Middle-earth: Shadow of War

 PlayStation 4
User Score
4.9

Generally unfavorable reviews- based on 1686 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 665 out of 1686
  2. Mixed: 265 out of 1686
  3. Negative: 756 out of 1686
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  1. Goo4you
    Oct 17, 2017
    3
    While I've read the endless posts about microtransactions, these have seemed to lose all meaning in today's gaming ecosystem. Developers/publishers don't seem to care about the public outcry. In truth though, you don't need the boxes nor do you have to do anything but complete the content to beat the game and get through the narrative.

    What is god awful here is the thing everybody    While I've read the endless posts about microtransactions, these have seemed to lose all meaning in today's gaming ecosystem. Developers/publishers don't seem to care about the public outcry. In truth though, you don't need the boxes nor do you have to do anything but complete the content to beat the game and get through the narrative.

    What is god awful here is the thing everybody adored in the 1st title: The nemesis system. I personally found it a novelty in the 1st game, but here it is so overdone that it ruins the entire experience. Fine, hunt down a captain, that's good. He kills you and gets stronger, ok. Hunt him down for revenge, that's great. Have 6 captains "MAGICALLY appear" on top of that vengeance target and be all varying levels (I was level 2, that got killed by a lvl 9, then lvl10 and then was surrounded by 6 Lvl 5-15 captains). Not only that, but each, and, every, one, had, to, wax, poetic, about, how, they, were, going, to, kill, me. And yea this is an option you can turn off, but really I didn't think 6 FREAKING CAPTAINS WOULD JUST POP ON TOP OF ME!

    The menus are another unmitigated mess. They are so convoluted I honestly think the designer and programmer were drinking buddies and worked on them through all-night drunken binges. It's astonishingly bad. My eyes hurt fiddling around in them.

    You can take narrative liberties from time to time, but Shelob is the most ham-fisted insertion to grace this series. The time scale for events are just completely out of sync with the LOTR. Minas Ithil is long gone by the time of the war of the ring. The argument could be made that well, we are at those events. Well then, explain Gollum being in Mordor from the 1st title! He wouldn't have been there! Hell, he'd still be wallowing in a freakin cave under Moria!!

    The worst part of all of this..is the entirety of the game...is just boring. You are doing the same handful of things over and over and over and OVER! It's just one giant collect-O-thon within the confines of the map, and really silly online "vendetta" targets for some reason. You get gear....but....it's just gear. Nothing about this is needed, it's just PADDING!

    Bloat, bloat and lazy programming with a shamble of a writer's team make up this title. Couple that with a ridiculous terms of service agreement (Forced Arbitration with an option to opt out in 30 days) and the fact if you don't accept the terms of service, you can't play the game and you can't return the game (because you opened it). It's a damn catch 22 and it's gotta be illegal!

    Pass on this, pass on this hard. If I can avoid it, I will steer clear of ANY WB game in the future.    … Expand
  2. BeetrootBaron
    Oct 12, 2017
    4
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The combat mechanics and the nemesis system are the only reason that this is getting a 4 from me, they have been greatly improved since shadow of mordor. The story on the other hand is absolutely rotten, as a massive fan of Tolkiens work it sickens me to see his lore broken to such a degree that it actually bothers me more than the microtransactions (we'll get to them shortly). The way they portrayed shelob as some sort of shape shifting psychic is just so immersion breaking. same goes for the ringwraiths, to make isildur and helm hammerhand ringwraiths is a spit in the face to Tolkien and its constantly on my mind while trying to get through the monotonous grind. Now as for the microtransactions, I haven't felt the need or urge to purchase any lootboxes because I would rather earn my gear and orcs but to put them in a fully priced singleplayer game is an unnecessary distraction that takes away from the experience, it is always subtly leading you to the marketplace shoving them in you're face. It also affects the balance substantially towards the end with you having to constantly defend your strongholds in order to get the true ending, the grind at this stage is so tedious that it would force a lot of people to just spend their money to get through it, either that or if you're like me it will force you to quit the game and watch the ending on youtube. This game would have been so much more interesting and enjoyable if they used the lore that Tolkien had written and if they hadn't included the balance breaking microtransactions.… Expand
  3. Celestinos
    Oct 12, 2017
    0
    they finished the game doing these microtransactions to be able to continue in the history, this is a shame! the gamer community has to come together for this kind of thing not to invade the consoles.
    shame, shame, shame!
  4. pixelpassion
    Oct 11, 2017
    4
    Not far into the game and have ran into a few bugs the controls feel sloppy the UI is a mess and one cheap death when the game froze on me but we all know the loot box controversy and just feels bad the game has a bad cloud over it and it being mediocre doesn't help.
  5. RoosterJuice
    Oct 12, 2017
    0
    Microtransactions in an $60 single player game is like buying a nice car and then after driving it for 1 year, a message pops up on the dashboard saying you can only drive a maximum of 40 mph unless you purchase more "credits".

    Unacceptable filthy greed.
  6. Bumpster
    Oct 12, 2017
    0
    GAMERS, We need to stop saying "discusted with the gaming industry", this is NOT all developers. Lots of fantastic developers out there that understand the microtransaction issue. But like you i am angry, disappointed with Warner Bros and Monolith (was a big fan of Monoliths games). This is really unfortunate that a game that is so good is hampered, held back intentionally because theyGAMERS, We need to stop saying "discusted with the gaming industry", this is NOT all developers. Lots of fantastic developers out there that understand the microtransaction issue. But like you i am angry, disappointed with Warner Bros and Monolith (was a big fan of Monoliths games). This is really unfortunate that a game that is so good is hampered, held back intentionally because they want you to pony up $$$ and buy loot boxes. They intentionally give you crappy orcs etc so you have to buy loot boxes or play stupid fetch quests for hours that intentionally lul you into submission...so you'll buy loot boxes. They've made a great game but hamstrung it so you can't progress without more $$$$. So glad I was able to play this with a friend before i bought it. So disappointed, I thought I'd be rushing to the store to pick this up but the more we played, the more we saw through the money grab scheme. I won't be purchasing this or any Warner Bros/Monolith games in the future. We need to stop this now. Please do not support this game, it's going to kill our favorite past time.… Expand
  7. igit
    Oct 12, 2017
    0
    This microtransaction crap has to stop. For God's sake. It's a 60$ singleplayer game. We already paid for the game. If you buy this, you encourage the companies to put more of this crap into next games. And don't tell me this **** "you don't have to pay for microtransactions" Are you really so naive thinking that the game won't be designed in a specific way to make you pay for it sooner orThis microtransaction crap has to stop. For God's sake. It's a 60$ singleplayer game. We already paid for the game. If you buy this, you encourage the companies to put more of this crap into next games. And don't tell me this **** "you don't have to pay for microtransactions" Are you really so naive thinking that the game won't be designed in a specific way to make you pay for it sooner or later? Endless grind and other ****? No, thanks. DON"T BUY THIS.… Expand
  8. zerathsilver
    Oct 12, 2017
    0
    Hmm lets see
    -Encouraging kids to gambling
    -Micro-transactions in an already AAA priced game
    -Recycling same content from the first game
    Buying this game should be illegal.
  9. Wald_OST
    Oct 12, 2017
    0
    Loot boxes are not allowed in the 60$ game! We need to fight back now, otherwise tomorrow we will be offered 60$ for the game, then for 80$ for Season pass and for 100$ to open 5-6 boxes in which the entire content of the game will be found. If the WB gets away with it, then this is the future that awaits us all.
  10. marcusgolol
    Oct 11, 2017
    0
    Хочешь купить игру и приятно провести пару-тройку вечеров попивая пивасик? Нет, теперь никакого пива, и твоего стула, и монитор тоже придется продать. Перестань ныть и покупай кейсы.

    @PayToWin
  11. lowerclassbrats
    Oct 11, 2017
    0
    Game ruined by microtransactions. This game is getting good scores from the legacy gaming media because they never have and never will look out for the consumer. If a publisher wants to ruin their game by putting gambling via microtransactions in at the cost of quality then they must accept the poor review scores from the consumer.
  12. Dex1911
    Oct 11, 2017
    4
    The game is very confusing you have to hold a two run but if you want to turn your camera you have to stop running then turn the camera then sprint again what the **** The health regen system is retarded and very confusing. And if you are in the middle of a Battle and your health is low you have to run and find an orc to drain to get your health back. This is a very bad game
  13. ArchSeeker
    Oct 11, 2017
    2
    Best thing about this game is its combat and Nemesis system just like in Shadow of Mordor. Like its predecessor though, the game fails terribly at storytelling, character development, and variety in activities. Let's also not forget that someone thought it would be a good idea to put microtransactions in the game. I know that there are many who don't care but this game's anti-consumerBest thing about this game is its combat and Nemesis system just like in Shadow of Mordor. Like its predecessor though, the game fails terribly at storytelling, character development, and variety in activities. Let's also not forget that someone thought it would be a good idea to put microtransactions in the game. I know that there are many who don't care but this game's anti-consumer business model goes to show how much companies care now. You can't even get the true ending unless you have legendary orc followers. This was clearly made to make the loot boxes more appealing due to the tedious grind you'd have to do in order to get them. Vote with your wallet folks, avoid buying this game or wait untill the price drops to at least half of the $60 price tag.… Expand
  14. efkiss
    Oct 12, 2017
    0
    0/10 BURN you greedy bastards. The ending is tedious AF! I regret buying and it's already cracked... Should just watched it on youtube. Don't get it why people review it at 10, maybe they are paid, but let me tell you, if you want future of micro-transactions in single-player and gamble just to finish the game then support it, rate 10 and so on, I don't want it. MT's break the game no0/10 BURN you greedy bastards. The ending is tedious AF! I regret buying and it's already cracked... Should just watched it on youtube. Don't get it why people review it at 10, maybe they are paid, but let me tell you, if you want future of micro-transactions in single-player and gamble just to finish the game then support it, rate 10 and so on, I don't want it. MT's break the game no matter how good the game is, World of Warcraft is best MMO for a reason.… Expand
  15. Radm2000
    Oct 12, 2017
    0
    Microtransactions, don't waste your time . end game all about buying loot box . suddenly you feel it turned to mobile game where you have buy to progress
  16. Rand77
    Oct 12, 2017
    0
    Micro transactions shoudnt be in game for 60$! That nonsense completely ruined game for me. That and stupid story plus almost same gameplay. Without micro transactions would be 7-8, with it for sure just 0.
  17. Jacobo90
    Oct 11, 2017
    0
    This is unbelievable, DO NOT BUY THIS GAME. Its nothing but a rip off you need to buy loot boxes with YOUR OWN MONEY in order to finish the campaign. The game is full of MICROTRANSACTIONS if you buy this game you are supporting this kind of behavior from the gaming companies. This is a disgusting practice.
  18. Keys1989
    Oct 11, 2017
    0
    Damn it all to hell!

    I'm almost 40, been gaming since Atari and at the peak of performance capabilities gaming is ruined by the all mighty dollar and developer greed. Pay (fot only a chance) at winning. Second half of the game is clearly designed to try and make you spend money. In a full price SINGLE PLAYER game. Unforgivable.
  19. Lilahkiz
    Oct 11, 2017
    0
    Grind for weeks for the endgame or Spend a couple of bucks on lootboxes to finish the game which you gonna choose?
    People should not support microtransactions don't believe us go look at dreamcastguy review kids
  20. DeaconFrost
    Oct 12, 2017
    0
    Microtransactions in a single player game ? Are you kidding me ? Luckily I watched the review from Angry Joe before buying this game. This has to stop. NOW !
  21. epistm87
    Oct 12, 2017
    0
    making a giant spider a sex figure for wea2boos.
    Microtransactions in single game.
    this is not cheapy mobile game.
    dont buy this game in full price .
  22. Galgotit
    Oct 11, 2017
    0
    Loot boxes with a grind wall in single player. Only sort of game where its morally justifiable to pirate. I cannot honestly recommend any one buy this game and forget those shills that say otherwise.
  23. DonMega
    Oct 12, 2017
    0
    Pay $85 in my country for this game only to pay for loot boxes in a single player game. Sure you can beat this game without loot boxes but the game literally kills you in the last act of the game because you are forced to grind for 20+ hours to get the legendary orcs you need to finish the game or pay for loot boxes in a single player game to reduce the grind time. Just the lowest of thePay $85 in my country for this game only to pay for loot boxes in a single player game. Sure you can beat this game without loot boxes but the game literally kills you in the last act of the game because you are forced to grind for 20+ hours to get the legendary orcs you need to finish the game or pay for loot boxes in a single player game to reduce the grind time. Just the lowest of the low by a developer. Shame because the first game was great although boring and repetitive at times.… Expand
  24. Jethalex
    Oct 13, 2017
    0
    Don't be sheeps!! Bare some teeth and fight against a blatant and disgusting business practice. Don't let the industry ruin your hobby! Micro transaction like this is not okay!
  25. forbitz
    Oct 11, 2017
    1
    Its a pity that in a single player game that greed has come into the equation, speaking of course about the micro transactions which ruin the end of the game. People should vote with their wallets and let publishers know we don't want this sort of thing in games we pay good money for.
  26. liathwulf
    Oct 10, 2017
    0
    including microtransactions in a full priced, single player game is absolutely inexcustable exploitation of us players. The game design was intentionally gimped to encourage players to buy these horrible things. There are people out there who are kids being taken advantage of by these systems. The business model this game pushes patronizes me as a gamer and insults my intelligence. I getincluding microtransactions in a full priced, single player game is absolutely inexcustable exploitation of us players. The game design was intentionally gimped to encourage players to buy these horrible things. There are people out there who are kids being taken advantage of by these systems. The business model this game pushes patronizes me as a gamer and insults my intelligence. I get that you publishers are making hundreds of million dollars on sick people who cannot control themselves, but I hope for the sake of this industry gamers read this and don't buy this game, it deserves to rot.… Expand
  27. Ungodly_Phantom
    Oct 11, 2017
    1
    Отличий от первой части минимум, нудный гринд,скучная боевка. И на десерт кейсики. Как игра за 60$ получает оценку 1, если бы была ф2п, то 5 из 10
  28. Revolt23
    Oct 10, 2017
    0
    Do not support this BS! Microtransactions in a single player game? Are you f'ing kidding me? Do not let these scumbags get away with this! Microtransactions is a cancer in the Gaming Community! Microtransaction loot boxes!!! What a brilliant greedy scumbag move to pull!
  29. Ravarath
    Oct 10, 2017
    1
    Decent game but what's with the loot crates? I pay for game full prize so why should I pay more? Nope. Do not buy. I'm boycotting this kind of marketing. Here and in Battlefront.
  30. damman
    Oct 12, 2017
    1
    All can type is don't purchase this game new if possible due to the loot boxes and weeks of grinding to see a lame final cut scene. If you want to buy ( support Titian Fall 2 which has not micro-transaction) wait to it's on a deep sale or better yet do not purchase and support WB and Monolith who used a dead man sickness to profit for DLC or giving countless gambling loot crates that willAll can type is don't purchase this game new if possible due to the loot boxes and weeks of grinding to see a lame final cut scene. If you want to buy ( support Titian Fall 2 which has not micro-transaction) wait to it's on a deep sale or better yet do not purchase and support WB and Monolith who used a dead man sickness to profit for DLC or giving countless gambling loot crates that will give you OP over others. Please do not buy this game and stop supporting gaming devs like this one who are greedy SOBs. The game is a $$$ grab do your research first. Lets teach these gaming companies to stop slicing up games and selling it as DLC and season passes. We are the gamer who make these companies rich but we get nothing in return but pointless loot boxes and dlc that was originally cut from the real game. Bottom line it's a shell game. They know which shell has the ball but they hide if from the customer. Not going to fall for this tactic again. I work to hard for my money and I demand a full game and no DLC season pass BS and grind feast. By the way I am a black man who believes in unity for all. I say lets apply the same to the gaming industry and stop fighting each other while these fools count our money. There will be a day where the gamer control what content for the next season go AAA games. Lets get these devs to give use more not less for under 59.99. We can change the industry over night if we stop supporting these games and band together. Trust me. One love peace.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

65
#65 Best PS4 Game of 2017
12
#12 Most Discussed PS4 Game of 2017
13
#13 Most Shared PS4 Game of 2017

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 69 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 53 out of 69
  2. Mixed: 16 out of 69
  3. Negative: 0 out of 69
  1. CD-Action
    Dec 19, 2017
    80
    I was annoyed by various flaws (both technical and design-related) and tedious, dragged out final stages of the campaign, but overall I enjoyed the ride. It looks like the developers wanted to stuff the game with all the best elements Middle-earth has to offer. Shadow of War’s atmosphere is terrific and watching Talion rise in power is surprisingly addictive. [12/2017, p.62]
  2. Cubed3
    Nov 26, 2017
    70
    A handful of issues, some much more annoying than others, do not negate how solid of an action RPG Middle-earth: Shadow of War is. A tremendous achievement for the team at Monolith Productions, this is an exciting, if not sometimes slow, and too often unfair, title that manages to be as impressively fun as it is big.
    Read full review
  3. Playstation Official Magazine UK
    Nov 20, 2017
    60
    Big, brutal, and - alas - bloated, Shadow of War is a disappointing follow-up, conjuring battles of grand scale and then deadening their impact through grinding repetition. [December 2017, p.79]
See all critic reviews »