Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor

 PC
User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 2369 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,686 out of 2369
  2. Mixed: 489 out of 2369
  3. Negative: 194 out of 2369
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  1. somedude14
    Feb 9, 2015
    8
    Gets most of its ideas from other games, but executes those ideas better than the games it takes inspiration from. Combat is more fluent than in any AC or recent Batman game. Not nearly as buggy as any AC game has ever been. In fact very few bugs. I fully completed the game (took about 20 hours), and the only issue I encountered was one CTD, which I'm pretty sure was actually caused by myGets most of its ideas from other games, but executes those ideas better than the games it takes inspiration from. Combat is more fluent than in any AC or recent Batman game. Not nearly as buggy as any AC game has ever been. In fact very few bugs. I fully completed the game (took about 20 hours), and the only issue I encountered was one CTD, which I'm pretty sure was actually caused by my anti-virus trying to update and then locking up my system for a few minutes.

    Campaign doesn't really add to the game as much as it gets in the way, as the story isn't great, but each mission acts as a tutorial for a specific ability. Best way to play is to rush through the campaign ASAP so you have both maps and all important actions unlocked, at which point you are free to play around to level up and increase in strength so you become a better orc-slayer.

    Worst part of the game are the stealth sections. I still don't know of an open-world game that does this right. Games are either designed to be stealth oriented from the ground-up, or it's poorly fitted into a game that has other mechanics in order to tout "support" of a stealth playstyle. Well, it supports that playstyle, but not very well (at least not until you unlock the full-cloak ability, which turns you into an invisible God for several seconds). This game is a lot better when you're one-shotting orcs with arrows to the head, and possessing some of them to fight along your side until their allies are dead, at which point you press a key that causes the heads of your temporary minions to explode.    … Expand
  2. rodericrinehart
    Feb 7, 2015
    9
    Yes, it is a mix of Assassin's Creed and Batman Arkham Asylum, and maybe even Tomb Raider,, but it is better than all of those games, AND it adds the Nemesis system, which is definitely going to be copied by many games in the future.

    Shadow of Mordor has excellent parkour, sweet graphics, truly interesting and story-drive collectibles, and really good and varied combat. The combat of    Yes, it is a mix of Assassin's Creed and Batman Arkham Asylum, and maybe even Tomb Raider,, but it is better than all of those games, AND it adds the Nemesis system, which is definitely going to be copied by many games in the future.

    Shadow of Mordor has excellent parkour, sweet graphics, truly interesting and story-drive collectibles, and really good and varied combat. The combat of Assassin's Creed is absolutely horrible in comparison.

    They have a gem on their hands here. I thoroughly enjoyed myself from start to finish and will eagerly pre-order the next game in the franchise!    … Expand
  3. BigBossReviews
    Feb 3, 2015
    8
    Shadow of Mordor takes the combat systems from Assassin's Creed, and the Batman: Arkham games, then, adds in the lore and story from the Lord of the Rings, and makes one remarkable game. And you know what? It just doesn't take the combat systems from AC and the Arkham games, it IMPROVES up on it. If you're looking for an Assassin's Creed game that ACTUALLY WORKS, BUY THIS GAME. And if youShadow of Mordor takes the combat systems from Assassin's Creed, and the Batman: Arkham games, then, adds in the lore and story from the Lord of the Rings, and makes one remarkable game. And you know what? It just doesn't take the combat systems from AC and the Arkham games, it IMPROVES up on it. If you're looking for an Assassin's Creed game that ACTUALLY WORKS, BUY THIS GAME. And if you don't like AC, but you like adventure games, or are a LOTR fan, this game is a buy. Either way, this games is a MUST HAVE!

    10/10 - "Orc-Hunter Simulator"    … Expand
  4. Xaule
    Feb 1, 2015
    9
    It is the rare game that I stretch to 100 % completion. Many open world games offer side missions but they tend to be repetitive and generic. Not this game: the side missions vary from stealthy one-kill missions to outright Orc blood bath terror. The combat system is great! There are so many ways to kill the enemy and the notion that this is a button mashing game is inaccurate.

    Once    It is the rare game that I stretch to 100 % completion. Many open world games offer side missions but they tend to be repetitive and generic. Not this game: the side missions vary from stealthy one-kill missions to outright Orc blood bath terror. The combat system is great! There are so many ways to kill the enemy and the notion that this is a button mashing game is inaccurate.

    Once the subtleties of the system are mastered, combat becomes a graceful dance of death, pushing hit streaks into the 50's and 60's with just the right timing of critical strikes and parries. Yes, you could mash your way through this, but why not parry a blow, knock the enemy to the ground and execute it just in time to block an Orc's strike? Or just grab your enemy and toss him off a bridge to his death? Perhaps a quick arrow between the eyes if getting close is not your thing.

    My only gripe is the weak ending. I expected so much and received so little. That's why I rated it a 9 instead of a 10.    … Expand
  5. Fidiuss
    Jan 29, 2015
    8
    Most of the negative reviews come from minecraft gamers and the like who have absolutely no idea what there talking about.....ignore these and you will have a great game with a great story and great graphics , i cant stand the batman type games so i was dubious about buying this i got it cheap and but in all honesty its nothing like batman as some say otherwise i would have binned it byMost of the negative reviews come from minecraft gamers and the like who have absolutely no idea what there talking about.....ignore these and you will have a great game with a great story and great graphics , i cant stand the batman type games so i was dubious about buying this i got it cheap and but in all honesty its nothing like batman as some say otherwise i would have binned it by now...its entertaining enough said :)… Expand
  6. EarlyGameReview
    Jan 27, 2015
    9
    Its **** man asdasdpdgaskozxcxzc.......................................................................................................................... 12414121241525
  7. nima1990
    Jan 26, 2015
    8
    I really enjoyed the game. Middle Earth Shadow of Mordor has many positive aspect like decent-looking graphics or combat but the story is flat, lacking any climax even at the end. Characters are not very likeable. The gameplay is repetitive and lacks innovation. Anyway, it's a decent action adventure game that LOTR fans will enjoy. Although I personally really liked the movies but I'veI really enjoyed the game. Middle Earth Shadow of Mordor has many positive aspect like decent-looking graphics or combat but the story is flat, lacking any climax even at the end. Characters are not very likeable. The gameplay is repetitive and lacks innovation. Anyway, it's a decent action adventure game that LOTR fans will enjoy. Although I personally really liked the movies but I've never been into the books or a fan of Tolkien since he was a Jesus freak.… Expand
  8. Amazing
    Jan 22, 2015
    6
    The combat is really repetitive and unintuitive. You don't even have to time your key prompts or attacks, just mash the buttons over and over. Eventually you'll come across enemies that have shields and who parry frontal attacks, but you can just activate or execute or wraith powers and instantly take them out then go back to spamming. I know you can time attacks for a bonus but its soThe combat is really repetitive and unintuitive. You don't even have to time your key prompts or attacks, just mash the buttons over and over. Eventually you'll come across enemies that have shields and who parry frontal attacks, but you can just activate or execute or wraith powers and instantly take them out then go back to spamming. I know you can time attacks for a bonus but its so unnecessary and just plain overkill.… Expand
  9. Acton_Lobo
    Jan 20, 2015
    10
    Tudo é magnífico e bem feito. Um excelente game! As cenas de combate são épicas e extremamente violentas. A trilha sonora é impecável e original. A Warner Bros superou-se!
  10. SylarHRG
    Jan 20, 2015
    7
    Graphics are good. Gameplay and controls are fairly fluidic. Some very frustrating moments, but I can see why people really enjoy this game. I'm not a fan of how the world was designed, but it is a nice open area to play in. Great finishing moves and the story has been really decent so far.. Got it on a steam sale, very happy I didn't pay full price.
  11. Rex_richards
    Jan 16, 2015
    10
    So some bstd orc kept coming after me and trashing me when my health was low. Each time he taunts me and makes me look even worse. Each time I died he got more powerful. Eventually I had to hunt him down instead. I killed another orc captain, got some intel on my target and found out he was terrified of carragors/death dogs. So i trailed him for a while, set some carragors free (they areSo some bstd orc kept coming after me and trashing me when my health was low. Each time he taunts me and makes me look even worse. Each time I died he got more powerful. Eventually I had to hunt him down instead. I killed another orc captain, got some intel on my target and found out he was terrified of carragors/death dogs. So i trailed him for a while, set some carragors free (they are caged up) and at the same time dropped a hornet nest on his bodyguards and knocked down a wall onto some others. My target runs off screaming in panic, his bodyguards are freaking out over the hornets, so I get after him and get him on his own for once and cut his head off. REVENGE!
    So yes shadow of mordor is about kllling orcs but it's totally unique and completely excellent..    … Expand
  12. Ponchoarg
    Jan 13, 2015
    8
    The game is great! action-packed and compelling. Specially the nemesis system.
    The only bad things about it are 2:
    1- Very minor. Some button combinations are complicated to execute. Specially when most useful, like when you are surrounded by 20 uruks. TYou charge your powers and press R and L sticks and it doesnt respond. 2- The story. It's not that good. A lot of missions don't fit    The game is great! action-packed and compelling. Specially the nemesis system.
    The only bad things about it are 2:
    1- Very minor. Some button combinations are complicated to execute. Specially when most useful, like when you are surrounded by 20 uruks. TYou charge your powers and press R and L sticks and it doesnt respond.
    2- The story. It's not that good. A lot of missions don't fit well, specially the side stories like that of Torving, which I liked, but doing those made no sense at all with the story.    … Expand
  13. Joem33
    Jan 12, 2015
    10
    This is the only game I have ever (and probably will ever) rate a 10/10, and deservedly so! I have never played a more entertaining, engrossing, and satisfying game in my entire gaming life! Honestly! This is the only game I ever made up my mind to finish (and succeeded in doing so) with a 100.0% play-through.
    I can only say "Great job, Monolith Productions!"
    Now, what's all this talk    This is the only game I have ever (and probably will ever) rate a 10/10, and deservedly so! I have never played a more entertaining, engrossing, and satisfying game in my entire gaming life! Honestly! This is the only game I ever made up my mind to finish (and succeeded in doing so) with a 100.0% play-through.
    I can only say "Great job, Monolith Productions!"
    Now, what's all this talk about Middle-Earth: Shadow of Mordor's game-play being directly COPIED from the Assassin's Creed series?! Or its combat system being the same as the Batman: Arkham series?! Have you guys (I mean, those who say so) actually played any of those games?! I've played Assassin's Creed, AC: Revelations, and Batman: Arkham Origins, and while those are also good games, PLEASE don't make the mistake of putting them in the same light as Shadow of Mordor; they are absolute not on the same level!
    Right now, my advice to Ubisoft is to completely scrap the AC series and come up with something new, fresh, because (personally) I'm just tired of their recycled s**t! For me, Assassin's Creed isn't the great tale it set out to be; I abandoned the franchised many sequels ago (at AC III), and gladly so! And although Arkham origins was very okay for me, it certainly had its own drawbacks. (Like, how could its story have unfolded in just one night, and way too many lame collectibles.)
    All I want to say is, more often than not, great ideas are simply remodified versions of already existing not-so-great ideas. There are a plethora of concepts used in Shadow of Mordor which I can personally point out were directly borrowed from other games, but that doesn't count. The beauty of this game lies in the fact that, for my entire play-through, it had its own uniqueness; I never once felt I like was doing something even remotely familiar. Going through some users' reviews and their scores here, it makes me wonder: if you see it fit to rate Middle-Earth: Shadow of Mordor 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4/10, which game will ever manage (at least) an 8/10 from you?
    If you are in for having ONE OF THE BEST (if not THE BEST) gaming experience ever you can get from a video game, Middle-Earth: Shadow of Mordor is just what you need. Believe me, I know.    … Expand
  14. jimbobslimbob
    Jan 8, 2015
    8
    Shadow of Mordor is a hybrid Batman/Assassins Creed game set in the LoTR universe. It looks lovely, plays wonderful and is very addictive. Fans of any of these would probably like it.

    The combat is very similar to the Batman games. bar some key mapping changes I would go as far as to say it's almost an exact copy infact, so anyone familiar with the system will be right at home here.    Shadow of Mordor is a hybrid Batman/Assassins Creed game set in the LoTR universe. It looks lovely, plays wonderful and is very addictive. Fans of any of these would probably like it.

    The combat is very similar to the Batman games. bar some key mapping changes I would go as far as to say it's almost an exact copy infact, so anyone familiar with the system will be right at home here. It's smooth, engaging and rewarding. A button-masher this IS NOT. Stealth works nicely alongside this system to give you several options for taking down the enemy. You even get some ranged weapons in the form of your elven counter-part's bow - using "Elf Shot".

    The story seems fairly well devised and sits nicely within the LoTR universe. it oozes Tolkien from the get-go and it's wonderful to be playing a LoTR game that is actually good. Voice acting is also top-notch, which really benefits the game.

    The nemesis system is a wonderful little addition that makes deaths more meaningful to you. When you get killed, the enemy gets promoted in Sauron's army, making him stronger. The next time you meet you will then get a little jab from them about when they previously killed you before battle ensues for revenge. There are some other really nice touches here, like if you choose to run away from one, they will comment on this the next time you meet. It makes the battles and deaths seem more personalised to your game and is a welcome addition.

    All-in-all, this is a very solid game that I would recommend to anyone that likes Batman or Assassins Creed and LoTR.

    Jimbo Rating: 8/10    … Expand
  15. dermaniac
    Jan 7, 2015
    7
    Nice game, but could use some more meat on its bones. I really enjoyed what is here, but unfortunately it suffers from the "open-world-game-disease", where only about 7 hours worth of content (20 missions) are part of the main storyline, while the rest is padded out with side missions, challenges and.. well, the whole ork power struggle thing. If you enjoy hunting down every little POI andNice game, but could use some more meat on its bones. I really enjoyed what is here, but unfortunately it suffers from the "open-world-game-disease", where only about 7 hours worth of content (20 missions) are part of the main storyline, while the rest is padded out with side missions, challenges and.. well, the whole ork power struggle thing. If you enjoy hunting down every little POI and finish all the (mostly pointless) sideactivities, then this is for you. If you are more like me, and would rather prefer more well crafted missions, then the game will feel a little short.

    The whole ork hunting and managing thing was very fun, although I do think it was a little underutilized. Having an (let alone all) warchiefs under your control should come with some mighty perks, but unfortunately it didn't matter to the gameplay at all. So in the end, it didn't feel very rewarding. But I guess in here the journey is its own reward. Overall I loved it very much and it didn't overstay its welcome either.

    I would have appreciated a difficulty switch. There is no difficulty setting, and while the game felt challenging enough at first, once you get the hang of it (after 2-3 hours) it gets very easy and you feel very overpowered. I died about 10 times in the first 3 hours of playing and about 3 times in the last 10 hours.

    Another minor gripe: The sound track is often a little mismatched. I had to enable subtitles because very often the music was so loud I couldn't make out what they said in a cutscene. And sometimes action music from the gameplay got stuck and played over the cutscene music, which made it even worse.

    Oh, and the ending is a little anticlimactic. There are 3 main bosses in the game. The first boss is an awesome epic battle that I really enjoyed. The second boss is a game of whack-a-mole (go to 3 or 4 locations and press a button), and the last boss fight is a very short Quick-Time-Event. That made me a little sad.

    Still, the gameplay was enough fun to make me look past most of these flaws and I do recommend the game. I enjoyed it very much.    … Expand
  16. tab531
    Jan 7, 2015
    9
    game is great! the animations are great!... the battles are great ! the roaming giant beasts that are interacting with other beasts and fighting them! great game
  17. Phallex
    Jan 6, 2015
    3
    Can't say I enjoy this game much. Not sure what all the hype is about. It's just the combat/interaction system from Assassin's Creed games (which I also find really dull, so hey-ho maybe it's just me) in a LoTR (sort of) setting. With a bit of a story...

    I'm already bored of the combat system, though I think it might be more rewarding with a controller. It can be a bit tricky to hit all    Can't say I enjoy this game much. Not sure what all the hype is about. It's just the combat/interaction system from Assassin's Creed games (which I also find really dull, so hey-ho maybe it's just me) in a LoTR (sort of) setting. With a bit of a story...

    I'm already bored of the combat system, though I think it might be more rewarding with a controller. It can be a bit tricky to hit all the timings right on a keyboard and keep the camera at the right angle with a mouse. I keep blocking off my own view with buildings and objects when I perform 'specials'.

    Looking at other's reviews I'd have to agree with them on the cons - it's the same thing over and over and over and over and over....very grindy, with a levelling system that rewards you with slightly more interesting/easier ways to grind. The nemesis thing...is an interesting idea, but who really cares what level the orc you're fighting is? Or how much he's climbed the ranks of the army? He still just hits you and you hit him until one of you is dead...    … Expand
  18. Ne42
    Jan 5, 2015
    5
    Very overrated game IMO. The game actually could be fun, but, unfortunatelly, was ruined by some strange design decisions. The main being is constant regeneration of orc forces, even in same session, even in same fortress. You can't possibly clean up area in the game which is ridiculous! But even this could be OK, but even Captains and Warchefs are regenerating constantly, which makes youVery overrated game IMO. The game actually could be fun, but, unfortunatelly, was ruined by some strange design decisions. The main being is constant regeneration of orc forces, even in same session, even in same fortress. You can't possibly clean up area in the game which is ridiculous! But even this could be OK, but even Captains and Warchefs are regenerating constantly, which makes you feel that your efforts are useless. There is no need to lears any weknesses and earn bonuses, since it's a cheap thing, just do it one more time.. Basically after some 8 hours of play (which feels fun) world apparently becomes artifical and not fun. Combine this with subpar story, and I stopped playing the game then I moved to the second area. Couldn't bare more of the same.. potentially fun game, ruined by it's own creators.… Expand
  19. Jodeth
    Jan 1, 2015
    9
    I never payed any attention to the hype and I find this game very entertaining. I have a little experience with RPG elements and didn't find it hard to understand the system. There's not much I can say about the gameplay that hasn't been said yet. The graphics are pretty good. Unfortunately it takes a crazy amount of VRAM to get the highest quality. Before I bought it, I was afraid my PCI never payed any attention to the hype and I find this game very entertaining. I have a little experience with RPG elements and didn't find it hard to understand the system. There's not much I can say about the gameplay that hasn't been said yet. The graphics are pretty good. Unfortunately it takes a crazy amount of VRAM to get the highest quality. Before I bought it, I was afraid my PC (made up of parts from 2009-2012) would struggle to reach the console standard 30fps, but to my surprise it averages about 40fps on medium-high settings at 1080p. Occasionally there are freezes that can last up to 5 seconds when I'm sprinting around the map or fighting, though, my PC's memory may be the cause. My only complaint with the game is that the option for FXAA / Motion Blur is broken. Other than that, Shadow of Mordor is very optimized and quite fun to play. I like its combat system, stealth, wall climbing, orc leveling-up system, fluent animations, voice acting, variety of characters, skill upgrades and other stuff. I much look forward to upgrading my PC so that the game will run more smoothly.… Expand
  20. eisberg77
    Dec 31, 2014
    10
    One of the most fun games I have played this year. The nemesis system really adds life to the game, and you really learn to hate your nemesis'. Not to many games can really convey the feeling of actually hating a character in the game, and loving every minute of trying to kill them off. The combat is super fun, and I enjoy using different way to kill orcs.
  21. Judethe
    Dec 29, 2014
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor is a fully immersive, well detailed, blend of the Arkham series with Assasins Creed set in Middle Earth. The action is fluid, with each encounter unique, the Captain/Warchief system is like something I have never played before and each death becomes meaningful with your victor remaining in the game until you defeat them.

    The game isn't just a standard 3rd person combat only game but it is much more with the ability to ride Shadow of Mordor's unique animals into battle. You also have the option of stealth, which, granted isn't as in depth as in other games like Thief or Dishonoured but it is just as enjoyable.

    The levelling up system is well made with the player able to increase their arsenal of powers as the game continues. One great feature tying in with the captain system is that for every Captain or Warchief killed in the game the player receives a rune which can be added to Talion's Sword Dagger or Bow.

    Shadow of Mordor is one of the greatest games I have ever played, it is fully immersive and I felt myself willing to be back playing when I wasn't. The story isn't the greatest I have ever played but the quality of the graphics, the detail in the side-quests and the range of collectibles more than make up for this.

    9/10    … Expand
  22. Cuchulane
    Dec 29, 2014
    5
    There is a lot of smoke and mirrors going on in this overrated game. This game embodies the very essence of "lather, rinse, repeat", and tries hard to hide that. It's a well made game, and the nemesis system was a novel idea, but even that starts to reveal it's repetitiveness and pointlessness over time. Here's how the game works. Steal three fight mechanics from Batman and make themThere is a lot of smoke and mirrors going on in this overrated game. This game embodies the very essence of "lather, rinse, repeat", and tries hard to hide that. It's a well made game, and the nemesis system was a novel idea, but even that starts to reveal it's repetitiveness and pointlessness over time. Here's how the game works. Steal three fight mechanics from Batman and make them sword, stealth, and bow. Create an orc generator with a fixed number of strengths and weaknesses (of which only about 4 really matter), randomly generate new orcs with random name, armor skins (cosmetic only which starts to repeat itself with frequency), and a few attack styles. Generate a mission map with a small amount of mission types repeating. Then add Assassin's Creed running, jumping, and climbing (which sometimes works and often leaves you rolling against a wall) mechanics and random stuff to collect. Repeat all of the above layered on a very thin storyline. I'm about 80% done with the story line and am really struggling to force myself to finish it.… Expand
  23. littleshieh
    Dec 29, 2014
    9
    A mixed bag of LotR storyline, batman arkham fighting system, assassin's creed free-running, and little so-called new feature "Nemesis system."
    Somehow it's great. it's better than i thought.
    The graphic is good, the control is almost perfect, the game play is great(yes i love Batman and AC, but this game fixed some annoyed parts in those two). The storyline is...actually believable. And    A mixed bag of LotR storyline, batman arkham fighting system, assassin's creed free-running, and little so-called new feature "Nemesis system."
    Somehow it's great. it's better than i thought.
    The graphic is good, the control is almost perfect, the game play is great(yes i love Batman and AC, but this game fixed some annoyed parts in those two). The storyline is...actually believable. And even Nemesis System doesn't work as i would appreciate, it still changed your game play in a good way.
    And most importantly, the performance is extremely great. Many studio f**k this up.
    I don't think this game is 10/10 perfect due to some problems, but it really deserved a 9.    … Expand
  24. Not_Casual
    Dec 28, 2014
    4
    This game blends the playstyles of Assassin's Creed and the Batman games. And the core combat is harder, more fun than either of these games. However, the bland environment and lackluster storytelling make it a grind fest that quickly becomes boring. This game did not even need to have The Lord of the Rings in the title. They could've called it 'Orc Ganker' and the game would still haveThis game blends the playstyles of Assassin's Creed and the Batman games. And the core combat is harder, more fun than either of these games. However, the bland environment and lackluster storytelling make it a grind fest that quickly becomes boring. This game did not even need to have The Lord of the Rings in the title. They could've called it 'Orc Ganker' and the game would still have the same feel. Aside from orcs, you don't very often encounter creatures from the LOTR Universe outside the story mode. The combat is excellent at first, but rapidly degrades as enemies cannot compete with your powers later in the game. If this game had even half the story the batman games had, the improvement would be extreme, however the current story mode and environment is abysmal.… Expand
  25. vyperlook
    Dec 28, 2014
    10
    for me, it's the best RPG game ever. It's amazingly well made, perfect graphics, incredible moves and superb cinematics. As for LOTR, if you're a fan of the series, you will surely love it! worth buying!
  26. Agentsmithy
    Dec 26, 2014
    8
    Killing and brainwashing orges have never been so fun and addictive . The story is though abit short but engaging. Batman style of fighting works well though camera is awkward at certain times . Still better than Assassin's Creed in my opinion .
  27. StoneV94
    Dec 26, 2014
    9
    OMG is this game great. I heard great things of it but it is way better then i expected. The graphics are great even on low (sadly i can only run on low), The AI is great, and i love the nemesis system. I highly recommend this game, even if you can just run on low with 30fps it's worth it, but for me i don't really care about the graphics, the gameplay makes the game
  28. Harall
    Dec 25, 2014
    8
    Great, great animations, fighting is engaging, fun and smooth. Man I had so much fun with this game, much better than AC. And of course I love fantasy setting. I'm giving it strong 8 because after a few hours it can get a bit repetitive. If this happens to you, just go and slash some orcs, feels really refreshing.
  29. sderstine12208
    Dec 24, 2014
    10
    I really enjoyed the game and the story that monolith had to tell with Talion and his revenge against the Black Hand. While the game does draw heavily upon another WB property for it's sense of control and combos, as well as the obvious comparison to Ubisoft's Assassin's Creed series for the protagonist's free running abilities, I found that the merging of the two felt like a naturalI really enjoyed the game and the story that monolith had to tell with Talion and his revenge against the Black Hand. While the game does draw heavily upon another WB property for it's sense of control and combos, as well as the obvious comparison to Ubisoft's Assassin's Creed series for the protagonist's free running abilities, I found that the merging of the two felt like a natural step. The only real complaint I'd have about the game is how powerful Talion can become at the end of the game. It can trivialize the encounters with some Lieutenants...the challenge then can become creating an adversary with a number of immunities. In all I found the game to be among of the best I played in 2014, and I look forward to the next steps that monolith will take in upcoming DLC content and any future middle earth titles that the series may bring forth.… Expand
  30. Dcruize
    Dec 23, 2014
    2
    i was so disappointed with this game, it's yet another boring casual-friendly console action game with a combat system involving left/right mouse button spamming. You grind through uruk after uruk without much in the way of variation. Occasionally you die and respawn AC-style to go through the whole process again. Nemesis system is completely over-rated and quite pointless and the map isi was so disappointed with this game, it's yet another boring casual-friendly console action game with a combat system involving left/right mouse button spamming. You grind through uruk after uruk without much in the way of variation. Occasionally you die and respawn AC-style to go through the whole process again. Nemesis system is completely over-rated and quite pointless and the map is tediously small. So glad I didn't purchase it....… Expand
  31. emrahoz
    Dec 22, 2014
    10
    Epic Game!

    But,it can be a Legend with a few additions for the 2nd game, -The developers can add a fellowship to SoM 2,and give the control of all the party members to the player,(like in Dragon Age) -Also bigger areas and longer main story is needed.. For Shadow of Mordor: Pros: One of the best combat system in gaming history adapted in (from Arkham Series), The best combat    Epic Game!

    But,it can be a Legend with a few additions for the 2nd game,

    -The developers can add a fellowship to SoM 2,and give the control of all the party members to the player,(like in Dragon Age)
    -Also bigger areas and longer main story is needed..

    For Shadow of Mordor:

    Pros:
    One of the best combat system in gaming history adapted in (from Arkham Series),
    The best combat animations i have seen to date,
    Nemesis system,
    Polished virtuals,

    Cons:
    Short main story,
    Repettive side quests,
    Small maps,    … Expand
  32. mcplums
    Dec 21, 2014
    9
    Batman combat mechanics + open world of AC + LOTR lore?

    Brilliant. The new enemy system was also great- killing captains was always fun and always satisfying. However, I can't help but think it could have been easily improved by not having an infinite number of captains. After the first few killing a captain felt kind of pointless since they are infinite in number. Why can't I clean an    Batman combat mechanics + open world of AC + LOTR lore?

    Brilliant. The new enemy system was also great- killing captains was always fun and always satisfying. However, I can't help but think it could have been easily improved by not having an infinite number of captains. After the first few killing a captain felt kind of pointless since they are infinite in number. Why can't I clean an area of captains permanently if I choose to?    … Expand
  33. Baremolop
    Dec 21, 2014
    7
    First things first this game deleted itself for no reason but still im giving my opinion on the actual game and I hope none of you have to put up with this. I was a huge LOTR fan but this games story doesn't fit in very well in my opinion I haven't finished the game yet because of this bug. The characters are soooooo boring the most interesting character seemed to be Gollum and the DwarfFirst things first this game deleted itself for no reason but still im giving my opinion on the actual game and I hope none of you have to put up with this. I was a huge LOTR fan but this games story doesn't fit in very well in my opinion I haven't finished the game yet because of this bug. The characters are soooooo boring the most interesting character seemed to be Gollum and the Dwarf hunter was alright but Talion, Hirgon and Celebrimbor ETC have such boring generic deep british accents. The enemy system is pretty cool like I came to fight one warchief and I had to fight about 5 orc captains at the same time pretty crazy but I died, and then the warchief became so powerful he had one minor weakness, and a million strengths. The climbing is similar to assassins creed but far more fast and unrealistic and not as fun. The combat is so Arkham which is good. In general this game could only be described as Batmans creed it copies so many elements of these games but never quite leads up to the expectations of the rest but its still a pretty fun game with some new elements which are good ones… Expand
  34. wizilinx
    Dec 19, 2014
    10
    I loved Assassins Creed. I have avoided Unity because of the reviews. Shadow of Mordor is better. There aren't any missions you hate. The game grows as you play. In the beginning you get killed a lot but slowly you gather powers and understanding. Slowly nearly every combination on the gamepad does something amazing and somehow you learn at a steady pace. I have found some great games thisI loved Assassins Creed. I have avoided Unity because of the reviews. Shadow of Mordor is better. There aren't any missions you hate. The game grows as you play. In the beginning you get killed a lot but slowly you gather powers and understanding. Slowly nearly every combination on the gamepad does something amazing and somehow you learn at a steady pace. I have found some great games this year but this is the top one. I don't understand why this has a user rating of 8 - when I have played games closing in on 9 which are not a good..… Expand
  35. Mistoreath
    Dec 19, 2014
    10
    It's like they made one the best choice ever....................a crossover with assassin's creed and lord of the rings :D. Well anyways for anyone who enjoys the batman game franchise, this game is for you. Great graphics and cinematic, the combat is very satisfying, for the story well...........let's just say it has potential so yeah.
  36. krj38
    Dec 18, 2014
    10
    I usually just play through a game. Considering my current busy 'real life,' I don't have much time to play games. This is especially true with big, open-world games with dozens of side activities. That's why I couldn't get through with Skyrim. That's my problem with new Assassin's Creed games.

    But how does this relate to Shadow of Mordor? The game is the best game I played this year    I usually just play through a game. Considering my current busy 'real life,' I don't have much time to play games. This is especially true with big, open-world games with dozens of side activities. That's why I couldn't get through with Skyrim. That's my problem with new Assassin's Creed games.

    But how does this relate to Shadow of Mordor? The game is the best game I played this year and the biggest positive surprise I've experienced since Dishonored.

    I had many doubts before starting the game. Open world? Nemesis system and repetitive uruk-slaying? The plot?! A ranger possessed by a wraith?! That doesn't make sense in Tolkien's universe!! It must be awful.

    Yet, despite my concerns, I gave the game a try... And I can't express how grateful I am. The game is just awesome. Firstly, the technical aspects. The game looks beautiful, the animations are amazing, the barren landscapes of Mordor are spot on. The orcs! Their little chit-chats, their 'personalities', the rendering of their society - great stuff, building even greater atmosphere. Secondly, the gameplay. I'm often quickly tired by all the nonsensical, repetitive actions one must take. But killing the uruk captains was surprisingly satisfying. I even felt sometimes sorry for them. Also, the side quests (weapon challenges) were side indeed: they were entertaining, but at the same time, a player doesn't lose much by skipping them. The combat system is very intuitive, very rewarding and nicely balanced. Sometimes you feel all-powerful, but the next moment you make a mistake or meet a super resistant villain and you die after suffering two blows.

    But the best, absolutely best thing about the game is its plot. My worries were unjustified. The plot... oh, I'm still excited about it. Every little piece made sense after all (though, it stood in opposition to the LOTR canon). It was great to see how the game designers managed to cramp so many characters from Tolkien's universe and from Jackson's adaptations to the game. These little bits and pieces and the way they were seamlessly inserted in the game made my week, as it took me 4-5 days to finish the game (main plot + some side quests in around 14 hours).

    So, if you're a Tolkien's fan, try it. You just have to see it for yourself, what they did to the plot and filled the gap between the events in "The Hobbit" and "The Lord of the Rings" and how well the game plays.    … Expand
  37. Tashy497
    Dec 16, 2014
    10
    This game takes cool things from other games and then add the nemesis system which is mind-blowing. Such an addictive experience... things always get personal. If GTA had this nemesis system.... oh my! Fantastic game, original in some respects!
  38. Seraphmk
    Dec 14, 2014
    6
    The good:

    Impressive graphics, visually fluid combat and runs perfectly on my pc with no frame drops lags or anything like that. Overall an eye candy that makes you feel more awesome a player than you really are. The bad: The combat: once you realize how the game fighting mechanics work you see that you are in fact invincible right from the beginning. It is way too easy to abuse    The good:

    Impressive graphics, visually fluid combat and runs perfectly on my pc with no frame drops lags or anything like that. Overall an eye candy that makes you feel more awesome a player than you really are.

    The bad:

    The combat: once you realize how the game fighting mechanics work you see that you are in fact invincible right from the beginning. It is way too easy to abuse the parry and stealth mechanics and make the game difficulty totally trivial.

    The story: overall mediocre, nicely presented but nothing really stayed with me after finishing it. No memorable characters and no real development in the interesting aspects of their situation. No food for thought at all.

    Endgame: the nemesis system seems more like a gimmick. I like it, I am glad that it is there but its impact is like meh. I would rather have prescripted story driven bosses that make me wanna fight them for some reason other than just being some bad orcs in some base that happened to level up to warchiefs and remember how our last fight together was like. It is good that they do but overall you cannot beat the emotional investment of a story behind a fight and here there is none. I m the good guy, you re the bad guys, I kill you or possess you, simple as that.

    Overall. I m glad I played the game, I finished it pretty fast (couple of days). I enjoyed the visuals and the fluidity of the combat but I was disappointed by the story, the difficulty and an open world endgame that leaves me there with nothing meaningful to do.    … Expand
  39. AthanasiosT
    Dec 12, 2014
    9
    Stealth, assassinations, character progressing, weapon improvement, epic weapons, cool moves, Lord of the Rings environment and Uruk blood, heads and hierarchy !!! What more can you ask ? Lotr in it's finest and coolest moments.
  40. Futureops
    Dec 12, 2014
    9
    Thankfully, Middle-Earth: Shadow Of Mordor is a stable release. I was pretty surprised to see that this game launched so fast, it was just revealed a few months ago so I didn't really hope it to be that good but guys, Shadow Of Mordor is simply a fun, immersive and a challenging game.
  41. Cornelius7C5
    Dec 10, 2014
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Even though the game can get slow on weaker computers, and the slashing can get repetitive, many ways of getting rid of "the orc scum" is much more than enough to to keep you in the seat. After the final credits I got really bummed that it ended. And I'm talking about getting it to almost 99% completion before the final mission, but it wasn't enough. Maybe people who play games using the one trick they learned on the way, are getting bored, but with a bit of creativity in killing you can achieve enormous amounts of fun. You can just slash through, execute by piercing them to the ground, mark silently and start a riot, mark in fight to create a little squad, move like a shadow from foe to foe, use your surroundings, shoot the all out by your archers, and even, at the end reduce their number by half a a combo of 7 moves, or pulverize with about 10, without breaking a sweat (but that's for when you are in a hurry).… Expand
  42. CBlue413
    Dec 9, 2014
    10
    I infiltrated a stronghold and built up a small army of uruks loyal to my cause.

    I grew tired of their banter and made all of their heads explode simultaneously. I'm giving this a 10/10 for exploding heads. You should buy this game if... you are sick of AAA titles with epic hype that fail to deliver. And if you have a card that can run DX11. And if you find it on sale (50%    I infiltrated a stronghold and built up a small army of uruks loyal to my cause.

    I grew tired of their banter and made all of their heads explode simultaneously.

    I'm giving this a 10/10 for exploding heads.

    You should buy this game if... you are sick of AAA titles with epic hype that fail to deliver.

    And if you have a card that can run DX11.

    And if you find it on sale (50% off or more).    … Expand
  43. jorgejs
    Dec 8, 2014
    10
    This is a game that all Lord Of The Rings fans (and not fans also) will love. It as so many amazing things like the Nemesis system, i haven't seen that before in a game. And the best thing is that i have played almost 30 hours and didn't notice any bug. Well done Monolith, well done!
  44. makan8
    Dec 8, 2014
    10
    Probably the best open world experience since Just Cause 2 (I don't like GTA V you can't be a overpowered super god) the gameplay is great and has beautiful animations and gritty ''FINISH HIM'' scenes, the story is meh but that not really anything you care about.
    The open world(s) look great and all of the maps have a distinct feel and style, the parkour is harder than Assassins creed    Probably the best open world experience since Just Cause 2 (I don't like GTA V you can't be a overpowered super god) the gameplay is great and has beautiful animations and gritty ''FINISH HIM'' scenes, the story is meh but that not really anything you care about.
    The open world(s) look great and all of the maps have a distinct feel and style, the parkour is harder than Assassins creed which also makes it more rewarding, the stealth is simple but good and the nemesis system is flawless! Buy it.    … Expand
  45. Banhammer0
    Dec 6, 2014
    8
    I really enjoyed the Nemesis system, branding captains, each one having personality and weakness/strenghts. It added a ton of life and depth to this world. I don't think any of the other game ever tried something similar to it.
    Combat is superb, they nailed it. Very similar to Asassin's Creed and Batman combat but feels even smoother.
    The plot is TERRIBLE. We have a generic hero with a    I really enjoyed the Nemesis system, branding captains, each one having personality and weakness/strenghts. It added a ton of life and depth to this world. I don't think any of the other game ever tried something similar to it.
    Combat is superb, they nailed it. Very similar to Asassin's Creed and Batman combat but feels even smoother.
    The plot is TERRIBLE. We have a generic hero with a cliche story, and it's very short on top of that, with majory if content (completed it in 27 hours with ~80 % of total completion) being side missions and collectibles (surprisingly interesting ones).
    If you want good plot twist and well-developed characters, this is not a title for you.
    Another problem is that the game feels cramped, the maps are too small and I had a very strong feeling like the third of the game has been cut, ending was really rushed and anticlimatic. The last boss fight is laughable, sadly the "QTE final boss" thing apparently became a trend.
    HOWEVER I had a ton of fun and I wish it was longer, it's likely that I'll do another playtrough one day, it is a well done game, too bad it had to sacrice some areas (story, lenght) to excel in others (Nemesis system and combat). 8/10    … Expand
  46. LostSandwich
    Dec 5, 2014
    9
    A lot of people including me doubted this game on its release, with the nemesis system sounding slightly far fetched and developers from AC 2 claiming code was stolen from that game. But god did this game ever exceed expectations. The Nemesis system combined with the games amazingly fast paced and gory action makes for a one of a kind experience that will give you hours on end of fun.A lot of people including me doubted this game on its release, with the nemesis system sounding slightly far fetched and developers from AC 2 claiming code was stolen from that game. But god did this game ever exceed expectations. The Nemesis system combined with the games amazingly fast paced and gory action makes for a one of a kind experience that will give you hours on end of fun. There is not very much to complain about with this game, good graphics, good performance, good gameplay. The only negative thing i have to say about Shadow of Mordor is its story is rather lackluster. Just the typical revenge plot, with all the innovation in this game you would think the story would be innovative as well but sadly it isn't. But that is only one bad thing, the story isn't horrible, but it could have been better, and there are tons more amazing things that make up for the mediocre at best story line. Easily one of the best AAA releases of the year.… Expand
  47. scythe_pl
    Dec 4, 2014
    9
    Surprisingly good. The best from assassin's creed placed in fantasy environment with some extended RPG elements. Lots of things to do in a large open world. Beautiful graphics. Immersing storyline, great voice acting. This game really has it all, and is definitely worth its price.
  48. EUPOLEMOS
    Dec 3, 2014
    10
    This game is insanely good much,much better than I thought it would be.The graphics are the best I have ever seen.The feeling you get when you kill an orc at this game is pure ecstasy.I believe that Shadow of Mordor is the clear winner for the title of 2014 best game.If you dont play it I pity you mortals.
  49. Fishersam
    Dec 3, 2014
    8
    This is one of the few times that the random 10's and 0's actually average out to create the proper score on this site.

    Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor is what Assassin's Creed should be. There is nothing like going through an army of Orcs and taking control of their general. The combat is fluent and never gets old. The game was a bundle of fun!!!! Until the last 30 minutes. The final    This is one of the few times that the random 10's and 0's actually average out to create the proper score on this site.

    Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor is what Assassin's Creed should be. There is nothing like going through an army of Orcs and taking control of their general. The combat is fluent and never gets old. The game was a bundle of fun!!!! Until the last 30 minutes.

    The final few missions combine to create the worst ending of any finite game i've ever played. The "boss fights" were awful and the game's obvious goal was to set up for a sequel. I can't go into too much detail without spoiling it but this game's bread and butter was the meat of the game. The combat and the engine. Its almost as if the developers were 2 months away from completing the game and their project manager told them they had to complete the rest of the game in 43 minutes. Shame on them for that ending.    … Expand
  50. gostarkgo
    Dec 3, 2014
    7
    This game is a mixed bag for me. Most importantly the combat and gameplay are excellent. If I was rating this game strictly on gameplay it would get a 10. But I had a hard time sinking my teeth into the story line. As a result I find myself loving the combat for about 20 to 30 minutes and then being left with the sense that my time should be spent elsewhere. The story just doesn'tThis game is a mixed bag for me. Most importantly the combat and gameplay are excellent. If I was rating this game strictly on gameplay it would get a 10. But I had a hard time sinking my teeth into the story line. As a result I find myself loving the combat for about 20 to 30 minutes and then being left with the sense that my time should be spent elsewhere. The story just doesn't captivate me, which is a shame because the combat and the gameplay are incredible.

    Considering how bad the latest Assassins Creed is, this game was exactly what I needed. Perhaps the folly in this game lies not in the story but in my lukewarm interest toward the fantasy genre. Still though the game gets a solid 7/10, and I have no doubt that I will play the game out. Its just to much fun not to play, but not enough to get hooked on.    … Expand
  51. dragon496000
    Dec 2, 2014
    9
    This game is brilliant, a mix of Assassin's Creed and the Batman Arkham series. The controls are simple, and solid, a counter button, an attack button, and a dodge roll, not counting the bow and combo attacks. The nemesis system is awesome, I have yet to get someone who comes back to life though. Talion and Celembrimbor are excellent together, and an Uruk you meet early on is hilarious!This game is brilliant, a mix of Assassin's Creed and the Batman Arkham series. The controls are simple, and solid, a counter button, an attack button, and a dodge roll, not counting the bow and combo attacks. The nemesis system is awesome, I have yet to get someone who comes back to life though. Talion and Celembrimbor are excellent together, and an Uruk you meet early on is hilarious! Some of the quips and names from some of the captains rock too, a captain who's nickname was "The Friendly" greets you with a "My Boy", eliciting a laugh from me. Some don't even speak and chuckle and bite at you, paired with an iron jaw mask can make you shiver the first time you see it.… Expand
  52. Wrath68
    Dec 2, 2014
    9
    It has been a long time since i've had so much fun with a game :D Im so excited by the game concept. I love that you are able to mindcontrol your own orc army, and assassinate others with them. The Batman combat system works really well here. You feel strong, but you are not invinsible. You are able to improve your gear by adding runes to them, but i must admit it doesn't feel very fun toIt has been a long time since i've had so much fun with a game :D Im so excited by the game concept. I love that you are able to mindcontrol your own orc army, and assassinate others with them. The Batman combat system works really well here. You feel strong, but you are not invinsible. You are able to improve your gear by adding runes to them, but i must admit it doesn't feel very fun to use. Mostly you just hurry through the customization of your weapons. I really like the skillsystem though. It really makes it possible for you to play different ways and makes you want to do powerstruggles. Powerstruggles grants you power, and when you eventually have enough power, you are able to purchase a new tier abilitys if you have saved a few skillpoints through lvl'ing. The history and cutscenes are really good. This is not just an assassins creed game with a new skin. This is a whole new game, no matter what anyone says.… Expand
  53. luksonije
    Nov 29, 2014
    7
    Well, I just finished Middle earth shadow of Mordor, and I suppose you want to see how good or bad is it.
    It is good game, solid game, with good mechanics. Is it for 10? No, I will personally give it 7.
    I finished it and I do not have the feeling that I wanted more.
  54. csdigitaldesign
    Nov 29, 2014
    6
    There is absolutely nothing original in this game aside from the Nemesis system. I found myself bored within 15 minutes of first starting playing and I tried for a good hour of playing it but it was just far far too simplistic with it's mechanics and offered little to no challenge whatsoever. The combat is similar to Assassin's Creed games, however it's not anywhere near as strict. You canThere is absolutely nothing original in this game aside from the Nemesis system. I found myself bored within 15 minutes of first starting playing and I tried for a good hour of playing it but it was just far far too simplistic with it's mechanics and offered little to no challenge whatsoever. The combat is similar to Assassin's Creed games, however it's not anywhere near as strict. You can be very sloppy with timing and still block etc. You don't ever need to run usually from enemies unless they seriously (like more then 10 to 1) outnumber you... and even then is incredibly easy to ditch them. It's simply a button masher with some different skills thrown in to make you feel even more like a badass.... except I don't feel like a badass when I play it... as there is nothing to OVERCOME to make you feel like a badass. From everything that I've read, it only gets EASIER as you get more skills even!

    Orc mashing simulator 2014. Yup that sums up this game. Pass on it... I got it on sale for $25 and STILL feel like I've wasted my money. It's simply a non-stop spamming button mashing fest. There is nothing interesting about the combat at all. Graphics are decent... only good thing I can say about it.    … Expand
  55. Doc_Hopwood
    Nov 27, 2014
    6
    Can't really say I'm super happy with this title.
    I bought it on sale so that bumped it to a 6 instead of a 5 but otherwise it's a dead average game. No offense intended to the people that likely worked their hearts out to make it.
    If you took Desmond from Assassins creed, stuck him in the grey boringness of Mordor instead of the beautiful cities, then made him fight like Batman from    Can't really say I'm super happy with this title.
    I bought it on sale so that bumped it to a 6 instead of a 5 but otherwise it's a dead average game. No offense intended to the people that likely worked their hearts out to make it.

    If you took Desmond from Assassins creed, stuck him in the grey boringness of Mordor instead of the beautiful cities, then made him fight like Batman from the Arkham series... you'd have ME:SOM.

    It's a 'good' game in that it's technically sound, graphics/effects are fine for the current gen (though again... boring environments), and the first playthrough is kinda neat watching orc hierarchy shift around. I think whoever did the artwork on the character models was really into it and enjoyed themselves, the voice acting is good to go... all the parts were good on their own.

    With that said I was led to believe by the trailers and marketing that this would be a game where the hierarchy shifts would make the game feel different somehow and I'd have more of an open world type of feel. That's not the case. The hierarchy is pretty much numbers with skins. Gorgol the Basher, Mulduk the Flayer, Doink the Clown... doesn't matter they're all the same guy they just look different. Just mash the attack buttons and match the prompts on the screen.

    For $30 on Steam, alright. If this is your genre of game then you might even go as high as a 7 if you've played Arkham and AC to death or just go nuts for anything Tolkein-ish. $60? No. Just no.    … Expand
  56. Canisrah
    Nov 24, 2014
    9
    An innovative and atmospheric romp through a deftly crafted middle earth. This title was a breath of fresh air in a genre that has stagnated somewhat in the past few years.

    An engaging story combines with the brilliant Nemesis system, excellent sound design and sumptuous visuals to create a game-play experience I won't soon forget. Very excited to see how they move forward with this.    An innovative and atmospheric romp through a deftly crafted middle earth. This title was a breath of fresh air in a genre that has stagnated somewhat in the past few years.

    An engaging story combines with the brilliant Nemesis system, excellent sound design and sumptuous visuals to create a game-play experience I won't soon forget.

    Very excited to see how they move forward with this. Would have given it a 10 but for the slight (and minor) complaint that some of the game mechanics become a trifle old in the later stages of the game; something to work on in the sequel.

    Highly recommended.    … Expand
  57. tiirik27
    Nov 24, 2014
    9
    Gameplay:9.5/10
    Story 8.5/10
    Graphics:8/10
    Combat:9/10
    On of the best Action-RPG game last years, and one of the best games this year.
    Felt quite like Assassins's Creed in Lord Of The Rings lands.(The game take place in Middle-Earth, same place with Lord Of The Rings)
  58. tomasz009
    Nov 24, 2014
    8
    I love the idea of this game, going into Mordor and making trouble for Sauron's forces. However, I became disappointed when I realised that two areas were all that the game was made up of (albeit fairly large ones). I mean, Lord of the Rings is my favourite movie series of all time, and that's mainly because of the adventure, the overlapping but separate plots, and the sense of mysteryI love the idea of this game, going into Mordor and making trouble for Sauron's forces. However, I became disappointed when I realised that two areas were all that the game was made up of (albeit fairly large ones). I mean, Lord of the Rings is my favourite movie series of all time, and that's mainly because of the adventure, the overlapping but separate plots, and the sense of mystery woven throughout. Shadow of Mordor got the first one halfway right, the third one completely right, but the second one not at all.

    Positives: the game looks and plays a dream. Talion's cloak flutters amazingly realistically while Mordor has the duality of barren wasteland in one area, and lush fields of green in the other (executing both quite well). The combat is smooth as silk, better than Assassin's Creed's (which it obviously took cues from) and, in my opinion, better than Arkham's (actually killing things may be why). Orcs are varied, especially due to the whatever system they call it where you can antagonise individual and unique orcs throughout the game.

    The 'whatever system' is great as it actually provides a sense of personalisation into your battles. Killing orcs that have gotten the better of you numerous times is satisfying, however this is also where the problem lies. The 'whatever system' is at its best when you're having a tough time killing them - but I rarely did (I think about twice). I don't think I'm particularly 'good' at the game, it's just the way it is, especially towards the end where you unlock the ability to stun enemies by leaping over them; leap, land 5 strokes in one sec, use instant kill, repeat. I always looked forward to fighting enemies that could not be leapt over for this reason.

    The personalities of the orcs however, they got spot on. I think I heard the same line repeated only once throughout my 20+ hours of playing the game. That's what more games need - for enemies to be tangible, real, human-like beings. I know I was actually intimidated before many battles against orc captains, simply because of those intro lines (my favourite being the 'friendly' orcs which, while trying to kill you, were very nice about it - they actually creeped me out).

    This system ties into the story, because a lot of the quests you'll get into involve taking down captains - and I think this is where the main weaknesses of the game show themselves. The game has a great set-up: Talion's wife and son dead, NOT because of Sauron, and you're ready to go on a wild rampage of revenge through Middle-earth. What you get though, is you killing orc captains that have no relation to your family's death, having lame boss fights against the ones that are responsible, and not much else (hunting that big ass troll aside).

    I really enjoyed the combat, enemies, and graphics, so this is where the high score comes from, but I wanted meaning. To tell you the truth, I wanted to go to Minas Tirith, Rohan, Mirkwood, The Shire. I know the game has a tight focus, and to tell you the truth, this has its benefits. However, for a game with the prefix 'Middle-earth', the game only touches on 5-10% of Middle-earth. The one part of the game that delivers this yearning for the rest is the artefact collection sidequest, where many references to the Istari, the world of Men, Dwarves, and the locations I mentioned are abound. Didn't love the elven wall collection thing though.

    To conclude this long-ass review, WB show here that they can write strong lore worthy of the franchise, so show us how you can realise it in a full Middle-earth setting! If such a game came out, this would be a tech demo in comparison. The orc system is strong, but keep it on the side! It would be badass to have a rare encounter with your arch-nemesis orc captain, instead of making it oh-so-common. Imagine this happened while exploring the forest of Fangorn with Gandalf searching for lost elven ruins or something....I'm salivating just at the thought of it.

    I'll give it a 7.8/10.    … Expand
  59. Ferrelicious
    Nov 24, 2014
    9
    Shadow of Mordor my own opinion
    +Gameplay
    +Graphics
    +Controls (Xbox360 wire)
    - repetitive quest
    60+ FPS all the time with high/ultra setting: Gtx 770 i5-4670K
    I Recommend this game to you all
  60. kuroishi_x
    Nov 23, 2014
    9
    This game is pretty damn enjoyable. I was spending hours just doing random side missions, just because of the nemesis system. And that is also this game's downfall, the story is mediocre at best and the characters, even if they are memorable, it would have been great if they would have some more screen-time and character progression.

    Overall the game looks nice, the sound is great and    This game is pretty damn enjoyable. I was spending hours just doing random side missions, just because of the nemesis system. And that is also this game's downfall, the story is mediocre at best and the characters, even if they are memorable, it would have been great if they would have some more screen-time and character progression.

    Overall the game looks nice, the sound is great and the combat is fun and just the right difficulty (expect some of the quick time events which aren't always entirely logical and/or fun). I finished the game 100%, the collectathon was enjoyable, the side missions were varied and fun and I thoroughly enjoyed the game for 30-40 hours, which solidly justifies the price.    … Expand
  61. Rogyapa
    Nov 22, 2014
    8
    + I love this game not for the main story (which is pretty boring imo) but for the combat (which is excellent) and the nemesis system. These two aspects allow emergent gameplay to happen and man is it awesome.
    Here's an example that happened to me: I creep along the rooftops shadowing my prey, he's surrounded by bodyguards which could make this fight quite hard. He comes to a stop and I    + I love this game not for the main story (which is pretty boring imo) but for the combat (which is excellent) and the nemesis system. These two aspects allow emergent gameplay to happen and man is it awesome.
    Here's an example that happened to me: I creep along the rooftops shadowing my prey, he's surrounded by bodyguards which could make this fight quite hard. He comes to a stop and I dive on top of him, trying to stealth kill him. I panic when he grabs me in mid air and throws me, then summons a bunch of enemies. I hack my way through a hundred orcs and finally manage to get the warchief low enough for me to kill him. As I'm about to deliver the killing blow I'm struck by a spear and die. The killer taunts me. Good thing I can't die, but he can. I chase him across the map, find him, and proceed to remove his head from his body.
    +The combat gives you a wide range of options from stealth to swordfighting to ranged and actively encourages you to change your tactics depending on the enemies ( just like Arkham Asylum).
    There are some nice little touches such as how when you level up your weaponry, runes are carved into them and eventually transform the weapons into better versions.
    +Combat has a nice meaty feel. The executions are brutal and have very convincing death animations/sound effects too.
    +There's a nice variety to the roster of enemies (which is randomized every game/ new ones are added if you advance time)

    -My biggest complaint is that the game introduces some interesting supporting characters but really only gives backstory/ any character development through collectibles.
    -The game has some really weird bugs such as climbing a building only to end up inside of it and floating corpses.    … Expand
  62. seveian
    Nov 22, 2014
    9
    This game is fantastic. I usually stay away from any billion dollar franchise-turned-game, but I took a chance with this one and was very pleasantly surprised.

    There are elements to this game that I have never seen in any other game before. The idea that each and every bastard orc who gets a kill on you can himself experience progression is wonderful. The fact that their hates and fears    This game is fantastic. I usually stay away from any billion dollar franchise-turned-game, but I took a chance with this one and was very pleasantly surprised.

    There are elements to this game that I have never seen in any other game before. The idea that each and every bastard orc who gets a kill on you can himself experience progression is wonderful. The fact that their hates and fears are shaped by the experiences you have with them, is fantastic.

    The combat is extremely fun to watch. I have found myself making mistakes a few times just because of the awesomeness of how I possibly pulled that last move off. I had an epic battle with "Nazkuga Hot Tongs", a war chief, that lasted about 45 minutes and ended with me getting killed. The chanting of "Nazkuga, Nazkuga, Nazkuga!!!" haunts me still!

    If I had to say one bad thing about the game, it would be that if you go without dieing for a while and kill lots of captains/warchiefs, it can take FOREVER for all of the enemy progression to take place. Should be a way to skip it which I haven't found.    … Expand
  63. Caligamy
    Nov 22, 2014
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I didn't expect this game to entertain me as much as it did, but I was pleasantly surprised.

    The combat system takes a little while to get accustomed to but once you figure it out you can fly through this game with ease. The AI can be a little bit dumb however, most of the time you can evade pursuit by just climbing onto some small building or wall for a minute. The Nemesis system I was very fond of once I realized what was going on in it, and the variety of orc characteristics, faces, armor, etc was very impressive as I saw very few repeats after dozens and dozens of defeated captains (and I was actively looking for them.)

    You finally get a break from the cramped muddy confines of Mordor a little over halfway into the game when you get to the second area which is more lush, and the story although not an exact copy of LoTR it offers an interesting spin on the tale once you figure out exactly who your wraith counterpart is.

    Once you get up to the point in the story where you can brand enemies and control them to build an army you don't feel the constant need to have to fight through every inch of the map, as by this point it becomes pretty easy to fight large crowds of enemies and easily kill them or capture them under your control.

    Pros
    Very diverse enemy features, and characteristics unique to each one that develop further as they level.
    Enemy ranking system of Captains and Warchiefs offers something new/unique to action games
    Runes (which you equip to your weapons) lighten the strain in combat a lot once you learn how to get them
    Combat becomes increasingly fast paced as you unlock the higher tier skills and learn how to chain them all together
    Multiple methods (poisoning, luring cragars, blowing up fires or grog, etc) to kill enemies breaks up the constant hack and slash feeling usually associated with action games

    Cons
    Story has a lot of gaps where your just left kind of wondering what happened there
    The maps you roam around in feels small and cramped a lot of the time
    They have mounts in game that are more of a nuisance to be around than a bonus (mainly because you eventually will travel faster and easier than any ridden mount after developing your character a bit)
    Lack of loot or equipment in game is a little dull and the rune system doesn't really expand it by much, reforged weapons do exist in game by completing the quests associated with each weapon but does not really do anything for them except change their looks slightly.

    *Spoiler* You have the impression that this game is going to be longer than it actually is with the amount of remaining bosses left in Saurons army but nope.. It just kind of ends suddenly and abruptly leaving you feeling like you just watched a LoTR movie with an open ending that's meant to setup the sequel. Some of the big bosses in game practically feel like they kill themselves and aren't challenging at all leaving the ending feeling very rushed.    … Expand
  64. jvmcnk
    Nov 20, 2014
    9
    This is a great game, fun, satisfying. What more you want?
    The physics are bit unpolished, like small gaps will make your character stuck. But that's it all.
  65. mbadboyp
    Nov 20, 2014
    9
    Awesome game! I probably gonna stall this game and stretch my playing time as much as I can just to enjoy it! Dare you Monolith to make one more like this one! :)))
  66. Arcon
    Nov 20, 2014
    9
    Pros: Best fighting gameplay mechanics around, Immersive atmosphere, Fun stealth mechanics, At least 50 hours of gameplay if you do everything, Very nice graphics, Interesting Nemesis function

    Cons: You get too powerful by the end, Your ability by end to just walk through Mordor killing everything in your path disagrees with canon, The Nemesis system(while listed as a pro or concept)    Pros: Best fighting gameplay mechanics around, Immersive atmosphere, Fun stealth mechanics, At least 50 hours of gameplay if you do everything, Very nice graphics, Interesting Nemesis function

    Cons: You get too powerful by the end, Your ability by end to just walk through Mordor killing everything in your path disagrees with canon, The Nemesis system(while listed as a pro or concept) was sort of lacking in its potential, Final battle lacks intensity

    Other Thoughts: Get it if you enjoy the Batman Asylum or Origins fighting mechanics as this is more of the same but in LoTR universe. Well worth the money.    … Expand
  67. Patrick94
    Nov 20, 2014
    8
    Great game. I'm about a third into the story missions I think and I've just been going around killing war chiefs, doing side-missions etc. It can be slightly difficult at times when you're outnumbered, especially if it's a mixture of guys with ranged attacks, shields, etc. but overall it's a pretty easy game to get through. The story is done really well, especially Gollum, you've got toGreat game. I'm about a third into the story missions I think and I've just been going around killing war chiefs, doing side-missions etc. It can be slightly difficult at times when you're outnumbered, especially if it's a mixture of guys with ranged attacks, shields, etc. but overall it's a pretty easy game to get through. The story is done really well, especially Gollum, you've got to love the little dude and the guy that voices him in the game is brilliant. And how Talion's story connects with the Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. Celebrimbor's flashbacks are done really well and give a very cinematic feel to the whole thing.… Expand
  68. Ranulph
    Nov 19, 2014
    9
    Really enjoyed this game. Expect a cross between assassin's creed and the arkham series with respect to combat, but far more responsive. The story is actually the weak point, as it is generic and I personally found it a bit rushed towards the end of the plot. The much vaunted Nemesis system is really the star of the show. I spend most of my time, manipulating the intricate politics inReally enjoyed this game. Expect a cross between assassin's creed and the arkham series with respect to combat, but far more responsive. The story is actually the weak point, as it is generic and I personally found it a bit rushed towards the end of the plot. The much vaunted Nemesis system is really the star of the show. I spend most of my time, manipulating the intricate politics in Mordor, turning Uruks against each other, wreaking havoc in strongholds, releasing beasts, hunting them, etc. There is really a lot to do in this game. I thoroughly recommend it.… Expand
  69. VeteranPlayer
    Nov 18, 2014
    8
    very good game, yeah the story is not ingenious but works.
    Some problems with:
    1)longevity, primary missions are few
    2) when you subdued everyone the game ends definitively
  70. sexonyou
    Nov 18, 2014
    8
    Gameplay is great, the only problem I have with this game is that the campaign isn't long enough and the assissants of the Black Hand of Sauron are WAYYYY TOO EASYYYYYYY. Not only that, but you don't even get to fight the Black Hand of Sauron!!! You have some finisher moves to take him down, but not a real fight, the rest of the game was great, but they should've made the campaign wayGameplay is great, the only problem I have with this game is that the campaign isn't long enough and the assissants of the Black Hand of Sauron are WAYYYY TOO EASYYYYYYY. Not only that, but you don't even get to fight the Black Hand of Sauron!!! You have some finisher moves to take him down, but not a real fight, the rest of the game was great, but they should've made the campaign way longer and the real bosses harder and more of them. The Captains and Warchiefs were WAY harder than the actual bosses which was very disappointing.… Expand
  71. durwel
    Nov 18, 2014
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Graphics: 9
    Production value: 10
    Glitches/Bugs: 8
    Combat system: 9
    Replay Value: 7
    Storyline: 10

    Having played 10 hours and halfway through the story and 25% completion, I'd give this game a 9.

    Graphically the game is competent for a next-gen game. Nothing too special, but there was definitely a lot of time and effort spent on the environment. Rain makes things slick and shiny, a day and night cycle is very well considered, though ultimately this isn't mind-blowing graphics. I could see similar graphics on a PS3, but I have had no graphical hiccups even when surrounded by torches, lighting, and hordes of enemies.

    The only bugs I've encountered are odd moments running into a wall or not being able to turn around.

    On to the good stuff. I first saw this game watching E3, and the combat system was intriguing. A pretty typical horde-killing game using swords, counters, and special abilities, but this game took RPG elements that are fairly mundane but appropriate and incorporated one of the most interesting mechanics I've ever seen (described below). The combat is somewhat sluggish, but offset by 'focus,' though the camera angles can be pretty difficult to maneuver as you are trying to counter, swing, use combos, you may end up staring at the ground, this coming from an FPS-frequenter. You can unlock certain moves and abilities, (some of which are locked until further storyline completion). Overall, however, I found it welcome and able to be catered to each unique playstyle. I don't find myself low on focus as I am more likely to be in the fray than stealthily picking off the enemy, so my runes (found from dead captains and warchiefs) have been specific to health regen and higher damage at melee. This type of customizability makes this game awesome, though I have not found myself unable to perform moves based on my abilities. A bit of catch-all and not my cup of tea (I prefer having to unlock moves and abilities by focusing on mastering them).

    All that to say, the seamlessness of the albeit small map makes it seem enormous. Similar environments in a small world using assassin-style moves shouldn't be downvoted: that is how this game is meant to be played. It wouldn't make sense to unlock all of Middle-Earth or something as this game is specifically meant to be an attack at the heart of Sauron's Army and forts. Assassin's Creed did a lot of things right that this game took into consideration, but it is all in the style of Lord of the Rings, mixing magic and combat with stealth-tactics. You're a ranger. A ranger will use stealth, hiding, arrows, and free-running to get where he needs to be. No need to downvote for that. We are at a point where games will recycle styles based on working mechanics.

    This game took a huge leap with what is my favorite part of the game: the Nemesis system. It's amazing. Basically there are ranks from Warchief down to low-level captains. Upon killing a captain, the ranks move according to who died, meaning an uruk moves up into his spot. The coolest part of this is that when one gets a killing blow on you, just a normal enemy, let's say, they are given a name, a list of strengths and weaknesses, and a nickname. I was killed by a random enemy. He was instantly named Torz and was then promoted to Captain and is now named: Torz the Advisor. They are also given armor and moved up. At this point, they can take place in power struggles that you can leave unchecked or intervene. Intervening powers other enemies or removes them from power, and upon your death or advancing time, you can see the power struggles play out. Intel should not be ignored, however, as it can help you instantly remove captains and find their location. If you don't gain enough, you can easily find yourself in a situation where there are 8 unknown captains, and you come across 5 of them at once. My favorite newly unlocked ability is to place death threats on the captains and warchiefs allowing better drops. This is a cool system and makes every encounter epic and meaningful.

    At this point, I am loving this game, and I can spend hours just running around Mordor killing captains and putting my skills to horde-loving tests or placing death threats on the armies of Mordor.

    This isn't the largest or most impressive game I've played in a long time, but I absolutely love this game and can see myself playing for a while. Once I finish, though, I can see losing the thrill of combat and putting it down indefinitely. I am already about to have all abilities unlocked and my weapons at a high-level so I can't see myself playing much unless I just feel the need to crush some skulls.    … Expand
  72. AussieBloke
    Nov 16, 2014
    8
    In some ways superficial, the game is basically just a lot of straight-forward fun.

    The studio who developed it owns the Batman Arkham properties and has developers who worked on Assassins Creed .. and the game feels like a hodge-podge of those titles. Not necessarily a bad thing, but it does make some elements uninspired & creatively bankrupt. Where the game innovates and shines is    In some ways superficial, the game is basically just a lot of straight-forward fun.

    The studio who developed it owns the Batman Arkham properties and has developers who worked on Assassins Creed .. and the game feels like a hodge-podge of those titles. Not necessarily a bad thing, but it does make some elements uninspired & creatively bankrupt.

    Where the game innovates and shines is the unique Nemesis system, where your foes remember you, fight amongst themselves, have quests based on past events..

    The nemesis system lifts the game from Good to Great.    … Expand
  73. VGJ
    Nov 16, 2014
    9
    Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor is one of the best action games in this year. Monolith takes a risk doing a game in the universe of the Lord of th Rings with the combat from the Batman Arkham saga to probe that they can do awesome games in the future.
  74. CrazyC
    Nov 16, 2014
    9
    I've been having the best time playing on Shadow of Mordor, I have spent so many hours in power struggles like duels and ambushes just for the hell of it. The graphics are so beautiful, and the gameplay is a lot like the Arkham Series, but it is so much fun. The missions can be extremely dull and boring at many times, but the side mission (in red and blue) totally make up for this. GetI've been having the best time playing on Shadow of Mordor, I have spent so many hours in power struggles like duels and ambushes just for the hell of it. The graphics are so beautiful, and the gameplay is a lot like the Arkham Series, but it is so much fun. The missions can be extremely dull and boring at many times, but the side mission (in red and blue) totally make up for this. Get this game, you earn money you get it.… Expand
  75. HunterHD
    Nov 15, 2014
    8
    This game was quiet fun to play but it needs something to hold it together, eliminating Sauron's army is fun but after a matter of time i got bored. The story is also good, the gameplay is amazing,the graphics are one of the best in third person category, but the terrain is not that good as it was expected,there are more mountains than civilization, But after all it was fun to play and iThis game was quiet fun to play but it needs something to hold it together, eliminating Sauron's army is fun but after a matter of time i got bored. The story is also good, the gameplay is amazing,the graphics are one of the best in third person category, but the terrain is not that good as it was expected,there are more mountains than civilization, But after all it was fun to play and i really enjoyed it and i hope you guys will too.… Expand
  76. n3Kro
    Nov 14, 2014
    8
    This is really nice game maybe world is little small (You need to fight or run from orcs like all time), maybe history is not great, still fights are great and i mean wow great after getting to the end I still loved to slice orcs. I can recommend this game to all ppl that like this type of games (assassins creed etc.)
  77. daphnis26
    Nov 13, 2014
    3
    I loved The Lord of the Rings as a teen. I read the books over and over and over again. Back then the internet barely existed and I certainly didn't have access to it so I'd sift through bookstores and libraries hunting down every scrap of information I could find on Middle Earth. I'd secretely tear out pages when no one was looking and bring them home to my archive.

    It was also around    I loved The Lord of the Rings as a teen. I read the books over and over and over again. Back then the internet barely existed and I certainly didn't have access to it so I'd sift through bookstores and libraries hunting down every scrap of information I could find on Middle Earth. I'd secretely tear out pages when no one was looking and bring them home to my archive.

    It was also around this time that I discovered PC gaming, and one of my first games was a fantasy adventure game called Drakan, a vast and beautifully rendered world of endless mountains and seas, dark twisted places and hordes of goblins to kill and dismember. The worlds of Middle Earth and Drakan had one thing in common: they were immersive, I wanted to explore and learn everything about them. The developers of Drakan were later absorbed by Monolith to work on Shadow of Morder.

    Shadow of Morder is as impressive and hollow as a Hollywood movie.

    As soon as I step into the game I'm informed that I must kill spiders. Why? Why should I kill spiders? I haven't been convinced to kill them and I don't want to... but the UI informs me I must. So I kill a few spider... MISSION COMPLETE! Now the UI updates and tells me to kill flying creatures. Why should I? I really don't care, and I don't want to. Screw this, I'm going to explore. The UI pops up to inform me I must find and kill a slaver orc. I immediately begin scouring the horizon, excitedly plotting my kill. Then a dull UI prompt pops up to inform me the orc is located in "the next mission".

    The Next Mission? It feels like the programmers are speaking directly to me now. Why not use language from the lore, such as "Find him within the gates of Girith Gordor".

    On my way I encounter a band of orcs persuing an escaped slave. I hide and watch. 20 seconds later the slave escapes and the orcs stop their pursuit. One exclaims, "OH WELLLLL MUST HAVE BEEN RATS".
    So I run in and kill one, then climb up a tower to escape from the others. 20 seconds later "OH WELL, MUST HAVE BEEN RATS". I descend and kill the rest. Then more orcs spawn and begin to chase me so I ascend once again into my safe place. "OH WELL I GUESS IT WAS NOTHING"

    After repeating the orc killing-and-retreating-to-safetey process a few more times I decide to tackle the story mission. I am informed of the exact distance to the mission by the UI. I get there and am told to press "e" to enter the mission.

    I love being drawn into amazing fantasy worlds; to sink into rich atmosphere and lore, compelled to discover every hidden secret. Shadow of Morder does not provide this experience. Everything is force fed to you by UI messages and target markers. Maps tell you EXACTLY where to go and what to do. There is no discovery, no mystery, no higher narrative. It is pointless big budget action.

    I hope we get to explore Middle Earth again some day- without map markers and UI prompts.    … Expand
  78. SpawnCap
    Nov 12, 2014
    10
    This is by far the most fun game I have bought in about 10 years and I've bought about 200. I'm not like some reviewers on here that don't own game and never played it (you can tell that when they give same review on all systems it was put out on). Has great graphics and animations. World seems more alive than any other game. Uruks and caragors have real life in them. I have over 120This is by far the most fun game I have bought in about 10 years and I've bought about 200. I'm not like some reviewers on here that don't own game and never played it (you can tell that when they give same review on all systems it was put out on). Has great graphics and animations. World seems more alive than any other game. Uruks and caragors have real life in them. I have over 120 hours into this game and I still enjoy playing it. I play on system with i5 2500 HD 5850 8GB Ram. At 1080p everything set to high except textures it runs at constant 70 FPS. Most fun melee combat ever.… Expand
  79. goodterling
    Nov 8, 2014
    5
    I was super enthusiastic about having the Arkham fighting system in the LOTR setting. Unfortunately, that's about all the game has going for it. It's an Orc Murdering Simulator and little else.

    There is a massive map that begs to be explored...until you realize it's all the same. You can't even tell the map regions apart by stylistic cues or difficulty. The hunting "system" is a    I was super enthusiastic about having the Arkham fighting system in the LOTR setting. Unfortunately, that's about all the game has going for it. It's an Orc Murdering Simulator and little else.

    There is a massive map that begs to be explored...until you realize it's all the same. You can't even tell the map regions apart by stylistic cues or difficulty. The hunting "system" is a joke: just kill those critters you've already been killing in droves, but, sorry you haven't done it in THE RIGHT ORDER, so kill it all again, and this time we'll pay attention.

    It's a shame because, though the story is forgettable, the acting is FANTASTIC. Both the voice and motion capture performances are the best I've seen in a game. The main character is subtle, understated, and full of deadly menace. There's the bold decision to keep him absolutely still in some conversations with orcs he's trying to intimidate. It's the kind of thing a good actor will do, but you don't see it in games. So major props to the devs for hiring good actors and trusting them to that extent. Someone was on the ball there. I kept wanting to see this character in something that made better use of him than slaughtering a million dumb orcs.    … Expand
  80. samsolidME
    Nov 8, 2014
    9
    This game was so good in my opinion. While I was disappointed of Arkham knight absence around Christmas, because it become some kind of tradition Gotham on Cold Christmas Eve and dark Gothic vibe, Shadow of Mordor fill the emptiness and in such a good way.
    Shadow of Mordor doesn't try to hide AC And Arkham influences and with their genuine nemesis system , this game is more than good ,    This game was so good in my opinion. While I was disappointed of Arkham knight absence around Christmas, because it become some kind of tradition Gotham on Cold Christmas Eve and dark Gothic vibe, Shadow of Mordor fill the emptiness and in such a good way.
    Shadow of Mordor doesn't try to hide AC And Arkham influences and with their genuine nemesis system , this game is more than good , almost as its role models.
    Story i so so but when you emerge your self in the world of Mordor full of filthy Orks and human slaves i was so thrilled to dive in to this world as long as I could.
    Production values are high, voice acting is great, copy of Arkham combat an AC parcour is implemented very well, and combat finishers are awesome. But really that nemesis system is something special.
    Graphics in my opinion are very good and I ran everything on ultra, textures High and it was from 40-60 FPS on my GTX 770.
    This game was so good that I don't feel the urge to play Unity...for some time.

    9,4/10    … Expand
  81. TomasLacerda
    Nov 7, 2014
    3
    I can really respect whoever likes this game, but for me aint it. The combat is too basic, and utterly boring, seriously. The history is quite interesting, but the roaming, the combat, the clunky combat and animations really turned me off. I felt that this game was rushed, not polished at all.
  82. Amiga1200
    Nov 7, 2014
    7
    This is generally a solid game. It a bit lacks in depth in a sense that only combat matters. However, the combat system is very good because of its versatility. There are many ways to fight your enemies and finish them off. So even though a player is closed in this combat box it is still entertaining. The character progression system is quite interesting as higher tier abilities unlock notThis is generally a solid game. It a bit lacks in depth in a sense that only combat matters. However, the combat system is very good because of its versatility. There are many ways to fight your enemies and finish them off. So even though a player is closed in this combat box it is still entertaining. The character progression system is quite interesting as higher tier abilities unlock not only more powerfull blows or combination but let you combat orcs in a different and more sophisticated way. Thus the game as it progress is not boring because you discover something new with each new tier and region.

    The downside of the game is the enemy AI which makes sneaking ridiculously easy. The enemies are almost blind and you have a plenty of time to take cover and dissapear. The orcs will only see you if you want them to or when you are engulfed in a fight against hordes of orcs.

    Good optimization makes it run on middle rigs so system requirements are exagerrated. The graphics are beatiful and run well on weaker rigs. Core I 3, GTX 750 TI, 8 giga runs on high setting at 1200x1024. Controls are very good and allow you to direct your character smoothly. No choppy experience like in Dark Souls II **** PC port.    … Expand
  83. RedFoxDelta
    Nov 6, 2014
    9
    Surprisingly good. Although its combat and handling are nothing especially new (basically just Batman, except killing people instead of crippling them for life) and its story-line is not particularly engaging, however the open world nemesis system is where the game shines. The interesting little surprises, like encountering a chieftain by surprise in a fighting pit and being ambushed inSurprisingly good. Although its combat and handling are nothing especially new (basically just Batman, except killing people instead of crippling them for life) and its story-line is not particularly engaging, however the open world nemesis system is where the game shines. The interesting little surprises, like encountering a chieftain by surprise in a fighting pit and being ambushed in the open world make the game fun, in addition to the fights with the warchiefs themselves- their randomized name being chanted, having to seamlessly switch between the warchief and their follower's respective weaknesses- all make the game feel epic. This likely explains why I killed most of the captains in the first area with having only done about two of the story missions- it's just fun.… Expand
  84. ClamTime
    Nov 6, 2014
    7
    I naver rally licked Lard of Rangs but Maddle Earth: Shadoow of Moldor is just sooooooo fan I can;t stoops playing the gramme I mean oamg I luv this gam I play it lik al tim al daye I havn't plaeid oather laord of oinian range I can't waite for anothe r lard og ranks soooooooon (┛◉Д◉)┛彡┻━┻
  85. Thombie
    Nov 4, 2014
    8
    Well, pretty much everything has already been said about this game so I'm not going to repeat it. It looks great, it smells great and it feels great.

    One thing I've heard people complain about it is the repetitive aspect. Well, yes it's repetitive, of course it is. It's a game, after all. All games are repetitive, some more than others. This game is probably above average repetitive in    Well, pretty much everything has already been said about this game so I'm not going to repeat it. It looks great, it smells great and it feels great.

    One thing I've heard people complain about it is the repetitive aspect. Well, yes it's repetitive, of course it is. It's a game, after all. All games are repetitive, some more than others. This game is probably above average repetitive in some regard. But repetition isn't bad if the repetitive gameplay is good. I can't emphasize this enough. Repetition has become a bad word when associated with games, but the fact is that the best, most long-lived games in history are probably the most repetitive games we have.

    Pacman, Tetris, Arcanoid, Pinball and so on (in no particular order). I rest my case.

    Verdict: 8    … Expand
  86. AngryCustomer
    Nov 4, 2014
    10
    It's easy to criticize this game for all the things it lacks, but I'm just comparing it to other games produced right now and I have to say this game is the only one that got me hooked up for days, the best game of the year so far for me. Yes it could have been better, maybe, but it gave me a fairly epic experience whatsoever. If you decide to play it and enjoy it you won't regret it.
  87. King_Scorpion
    Nov 3, 2014
    8
    This game is great. The best game i have ever played based on talkin's books. the game use successful Assassins Creed gameplay formula to create this fantastic open-world rpg.
  88. Molec_man
    Nov 2, 2014
    6
    Best Lotro video game story. Great ideas for gameplay scenarios. Terrible controls of character. It goes left when you want to go right (because of camera craziness after attacks), it drops to kill/brand when you want to drop to hang. Basically too many button assignments to enable flawless control of the character when fighting for your life in strongholds and an absolutely terribleBest Lotro video game story. Great ideas for gameplay scenarios. Terrible controls of character. It goes left when you want to go right (because of camera craziness after attacks), it drops to kill/brand when you want to drop to hang. Basically too many button assignments to enable flawless control of the character when fighting for your life in strongholds and an absolutely terrible camera. The camera nearly ruins the entire game for me. A three quarter over the shoulder always following camera would have been 100x better. Overall, the story, graphics and gameplay scenarios save the game. Controls and camera are a huge negative imho.… Expand
  89. antagonistx
    Nov 1, 2014
    9
    In this age of terrible botched day one releases, this game was something of a dark horse to me. I was absolutely sure that it would be bad. Combat based on other games. Check. An overly hyped new game mechanic. Check. Absurd system requirements. Check. A story from a licensed universe that has little to do with its license. Check. It has all the elements of a truly terrible gameIn this age of terrible botched day one releases, this game was something of a dark horse to me. I was absolutely sure that it would be bad. Combat based on other games. Check. An overly hyped new game mechanic. Check. Absurd system requirements. Check. A story from a licensed universe that has little to do with its license. Check. It has all the elements of a truly terrible game in the making. However, I actually found myself loving this game.

    If you do not like arkham style fighters with assassin's creed stealth mechanics than yes, this may not be the game for you. But if you do enjoy these game elements, you will surely find that the combat is satisfying, and the enemy chieftain system will make you actually interested in the hordes of enemies that you will inevitably destroy throughout the course of the game. In fact, the nemesis system is not a gimmick, but a well though out mechanic that will likely be "borrowed" for years to come. Your enemies level up with you, so each death feels important. You will begin to remember the names of your enemies and become legitimately nervous as they selectively attack you at the worst possible times, making the game-play constantly engaging. At one point I became frustrated that my enemies were immune to nearly all forms of conventional assault due to how they had leveled. However, this only make victory more sweet when I was able to painstakingly plan and execute an exploitation of their only weakness.

    As far as graphics go, people will likely complain that it is not quite as good as Skyrim with 4k textures, ENB mods, etc, but to me this game looks beautiful and runs at a constant 60 fps on the highest settings (no ultra texture pack though.) In an era of poor game optimization, this game runs flawlessly.

    The game is not perfect, as the end game content is sorely lacking, and the story could have been more fleshed out. However, I still have nothing but praise for monolith productions, who took legitimate risks making this game (which payed off tremendously) and took the time to make sure that their game was actually working on day one unlike so many competitors in the market today.    … Expand
  90. MadJaples
    Nov 1, 2014
    8
    8.1 (at current user score standing) is a good and fair score for this game.

    The game itself doesn't half take some installing on a reasonably capable (IMO that's mid to high end) system, with a fair hour devoted to getting it installed, but the wait is actually pretty worth it. It's removed the turn based baloney of the first LoTR game and now it's more free flowing and more like    8.1 (at current user score standing) is a good and fair score for this game.

    The game itself doesn't half take some installing on a reasonably capable (IMO that's mid to high end) system, with a fair hour devoted to getting it installed, but the wait is actually pretty worth it. It's removed the turn based baloney of the first LoTR game and now it's more free flowing and more like Assassin's Creed in combat, than the system pretending to play a game of dungeons and dragons with an imaginary dice or three.
    The textures are amazingly good, but also distinctly dark, which goes with the general theme of the game, it's not exactly about blue skies and green fields after all. The skins are okay, but they all seem pretty similar to me, so I think the Dark Ranger skin is probably the best skin out of the lot of them, with the predecessors looking too similar to be of any significant notice.
    The gameplay can be a bit tedious, but you are rewarded with a really well coded and brilliantly choreographed combat aesthetic, where the combat is not in the least bit as clunky and awkward as the AC series (even though it's a different franchise entirely). It's a pleasure to play it for the combat alone.
    The intel gathering is the most repetitive part of the game, and if you should decide to get this game, be warned that you will be offered great rewards for confronting certain uruk, if you fail, you might be punished more severely than if you were to be rewarded. I had successfully killed several uruk, only to find I'd been offered to confront a specific uruk with the promise of great reward. I was killed, and then several of the empty slots of the uruk hierarchical tree containing the dead bodies of uruk I had dispatched had all of a sudden got filled right up again. So be prepared and make sure to get as much in the way of upgrades as possible, otherwise you could be in for a hard slog.

    The music is great, I love the soundtrack to this game it's really well composed, the voice acting is good enough for me, it passes as professional enough, so all in all, despite the repetitive gameplay at times, it's still a sterling effort well worth getting.

    The settings are a little much in places, and I was a little disappointed that despite opting to run the game on an Nvidia card, it still only registered the use of an intel graphics card - despite running on the nvidia card anyway (I dunno, I don't code the stuff I just play it).

    Good game, definitely worth the spending on.
    Unlike other disappointments from earlier on in the year, like Sims 4 for example.    … Expand
  91. Herding
    Oct 31, 2014
    10
    Pros:
    -Graphics
    -Nemesis System -Arkham-like combat -Great voice acting -Great character design -Open world -Collectibles Cons: -The repetitive nature of the game -The fact that you need 6gb vram to run ultra settings -No save option (Only auto-save) When I first saw this game on YouTube I thought it wouldn't be a game I enjoyed. But boy was I wrong. This is a solid game    Pros:
    -Graphics
    -Nemesis System
    -Arkham-like combat
    -Great voice acting
    -Great character design
    -Open world
    -Collectibles

    Cons:
    -The repetitive nature of the game
    -The fact that you need 6gb vram to run ultra settings
    -No save option (Only auto-save)

    When I first saw this game on YouTube I thought it wouldn't be a game I enjoyed. But boy was I wrong. This is a solid game based off of the Lord of the Rings universe and if you love Lord of the Rings, then you'll love this.    … Expand
  92. Thilus
    Oct 31, 2014
    8
    Batman meets Assasins' Creed in a mixture that will keep you engaged for at least 20-30 hours. Although the gameplay feels a little repetitive, and the story leaves something to be desired, and overall quality of the game earns it a strong 8 out of 10.
  93. Mullyman987
    Oct 29, 2014
    9
    I don't understand why so many people have their panties up in a bunch about this game. It is as the title suggests a Lord of the Rings game. From an objective standpoint (all fan-boy attitude aside) this game is really fun. Who doesn't like the idea of a lethal ranger getting murdered, in turn becoming more lethal in death as a combination of man and wraith. The fighting style is veryI don't understand why so many people have their panties up in a bunch about this game. It is as the title suggests a Lord of the Rings game. From an objective standpoint (all fan-boy attitude aside) this game is really fun. Who doesn't like the idea of a lethal ranger getting murdered, in turn becoming more lethal in death as a combination of man and wraith. The fighting style is very much a combination of Batman and Assassin's Creed games, but is this a bad thing. Some people would jump on my case instantly, but the flowing style of combat really does make the game run smoother. That doesn't even bring up the concept of how many ways you can cripple and kill enemies. If you are in a bind for arrows you can combat drain, if you need to narrow down the number of orcs attacking you can do executions, and if you are surrounded and need to escape you can do a wraith blast.

    As everyone knows combat style isn't enough, the story and characters play a huge role in the playability of a game. I will be the first one to say I haven't really encountered any character (with the exception of Talion and Celebrimbor) that actually peaked my interest. But the orc captains kept me entertained. All three of my roommates have this game and we have never heard the same line of dialogue or encounter the same captain (excluding the first War Chiefs). The variations in personality from captain to captain had me laughing for days on end.

    In conclusion Middle-Earth Shadow of Mordor isn't a perfect game, but it is pretty damn close. Almost every aspect of the game is fun, and there are limitless ways to solve any given problem. The only real downfall being that the game lacks memorable protagonist characters. This game doesn't deserve a perfect score or the low scores that fanatics gave it, so I give it a solid 9. From the standpoint of a guy who enjoys Lord of the Rings as well as video games, this game is definitely worth playing.    … Expand
  94. Bmastr
    Oct 29, 2014
    8
    As most of the people before me already has stated, it's a mix of Assassins Creed and the new Batman-games. I have enjoyed most of the Assassins Creed-games, and really liked both Arkham Asylum and Arkham City, so there was no real surprise that I also really enjoyed this game. Sure, a couple of hours into the game, the constant orc-murdering gets a tad bit repetitive, but never boring.As most of the people before me already has stated, it's a mix of Assassins Creed and the new Batman-games. I have enjoyed most of the Assassins Creed-games, and really liked both Arkham Asylum and Arkham City, so there was no real surprise that I also really enjoyed this game. Sure, a couple of hours into the game, the constant orc-murdering gets a tad bit repetitive, but never boring. Throughout my playthrough, I was never bored, which is a testament to how great the combat-system really is. The story is somewhat decent, but what keeps the game interesting is the enemy-system. I had a really persistent orc coming back several times, each time with a new patched-up wound or a piece of the face missing, and when I finally finished him off for the last time, I almost started to miss him. It brings a whole new aspect to the game, which I really hope to see in different renditions in future games.

    The game starts off quite challenging, and it was in the beginning I had most fun. In the later stages of the game, with all the upgrades available, you start to become pretty much invincible, and not even the most powerful warchiefs really pose a threat.

    There really isn't much to say that other people already have said. If you enjoyed the Batman-games and/or the Assassins Creed-games, chances are you really will enjoy this game. If you also have the least bit of interest in the Lord of the Rings-mythos, chances are you will like it even more. If you don't have any interest in any of the above, I would still recommend you to try it :>    … Expand
  95. Hieraldrich
    Oct 29, 2014
    9
    I always loved the Assassin's Creed series with it's open-worldness, free running/parkour style movement, tonnes of side quests and collectables. And i was also very fond of the Batman Arkham series's free flow combat as well. Adding those two things inside a Lord of the Rings Universe (i'm a big LOTR fanboy) along with the innovative, in depth, surprisingly impressive, and unique NemesisI always loved the Assassin's Creed series with it's open-worldness, free running/parkour style movement, tonnes of side quests and collectables. And i was also very fond of the Batman Arkham series's free flow combat as well. Adding those two things inside a Lord of the Rings Universe (i'm a big LOTR fanboy) along with the innovative, in depth, surprisingly impressive, and unique Nemesis system that gives you literally infinite replayability after finishing the main storyline along with the side quests, weapon legend quests, and gathering all the collectables. The game is extremely polished, i never encountered any game breaking bugs or glitches, just one glitch where i got stuck mid air in an animation but got out of it after a while. The voice acting was very well done, especially with the Uruks. The Graphics are up to par with most games of this generation, but the notable high to me would be the character textures, especially on the uruks when viewed up close on the Nemesis screen, lots of detail on the skin and armor. Now it's time for the cons, but i'm going to say now, what i already praised about the game so far in this review very much outweighs the shortcomings i'm about the explain. The story, something a lot of game lack now a days. They obviously focused on the gameplay/combat and RPG elements of the game the most and just skipped over the story more because there isn't much to it. You play as a Talion, a Ranger of the Black Gate in Mordor (Where the game takes place) His family got murdered by a bunch of Uruks and now he's out for revenge. He also gets killed in the process but gets resurrected by a "Wraith" in which possess his body allowing him to have immortality. The spirits has no idea what his purpose is and who he once was but it is known by the player that his name is Celebrimbor, The Forger of the Rings of Power. Talions whole purpose is to exact revenge on the one who murdered his family, particularly the one who planned it and carried out the orders, the antagonist, the Dark Lord Sauron, the most evil and powerful being on Middle Earth and the leader of the Uruks in which you fight in the game. You must try to rise in power and take control of Sauron's Army (The Nemesis System) to have a chance of getting to the Dark Lord himself and finally end his dark reign and avenge your family's death. So that's the cliche story, nothing original, nothing new. The Boss fights are just not great at all. The final boss fight is basically a series of QTE's, that's it, and it's not even against Sauron, the guy you fight suddenly transforms into Sauron once you defeat him, it's really disappointing but it only takes up a very small part in the game. The real joy and fun comes from the true mini bosses, the Captains and warchiefs of Sauron's Army in which each one has it's own Strengths and weakness and fears, along with their own unique look, voice and name. It's basically a procedurally/randomly generated Orc society system where other Captains fight for spot in rank with others. One big social war for power and rank amongst the Uruks. I can go on for way longer but i think this is good enough. I would highly recommend the game.… Expand
  96. RingK
    Oct 28, 2014
    6
    I can't understand all the hype around this title... Is a button mashing combat system game, one of the best of course, but still feels... not really solid.
  97. Ananisapta
    Oct 28, 2014
    1
    Be warned that the initial release of this game does not reliably save your progress and makes no backup files. It is possible to put forty or more hours into the game and then find that all your progress has been lost. Manual backup of gamedata.sav is highly recommended!
  98. dimitrii_ss2
    Oct 27, 2014
    7
    meh , it's all i have to say i'm 80% in to the game : it's a good game but not great, somewhere in the middle , i wasn't hyped about it but i'm really disappointed that i gets dull after some time. I was expecting more from a AAA game , at least from my past experiences with Metro last light, Tomb Raider, Devil my cry, Far cry 3 etc...
  99. Methward
    Oct 27, 2014
    8
    Shadow of Mordor really captures the heart and soul of Middle-Earth and the Lord of the Rings as a whole. The gameplay is a combination of sandbox and AC type-of-gameplay. The storyline is solid and magnificent, the villains and characters are truly well fleshed out, sidequests are fun to play as well and it's well optimized on PC for a 2014 game, if I can say that.
    A must have for the    Shadow of Mordor really captures the heart and soul of Middle-Earth and the Lord of the Rings as a whole. The gameplay is a combination of sandbox and AC type-of-gameplay. The storyline is solid and magnificent, the villains and characters are truly well fleshed out, sidequests are fun to play as well and it's well optimized on PC for a 2014 game, if I can say that.
    A must have for the fans of the franchise and not just for them.    … Expand
  100. JugoZille
    Oct 27, 2014
    9
    I love Mordor. One of my favorite sandbox Action RPGs of all time. For me, its more fun than the Assassins Creed games (I did not finish one, but Mordor I finished). I like that in Mordor most of the sidequests actually make sense. Its just fun to fight the orcs and find your own nemesis.

    The combat is a nice mix of AC and Batman games. Its easy to learn, but (a little) harder to    I love Mordor. One of my favorite sandbox Action RPGs of all time. For me, its more fun than the Assassins Creed games (I did not finish one, but Mordor I finished). I like that in Mordor most of the sidequests actually make sense. Its just fun to fight the orcs and find your own nemesis.

    The combat is a nice mix of AC and Batman games. Its easy to learn, but (a little) harder to master. Well, I missed an epic endboss fight. The ending of SoW kind of suxx. EVERY game needs a last challenge!

    To sum it up: If you like AC, Batman or similar Action-RPGs, you will like Mordor, too. The gameplay mechanisms are great, the look is cool, only the story is generic fantasy standard. Not so important, because 99% of games have standard story. Hire me, if you want to have some unique, sophisticated story!! :)    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

23
#23 Best PC Game of 2014
11
#11 Most Discussed PC Game of 2014
10
#10 Most Shared PC Game of 2014

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
84

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 17
  3. Negative: 0 out of 17
  1. PC PowerPlay
    Nov 1, 2014
    90
    Solid action wrapped in a fascinating simulated Orc society. [Nov 2014, p.52]
  2. Game World Navigator Magazine
    Oct 25, 2014
    72
    After you get used to the world of Shadow of Mordor understanding comes: there is nothing to do in it. Chieftains – pretty serious opponents at first – in the end due to the lame balance become the whipping boys. Storyline is buried under muddy reasoning about rings, elves and dark lord. As a result you like the Shadow of Mordor gameplay but you do not want to go to the finish. [Nov 2014, p.64]
  3. Riot Pixels
    Oct 19, 2014
    70
    Only thanks to the Nemesis system stinky orcs from Peter Jackson’s movies rise above being cannon fodder and turn into actual characters. If this cool system weren’t here, no one would have looked twice at this hybrid clone of Batman: Arkham City and Assassin’s Creed.
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