Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor

 PlayStation 4
User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 2699 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2,017 out of 2699
  2. Mixed: 474 out of 2699
  3. Negative: 208 out of 2699
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  1. DrakeGarrison
    Aug 26, 2015
    8
    Fight your way through Mordor and reveal the truth of the spirit that compels you, discover the origins of the Rings of Power, build your legend and ultimately confront the evil of Sauron in this new story of Middle-earth.
  2. kimmkonyi
    Aug 24, 2015
    10
    This is an amazing a game, its a little late for a review but i can honestly play it over and over. the fights, the difficulty, the enemy progression, the deaths, the graphics are simply well put. there are so many options in combat its simply cinematic all the way through a combat scene.
  3. AbstractCat
    Aug 21, 2015
    8
    Fight your way through Mordor and reveal the truth of the spirit that compels you, discover the origins of the Rings of Power, build your legend and ultimately confront the evil of Sauron in this new story of Middle-earth.
  4. rhysmyself
    Aug 18, 2015
    8
    Great all rounder. Combat felt repetitive (although mechanically very good) and upgrade system felt lacking towards the end of the (relatively short) campaign. BUT as a fan of Middle Earth was pretty engaged from start to finish. Good time to pick it up pre owned.
  5. MrXhedo
    Aug 11, 2015
    9
    This game borrows some concepts from other games and gets the best out of them, with a satisfying progression system, beautiful graphics, a unique and entertaining Nemesis system and responsive combat. Make one of the most satisfying and must play games of this generation.
  6. ConorIrwin001
    Aug 9, 2015
    8
    As a big fan of the Lord of the Rings universe I had high hopes for this game on announcement and largely they have remained intact. The beautiful combat system which draws primarily on Arkham Asylum's revolutionary fluidity and an increase of freedom of movement through a variety of skills ensures that it looks and plays beautifully. The character progression is spot on, and in the lateAs a big fan of the Lord of the Rings universe I had high hopes for this game on announcement and largely they have remained intact. The beautiful combat system which draws primarily on Arkham Asylum's revolutionary fluidity and an increase of freedom of movement through a variety of skills ensures that it looks and plays beautifully. The character progression is spot on, and in the late -game environment I felt both incredibly powerful but also very aware that I could still be challenged in the form of the larger Uruk strongholds. The main fault of Shadow of Mordor is its story which appeared to be hard to invest in, and despite drawing on a variety of LOTR lore, I couldn't shake the feeling that more could have been done in this regard. Overall, a fun and worthwhile game that deserves your time.… Expand
  7. amcorne1
    Jul 31, 2015
    8
    I'm so mixed about this game. I really do like the game but they could have made it a little easier in my opinion. The nemesis system is so cool but I wish it didn't make life so hard. Its such a turn off when your beating down your target and another captain or an insane amount of urks come just cannot hold them off. Another huge problem is captains magically surviving after you killI'm so mixed about this game. I really do like the game but they could have made it a little easier in my opinion. The nemesis system is so cool but I wish it didn't make life so hard. Its such a turn off when your beating down your target and another captain or an insane amount of urks come just cannot hold them off. Another huge problem is captains magically surviving after you kill them. I have watched all the IGN videos and the guys playing make it look so much easier than it is. Even following their advice its is extremely difficult. I play for enjoyment and I am not an all out gamer but this game puts me on the edge of frustration that makes it not really worth playing. For the hardcore gamer who is devoted to conquering every aspect this is it....for the average gamer...not so much.… Expand
  8. pwills2009
    Jul 29, 2015
    7
    Game play was fun. Most enjoyable abilities were only able to be acquired near the end of the game, however. The final two boss battles were TERRIBLE. One included no fighting, just sequential button pushing. I liked the game, but the last hour of game play was overwhelmingly disappointing.
  9. saif99
    Jul 28, 2015
    7
    as an obsessed person with middle earth movies, i was really excited for this game, and i can't say i was quite disappointed but it's just that i expected more....the story is good but how the game ends was disappointing actually, but the gameplay is really enjoyable and that what gives the game all the positive reviews
  10. odahima
    Jul 23, 2015
    7
    It is a good game only if you didn't play other games because this is nothing but stealing from batman, assassin's creed, other good games combined with stupid mechanics and poor story. You just keep pressing square to attack and triangle to counter-attack and that is very much the whole game. The critics' rating was very misleading and I regret ever buying it.
  11. Lazlo21
    Jul 17, 2015
    9
    Middle earth: shadow of mordor is a damn good game. I enjoyed every second of playing it (on PS4).

    The gameplay is a mix between the batman arkham games, and the assassin's creed games. The combat is derived from the arkham side. You can slash, counter, and perform brutal finishing moves in your Orc enemies. Those finishers, for me, never get old. The movement is where the assassin's    Middle earth: shadow of mordor is a damn good game. I enjoyed every second of playing it (on PS4).

    The gameplay is a mix between the batman arkham games, and the assassin's creed games. The combat is derived from the arkham side. You can slash, counter, and perform brutal finishing moves in your Orc enemies. Those finishers, for me, never get old. The movement is where the assassin's creed portion comes in. The way talion climbs and free runs feels just like AC. In other words, the gameplay is amazing.

    The main feature that shadow of mordor introduces is the nemesis system. It contains of an entire hierarchy of orcs, all constantly battling for higher positions of power. Every time you die by the hands of a captain, they get promoted, amongst other orcs across mordor receiving titles. Another feature introduced is the ability to brand orcs. This means that you brainwash them, and insert them back into the regular Orc society. So if you brand a captain, you can help him rise up to power, and manipulate events within the hierarchy of orcs.

    The story is also great. It follows talion, who was killed by sauron, being ressurected by a wraith, and setting off on his quest for vengeance, along the way, you meet a few familiar faces from the LOTR books and movies, along with many interesting new characters. Most missions involve taking on different tasks, with much variety in gameplay and mission objectives. Although, the final boss battle is EXTREMELY anticlimactic.

    This may be my favorite game on the PS4 so far. I love it, and would play it again, anyday. 9/10    … Expand
  12. Jollukka1
    Jul 10, 2015
    8
    Shadow of Mordor: stylish combat, epic fighting and well-created enemies are salt of the game. Shadow of Mordor is the best action/adventure game of 2014. // 8 points
  13. Thomabaddon
    Jul 1, 2015
    8
    Good game. a potpurri of proven combat mechanics with a poor and uninspired story. Slashing orcs is really satisfying but it gets boring after a while.
  14. gramwgre
    Jun 11, 2015
    9
    Loads of fun contained in a really good looking, open world. Very interesting enemy system, with Captians leveling up and planning revenges. Got about 60 hours of gameplay out of it and enjoyed every second.
  15. TuttiTooFruity
    Jun 5, 2015
    8
    After seeing gameplay for this I was definitely determined to get it while on special.
    At first I loved it, the combat is a lot of fun and it's not too easy or difficult. As you upgrade to get new abilities, combat gets even better. However it does get quite repetitive and the story doesn't grab at you, levelling up is very linear and there isn't really any customization.
    There are    After seeing gameplay for this I was definitely determined to get it while on special.
    At first I loved it, the combat is a lot of fun and it's not too easy or difficult. As you upgrade to get new abilities, combat gets even better. However it does get quite repetitive and the story doesn't grab at you, levelling up is very linear and there isn't really any customization.
    There are unique things about the game that do make it appealing, but the game didn't satisfy for long. I bought the premium edition and I haven't even bothered to finish the game or the expansions because it is so repetitive.
    But overall if you can get this game on special below $80 for the full game with expansions, I would recommend it.    … Expand
  16. Animator97
    Jun 4, 2015
    8
    If you like sword action games. If you like games that are extremely fun. If you love the Lord of the Rings lore. You have found your correct game. This Is not your ordinary slasher. It is a unique game style with great story, setting, lore and gameplay. If the one thing you love about games are boss fights, then you should play this game and Bloodborne. Warner Brothers, as, always, hasIf you like sword action games. If you like games that are extremely fun. If you love the Lord of the Rings lore. You have found your correct game. This Is not your ordinary slasher. It is a unique game style with great story, setting, lore and gameplay. If the one thing you love about games are boss fights, then you should play this game and Bloodborne. Warner Brothers, as, always, has injected there unique style into
    this game. It has the smoothest gameplay and the smartest AI. Great game. The world is so unique and real. The game also has that unique hand drawn style that is so rare anymore, to see a game that looks like a game. A game that had a lot of work put into it. One of the very few games that feel next gen.    … Expand
  17. Dartek
    Jun 4, 2015
    9
    I finish the complete game with DLC included, maybe the problem is that the fights are repetitive but anyway good looking and challenging and the way you go trough the story is lineal but anyway you love the character, great graphics and some enemies are a real deal but you will have a lot of fun fighting 10 orcs at the same time.
  18. K5000i
    Jun 3, 2015
    8
    well this was my 1st ps4 game & it was a good intro into the new system, cant say it was a very long game as blast through it within 2 weeks ,.,, but i did have a great time with it. very much as mix of assassin's creed & batman ,., but light on story ,., still chasing down the orcs was a story on its own :) not too much replay value , but it is open ended for a pick up & play at any timewell this was my 1st ps4 game & it was a good intro into the new system, cant say it was a very long game as blast through it within 2 weeks ,.,, but i did have a great time with it. very much as mix of assassin's creed & batman ,., but light on story ,., still chasing down the orcs was a story on its own :) not too much replay value , but it is open ended for a pick up & play at any time so well worth the £25 paid for it… Expand
  19. PuffyPufferFish
    Jun 1, 2015
    9
    Shadow of Mordor is an amazing piece artwork with few flaws.

    Positives + Amazing skills/skill tree with interesting and fun skills Second island has amazing terrain Amazing graphics Fun enjoyable missions Great Characters Negatives - 1st island kind of flat and boring missions could have more variety This game is so much fun and so addicting if you don't already have it    Shadow of Mordor is an amazing piece artwork with few flaws.

    Positives +
    Amazing skills/skill tree with interesting and fun skills
    Second island has amazing terrain
    Amazing graphics
    Fun enjoyable missions
    Great Characters

    Negatives -

    1st island kind of flat and boring
    missions could have more variety

    This game is so much fun and so addicting if you don't already have it go and get it!    … Expand
  20. buggy226
    May 30, 2015
    9
    In my opinion, this game was the best game of the year.

    The flaws in this game are: occasional control issues when hanging from ledges; rare graphical errors; and a complete misunderstanding of a few aspects of the lore in sections of the menus. The good points about the game are: the game looks good, controls are responsive and accurate, both combat and stealth are viable options,    In my opinion, this game was the best game of the year.

    The flaws in this game are: occasional control issues when hanging from ledges; rare graphical errors; and a complete misunderstanding of a few aspects of the lore in sections of the menus.

    The good points about the game are: the game looks good, controls are responsive and accurate, both combat and stealth are viable options, and there is a decent story.

    The best thing about the game is the nemesis system. You can raise a level 1 orc to a level 20 warchief, just by allowing him to kill you, and defeating his superiors. Enemies that you have defeated may return with horrible scars and a thirst for revenge. Enemies that you face more than once will remember your previous encounter and comment on it.    … Expand
  21. tsakiym
    May 25, 2015
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I do not have to say anything. But i need to write one hundred and fifty characters. i think my score can describe it.................................… Expand
  22. TEDD95
    May 19, 2015
    9
    Polished game for recycling project on old
    mechanics, one big miss on game scale and story
    time ratio. But further more intense characters
    and good spin off on the LoTR plot. Great ending
    for a sequel... Hope to see SoM 2 soon :)
  23. HenriqueV
    May 17, 2015
    6
    2014 was a quite year for video gaming. You realize that when Shadow of Mordor get many game of the year awards.

    Its only a okay game. Combat is fun, but the game is really repetitive. Some missions is only about collecting herbs and following a specific character to point 1 to point 2. Story is really weak. As a Tolkien fan, I can't get Celebrinbor playing as a goodguyspectre in    2014 was a quite year for video gaming. You realize that when Shadow of Mordor get many game of the year awards.

    Its only a okay game. Combat is fun, but the game is really repetitive. Some missions is only about collecting herbs and following a specific character to point 1 to point 2.

    Story is really weak. As a Tolkien fan, I can't get Celebrinbor playing as a goodguyspectre in this game, it just doesn't make any kind of sense. Main character Talion feels generic. Gollum is completely out of place. Scenario is uninspiring and incredible repetitive.

    I mean, I played this one in 2015, in a moment that PS4 launch window include games like Bloodborne, Project Cars, Witcher 3 and Arkham Knight, its really hard to care about a game like this. Just a little better than mediocre.    … Expand
  24. L_Coops
    May 17, 2015
    8
    The full potential of this game was not realized. Despite that, it's still good fun.

    A few things annoyed me with Shadow of Mordor: - The game starts off too hard but then becomes far too easy once you unlock a few of your better abilities - The nemesis system could have been so much more with a little extra depth - The final boss battle is very underwhelming - The story is    The full potential of this game was not realized. Despite that, it's still good fun.

    A few things annoyed me with Shadow of Mordor:
    - The game starts off too hard but then becomes far too easy once you unlock a few of your better abilities
    - The nemesis system could have been so much more with a little extra depth
    - The final boss battle is very underwhelming
    - The story is uninspired

    Overall though, it's still a great game. It has very satisfying combat mechanics, the nemesis system is engaging and satisfying and the graphics are pretty. It's just lacking some much needed depth to boost it to a 9/10 or even 10/10 game.    … Expand
  25. Gamedetector
    May 11, 2015
    7
    Nemesis system is great, the graphics are nice, they do not bother at all, tasks, war is fun, but the scenario is boring. The game does not have a decent boss battle. Especially the last boss is a complete disgrace.
  26. Ghoster
    May 10, 2015
    10
    Didn't expect much from this game because I'm not really fan of genre. Story is good but nothing special, but gameplay is what make this game awesome. Good fighting, level up and upgrading character. Side missions are repetitive, but it's very fun to kill orcs and warchiefs. There are few things which could be improved, but in luck of good games lately it deserve 10+ !!!
  27. Meolac
    May 5, 2015
    9
    Hey. Just one though: 2014 Game of the year.
    The most suprised, this is best version, dont play x360 or ps3 cause loading time is disaster ////
    Graphic 8.5
    Sound 9
    Gameplay 9.5
    Total 9
  28. DSouls_guy
    Apr 30, 2015
    10
    Wow, why didn't I play this sooner. At first I wasn't sure if shadow of Mordor was a good purchase, but all that doubt went to rest when I started playing this adventure. The graphics, music, combat, voice acting is all amazing. The story is well written as well, there are a few problems in shadow of Mordor some times the frame rate can get jumpy but nothing game breaking. Over all this isWow, why didn't I play this sooner. At first I wasn't sure if shadow of Mordor was a good purchase, but all that doubt went to rest when I started playing this adventure. The graphics, music, combat, voice acting is all amazing. The story is well written as well, there are a few problems in shadow of Mordor some times the frame rate can get jumpy but nothing game breaking. Over all this is the best action RPG game to be on the ps4 besides bloodborne.… Expand
  29. robinzvak
    Apr 24, 2015
    8
    Good suprise. Game is mix from Batman game and assasins series, with one new element - nemesis system. The best game from LOTR world. If you are fan, absolutly must buy.
  30. HungryHippo123
    Apr 14, 2015
    9
    Great game and had fun with it, i 100% it but i only wish the main character was more interesting, but i really enjoyed the story and the combat and listening to the artifacts memorys.
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Awards & Rankings

19
#19 Best PS4 Game of 2014
7
#7 Most Discussed PS4 Game of 2014
5
#5 Most Shared PS4 Game of 2014

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
84

Generally favorable reviews - based on 85 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 77 out of 85
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 85
  3. Negative: 0 out of 85
  1. Thunderbolt
    Jun 12, 2015
    90
    For people who are alright with playing fifteen hours or so of Helm’s Deep-style carnage, Shadow of Mordor is a delight – and even for people who couldn’t care less about Lord of the Rings, the exciting combat and unique Nemesis System are more than enough to make the experience worthwhile.
    Read full review
  2. The Digital Fix
    Dec 24, 2014
    90
    As a gamer you owe it to yourself to experience Shadow of Mordor if not for anything else other than the Nemesis system because playing a single-player game never made you feel less alone.
    Read full review
  3. CD-Action
    Dec 13, 2014
    75
    Batman’s Creed: Shadow of Mordor – Monolith’s inspirations are so obvious that you could call their game a rip-off. Its greatest sin though is the fact that it fails to vary gameplay the way Assassin’s Creed or Batman do and offers almost nothing apart from killing stuff and playing with the Nemesis system (which, I admit, has its moments). I got so tired with its repetitiveness that I wouldn’t have finished the game if I didn’t have to. [Dec 2014, p.48]
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