of Moria starters so that we could get them on the shelves in late February and keep up with this overwhelming demand."

Mines of Moria contains cards for every culture, with an emphasis on Moria, Shire, Ringwraith, and Dwarven cards. There are also new versions of some Free Peoples companions, including Frodo, Sam, Gandalf, and Gimli. The set also contains a complete parallel foil set.

"The Mines of Moria expansion set contains images from some of the most exciting sequences in the film," says game designer Chuck Kallenbach. "With two Balrog cards and a selection of great new artifacts, gameplay is going to reach a whole new level."

Mines of Moria ¾ Two

Mines of Moria is available in two new starter decks, which contain 9 site cards, 3 random Mines of Moria rares, Frodo, The One Ring, and a mix of cards from The Fellowship of the Ring and from Mines of Moria. It is also available in 11-card booster packs. Recommended retail for the starter decks is $10.95 and for the booster packs is $3.29.

For more information about New Line Cinema's The Lord of the Rings trilogy, go to www.lordoftherings.net

About Decipher

Founded in 1983 by Warren Holland, Decipher Inc. is a worldwide leader in the collectible card game industry and fan club industry. The company's Trading Card Game Studio produces Star Trek™, Austin Powers™, and The Lord of the Rings™ trading card games. Decipher's Fan Club Studio operates the official fan clubs for Star Trek™ and The Lord of the Rings™ which includes publishing official fan magazines and managing online stores. Decipher's RPG (roleplaying games) & Miniatures Studio is responsible for the creation of the all-new Star Trek™ roleplaying games and The Lord of the Rings™ roleplaying games. Decipher's Online Games Studio offers digital versions of its Star Trek™ and, soon, its The Lord of the Rings™ Trading Card Games. Decipher's Games Studio produces leading party, card and board games such as How To Host A Murder®, How To Host A Teen Mystery™, Pente®, Scratchees™ and more. Decipher's Boy Crazy!™ Studio markets the popular Boy Crazy!™ brand for girls which includes a magazine, web site at boycrazy.com, trading cards, and various publishing and licensing ventures (represented by the William Morris Agency).

Visit decipher.com for additional information.

About New Line Cinema

Founded in 1967, New Line Cinema is the entertainment industry's leading independent producer and distributor of theatrical motion pictures. New Line licenses its films to ancillary markets, including cable and broadcast television, as well as to international venues. The company, which is a subsidiary of AOL Time Warner Inc., operates several divisions including in-house theatrical distribution, marketing, home video, television, acquisitions, production, licensing and merchandising units. More information about New Line Cinema can be obtained at www.newline.com. For more information about New Line Cinema's licensing and merchandising, contact Sheila Feren or Stephanie Greenhut at FerenComm, 212.983.9898.