Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor

Game Info

Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor is a open world third-person action role-playing video game developed by Monolith Productions and published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, which takes place in the world of J.R.R. Tolkien's Legendarium. The game takes place in the 60-year gap between the events of Tolkien's The Hobbit and The Lord of The Rings. It is a story of revenge, slaughter, and mystery set entirely in Mordor, the Land of Shadows. At its center is Talion, an ordinary man who loses everything, including his mortal life. The game is set in a fully open world, and features various role-playing game elements such as experience points and skills. There are various ways the player can complete their main objective. Aside from the main storyline, there are various side quests and random events the player can complete within Mordor. The melee system is inspired by that of the Batman Arkham series. Getting into a good fighting rhythm, using both regular attacks and counter-attacks will improve the player's combo multiplier. A unique feature of Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor is the Nemesis system. Every enemy in the game has their own name, rank, and memory. These enemies will continue to do their own jobs and tasks even when they're off screen. If the player does not kill an enemy in an encounter, this enemy will remember the player and change their tactics and conversations based on the encounter.

Name

Companies

Monolith Productions

Released

9/30/2014

Platforms

Linux, Mac, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox 360, Xbox One

Engines

LithTech V6

Type

Role-playing (RPG), Hack and slash/Beat 'em up, Adventure

Social Networks

0

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members favorited

Reviews

Monday, December 30, 2024 2:18:25 AM

12 Steam users votes up

[TTV] Chupumballs

Steam user

Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor is absolutely worth the time.
I've watched both The Lord of the Rings movie trilogies, but I'm not a hardcore fan of the franchise. However, this game completely changed that, it got me interested in reading the books and exploring the "High Fantasy" genre (which, honestly, I didn’t even know was a thing).
The story follows a typical revenge plot with some twists that unravel as the game progresses. Personally, I don’t usually care much for stories in video games, but the combat here? It's on another level. Having played two of the Arkham games, I can confidently say this game outshines them. The sense of power and fluidity is unmatched, even compared to games like Prototype and Hulk: Ultimate Destruction.
Every hit feels smooth, and within a few hours, you’re armed with a variety of combat options that integrate seamlessly. Most of the abilities are a joy to use, with only a few upgrades feeling lackluster. Once you unlock the 2x special use and lower the multiplier requirement to 5, the game becomes a chaotic, satisfying playground. You can start with a few arrows, chain into a Wraith stun and flurry, then finish off with combat brands, leaving an entire stronghold in ruins.
Visually, the graphics hold up surprisingly well for an older game, with orcs that feel gritty and realistic rather than cartoonish. While some of the side challenges can get repetitive, that’s par for the course with hack-and-slash titles.
I’ve just started playing Shadow of War, and so far, it feels underwhelming compared to its predecessor. I’m hoping I warm up to the changes after spending more time with it.
Oh, and how could I forget the Nemesis system? This feature adds a unique layer of depth by creating personal rivalries with specific orcs, making every playthrough distinct. I'll never forget Lugnak the Crippler, a relentless foe with no real weaknesses except a fear of fire. He’d always ambush me when I was already fighting multiple captains, often with no access to a campfire or grog barrel. His “shame” trait meant he wouldn’t kill me outright, he’d just hit me with two arrows to bring me near death, leave, and come back 10 minutes later to do it again. He was absolutely overpowered until I finally managed to blow up a barrel behind him. Now, he dies every single time.
If you’re looking for a game where you feel like a badass, not just in cutscenes but through your own actions, this is the one to play.