NCsoft announced today in a press release that it is revitalizing the original Lineage franchise in North America with the launch of two new updates: Episode 6 and Episode U.

The release of Episode 6 and Episode U adds many new encounters, such as battling Varlok in Desire Cavern, confronting hordes of pirates from the Ship Graveyard, and exploring the new Haunted House and the rebuilt town of Gludin. Players may also spend time learning to cook or fish, or may choose to enter their pets in organized fighting matches.

The full patch notes for both episodes can be found here. Also, be sure to check out the newly designed Lineage.com Web site. NCsoft's press release regarding the announcement is after the jump.

SEATTLE, October 23, 2008—NCsoft ®, the world’s premier publisher and developer of massively multiplayer online (MMO) games, today announced the long-awaited release of both Episode 6, The Lastavard™ – Inevitable Destiny™ and Episode U to its Lineage® service in North America. This massive new update represents a revitalization of NCsoft’s flagship MMO in North America.

The story behind Episode 6 centers on the unleashing of Girtas, the ruler of the otherworld, who is wreaking havoc throughout the lands of Aden. Players can fight their way through the multi-leveled Lastavard dungeon before facing off against the evil sorcerer Dantes, and then, Girtas himself, in an epic confrontation.

“I believe that Episode 6, combined with the additional Episode U content, shows NCsoft’s recommitment to Lineage in North America,” said Yong Taek Bae, the head of Lineage product development for NCsoft West.

The release of Episode 6 and Episode U adds many new encounters, such as battling Varlok in Desire Cavern, confronting hordes of pirates from the Ship Graveyard, and exploring the new Haunted House and the rebuilt town of Gludin. Players may also spend time learning to cook or fish, or may choose to enter their pets in organized fighting matches.

In addition to the new content, players can use a newly designed website and forums to learn about the game and participate in its community.

Lineage, currently available in both PC and Macintosh versions, can be downloaded at http://www.lineage.com for US$9.99. That price includes a serial code for account activation and seven days of game time. After seven days, a monthly subscription fee of US$15 per month is required to continue playing Lineage.