Even though we got a bit of a scoop late last night/early morning on when Lord of the Rings Online would come out (April 24), what I didn’t want to get into was what the pre-order program would be like for the game — which if you’re a fan, you and your wallet will be very happy. Check it out:

Turbine, Inc. and Midway Games Inc. (NYSE: MWY) today announced the details of the revolutionary pre-order Founder’s Program for The Lord of the Rings Online™: Shadows of Angmar.
 
This exciting Founder&rsqu🎶o;s Program rewards all players who pre-order The Lord of the Rings Online with special $9.99 monthly subscription pricing, early access to the game (beta version), character roll-over and unique in-game bonus items. Players can become a Founder by pre-ordering the title at or at retail stores nationwide beginning February 1, 2007.  This limited-time offer is exclusively available to pre-order customers.

The Lord of the Rings Online Founder’s Program* offers players two different membership options: Only $9.99 per month subscription price!  OR Just $199ꦉ for a Lifetime Membership!🦋 

There’s even more after the jump, including info on rolling over your open beta character to the real game. 

In addition to these special pricing opt♔ions, The Lord of the Rings Online Founders 🦹receive:

Open Beta: Guaranteed access provides Founders the first opportunity to create a character and enter Middle-earth curren♛tly planned for March 30, 2007

Character Roll-Over:  Moves the character that you cဣreated during the Open Beta into๊ the live service —along with the stats, levels, items, and experience that character earned prior to launch!

Bon🐟us Items:  Two special in-game items that are only available to those who pre-order: Enchanted Cloak of Regeneration, Ring of Agility

This exciting Founder’s Program is availabl💖e for a limited time until the commercial launch🎃 of The Lord of the Rings Online (currently scheduled for April 24, 2007).