User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 2369 Ratings

User score distribution:
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  1. Oct 3, 2014
    10
    This game is simply outstanding. It has many elements of Assassin's Creed, Batman games, Prototype, with an interesting Middle-Earth twist and an interesting boss system. The non-quest activities are also a blast. The game has AAA production values and has been great fun so far.

    Highly recommended!
  2. Oct 25, 2014
    10
    I enjoyed this quite a bit. I got frustrated, I died (which is why I got frustrated), I smiled and I just had a pretty good time playing through Middle-Earth: Shadow of Mordor.

    Does it have similarities to Assassin's Creed and the Batman Arkham games? Sure it does. Does this make it a bad thing? Not in my opinion. The combat, while familiar, was more challenging than in the Assassin's
    I enjoyed this quite a bit. I got frustrated, I died (which is why I got frustrated), I smiled and I just had a pretty good time playing through Middle-Earth: Shadow of Mordor.

    Does it have similarities to Assassin's Creed and the Batman Arkham games? Sure it does. Does this make it a bad thing? Not in my opinion. The combat, while familiar, was more challenging than in the Assassin's Creed games. You gain runes, you gain points and power that allow you to gain and upgrade various abilities that make it more fun to keep playing on all while getting that same enjoyable feeling of kicking Orc butt along the way. The story missions were varied enough to keep me playing through together with a few side bits that allowed my Ranger to get stronger and for me to test my skills while doing so between the main story missions.

    Overall I was impressed and I would recommend this to anyone that enjoys a bit of fun however I also know that not everyone will enjoy the combat system like many of us do (just as we may not enjoy some of the things that make your favourite games fun to play) so make sure it's your cup of tea and if it is you're most likely going to have the same fun playing through this as I did.
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  3. Sep 30, 2014
    10
    Absolutely fenomenal !! Benn playing for 10 hours straight - haven't found a thing that would turn me off. Very happy i pre ordered it. After playing it i went straight and bought the Season Pass DLC boundle.

    I play using the Logitech F710 gamepad and i would advise any PC gamer getting this to also play using a gamepad.

    To sum up worth getting - hope they make a franchise out of it !
  4. Oct 11, 2014
    10
    So I own AC and Batman, this has something much more over those two games. Yes its borrows from these and a others but brings new elements as well and really stands on its own as a new entry. Also many of the reviewers seem to have played for only a few hours, almost posted as soon as it was released. Its a deep game with many of the unlocks being available after your quite a few missionsSo I own AC and Batman, this has something much more over those two games. Yes its borrows from these and a others but brings new elements as well and really stands on its own as a new entry. Also many of the reviewers seem to have played for only a few hours, almost posted as soon as it was released. Its a deep game with many of the unlocks being available after your quite a few missions in.

    The story I find good, has some nice pieces of lore and the pacing is perfect and works to frame the action and purpose for being in the world.

    The graphics are really excellent, not just the textures, but the whole package. The character models and animation system is spot on, weather effects, day night cycles (playing at night with your branded army is surreal), its has flora and fauna with its own purpose. Combat is the best I've played, visceral.

    Sound design is incredible. Cant say much more, normally I'd turn down the music after a while, but its perfect here.

    So if being a complete badass in the LOTR universe, with procedural emergent gameplay and some of the best AI I've seen is for you, then get it.
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  5. Oct 1, 2014
    10
    I generally have low expectations for the next big console hit. And this game wasn't even highly anticipated or hyped. Shadow of Mordor has knocked my socks off. Graphics are excellent and will get even better if I buy a GTX 980. And that's without the mod community stepping in. This could get ridiculous. It plays like a console game, but not like a port to PC. Controls are intuitive andI generally have low expectations for the next big console hit. And this game wasn't even highly anticipated or hyped. Shadow of Mordor has knocked my socks off. Graphics are excellent and will get even better if I buy a GTX 980. And that's without the mod community stepping in. This could get ridiculous. It plays like a console game, but not like a port to PC. Controls are intuitive and not overly complex. The story is fun and certainly reminiscent of LOTR, and cut scenes are artfully spread throughout without coming off as boring or contrived. Not in a while have I thought about a game throughout the day while still at work. This is one of those games. Expand
  6. 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!
  7. Oct 10, 2014
    10
    Enjoyment Level: Variable/Very good on ave
    Game play:9
    Graphics:9.5 Design: 8 It`s a fact SOM has made quite a leap in terms of graphics and has introduced many admirable combat mechanics which are must to enjoy the game yet we could n`t expect them from tiny minds at Ubisoft who are milking the same old cow by dressing it every time with a new costume, & their CG movies are always jaw
    Enjoyment Level: Variable/Very good on ave
    Game play:9
    Graphics:9.5
    Design: 8
    It`s a fact SOM has made quite a leap in terms of graphics and has introduced many admirable combat mechanics which are must to enjoy the game yet we could n`t expect them from tiny minds at Ubisoft who are milking the same old cow by dressing it every time with a new costume, & their CG movies are always jaw dropping but they could n`t forge a similar character in-game. And lo! Monolith has done it. The body proportion, looks, everything is so killing except for environment which is almost same throughout. Here`re my mixed thoughts on it.
    PROS: it`s not been long since I started playing this game, So far only have acquired tier 4 skills. Was much curious between the sky-high claims by some and critics by others which made it sound a plain dead game. Could n`t believe anything unless I played myself. Also I was bothered by the claims that it resembles AC in many ways, Since i have also played AC black-F twice, i`d say Assassin C won`t even is a shadow of this Shadows of M.
    Animations: In AC: I was hating the way Edward would kind of act like he is wiping his chin with no innovative body profile animation whatsoever while the game was loading. SOM contains every very mature animation we expect from the AAA game to have and none of them are stupid like in case of AC. Did u notice how unrealistic it looks when Edwards` ship arrives Havana, and how incredible it is to have such next gen environment. I am playing it @1080P with most settings low except for textures and lightning & it still looks way more gorgeous than AC would do at highest. FYI: i am a fan boy to none, i only try to derive the old experience from current gen games, and mostly i find current gen games hollow compared to games i used to play many years ago. As far as copying animations from AC would concern, Not a big deal, Many great games borrowed good values from older and they shined even brighter. i.e Uncharted series took from Tomb raider, Gears of war etc, and was a remarkable game, wasn`t it? So by the fear that soon Shadows of Mordor would attract AC fan boys attention, folks would do such blames but won`t get anything.
    CONS: I don`t know, I am completely into it and not getting bored no matter what.
    However I would do a little complain that while killing Chiefs number of enemies are uncontrollable, I am not dealt with one & three others would attack at the same time while i am doing a finishing move, which is very annoying. It should be like it`s in Darksiders where you won`t be disturbed by others while you are slaying a critical foe. There are number of glitches, control freezes, and other concerns but they are rare and are covered by the great enjoyment value of this game.
    Giving 10 to balance unfair score.
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  8. Oct 6, 2014
    10
    A must have for the fans of the LOTR series who also happen to love both Assassin's Creed & Batman: Arkham series. Well, if you like neither of them, don't even bother.
  9. Oct 1, 2014
    10
    Giving this a 10 to help balance out from the people who don't know how to do reviews. This game is a solid 8.5 and for a first entry by a company all I can say is bravo. This genre is not my thing and yet I have had an amazing time playing this game and have even purchased a season pass as I am excited to see where they take this. Try it for your self and make up your own mind.
  10. Oct 4, 2014
    10
    Superb PC port. Great game design, graphics and audio. I recommend using a controller. The NEMESIS system is very innovative. I can see future games copying this design.

    Monolith start writing the acceptance speech for "GAME OF THE YEAR"!!!
  11. Oct 9, 2014
    10
    This game is amazing. The main story is a little bland but I can't be bothered to care about that because I'm having too much fun with the nemesis system. It really says something about a game when some procedurally-generated orc captain has the potential to become one of the most hated and memorable game enemies for a player. Easily game of the year material. Also the game looks and runsThis game is amazing. The main story is a little bland but I can't be bothered to care about that because I'm having too much fun with the nemesis system. It really says something about a game when some procedurally-generated orc captain has the potential to become one of the most hated and memorable game enemies for a player. Easily game of the year material. Also the game looks and runs great on my midrange system at the default medium/high settings the game chose for me. No slowdowns, no crashes, etc. Expand
  12. Aug 29, 2016
    10
    Pure fun. Although the ending is definitively not ideal, the main bulk of the game is extremely entertaining, if not entirely refined. Well optimized for play on PC, a must buy for any gamer interested in action RPGs.
  13. May 20, 2017
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Wowsers. I came into this game without any expectations whatsoever. Boy, I was blown away. Hot off Dragon Age: Inquisition which in itself is an Action RPG, I found Shadow of Mordor's combat (which is important in any ARPG) to be most satisfying. I must admit I found it a bit difficult at the start - I died a lot at the beginning due to lack of experience (going for a whole bunch of orcs like a superhero) but over time as I added more skills, I became more adept at handling orcs, warchiefs and all (yes I still died, but quite a bit less!). It's a game that does stealth MUCH more smoothly and seamless than Assassin's Creed, combat movements MUCH more fluid than Dragon Age: Inquisition and introduces a fun "Nemesis" system.

    The Nemesis system introduces you to the idea of enemy progression e.g. each time an orc or uruk kills you, he gains 1 rank up. There are Warchiefs who are stronger versions of orcs/uruks, surrounded by some bodyguards which require a bit more careful planning. Later in the game when you can brand uruks and turn them into your side, the Nemesis system becomes more fun where you can brand bodyguards and get them to betray Warchiefs (with you helping them), essentially creating traitors within Sauron's orc army ranks.

    As I said before, combat is super fluid and reminds me of the Batman series of games.

    There's heaps of variety in the game, including the ability to ride Caragors (the fierce dog monsters) and Graugs (the huge golem like monster). You also have a mix of sword, bow-and-arrow and stealth dagger skills you employ throughout the game to rid of your enemies. Stealth executions and branding are actually fun and very smooth. Later on you can purchase higher end skill sets which makes you a stronger killing machine for a limited time. There are the main quests and never ending side-quests to enable you to grind a bit to increase your skill sets.

    If there's one thing I'd improve, I'd like the sometimes "sticky" situations where you're stuck climbing on a wall and can't jump down quick enough. But generally you can survive without having to do this.

    Story-wise, it's pretty straight forward, and has ties to Tolkien's Lord of the Rings lore (as re-imagined by Peter Jackson). Familiar characters like the ring, Sauron, Saruman, Gollum either make an appearance in person or in the text.

    After playing this, games like Assassin's Creed will need to improve their combat! I'm certainly looking forward to the sequel, Middle Earth: Shadow of War. It's truly a worthy game.
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  14. 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..
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  15. Oct 5, 2014
    10
    Many people compare this game to Assassin's Creed and the Batman Arkham series, calling it Arkham Creed or so. That's unfair. I've played both series, Batman is my fav among both DC and Marvel characters, and last but not least, i'm in love with LotR since i was a child. All that said, believe me when i say that Shadow of Mordor is a masterpiece. Huge game polish, almost perfect PCMany people compare this game to Assassin's Creed and the Batman Arkham series, calling it Arkham Creed or so. That's unfair. I've played both series, Batman is my fav among both DC and Marvel characters, and last but not least, i'm in love with LotR since i was a child. All that said, believe me when i say that Shadow of Mordor is a masterpiece. Huge game polish, almost perfect PC optimization, awesome graphic, good OST, enjoyable story (if LotR fan, else meh) and most of all: a truly enjoyable game, because of his combat and nemesis system, far better than any other games one can compare this to. Expand
  16. Sep 30, 2014
    10
    This game is incredibly good, fascinating and exciting. It gives you the opportunity to explore Mordor in a unique way with a pretty OP character named Talion. Despite the little time I have played the game, I thought it is amazing! This gane offers on an Open-World concept that works pretty well like the Batman Arkham series and Assassin's Creed series. In truth could Shadows of MordorThis game is incredibly good, fascinating and exciting. It gives you the opportunity to explore Mordor in a unique way with a pretty OP character named Talion. Despite the little time I have played the game, I thought it is amazing! This gane offers on an Open-World concept that works pretty well like the Batman Arkham series and Assassin's Creed series. In truth could Shadows of Mordor managed without The Lord of the universe, but I am thankful it is in Middle-Earth! :D Expand
  17. Oct 9, 2014
    10
    A very pleasant surprise! I rarely write metacritic reviews and only for those games that truly engage me. This is a fun game with a great balance of player challenge. It's great to "own' on some fights; but getting "owned" in other fights is also fun. The story is great and there are also lots of cool side missions to do.

    The graphics are outstanding. I love playing a game that fully
    A very pleasant surprise! I rarely write metacritic reviews and only for those games that truly engage me. This is a fun game with a great balance of player challenge. It's great to "own' on some fights; but getting "owned" in other fights is also fun. The story is great and there are also lots of cool side missions to do.

    The graphics are outstanding. I love playing a game that fully utilizes my PC and the Ultra textures keep my Nvidia GTX Titan Black 6GB memory full at all times. The high textures also look great if you can't run the Ultra textures.

    All-in-all, this is one of the best, funnest, addicting games I've played since Skyrim.
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  18. Oct 15, 2014
    10
    For the record my rating is: i like (10) and i don't like (0), not saying 10 is a perfect game, my ratings don't work like that, simply i either like, or i don't.

    This game sets a new standard for what Assassin's Creed combat should be, fast timed actions with an immense amount of animations made me love this game and understand that AC needs an urgent change to combat, my taste if fast
    For the record my rating is: i like (10) and i don't like (0), not saying 10 is a perfect game, my ratings don't work like that, simply i either like, or i don't.

    This game sets a new standard for what Assassin's Creed combat should be, fast timed actions with an immense amount of animations made me love this game and understand that AC needs an urgent change to combat, my taste if fast paced action, had too much of turn based and slow combat i can't stand it anymore, however i'm not saying Ac combat is bad, it's not, i just prefer this game's combat over AC one (why am i comparing both games, stealth-like combat, climbing, story with family involved, list goes on).

    However i don't like the variety of monsters in the game, the Orcs might have a ton of skin variety but that's it, i wish the base game had a whole lot more but i guess that'll be coming with a DLC. =/
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  19. Feb 11, 2015
    10
    Great Combat, Great Audio, Great Graphics, Great Mechanics, Great Atmosphere, Great Story, Great Execution, Great Roleplay, Great Customization... Should I continue? I'll just say that it's a great game, worth the full price (although understandable if you want to wait until it goes on sale, because it *is* expensive. I reccomend the Season Pass, because it gives access to *a lot* ofGreat Combat, Great Audio, Great Graphics, Great Mechanics, Great Atmosphere, Great Story, Great Execution, Great Roleplay, Great Customization... Should I continue? I'll just say that it's a great game, worth the full price (although understandable if you want to wait until it goes on sale, because it *is* expensive. I reccomend the Season Pass, because it gives access to *a lot* of stuff; Costumes for your guy, New Quests, new Runes for your Weapons, new Challenges, ect.) Expand
  20. Oct 9, 2014
    10
    Game of the year so far for me. Absolutely incredible cutscenes, amazing story, great visuals. Recommended for anyone, especially those who like Middle Earth and its setting.
  21. Sep 30, 2014
    10
    This is one of the better AAA games in some time. The graphics are very good and seems to be very well optimized on pc with no lag what so ever on my HD 7870 video card. The combat is batman Arkhamish, and my wife was like I didn't think the new Assassin's Creed was out yet, although I was wearing the dark ranger suit. I've been playing with an Xbox 360 controller and it works flawlessly.This is one of the better AAA games in some time. The graphics are very good and seems to be very well optimized on pc with no lag what so ever on my HD 7870 video card. The combat is batman Arkhamish, and my wife was like I didn't think the new Assassin's Creed was out yet, although I was wearing the dark ranger suit. I've been playing with an Xbox 360 controller and it works flawlessly. All in all very good game and worth it for action RPG fans and LoTR fans alike. Expand
  22. Aug 13, 2016
    10
    I started playing this game thinking I would probably hate it at least as much as I hate LOTR (and I hate it a lot), but then I started playing it and just fell in love with the game, the game-play was great ,it was so fun, the reactions of the generals and the things they say when you come back after they killed you just made me love it. It was the first game I have ever played that II started playing this game thinking I would probably hate it at least as much as I hate LOTR (and I hate it a lot), but then I started playing it and just fell in love with the game, the game-play was great ,it was so fun, the reactions of the generals and the things they say when you come back after they killed you just made me love it. It was the first game I have ever played that I loved so much that i just couldn't stop playing it until I got 100% of the game completed. Expand
  23. Oct 26, 2014
    10
    Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor is wildly fun for the duration of the campaign (about 25 hours for me), and still manages to pack in about 4 hours on top of that. This is mostly due to the very fun stealth system, however glitchy sometimes it still really makes the game fun almost wherever you are. Planning out your different strategies with warchiefs and slaying them is definitely theMiddle-earth: Shadow of Mordor is wildly fun for the duration of the campaign (about 25 hours for me), and still manages to pack in about 4 hours on top of that. This is mostly due to the very fun stealth system, however glitchy sometimes it still really makes the game fun almost wherever you are. Planning out your different strategies with warchiefs and slaying them is definitely the strongest point of the game. It gives you possible ways to deal with them, and you make them happen. absolutely brilliant Expand
  24. Oct 2, 2014
    10
    Game is like a combination of Batman AC meets Lords of the Rings and it just works very well. The atmosphere and vibe of Mordor is captured perfectly and while not cannon, it still feels very much like LOTR.

    Gameplay mechanics are tight and combat is incredibly satisfying. If you're a fan of LOTR and Batman games, you need to play this game.
  25. Oct 6, 2014
    10
    Its good to see that studios like this still feel the need to take a risk and innovate.. What we all figured would be some sort of gimmick is actually an incredible system that works behind the scenes even when you think it isn't.. Follow the in game story yes, but make your own story using the nemesis system and your suddenly in a whole new world!! Graphics are what you expect nowadaysIts good to see that studios like this still feel the need to take a risk and innovate.. What we all figured would be some sort of gimmick is actually an incredible system that works behind the scenes even when you think it isn't.. Follow the in game story yes, but make your own story using the nemesis system and your suddenly in a whole new world!! Graphics are what you expect nowadays from a AAA title along with the sound.. The gameplay has the best elements with almost assassins creed style assassination manoeuvres :) Expand
  26. 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!
  27. 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.
  28. 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.
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  29. Oct 3, 2014
    10
    So much right here. Decent visuals, an excellent PC port and voice acting's superb. The story isn't bad either, more to the credit of the IP than anything else but I think that's perfectly fine. Combat is smooth and varied, but not too easy until the late game... Assassin's Creed take note!

    The greatest feature by far however has got to be the Nemesis system, or whatever it's called.
    So much right here. Decent visuals, an excellent PC port and voice acting's superb. The story isn't bad either, more to the credit of the IP than anything else but I think that's perfectly fine. Combat is smooth and varied, but not too easy until the late game... Assassin's Creed take note!

    The greatest feature by far however has got to be the Nemesis system, or whatever it's called. The randomly generated Orcs are so much more interesting than I had hoped, and possessing one and leading it up the ranks behind the scenes is sooo much fun.

    For such a polished and innovative title to come out of what is basically a movie tie in is inspirational.
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  30. Sep 30, 2014
    10
    This game is a lot of fun. It is definitely similar to the recent batman games but offers a new twist with the Nemisis system as well as skill trees and weapon runes. Ive only played 2.5 hours so far but it is a lot of fun if you want to play a open world RPG. The graphics are also very good as is SLI scaling. With my SLI 780 I have no problem maintaining 60 FPS @1440p(90 fps average inThis game is a lot of fun. It is definitely similar to the recent batman games but offers a new twist with the Nemisis system as well as skill trees and weapon runes. Ive only played 2.5 hours so far but it is a lot of fun if you want to play a open world RPG. The graphics are also very good as is SLI scaling. With my SLI 780 I have no problem maintaining 60 FPS @1440p(90 fps average in the benchmark) with Max settings except textures which are on high. For 1440p High textures you need at least 3 GB vram ( I checked my cards Vram usage it uses 2.8-3gb) for Ultra Textures @1440p it looks like you need 6gb. The game is very well optimized and runs very smooth with SLI even though a Nvida SLI profile does not exist it is still possible to force SLI through control panel. This is a really good game. Expand
Metascore
84

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 17
  2. 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. 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.