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. Hokyshirt
    Nov 19, 2017
    6
    Overall great game, but just skip act 4 and watch the 'true' ending on youtube, because it's not worth the grindfest. Acts 1-3? FANTASTIC. Act 44? I mean, if you have nothing better to play for the next four months, go for it. It's still the same keep seiges and defenses as before, but you can only do the same thing in the same 4 areas so many time before it just gets dull, and the endingOverall great game, but just skip act 4 and watch the 'true' ending on youtube, because it's not worth the grindfest. Acts 1-3? FANTASTIC. Act 44? I mean, if you have nothing better to play for the next four months, go for it. It's still the same keep seiges and defenses as before, but you can only do the same thing in the same 4 areas so many time before it just gets dull, and the ending you get from all that work is just not worth it.
    This isn't a terrible game, but Act 4 almost ruins all the awesome stuff about the rest of it. Without act 4, I'd give it a 9. With Act 4, I'd give it a 6.    … Expand
  2. superfields
    Nov 19, 2017
    9
    Totally unfair reviews, which is why I had to write my own review. If reviews were left to gamers like these no one would ever want to play games. I agree I hate microtransactions too, Star wars Heroes is a perfect example. But unlike that game which forces you to purchase game time, this game is entirely up to you if you want to make any further purchases. Believe me if your good at thisTotally unfair reviews, which is why I had to write my own review. If reviews were left to gamers like these no one would ever want to play games. I agree I hate microtransactions too, Star wars Heroes is a perfect example. But unlike that game which forces you to purchase game time, this game is entirely up to you if you want to make any further purchases. Believe me if your good at this game you never have too.

    Besides this game is better than the original in every aspect, so when I say its a shame how many people turned a blind eye to this game based on the losers who gave this game zero. Pretty sad, to give a zero means it has too be absolutely atrocious and this is far from it...    … Expand
  3. Spidor
    Nov 18, 2017
    1
    This game is one half okay game, and one half infuriating grind. Once you beat the penultimate mission, suddenly the game forces you to repeat ALL your progress multiple times over (encouraging you yo purchase precious lootboxes on the way). Do not play this game as is. Wait until they realize the error of their ways and patch the second half of the game out.

    Also - fortresses are not    This game is one half okay game, and one half infuriating grind. Once you beat the penultimate mission, suddenly the game forces you to repeat ALL your progress multiple times over (encouraging you yo purchase precious lootboxes on the way). Do not play this game as is. Wait until they realize the error of their ways and patch the second half of the game out.

    Also - fortresses are not nearly as cool as the trailer. IT's not fun, it's samey, and the AI is AWFUL.    … Expand
  4. GreyKaff
    Nov 17, 2017
    8
    Great game.. A little bit similar to shadow of mordor but better.. ZERO need for microtransactions. Nemesis system still impress with fort attack/defense.. For me, solid 8.
  5. Nubosis
    Nov 17, 2017
    9
    This game is very addictive, it builds up from its great predecessor (Shadow of Mordor) and adds a lot of content and gimmicks along, its better than the first one and it's very enjoyable, it gets old the tribe-oriented theme, maybe it gets better with the dlcs, maybe not, it's worth the full price and more if you like (maybe not if you are hardcore fan) LOTR.
  6. CaptainPuGDoG
    Nov 16, 2017
    7
    Loot boxes,Loot boxes,Loot boxes,Loot boxes,Loot boxes,Loot boxes,or Grinding Grinding Grinding Grinding Grinding Grinding
    But this game have interesting story 8,and beautiful animation 8,and this fight animation only one,because of this, it is time to spend on Grinding
    World 5 all game design so primitive and unremarkable
  7. davidas101
    Nov 16, 2017
    0
    This game broke me

    I didn't think much of this games predecessor, I purchased this game on pure chance and faith and I was very much rewarded.....until about 50 hours of grinding clocked in and I realized just how little control I had over this reviled piece of rancid crap with its randomized loot chests entangled pathetically with the games otherwise impressive nemesis system. I paid    This game broke me

    I didn't think much of this games predecessor, I purchased this game on pure chance and faith and I was very much rewarded.....until about 50 hours of grinding clocked in and I realized just how little control I had over this reviled piece of rancid crap with its randomized loot chests entangled pathetically with the games otherwise impressive nemesis system. I paid £50 for this game upfront
    and countless hours of fun but the façade starts to peel pretty quickly in this joke of a game.
    THIS GAME IS A RIGGED GLORIFIED GAMBLING SIMULATOR. DO NOT BUY.    … Expand
  8. Hemp316
    Nov 16, 2017
    9
    People on here are complete and utter idiots!This game is extremely fun and innovative and all people can talk about is Loot Boxes which in no way is necessary to play the game.Every zero I see lends me to believe most of these people have never even played the game.For once the Critics are correct and the people have absolutely no idea what hell they are talking about!
  9. Juel92
    Nov 15, 2017
    8
    A great game held back by occasionally repetetive gameplay and a weaker 3rd act. The game features microtransactions but I can honestly say that I never even considered using them. The Uruks are plentiful and sieges are fairly easy, especially if you dominate the Warchiefs. The game does improve and expand on the first one but it also feels a bit held back and not quite the "Greater thanA great game held back by occasionally repetetive gameplay and a weaker 3rd act. The game features microtransactions but I can honestly say that I never even considered using them. The Uruks are plentiful and sieges are fairly easy, especially if you dominate the Warchiefs. The game does improve and expand on the first one but it also feels a bit held back and not quite the "Greater than the sum of it's parts" that the first game was.
    Still a lot of fun and if you enjoyed the first one you should get this game and just ignore the MTs since they're entirely pointless.    … Expand
  10. prorock777
    Nov 14, 2017
    0
    EA and WB the worst game publisher again. Pay to win, or loot boxes are evil, this **** is destroying gaming industry. And this game overall desent, but donation system kills all good things that this game has.
  11. Aginagala
    Nov 13, 2017
    6
    Although the game can be buggy at times an improved story, improved combat system, improved nemesis system and a huge open world cannot take away the fact that this was a great game and thoroughly enjoyable. I finished the story to a point where I couldn't stop there and simply carried on afterwards. I found new monsters such as drakes a great implementation, and were fun to upgrade withAlthough the game can be buggy at times an improved story, improved combat system, improved nemesis system and a huge open world cannot take away the fact that this was a great game and thoroughly enjoyable. I finished the story to a point where I couldn't stop there and simply carried on afterwards. I found new monsters such as drakes a great implementation, and were fun to upgrade with the improved RPG system, giving a feeling of satisfaction when leveling and finally being able to ride one. Moreover I found the leveling system on the whole in the game extremely satisfying to unlock new move sets, and skills to aid me on my journey.

    Finding a legendary captain felt scary and when you are ambushed at the point of almost killing another captain for your army it feels very real. To build on this you see betrayals against you, betrayals against the warchiefs, seemingly a much more real and immersive feeling surrounded the game this time, as mini stories were built up within your armies and at points I felt small bonds connected to particular captains that stuck with me or helped me in situations I did not expect.

    The game built on the best bits of the former game creating a thoroughly enjoyable experience. The gigantic battles that were the sieges were perhaps the best part of this game, with huge and reasonably challenging battles, and more than enough choice to plan how you can attack. I feel the first, fight and capture part was reasonably easy however the Overlords themselves are no push over. Each with unique and tough abilities, interesting designs and never feeling samey due to lazy design, fighting them always felt like a new experience, the setting, the time taken to get there was beautifully crafted.

    However... the game is let down due to the gambling aspect of it. This game has succumbed to micro transactions, another let down of a great game. It was unnecessary and could have been completely avoided and been a fantastic game without it. Moreover due to these micro transactions the end game was a lot more grindy than enjoyable and with a lack luster ending. Moreover, the fact that the micro transaction aspect of the game is always in your face, when you're spending hours after hours grinding the same things over and over, it becomes tempting which I do not like at all, and for younger gamers I'm sure it would be more than enough to convince them to purchase something in this. However in 2017 it no longer surprises me when Triple A titles contain micro-transactions, it could have easily been left out and felt like a much more satisfying experience after grinding all your huge army up, rather than knowing that someone had skipped all that and simply bought their way into most probably a better position than you. Without these, it would have easily had a lot of better reviews and been a much more well appreciated game, it's part of what made the first game fun, the feeling that you were at the bottom and had to make your way up the ranks of orcs with no other way of simply cheating/buying your way up there. A fantastic game let down by greed..    … Expand
  12. IGROLOGIA
    Nov 13, 2017
    4
    This is perfectly fine for me to have an other bland game with no new ideas. Nemesis mechanics are not the thing that can perfectly replace the normal campein's story. The grind is absolute. It could be just almost the same game and it could earn 6 or even 7, but the donate thing... That really stinks. There is no way 60$ game could possibly make us pay even more with all the lackluster ofThis is perfectly fine for me to have an other bland game with no new ideas. Nemesis mechanics are not the thing that can perfectly replace the normal campein's story. The grind is absolute. It could be just almost the same game and it could earn 6 or even 7, but the donate thing... That really stinks. There is no way 60$ game could possibly make us pay even more with all the lackluster of content.
    That is bad    … Expand
  13. Hectik
    Nov 12, 2017
    8
    In my opinion, this is a big improvement from Shadow of Mordor.

    Amassing a large army and assaulting fortresses and very challienging and defending them every now and then is also very fun. New enemies and allies like the Olog Hais and Drakes to fly through the landscapes. Combat is more polished and the Nemesis system has a couple of surprises like being saved by a rogue Orc when    In my opinion, this is a big improvement from Shadow of Mordor.

    Amassing a large army and assaulting fortresses and very challienging and defending them every now and then is also very fun.

    New enemies and allies like the Olog Hais and Drakes to fly through the landscapes.

    Combat is more polished and the Nemesis system has a couple of surprises like being saved by a rogue Orc when you're about to be finished off by the Captain (that rogue orc sometimes kills your would be killer).

    The micro transactions are there but I haven't played long enough for it to be an issue so far. I've been getting Legendary and Epic followers so far without buying them.

    The story is still not very interesting but the human version of Shelob is a welcome change to her portrayal on the LOTR movies. Too bad it was too short.

    Still a great game. Don't be turned off on all the 0s from idiots who probably haven't played the game to completion and just complain about the microtransactions being there.    … Expand
  14. Alex1010500
    Nov 10, 2017
    0
    Контейнеры в сингплеерной игре, разработчики, вы серьезно? Ваша жадность ни к чему хорошему не приведет.
  15. ganavak
    Nov 10, 2017
    1
    This game had been designed with the idea of slipping in micro transactions. They know most people will judge it along with many critics never play games all the way through (After 5 or so hours for example) before scoring.

    The last section of this game is a complete grind designed around frustration and edging you towards paying of orcs with RNG lootboxes with real money mobile phone    This game had been designed with the idea of slipping in micro transactions. They know most people will judge it along with many critics never play games all the way through (After 5 or so hours for example) before scoring.

    The last section of this game is a complete grind designed around frustration and edging you towards paying of orcs with RNG lootboxes with real money mobile phone F2Play model, ontop of paying £50. Its simply a way to ease this model in for the next game by saying (It's ok it was in Shaodw of War and this game and that so just deal with it etc) It feels very underhand to put them in at the end where they know most people would have reviewed before the end and moved on.

    On balance , I can just about deal with cosmetic only (as long as I can still get some good loot playing) to support the on-going development of that game (Overwatch) as in more content.

    After all, there will always be whales throwing £££ at things just to look the best. If they want to fund my game for me...?. But gameplay changing, cheats, more XP, more power, different versions, still have season passes its just layers of greed, therefore LINE CROSSED.

    Thankfully it seems a lot of people are not falling for this and nonsense in Battlefront 2. Pay to Win and loot boxes crap needs to end now otherwise AAA gaming will be killed by corporate greed.    … Expand
  16. Reed618
    Nov 10, 2017
    10
    This is really more of an 8/10 because of the unskippable orc intros (so annoying at times), some of the poor questlines (carnan in particular) and the fighting pits (occasionally very entertaining but often a massive pain... I hate it when my orc just stands around doing nothing until it dies)
    However I can't agree with a 3.6 so i'm trying to upvote it. There's tons to love about this    This is really more of an 8/10 because of the unskippable orc intros (so annoying at times), some of the poor questlines (carnan in particular) and the fighting pits (occasionally very entertaining but often a massive pain... I hate it when my orc just stands around doing nothing until it dies)
    However I can't agree with a 3.6 so i'm trying to upvote it. There's tons to love about this game. Huge areas to explore with lots of missions and sidequests. There's not that much narrative drive throughout but the gameplay is really fun and i like some of the twists and turns even if it did kind of crap all over the lore.
    I've finished the first 4 stages of the shadow wars end game (there are ten stages in total) and it's surprisingly fun. it's just siege missions (either defence or attack) which can be repetitive but at the same time the sieges are one of the best parts of the game so i'm spacing this part out and taking my time with it.
    All in all I can see why people are disappointed but this isn't andromeda, it's still a really good game which is a lot of fun. It's just also quite flawed in areas. I'd say pick it up on sale and give it a go. You'll probably enjoy it but don't buy loot boxes because they really aren't necessary. You can just recruit orcs during the siege missions of shadow wars, there's no need to buy them.    … Expand
  17. NamelessLang
    Nov 10, 2017
    0
    I wanted this game to be good. I really did. I legitimately wanted to ignore the microtransactions. But no, this game FORCES the gameplay to revolve around it, which is INEXCUSABLE when your predecessor did it so well.
  18. metasebii
    Nov 9, 2017
    4
    Ignoring the apparent micro-transaction controversy, I found this game clunky and unconvincing. The stealth mode wasn't at all intuitive, and the mechanics of the take downs and combat just felt awkward. While I understand the story, there was so much to dislike about the basic mechanics of the game. I found myself constantly being pulled out of the story due to the stupidity andIgnoring the apparent micro-transaction controversy, I found this game clunky and unconvincing. The stealth mode wasn't at all intuitive, and the mechanics of the take downs and combat just felt awkward. While I understand the story, there was so much to dislike about the basic mechanics of the game. I found myself constantly being pulled out of the story due to the stupidity and unrealistic nature of the movements. I give this game a four because I can see there is potential here. It's a beautiful world they have created, and the modeling and aesthetics of the game are outstanding.… Expand
  19. Bob_Paulson
    Nov 9, 2017
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I'm very happy with this game except for 2 very distinct reasons:

    The Captain and War Chief endless speeches become very annoying. There needs to be a way to disable this "feature". A little bit is fine, but some of these bosses go on FOREVER.

    The second issue I have and is a huge let down for me is Act 4: Shadow Wars. It's just a series of defending your territories over and over and over again. This is just plain STUPID. If you want to play a never ending campaign of defending your castles, that's fine. Add it as an option. But to be part of the actual story line is a huge let down for an otherwise fantastic game. I feel like this was just added as filler and has no real purpose nor adds any value to the game itself. If the story is essentially ended after Act 3, then why add this? It really makes no logical sense.

    Honestly, the micro transactions really don't mean anything to me. I really don't care if it's there or not. I'm not going to spend any additional money on this game and I really don't have to pay attention to it if I want. I do spend the in game Miriin to add new Captains to my armies. But that's it.

    This game started out with a fantastic premise and has a great story line to continue the tale of Talion. But in the end I feel it falls way short of the original game Shadow of Mordor. I feel that scoring it as a 7 is a bit generous, but the overall game play is every bit as fantastic as the first game and what story there is, is also very well done. No game is perfect, but what's odd here is the game designers gave us too much of a good thing. For me the game is equal parts over the top good and over the top bad. In this case, a little bit less of both would have made a much better overall game.    … Expand
  20. notlaw
    Nov 8, 2017
    7
    shadow of war loot box arrrhhh score 0-0-0-0- haha I dont play online say I can happily say I didn't encounter any of it. The game itself is more or less just as good as the last the orcs themselves dont look quite as polished but with alot more variety it doesn't really matter. the story is abit of a hit and a miss but so was the last one. Shame about the massive grind wall at the endshadow of war loot box arrrhhh score 0-0-0-0- haha I dont play online say I can happily say I didn't encounter any of it. The game itself is more or less just as good as the last the orcs themselves dont look quite as polished but with alot more variety it doesn't really matter. the story is abit of a hit and a miss but so was the last one. Shame about the massive grind wall at the end that is what made me give it a 7 and not higher. Making you either pay or grind is really a poor decision by the developers but does it make this game a zero? Nah.… Expand
  21. spaghetti-cop
    Nov 7, 2017
    7
    Shadow of War is filled with a lot of great moments. Sadly there aren't enough of these to make the game reach the highs of it's predecessor. I was hoping more compelling campaign this time around with interesting characters, but instead it's more of the same cliches we got the first time around. To be fair, the plot has a couple interesting twists that were good enough to motivate me toShadow of War is filled with a lot of great moments. Sadly there aren't enough of these to make the game reach the highs of it's predecessor. I was hoping more compelling campaign this time around with interesting characters, but instead it's more of the same cliches we got the first time around. To be fair, the plot has a couple interesting twists that were good enough to motivate me to complete it, but it's the orcs that make this game worth playing; nothing else really. Once you finish each NPCs arc and complete the final mission, you'll get that familiar "that's it?" feeling that commonly plagues open world games like this one.

    The game just never finds its stride. Buffing Talion to god level and manipulating the story lines and progression of your orcs is a lot of fun, but it's a shame that the game cheapens this in its final act by turning orcs into stats to be purchased instead of characters to remember. Every strength the game has is marred by a weakness.

    The combat this time around is very one-note. It's just chaos with berserkers, defenders, ologs always overwhelming you and the game devolves into spamming overpowered skills like chain consume and headshots. The first game had tighter encounters with more balance put into each one. The game ramped up its difficulty organically. Shadow or War just throws it all into the blender and makes combat feel like a mess. I think that's how I feel about it in general. It's a very tangled game that does a lot right and a lot wrong.    … Expand
  22. Kevan
    Nov 7, 2017
    9
    yes, canon lore is totally subverted. yes, it's grindy at the last act. yes, there are some graphical glitches. Still, great graphics, great gameplay, clever nemesis system. and nope, microtransactions are worthless, actually nobody asks you money. don't miss it, it's definitely 9/10 and a goty
  23. EpiPhonka
    Nov 6, 2017
    0
    Full description of the game – grind and farm non stop.=( Interest to the game disappears a couple of hours after the start. Nothing new since the first part.
  24. Dog3117
    Nov 6, 2017
    5
    Short and sweet
    -Horrible Story with characters that range from horrible to somewhat promising
    -smooth and initially enjoyable gameplay, which unfortunately personally grew dull rather fast -Microtransactions in a singeplayer game that directly relate and effect the core mechanic of the game -is a sad excuse to be part of LOTR universe (Feels like its only LOTR for brand recognition)    Short and sweet
    -Horrible Story with characters that range from horrible to somewhat promising
    -smooth and initially enjoyable gameplay, which unfortunately personally grew dull rather fast
    -Microtransactions in a singeplayer game that directly relate and effect the core mechanic of the game
    -is a sad excuse to be part of LOTR universe (Feels like its only LOTR for brand recognition)
    +core mechanic of nemesis system is a unique and impressive feature that makes all players experience somewhat unique and personal
    -Ratbag shoulda **** died in the first one bruh, thats BS

    Anyone who disagrees with my score, either thinking it should be lower or higher probably has some valid points, respect y'alls opinions either way    … Expand
  25. Superman311288
    Nov 5, 2017
    9
    Great game with epic gameplay and nemesis system.. only annoying is the microtransactions in the game. I was not present in the previous game .. now its only about season pass and microtransaction.
  26. PraizzTheSun
    Nov 5, 2017
    0
    Worst than the first, full of bugs (captains stuck on terrain), the AI is complete garbage (they don't notice you even if you are 10 meters away and they forget about you when you are no longer in their line of sight).. Don't buy it. Just don't. Even for 5$, it's not worth it.
  27. lol28
    Nov 4, 2017
    0
    Лутбоксы в синглплеере. Разрабы вы не охуели там ? Это каким надо быть дебилом чтоб в ААА проект добавить лутбоксы. + за деньги продавать своего умершего друга и товарища. Стыд и позор вам
  28. cas514
    Nov 3, 2017
    5
    Update:

    I've been playing this for about 80 hours now and im still not done.. Great right? yea i guess but something dawn on me that made me put the game down and made me stop playing. So legendary orcs, where the **** are they? I remember at the start of the game when i was in the first map, I had an orc become legendary after coming back to in my first 5 hours of the game. Then one    Update:

    I've been playing this for about 80 hours now and im still not done.. Great right? yea i guess but something dawn on me that made me put the game down and made me stop playing. So legendary orcs, where the **** are they? I remember at the start of the game when i was in the first map, I had an orc become legendary after coming back to in my first 5 hours of the game. Then one day i came back home tired and i just wanted to get a quick kill in and I mistakenly agreed to the agreement at the start of the game which shows up every-time you boot up the game which enables the online mode and now im 80 hours in and I barely get nemesis to come back to life, and barely get legendary orcs. This is a clear indication that the ****ing loot boxes effect the balance of this game greatly. It's disgusting that it had to come to this.

    First Impression ( Will Update): First off im only maybe 4 hours into the game:

    Graphics: Look worse than the first game, textures on the orcs especially look stretched out and blurry and its especially noticeable on my 4k TV. This is probably due to the scale of the game. The open world is bigger (for no reason) so the graphics had to take a hit. It's unfortunate that dev still believe bigger maps equals better game. Talions face model looks better so does the models for the other humans.

    Gameplay: Same as the first but it doesn't feel as fluid or as responsive as the first game. The reused animation from the first game still look great but the combat doest feel like a dance like the first did. Maybe it will feel better when I unlock more skills. One skill i absolutely hate and breaks the flow the combat animation is the new Staff they force you to use. I never want to use this thing, the animation when you use it feels so clunky and unsatisfying. I hope I can turn it off later.

    Lootboxes. I did not agree to the terms in the beginning so i wont have to deal with any loot boxes or multiplayer nonsense but of course I will continue to get prompted to agree anytime I boot up the game because they really want me to use the market which I never ever will. I wont know until later in the game wether or not the loot boxes will effect the game or not so we shall see. if it does I will promptly change the score to a 0 if i feel like the game is effected. I don't mind grinding as long as its fun and progression is fair but if this starts feeling like a cell phone game im going to lose it.

    Supporting Characters: I already hate them.

    Story: Not Sure, The intro to the game did nothing for me tho. Felt poorly executed. But i will update as soon as I beat the game

    I payed $18 dollars for this game so I won't feel too bad if it disappoints me but i hope that it doesn't because Mordor is one of my favorite games of all time.    … Expand
  29. disgruntled
    Nov 3, 2017
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Only subscribed here to voice my disappointment and hopefully send a message to future developers that try to force micro transactions into games. Really enjoyed the main story arc, which you do not need to use micro-transactions for at all. Then came the near endless fortress defence missions which would take an age to complete. Now you don't have to buy the loot boxes that contain epic/legendary orcs levelled up to your current game level (mine was 45) But you are up against level 40 (Forty!!) orcs and my orc army was 25/30 ish at best so I started levelling up in the fighting pits, maggot level, I enjoyed the first game, lets give it a go. I put an EPIC 34 level orc against a level 21 and he lost. AN EPIC 34 against a LOWLY 21 AND HE LOST. REALLY??! I lost the will to live or at least play this skewed random number generator, turned it off and wiped the game from my hard drive. This seemed to me to be a hidden algorithm (or just BAD game design) to deliberately frustrate you and force your hand towards micro-transactions to see out the end of the game, which I might have done (the long cheap way) if I didn't think I was being pushed underhandedly towards paying even more for a £50 game. Very poor and greedy tactics from WB, hope that by awarding zero the horrendous user score puts developers off this type of cynical practice and you know they pay some low level drone to read, assess and feedback on these scores. Just make good, fair games, we'll buy them and you still make money. If the next Mordor game has micro-transactions I'm getting it 2nd hand from GAME and you've lost fifty pounds!… Expand
  30. Zekeriah03
    Nov 3, 2017
    8
    I really do enjoy this game. The nemesis system has been refined and the interactions with the orcs are one of the best things about the game. One thing that disappointed me was the story. The orcs in the game had far more of a personality than any humans that you would run into. The Balrog fight is disappointing as well because all I was doing was dodging his attacks and shooting him inI really do enjoy this game. The nemesis system has been refined and the interactions with the orcs are one of the best things about the game. One thing that disappointed me was the story. The orcs in the game had far more of a personality than any humans that you would run into. The Balrog fight is disappointing as well because all I was doing was dodging his attacks and shooting him in his gigantic weak spot. It felt as though someone was holding my hand throughout the fight. Some of the fights with the orcs in the game were way harder than that. The sieges in the game were amazing to watch though. The main parts of the siege are not focused on surviving but making sure that the captains you brought with you don't die. The fights with the overlords were quite difficult and it would occasionally take me several tries to defeat them. Unlike Shadow of Mordor, the ending to this game is really cool. I did not go through with the countless siege defenses to finish the game and I may edit my review after that but the boss fights are not quick time events, the story takes a major twist, and the story somewhat fits in with the movies. Taking all this into consideration, the nemesis system is probably the best thing in the game. The story is bland up to the end but that doesn't make it a bad game. It does a good job of wrapping up the story of Talion and Celebrimbor. One thing that I want to know from the other reviews for the game is "why do you harbor such a deep hatred for the game?" I ask this because all I am seeing are people bashing the microtransactions. I do admit that I do not like them either but it does not break the game. I understand some of the reviews with like 4s and 5s saying that the story is boring or something else was wrong. But the low scores on the microtransaction alone is kind of arrogant. Why rate the game so low if all you have to say about it is one thing? Try something a bit more constructive.… Expand
  31. whatever523
    Nov 2, 2017
    0
    Yay, lootboxes!

    You are paying for those extra profits with user ratings. I think you will find that in the long run, it's not worth it. Just ask Ubisoft.
  32. coku09
    Nov 2, 2017
    10
    Top nice! Really like it, I understand why people are frustrated with the in game purchases but i don't mind spending a few euros on the microtransactions for a better time :)
  33. Ps4player
    Nov 2, 2017
    6
    read this review of middle earth shadow of war. every single user review i have seen only talk about micro transactions and nothing else. the gameplay is good and builds up from the last game with more to do in this world. the siege of towers is a ton of fun to do and has replay value to it. the story is underwhelming overall but that was expected when i went into this game. the nemesisread this review of middle earth shadow of war. every single user review i have seen only talk about micro transactions and nothing else. the gameplay is good and builds up from the last game with more to do in this world. the siege of towers is a ton of fun to do and has replay value to it. the story is underwhelming overall but that was expected when i went into this game. the nemesis system, is still fun to use and what they added to it makes it even better. even though it has pros it still has cons. yes the micro transactions do ruin the fun of getting all the loot yourself instead of just buying it. the game has buggy issues for when it comes to combat and even just looking at your army. i would wait for a sale if i were you to get this game because right now it is not worth the full 90$ you have to pay for it i think 60$ (U.S PRICE IS FINE).… Expand
  34. ChestyPuller
    Nov 2, 2017
    8
    If you were a fan of Shadow of Mordor, you'll like this game. The loot box thing is bad, but It was easy enough to ignore for me at least. It has more or less the same game play but it adds new ways to use your war chiefs. I kind of wish there was a few more ways to customize them and make them more tailored to how you play, but at least you can use them more in this one.

    The number    If you were a fan of Shadow of Mordor, you'll like this game. The loot box thing is bad, but It was easy enough to ignore for me at least. It has more or less the same game play but it adds new ways to use your war chiefs. I kind of wish there was a few more ways to customize them and make them more tailored to how you play, but at least you can use them more in this one.

    The number one improvement is probably how much better the characters are (excluding Tallion, he seems to be less likeable this time) and how cool each orc is. You can ease drop on orc conversations and they are making actual small talk. Its a minor thing, but I would find myself stopping to listen to them before I'd stealth kill one of them.

    I have not experienced any game breaking glitches yet, but there were minor things here and there. The worst I've had was the pre-fight speech didn't trigger once but after waiting 30 seconds or so the fight began anyway. The biggest draw back is about 75% of the way through the game I kind of stopped caring about most of the missions left since I had completely conquered each area. Other than that its a strong follow up to the previous.    … Expand
  35. oleksii13
    Nov 1, 2017
    1
    zaebali Loot boxes, zaebali Loot boxes zaebali Loot boxes zaebali Loot boxes zaebali Loot boxes zaebali Loot boxes zaebali Loot boxes zaebali Loot boxes
  36. OmgitsJackYp
    Oct 31, 2017
    8
    How dare they put microtransactions into a SP game. Especially into a good game. This game could've been game of the year but no Warner brothers has to kill it with microtransactions.
  37. foscomicron
    Oct 31, 2017
    3
    Repetitive gameplay and non-existent story, both unforgivable in a single player game. Everything about this game feels lackadaisical from map design to character progression. The nemesis system is over-hyped as you take down orcs easily the same way. Did not progress far enough in the game for loot boxes to become an issue.
  38. JaySilver
    Oct 31, 2017
    8
    I don't get the negative reviews. Just to be clear: you DON'T need any lootboxes at all to play or win this game. You can simply ignore it. You don't even need to grind to get money/gear/captains, just make the **** quests or play the story. The game has so much to offer, starting with assassinating orcs, to recruit them later for sieges. There are great skills, weapons and armor toI don't get the negative reviews. Just to be clear: you DON'T need any lootboxes at all to play or win this game. You can simply ignore it. You don't even need to grind to get money/gear/captains, just make the **** quests or play the story. The game has so much to offer, starting with assassinating orcs, to recruit them later for sieges. There are great skills, weapons and armor to unlock. It really feels like a great Lord of the rings game. Even the story is good at some point. The last chapter is a bit odd: just conquer/hold fortresses over and over again.… Expand
  39. tmlorfing
    Oct 31, 2017
    0
    This isn't a game, it's a 60 dollar virtual slot machine. STAY FAR AWAY from this "game", and it's time to shun all publishers who shoehorn literal gambling into videogames.
  40. AcerolaOrion
    Oct 30, 2017
    0
    This is the point in time where pay to win has taken over singleplayer, pay to play games.

    The game is a horrendous grindfest. Killing Orcs doesnt give you experience. Killing captains and finishing events related to them gives A RIDICULOUSLY SMALL amount of experience. The amount of experience required to go even (and by being even on level --> able to recruit orcs and progress    This is the point in time where pay to win has taken over singleplayer, pay to play games.

    The game is a horrendous grindfest. Killing Orcs doesnt give you experience. Killing captains and finishing events related to them gives A RIDICULOUSLY SMALL amount of experience.

    The amount of experience required to go even (and by being even on level --> able to recruit orcs and progress story missions) is insane compared to what you are rewarded outside of story missions.

    Naturally you can buy experience boosters with real money! And just like for junkies, the first lootbox is always free! Making sure to catch all the people who are predisposed to spending money on being exploited like this.

    Disgusting! If you want to play this game --> steal it!    … Expand
  41. Hyriu
    Oct 30, 2017
    7
    Great game good gameplay but also lootbox grind + market i just wish i could play as one of the Orcs :D
    gameplay has added features but feels almost same as its predecessor
  42. Cureza
    Oct 30, 2017
    0
    If I want to experience all the game I have to pay for those dam loot boxes.
    This game os not cheap and it is not fair to make players pay so much money to get the full experience.
    Don't buy this game. i'm refunding it and if you want to save game industry, boycott it
  43. KelTyZed
    Oct 30, 2017
    0
    El juego entero no me lo he pasado por que el 4 acto es hacer lo mismo todo el rato, tienes que defender tus fortalezas una vez tras otra si llego a saber que esta parte del juego se hace asi no me lo compro, solo por eso hace que el juego pase de ser un buen juego a no serlo, no se que pensaron cuando lo hicieron pero vamos llevo 14 fortalezas seguidas defendidas y no pienso seguir hanEl juego entero no me lo he pasado por que el 4 acto es hacer lo mismo todo el rato, tienes que defender tus fortalezas una vez tras otra si llego a saber que esta parte del juego se hace asi no me lo compro, solo por eso hace que el juego pase de ser un buen juego a no serlo, no se que pensaron cuando lo hicieron pero vamos llevo 14 fortalezas seguidas defendidas y no pienso seguir han querido innovar con lo de capturar castillos y esta bien pero todo tiene un limite, y aqui os habeis pasado mucho.… Expand
  44. BeiNeludei
    Oct 30, 2017
    0
    Gioco fantastico fino al terzo atto. Il quarto... beh mi è passata la voglia di giocare. Magari mi guardo il finale su YouTube...non si può strutturare un atto intero in questo modo. È un pay to finale.non ho la pazienza di difendere fortezze per una settimana.

    Dilusione
  45. vinciblesnake76
    Oct 29, 2017
    9
    Even though I had a bad feeling after reading the reviews especially about microtransactions, after playing the game for about a week or more i can tell that the game is wonderful, and there is no need to worry about the microtransactions if you are willing to play the game for enjoyment and not for finishing it as early as possible. I would like to give it a score of 9
  46. TrallOrk
    Oct 29, 2017
    0
    Po genialnej pierwszej części, która zaskoczyła systemem nemezis , powrót do dwójki to swoisty wtf, serio, twórcy zrobili coś czego nie jestem w stanie przeboleć w tej części, mianowicie jesli podbiłeś jedną twierdzę to tj byś grał już we wszystko co ta gra ma do zaoferowania ,ponieważ zawartość jest powielona do bólu, owszem system nemezis ulegl co rusz wiekszej ewolucji, teraz orkowiePo genialnej pierwszej części, która zaskoczyła systemem nemezis , powrót do dwójki to swoisty wtf, serio, twórcy zrobili coś czego nie jestem w stanie przeboleć w tej części, mianowicie jesli podbiłeś jedną twierdzę to tj byś grał już we wszystko co ta gra ma do zaoferowania ,ponieważ zawartość jest powielona do bólu, owszem system nemezis ulegl co rusz wiekszej ewolucji, teraz orkowie sprzymierzeni mogą nas zdradzać, albo tez ratować w przyplywie ostatniej szansy przed zgonem , w pierwszej części mieliśmy tj 2 fortece, tutaj mamy ich znacznie znacznie więcej ,każda z fortec to osobna mapka ,stosunkowo mały obszar różniący się topografią terenu typu wulkaniczny grafment,lodowy fragment, sloneczny lisciasty fragment, otwart swiat zostal zastapiony na wzor czegos z dragon age inkwizycji, w pierwszej części tez był taki podział z tym, że te dwa gragmenty ziemi były większe niż pare twierdz mozolnie zdobywanych jak na taśmie produkcyjnej, typu przejmuj po kolei kontrole nad armia saurona po czym jak juz uzbierasz odpowiednią ilość orków i lvl bohatera , mozesz zdobywac twierdzę , cały urok piewrszej części został wjebany pod dywan mikrotransakcji ktore co rusz uswiadamiaja ci ze bez otwierania skrzynek cien wojny bedzie mozolną wędrówką o zabarwieniu mmorpg w którym jesteś ewidentnie ciągnięty w strone marchewki , która i tak jest poza twoim zasiegiem dopóki nie ''przypakujesz''. W 1 czesci urokliwe bylo zmieżenie się z kimś o wiele potężniejszym i możliwość wygrania takiego pojedynku, tutaj ta urokliwość zosala zabudowana ścianą pay to wind bądź grind to win, ludzie mają w chuuuuuuj godzin w grze wlaśnie przez tą mozolność zdobywania kolejnych wież , jestem obecnie przy 3 i mam wrazenie ze widzialem w tej grze juz wszystko, jestem nią znudzony i wkurwiony. Do 1 części wracałem dla samego fun'u wybijania tych skurczybyków , jednak dwójka została pozbawiona tego funu, bo wszystkiego jest tak zatrzęsienie, że ulecial klimat skrytobojczego przeslizgiwania sie w zgliszczach, teraz po prostu biegne obok orkow i mam w dupie czy biegna za mna czy nie, to wlasnie ta rożnica, tytuł stracił ducha , stał się bezcelową wojną o mord, a fabuła ? coż zacząłem przewijać przerywniki , tak mnie wciągneła , zupełnie nie zależy mi na losach tych osób ani przebiegu scenariusza tak samo jak i w kolko zdobywanie fortow konczących sie z bossem w lochu ,gezeees żygam tą powtarzalnością bez serca. takie 0/10… Expand
  47. omghiguy
    Oct 29, 2017
    9
    This game takes what was great from the first game and maintains that greatness and in some areas even improves upon it greatly. The graphics are great (especially with the 4k add on) and the world is both extensive and interesting. Admittedly it can get repetitive at times just like the first game did, but it's still enjoyable. I encountered no bugs, load times were acceptable andThis game takes what was great from the first game and maintains that greatness and in some areas even improves upon it greatly. The graphics are great (especially with the 4k add on) and the world is both extensive and interesting. Admittedly it can get repetitive at times just like the first game did, but it's still enjoyable. I encountered no bugs, load times were acceptable and limited. The concern over micro transactions should be limited to just the fact that they're present at all, but there is literally no need to use them and extremely little benefit if you did. You'll quickly level past items and obtain new and better replacements just by playing the game. All in all if you enjoyed the first game this is a must buy. If you never played the first one you'll be fine jumping straight into this one. Highly recommended.… Expand
  48. Squid_Guy
    Oct 29, 2017
    0
    Warner Bros greed is taking over! This glorified gambling should stop!
    These micro's ruin the experience! This is ruining the AAA industry.
    It doesn't help that it allready has multiple special editions and a season pass. Which is already pretty scummy. But to put in micro's, because this giant company says that making games is really expensive. That's rubbish, look at the indie    Warner Bros greed is taking over! This glorified gambling should stop!
    These micro's ruin the experience! This is ruining the AAA industry.
    It doesn't help that it allready has multiple special editions and a season pass. Which is already pretty scummy.
    But to put in micro's, because this giant company says that making games is really expensive.
    That's rubbish, look at the indie industry, look at Hellblade. These games were made without the funding of micro's, they aren't made by a giant company, and they turn a profit.

    These publishers are just liars!    … Expand
  49. Arteck
    Oct 28, 2017
    0
    К сожалению, игра не зашла. Всё плохо с точки зрения арт дирекшена: нет ощущения, что ты в Средиземье плюс все локации выглядят некрасиво, удались только орки - они разные и уродливые. Геймплей больше похож на мобильный фритуплей, чем на ААА игру - сюжет неинтересный, хороших миссий нет вовсе, постоянное повторение скучных действий, который сводятся к битвам с десятками и десятками орков.К сожалению, игра не зашла. Всё плохо с точки зрения арт дирекшена: нет ощущения, что ты в Средиземье плюс все локации выглядят некрасиво, удались только орки - они разные и уродливые. Геймплей больше похож на мобильный фритуплей, чем на ААА игру - сюжет неинтересный, хороших миссий нет вовсе, постоянное повторение скучных действий, который сводятся к битвам с десятками и десятками орков. Ждал захвата крепостей, но и он не оправдал ожиданий - особой тактики нет, просто орков много десятков, нужно захватит несколько точек и потом победить босса. Захват орков и их прокачка слишком репитативен и уныл как и прокачка. Куча значков на карте, но интересных занятий нет, зато есть тупой бег по карте на километры и много багов. Я в печали, по сравнению с 1 частью игра лучше не стала :(… Expand
  50. Buthomar
    Oct 28, 2017
    0
    Не проходите последние 10 периодов с обороной крепостей, вы офигеете от занудства и однообразности постоянно пи"""жа орков, пожалейте свои 10 часов жизни, посмотрите финальный ролик на ютубе. Финальный ролик 2 минуты и он абсолютно ни о чём.Не проходите последние 10 периодов с обороной крепостей, вы офигеете от занудства и однообразности постоянно пи"""жа орков, пожалейте свои 10 часов жизни, посмотрите финальный ролик на ютубе. Финальный ролик 2 минуты и он абсолютно ни о чём.
  51. Koristo
    Oct 27, 2017
    0
    Shadow of War is fun until reaching the 4th and final act, which locks the ending of the game behind a monotonous and mindless grind. A baffling decision that can only be explained by the developer/publisher trying to strongarm you into buying their expensive XP boosts and Orc followers in order to get closure for the story. SHAME
  52. SuperkenGaming
    Oct 27, 2017
    7
    Middle Earth Shadow of War
    Lacking Soul
    I’m about to break most of your hearts, I didn’t like shadow of war as much as every other reviewer… As to me this game feels like a soulless cash grab Shadow of War is the sequel to the much better middle earth shadow of Mordor.. You once again play as Talion who sets out to bring balance to middle earth... As a less personal story compared to    Middle Earth Shadow of War
    Lacking Soul
    I’m about to break most of your hearts, I didn’t like shadow of war as much as every other reviewer…
    As to me this game feels like a soulless cash grab
    Shadow of War is the sequel to the much better middle earth shadow of Mordor..
    You once again play as Talion who sets out to bring balance to middle earth...
    As a less personal story compared to the first... the game struggled to keep my attention with its story or world…
    Basically Shadow of War feels like more of the same with none of the heart…
    It’s a cash grab riding off of the success of the original…
    The world is much larger this time, but bigger isn’t always better as every area in this game feels generic and unmemorable…
    Back are the assassins creed like syncing point that lets you scout out this games collectables to unlock new moves in the skill tree…
    Skill wise there isn’t anything special…
    You’ll easily have every skill unlocked by time you reach the end of act 3 which takes around 19 hours.. and is the base of this games story…
    skills for the most part unlock moves you had in the first game though they have 1 of 3 modifiers that take away their annoyances from the first game like allowing celebrimbor to counter attacks while you’re doing a ground finish or add an elemental effect to a special attack like poison or fire for example…
    There’s also a really cool weapon and rune system here where you can craft runes to give you boosts like xp or life drain.. and each rare, epic, and legendary weapon or clothing item has a challenge attached to them that will unlock a perk… giving a little personality to each
    These items of course picked up off of orcs with the same rarity
    Getting rid of the annoyances is the best shadow of war does, you’re now able to run extremely fast taking away the annoying fleeing enemy moments and there’s a cool double jump added to the parquor making you feel like you’re a super hero running through the game..
    Which honestly may be the reason I feel this world is so forgettable…
    I’m able to get around it so quickly that I never had the opportunity to notice or care about my surroundings…
    a new change that I’m not a fan of is the fact that special moves are now tied to a meter instead of attack chains… of course this meter is the only way to make this games boss encounters work... but I felt like I was less in control and that building up uninterrupted attack chains was unrewarded…
    a mix of both systems in the next game if one comes would be cool… where successful chains fills the meter at a faster rate than were given here….
    There’s also an eleven rage meter that lets you unleash multiple attacks while invincible, but this meter takes so ridiculously long to fill up that it might as well not even exist... I used it probably 4 times my entire time playing because I would save it as a just in case thing…
    The nemesis system is back once again but this time the game from the jump is focused on domination after the first act...
    It’s up to you to go and capture 4 towers to get to the end of the games story…
    though I found myself gaining followers naturally through story, I didn’t have to do much hunting towards the end…however in the first few hours, this domination thing is annoying as you’re only able to capture orcs at your same level or lower…
    you’re able to humiliate them and lower their level.. But all this does is make them run away and forces you to have to go find them again somewhere else…
    this to me felt like the game just wasting the players time...
    I see no harm in letting the player just take the orc at a lower level and letting them move on..
    With your orcs you can command them to kill other orcs or prove themselves and become the bodyguard of a warchief... you can assign an orc to be your bodyguard to help you in combat…you can also go capture the bodyguards of warchiefs and have them betray… making their battles easier as you can take out each warchief individually to lower the level of a fortress greatly with each one…
    While you’re doing these hunts and gathering intel for the weakness on your next target you have to be warry of how you treat your followers, as they’re able to betray you as well…
    and once you feel you’re ready to take on a fortress you assign your orcs to positions, you give them weapons and armies to increase your odds of success and you charge in to take what’s yours…
    The review has a bit of a negative tone, but Shadow of War is a really good game….
    Its more of the really great shadow of Mordor with deeper systems and less annoyances…
    But to me it also has less heart and soul…
    This is an enjoyable experience.. But a very forgettable one…
    I give Middle Earth Shadow of War
    a 7.5/10    … Expand
  53. SavageeRancor
    Oct 27, 2017
    9
    Micro transactions aside, Shadow of war is an excellent gmae. It improves on almost every aspect of the first game and is more of what I loved the first time.
    The nemsis system feels way more fleshed out. The Orcs have character and there is so much fun stuff to do.
    The looting system can be tedious and bloated at times, but this doesnt take away from the over all experience. If you    Micro transactions aside, Shadow of war is an excellent gmae. It improves on almost every aspect of the first game and is more of what I loved the first time.
    The nemsis system feels way more fleshed out. The Orcs have character and there is so much fun stuff to do.
    The looting system can be tedious and bloated at times, but this doesnt take away from the over all experience.
    If you loved the first game, you'll love this one.
    Buy the game and dont pay for a thing. In reality you dont have to so I dont see why everyone is upset    … Expand
  54. Guldan666
    Oct 27, 2017
    0
    Крайне неряшливо и убого склёпанная игра.
    Система Немезис в этой части показала себя во всей "красе".
    После захвата самой первой крепости, я пошел помогать одному из своих охотиться на карагоров. Прибыв на место, вступив в бой с 4-мя карагорами, на меня напал мой бывший капитан...пришлось его убить...Спустя секунду на меня нападает второй бывший капитан...еще одного казнил...и вот тут    Крайне неряшливо и убого склёпанная игра.
    Система Немезис в этой части показала себя во всей "красе".
    После захвата самой первой крепости, я пошел помогать одному из своих охотиться на карагоров.
    Прибыв на место, вступив в бой с 4-мя карагорами, на меня напал мой бывший капитан...пришлось его убить...Спустя секунду на меня нападает второй бывший капитан...еще одного казнил...и вот тут же нападает третий....я напрягся, но и его убил...и сразу же после него, вы угадали, нападает четвертый....какая веселая и продуманная игра. Так я остался без 4-х капитанов за 10 минут. Пошел искать себе нового. Устроил на него засаду...все сложилось удачно, переманил. Отхожу от места "битвы", буквально метров на 15-20....и угадайте, кто на меня напал, с криками, вроде: "Я больше не служу тебе!"....да-да тот самый, на которого устроил засаду 10-ю секундами раньше. Это как, вообще, называется?
    Игра хоть немного тестировалась? Я не успеваю сюжетные миссии проходить, это какой-то круговорот порабощения капитанов с дальнейшим их предательством....Бл****ий цирк.
    Очень напрягает, что даже если ты всех капитанов на карте сделаешь своими... локации, все-равно будут наполнены вражески настроенными орками. Смысл отхватывать местные заставы (красные зоны на карте), если там нельзя организовать собственный перевалочный пункт, где будут лояльные тебе орки, которых можно было бы брать с собой, чтобы они помогали отхватывать другие зоны? Ну хотя, этож думать пришлось бы разработчикам...а они этого явно не делали.
    В итоге мы имеем карту, с постоянно генерящимися орками. Даже их количество не меняется.
    Сюжет оригинальностью не блещет...да и игра в основном про геймплей....чего от него требовать?
    Стоит отметить мыльную графику уровня "Мафия 3".
    Вообще во многом мне эта игра напоминает мафию... настолько неумело сделанный, однообразный, скучный, затянутый продукт еще надо постараться сделать. Я удивлен, что у этой игры положительные обзоры, а у мафии нет.
    Так же напрягает однообразность локаций, строений и замков.
    Про микротранзакции говорить не особо хочется, ибо ими не пользуюсь. Но хочется спросить...неужели, если человек задонатит, у него выпадет парочка крутых орков, он поставит их капитанами... они тоже взбунтуются, скорее рано, чем поздно??? А зачем тогда платить за то, от чего потом придется избавиться?    … Expand
  55. shiftyman
    Oct 27, 2017
    5
    Just on 20 hours in and it’s the most boring, repetitive game of 2017, there’s hardly any difference to the first one. The story is c grade trash. Zzzzzzzzz.
  56. lager96
    Oct 26, 2017
    7
    This is not a bad game. This is not a great game. This is a good game that could have been much better. I like a lot about this game, which is why I'm so let down by many aspects of this game. To begin, I love the new fortress system where you can capturing and then defend them. Building your army in a area to then bring them to take a fortress is amazing! It's so rewarding to see yourThis is not a bad game. This is not a great game. This is a good game that could have been much better. I like a lot about this game, which is why I'm so let down by many aspects of this game. To begin, I love the new fortress system where you can capturing and then defend them. Building your army in a area to then bring them to take a fortress is amazing! It's so rewarding to see your effort pay off. Every time you dominate or kill an enemy captain in a fortress assault makes the hours building your army worth it. Even more satisfying, is when you make your way through the fortress and into the overlords room. It is the best feeling when you get that killing blow and take the fortress for you and your army. However, after the first three time it can get very repetitive. This can be due to how many times you need to do this (especially in Act IV: Shadow Wars). The amount of times must do this to complete the game is ridiculous. It is enjoyable when it naturally occurs but act IV outstays its welcome and leaves a sour taste in your mouth. The combat is also has positives and negatives. When you are facing three or four orcs it is smooth and fun but when you are facing large groups (like in the fortresses) it begins to show it flaws. Many times I was wanted to vault over a normal orc but Talion decided to jump over an olog just to have it throw me to the ground every time. This type of thing happened to often and completely ruined to flow of the combat. Even when I tired to use of finisher on a captain the game would use it on a grunt orc and waste it. The story is around 20 hours (not including shadow wars) and is okay. There are some cool things but nothing that sticks out to me and nothing I will remember in years to come. I also noticed that many of the orcs look and often have very similar names. This happened few and far between in the first game and it seems to happen even more often here. The amount of times I have seen an almost identical captain is insane and makes it an inferior system compared to the original game. The loot crates may be to blame for this because of how easy you can unlock captains. You can buy crates and get 100+ captains easy so the orcs will begin to look very similar. It may sound like I completely dislike this game but I don't. The story, mixed with the random events, plus the fortresses made for a fun 20ish hours. After you complete the third act, the game wares out its welcome and becomes very repetitive. I'm fine with some repetitive tacks but when the game is only repetitive, without the story to distract me, it get bored. This is a game that is good but was held back by a lot of small issues. Tolkien is probably rolling over in his grave by the violence being added in the world he created, hahaha.… Expand
  57. Teh_Beavs
    Oct 26, 2017
    9
    I feel like alot of these micro transaction reviewers never played the game... I am probably 20+ hours in and have never felt I needed to go to the store. So ignore them. If you enjoyed the first game you'll enjoy this one. More content, slightly upgraded nemesis system, more reasons to keep playing after completing campaign.
  58. Mortalus
    Oct 26, 2017
    7
    Let me tell you a story, Mortalus bought Shadow of War, Mortalus did not cry like a little **** about micro-transactions that are totally nonessential to the game. Mortalus on the other hand enjoyed the new upgraded nemesis system (which is now nuts), loot, running and jumping all over Mordor, collecting stuff, Mortalus died like 20 times on the hardest difficulty totally having fun. BeLet me tell you a story, Mortalus bought Shadow of War, Mortalus did not cry like a little **** about micro-transactions that are totally nonessential to the game. Mortalus on the other hand enjoyed the new upgraded nemesis system (which is now nuts), loot, running and jumping all over Mordor, collecting stuff, Mortalus died like 20 times on the hardest difficulty totally having fun. Be like Mortalus.

    Edit: As I finished the game, I must say the story was nice, but the game does not end, and that is where it all fell apart, you basicially need to achieve max level to get to the secret ending, I ended somewhere near level 50 with all my quests done, so all you are left with is killing orc captains, but I dominated all of them, so everything I was left with was shun my orcs from my army and then kill them, but it takes a lot of time, to get from level 47 to 48 you need to do 70 captain missions. It does get repetitive, it is very big grind to full level, I do not know why developers went this way, Still microtransactions are not needed, maybe those XP boosts might come in hand, to new players I might recommend gem your armor with XP gems and play on lower difficulty as you will not get extra health from green gems which you will sacrifice for the white ones, maybe this way you will be able to get extra XP from quests and actually finish the game for cut scene that lasts +- 1m30s. Overall the game was pretty fun until ACT 4.

    (I do support these micro-transactions as it is a way for developers to make some extra money for their hard effort, as far as they do not push you to buy those boxes, you do not need them at all, not a little bit.)    … Expand
  59. stash55
    Oct 25, 2017
    2
    I'm going to be blunt. If the market that's a critical component of the game is not bug-free, then don't release the game. I've given this game a 2 instead of 0 because in all fairness it's not easy to make a game, especially an open world game. As a gold edition purchaser I'm having issues with not receiving included content. Also, my market is bugged and breaks very frequently andI'm going to be blunt. If the market that's a critical component of the game is not bug-free, then don't release the game. I've given this game a 2 instead of 0 because in all fairness it's not easy to make a game, especially an open world game. As a gold edition purchaser I'm having issues with not receiving included content. Also, my market is bugged and breaks very frequently and randomly. Unless I restart the game, I don't have access of any kind to the market (server error). As you know, this means I can't deploy units in the army menu, which is a critical part of the game especially later on. I also don't receive gold after completing challenges ie I get notified that I've been awarded but the coins don't show up in the market. Hopefully these bugs are fixed soon but I can't change the rating here, it's just not acceptable to release a game in this condition.… Expand
  60. gurgen
    Oct 25, 2017
    10
    After seeing the reviews being generally negative I decided to register and leave my own. This game is by far the best RPG game I have ever played in my entire life. The Witcher 3 come really close but in a different way. There is absolutely everything in this game that anybody may ever want. INSANE amount of variety in EVERYTHING!!! Nemesis system is improved tremendously after the firstAfter seeing the reviews being generally negative I decided to register and leave my own. This game is by far the best RPG game I have ever played in my entire life. The Witcher 3 come really close but in a different way. There is absolutely everything in this game that anybody may ever want. INSANE amount of variety in EVERYTHING!!! Nemesis system is improved tremendously after the first game! I played for about 20-30 hours before I started noticing SIMILAR (NOT THE SAME) NPCs huge depth of their characters makes you feel their uniqueness within the world, and even when I pass by regular orcs I just feel obliged to rid the world from this monsters because I feel I truly fight the dark powers and really make a difference by killing them! This is the first game ever that makes me feel that way about any regular monsters that are scattered throughout the world. The danger of any orc being able to slay you and earn the respect and promotion makes you feel cautious of your every move. The variety of the surrounding area is just stunning! every single location is the size of the whole map from the first game which is pretty impressive, considering the amount of action that is packed within. Scattered artifacts and hidden memories now MAKE SENSE! I feel the desire to find out what has happen to the world and once again I feel like I really can make the difference by submerging into the atmosphere of battle between light and dark. Skills are designed to make you think about the upgrades you should use approaching any significant battle be it an assault, ambush or anything else that leads to the weakening of the Saurons army. It will take me another review to discuss the battle system. Such a variety of moves that Talion and the orcs display just stuns me every single time I engage in mortal battle for survival. Slo-mo is absolutely incredible and is always more than appropriate! I have not experienced anything like it in any game (maybe Witcher 3is coming close to that but not quite). Animation of the characters (main and regular farming material) makes me feel like those scum is actually may be an individual with a personality. The promoted orcs are just fabulous. I can't stop admiring the quality of detail and depth of the characters. I am still amazed with the orcs chit chat right before the mo fos are about to go down. Within the battle there can be numerous moments when the tide can change and the fight balance can shift either way. Several times I was unexpectedly saved by soldiers popping out of nowhere giving me a chance to survive. Just as many times I was about to slay another green beef cake as suddenly I was tackled by some giant in an ambush attempt. The variety of approaches you can take is just mind boggling to me. Loot system is not excellent but is an improvement still. Now there is at least a reason for you to "farm" the orc, although coming back to a variety of the enemies, it does not feel completely like farming, since I feel every enemy is unique and worth my time slaying the bastard. And I think the last but not least, the graphics. Stunning. The level of detail is exceptional, colors are beautiful and the textures and attention to the world is awesome! Finally, microtransactions. If you are one of those people who complete the game on easy difficulty, keep buying the chests. For those who are broke and can't afford it - beat it. You don't have to buy it. It doesn't affect you if someone buys a loot box, so wtf would you complain about someone playing the game with a little help? it's their own story! I would understand if it was an MMO and you were busted by jerks who buy 100 boxes and farm you every time.… Expand
  61. michael_clancy
    Oct 25, 2017
    10
    This game is phenomenal. As a Lord of the Rings fan, this game is a dream come true. It features cameos from Golem, (slightly sexualized) Shelob (although that didn't really bother me), and the nazgul. Playing as elf infused discount Aragorn doesn't even take the fun off. The stealth and combat is a much more polished version of Assassins Creed in every way. Although it takes a while toThis game is phenomenal. As a Lord of the Rings fan, this game is a dream come true. It features cameos from Golem, (slightly sexualized) Shelob (although that didn't really bother me), and the nazgul. Playing as elf infused discount Aragorn doesn't even take the fun off. The stealth and combat is a much more polished version of Assassins Creed in every way. Although it takes a while to get going, the nemesis system creates incredible personalized stories, the ads aren't making it up. The game is perfect in almost every way. The game does suffer from a lack of tutorials, and only being able to equip one bonus per power at a time. However, the game still has a lot to offer, and is one of the most fun games I've ever played. Now, to address the elephant in the room, the micro-transactions don't affect the game at all. I am 10-12 hours into the game, and I have not seen a single thing promoting loot boxes. They are not necessary to play the game, and only there for people who don't want to play the game. I would argue that the loot boxes are even more prevalent in Battlefield, Overwatch, and CS:GO, but no one complains about those. This game is amazing. Definitely worth the $60, and I expect to have even more fun as the game progresses. The problems are blown out of proportion by journalists. Play this game. You'll thank me.… Expand
  62. dwyattallnight
    Oct 25, 2017
    0
    THERE IS NO PLACE FOR MICROTRANSACTIONS IN SINGLE PLAYER GAMES !
    This is a 60$ AAA Pay-To-Winskip halfgame (for full experience pay 100$)
    game is designed to lure players into gambling by bringing the concept of microtranactions (in the form of loot cases) into a single player game. Warner Brothers games wants to push the player into buying loot boxes on which he gambles if he may or    THERE IS NO PLACE FOR MICROTRANSACTIONS IN SINGLE PLAYER GAMES !
    This is a 60$ AAA Pay-To-Winskip halfgame (for full experience pay 100$)
    game is designed to lure players into gambling by bringing the concept of microtranactions (in the form of loot cases) into a single player game.
    Warner Brothers games wants to push the player into buying loot boxes on which he gambles if he may or may not get a loot which will be beneficial to the gameplay experience.

    WB games shameless business practice :
    1) microtransactions in a single player game
    2) gambling via Loot Cases (great for the kids !!)
    3) pay to winskip
    4) preorder DLC    … Expand
  63. M1N5K
    Oct 25, 2017
    1
    This game is a shame. The pushing of micro-transactions is really absolutely ridiculous. This game is REALLY Pay To Win. Too bad, because the previous game was fantastic.
  64. Kamarr
    Oct 24, 2017
    5
    This game is nowhere near a 10 nor is it a 0 pretty dumb how the gaming community is fighting between these two scores. So here is a real review.

    This game is an overhaul of the first game if you liked the first game then you will LOVE this one pretty much same controls and the game is fluid at times. I thoroughly enjoy the rag doll effects that happen sometimes really releases the    This game is nowhere near a 10 nor is it a 0 pretty dumb how the gaming community is fighting between these two scores. So here is a real review.

    This game is an overhaul of the first game if you liked the first game then you will LOVE this one pretty much same controls and the game is fluid at times. I thoroughly enjoy the rag doll effects that happen sometimes really releases the stress when fighting tons of enemies.
    The Nemesis system has been improved dramatically but the RNG of seeing descent orcs is very icky which tries to capture you into paying real money to get them quick Epic/Legendary Orcs.(I'll go more into that later.)
    They dubbed down the graphics engine but easily understandable as there are usually 15-25 orcs at a time on screen so better performance. There are some minor issues I have with some of the clunky controls like lets say I try to roll dodge away from an enemy instead I try to roll over an enemy that has vault breaker(can't roll over these orcs). Another thing is how great it is to climb just about anything now it does get lame at times cause more times than not as you chase some enemies it will cause you to climb a wall as you run through like an underpass which is ANNOYING as Im chasing an orc not trying to climb to Mt.Everest. The game seems to be crazy grindy once you hit lvl 45ish+ which is ok as the game is a lot longer than the first but the story is very short and usually only grants about 15lvls through all of them.

    Now to talk about End game and if you need super strong orcs for the last part of the game. The answer for it is no a good player can easily make a difference in how easy the game is and setting up proper equipment can help you out dramatically. Like I carry 3 different swords all aiming for a different thing. Same with Daggers and Chest piece. Also if you can get the lvl 20-30 cloak to drop that restores ALL health on stealth atk keep it forever!! As it doesn't drop at higher lvls. Now the whole idea buying orcs cause the RNG of orcs appearing in rarity is utter trash and it really kills the game for me but I managed to make common orcs work as long as they have only 2 weakness or just 1 cause it happens and they can be a great addition to the team if you don't wanna spend $$. Now spending $$ to get the high lvl orcs for ranked play is bs to heres an example. I spend 20usd and get an legendary orc army then go attack someone on Ranked play during the battle an orc you just BOUGHT dies there goes 5usd lost. They really need to fix this issue as its not ok to sell push to win buttons in a Single player game. But just about everything else this game hits silver for me. Seeing my Nemesis form the previous game was really worth it as he kicked my butt so much and my warchief that joined was AMAZING!!

    Now would I recommend buying this? Yes I would but I would stray away from Micro Transactions unless you do the daily quests and earn them that way. They really could have high 8-10 scores with this game but I feel they worked so painfully hard on the Micro Transactions they missed an amazing opportunity.    … Expand
  65. SvenL1975
    Oct 24, 2017
    0
    The first three acts are a clear 8/10, maybe even a 9. Then Act IV starts and we get a tacked on part that either takes days or weeks to finish or you can just buy loot boxes to get through it quickly. And all you get afterwards is one lousy cutscene and the end credits. If you are willing to stop playing after Act III, you'll have a great experience with this game, they improved almostThe first three acts are a clear 8/10, maybe even a 9. Then Act IV starts and we get a tacked on part that either takes days or weeks to finish or you can just buy loot boxes to get through it quickly. And all you get afterwards is one lousy cutscene and the end credits. If you are willing to stop playing after Act III, you'll have a great experience with this game, they improved almost everything since the first game. Until they fix the final act, my rating will be 0/10 however.… Expand
  66. inverguy
    Oct 24, 2017
    0
    The golden age of gaming is behind us. This game is a pure representation of how terribly wrong it can get if the company is not interested in just taking your money but stealing it from you. But before I say more.

    Pros: there is some good content in this game. They definitely developed the story so it offers more entertainment but this is where everything positive ends. Cons: That    The golden age of gaming is behind us. This game is a pure representation of how terribly wrong it can get if the company is not interested in just taking your money but stealing it from you. But before I say more.

    Pros: there is some good content in this game. They definitely developed the story so it offers more entertainment but this is where everything positive ends.

    Cons: That entertainment seems to be limited by microtransactions. You are impacted by how much thy degraded the loot. You can easily tell that they made it so much ‘difficult’ so you invest in this already expensive game to make it enjoyable. I’m a casual gamer and never felt the need to buy any loot chests etc … but this one is just asking you for money. Yes, you can get a better loot and there are ways to guarantee it, but it ALWAYS feels like it’s few levels too late. You are actually punished for not spending even more money in a freaking single player game.

    With no respect to ppl standing behind such an awful business plan, I hope this will bite you back in the ‘behind’.

    PS: I hope you guys won’t buy this game. There are better titles… or at least wait until it’s 60% off    … Expand
  67. TeeZee
    Oct 24, 2017
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Story feels forced, why not just pick up where the game left off? no reason for crappy convoluted cut scenes. no consistency with the original game. ring of power offers no new strengths? you feel weaker with a ring of power, new random unexplained magic. when story line shifts and you no longer have celembrembor with you you still retain his powers and abilities? orcs retain will of their own? domination magic is more like persuasive recruiter magic. they tried to improve on every aspect of the game but doesnt come out well. orcs talk longer and there are more of them bunched together, really makes for long pointless cut scenes during sieges every time you move in for combat, the loot system was poorly implented imo and personally miss the runes and obviously the nickle and diming you upon purchase asking for $100 for the completed game and micro transactions inside the game. i enjoy the stealthy cloak and dagger playstyle from the first game. this one is more focused on your orcs and seiges and forcing you into combat and certain playstyles… Expand
  68. Psheshlov
    Oct 24, 2017
    0
    No, it's unacceptable. I was really waiting this game. Game, not grind. Boxes in the single player game? Really? And this boxes includes not just skins...
  69. peepeetime
    Oct 23, 2017
    8
    If you are a fan of the first game then you're gonna have a good time. It builds on the first game and delivers some real fun. Minus 2 points for a weaker story and a dragged out act IV. The micro-transaction complaints are overblown but not unfounded. I personally didn't need to pay a penny for lootboxes but the fact they were shown in game so prominently is troubling.
  70. TheGamerKnight
    Oct 23, 2017
    9
    Is this a good game? Yes. It's fantastic. If you loved Shadow of Mordor, you won't be disappointed. If you played The Witcher, you won't be disappointed.

    So what's with all of the negative reviews? Well, it's because of the microtransactions. It's just losers review-bombing the game as an act of protest. It's stupid and shouldn't be allowed. Take a look at all of the reviews. Not ONE of    Is this a good game? Yes. It's fantastic. If you loved Shadow of Mordor, you won't be disappointed. If you played The Witcher, you won't be disappointed.

    So what's with all of the negative reviews? Well, it's because of the microtransactions. It's just losers review-bombing the game as an act of protest. It's stupid and shouldn't be allowed. Take a look at all of the reviews. Not ONE of them has a legitimate reason for rating the game poorly (maybe a couple do, but the others are ALL because of microtransactions). Just look at some of these: "Loot boxes are not allowed in the 60$ game!" "Game ruined by microtransactions." "Microtransactions." It's all bullcrap. You should absolutely buy this game. The gameplay is highly addicting, it's loads of fun...I'm not gonna lie, the story is pretty lacking, but other than that, the game is fantastic. Don't listen to those tools review-bombing this game because of the microtransactions. Don't want them? Just don't buy them.    … Expand
  71. deathbringer
    Oct 22, 2017
    0
    Awful, awful, and again, awful. They game would be decent, if not for the disgustingly greedy decisions they made with it. The whole game is based around microtransactions. A $60 game with microtransactions...
  72. Tsamblala
    Oct 22, 2017
    8
    The game is an ok improvement from the previous version. Most annoying thing in battle is to find an orc to drain or look for that damn elf shot.
    The Nemesis-system is not as amazing as they made it look. You cannot make friends with the orcs or make a choice between saving a follower or killing your nemesis, as was advertised.
    Overall an ok game but I personally expected much more.    The game is an ok improvement from the previous version. Most annoying thing in battle is to find an orc to drain or look for that damn elf shot.
    The Nemesis-system is not as amazing as they made it look. You cannot make friends with the orcs or make a choice between saving a follower or killing your nemesis, as was advertised.
    Overall an ok game but I personally expected much more.
    About the microtransactions, they aren't a necessity. I completed the game in 2 days and didn't even consider to buy anything. I don't like the MT but they didn't bother me because I was able to finish the game without them.    … Expand
  73. Ryhelia
    Oct 21, 2017
    10
    My god...3.4 user score? 100+ people giving a 0 because of microtransactions? UGH. I wish metacritic could keep user reviews somewhat legit. I mean, one idiot wrote a whole paragraph talking about how great and addictibe the game is.....then said "but it has micro transactions so i give it a 0".

    This game is fan tastic, addictive, and by far the best game in the Tolkein universe.    My god...3.4 user score? 100+ people giving a 0 because of microtransactions? UGH. I wish metacritic could keep user reviews somewhat legit. I mean, one idiot wrote a whole paragraph talking about how great and addictibe the game is.....then said "but it has micro transactions so i give it a 0".

    This game is fan tastic, addictive, and by far the best game in the Tolkein universe. Building armies is spectacular fun. Hunting orcs is wonderful. Even the "grind" aspect is fun.

    If you don't like microtransactions transactions DONT BUY LOOT BOXES. They are unnecessary. They are for people who want to quickly breeze through the game without working for it.    … Expand
  74. Eilanzer
    Oct 21, 2017
    0
    AVOID THIS GAME LIKE THE PLAGUE!
    DLC...Microtransactions bullcrap all over the place...And if you support this you are making the gamimg industry worse and worse!
  75. Manzor
    Oct 21, 2017
    3
    Big kick in the ass to the lord of the rings lore but it has some other big problems. Some of them related to microtransactions but there are problems with playability. Too much combo mechanics. It looks amazing (in some way, graphics are not amazing either) but if you play some hours you realise how boring the game is. You are just pressing buttons.

    Not a terrible game, but to me, it's    Big kick in the ass to the lord of the rings lore but it has some other big problems. Some of them related to microtransactions but there are problems with playability. Too much combo mechanics. It looks amazing (in some way, graphics are not amazing either) but if you play some hours you realise how boring the game is. You are just pressing buttons.

    Not a terrible game, but to me, it's a bad game. Not enough good to deserve playing. There are bigger fishes in the sea.    … Expand
  76. KottarBjorn
    Oct 21, 2017
    0
    I just finished the game, and this is a soulless piece of junk. The story sucks, it does not follow the tolkien books or movies, the combat i repetitive (you can just mash 1 button the hole time and win every fight) the game tells you every time how to beat the enemy in every fight with helpboxses and messages, it requires you to buy lootboxes for the last 25% of the game, because theI just finished the game, and this is a soulless piece of junk. The story sucks, it does not follow the tolkien books or movies, the combat i repetitive (you can just mash 1 button the hole time and win every fight) the game tells you every time how to beat the enemy in every fight with helpboxses and messages, it requires you to buy lootboxes for the last 25% of the game, because the grind is not working. When 2 orcs have a fight in the pit the AI is so stupid that most of the time the units just stands there and dies. And you have to lvl up, and the only thing you can do is buying more lootboxes. So when you have paid 60 euro game, you have to add at least 20 more euro to finish the game. It is like they are taking a piss in your face when you are halfway in the game. And the game before that is not even enjoyable. It is the same assassin's creeds farming quest that says every time; go there and kill 5 guys, good job, now go here and kill 7 guys in the same way, good job, now you lvl up. And so it continues the hole game, until the microtransaction part. If you think it is weird that Critic Reviews are so much higher then the User score it is because they are to afraid to piss of EA with their bad game. Because it is. This game does not deserve any score better then it gets right now. And it comes with a lot of bugs and game crashes. In almost every mission there is some form of problem. If you know whats good for you, you spend youre cash on something good instead of this bullocks game.… Expand
  77. brewistmonk
    Oct 21, 2017
    0
    I did not play this game nor do I intend to. Any game with loot boxes will never be purchased or played by me.. The critics giving this game high marks are not examining the entire game. cash grabs from developers should not be tolerated and must not be allowed to dominate the future of the gaming industry. please vote with your wallet. stay away from this type of game and the loot boxesI did not play this game nor do I intend to. Any game with loot boxes will never be purchased or played by me.. The critics giving this game high marks are not examining the entire game. cash grabs from developers should not be tolerated and must not be allowed to dominate the future of the gaming industry. please vote with your wallet. stay away from this type of game and the loot boxes will eventually go away. As should the mindless critics glossing over this destructive presence in the industry.… Expand
  78. Developer_
    Oct 21, 2017
    0
    micro transaction in a single player game that is paid for its not even free to play
    the game contains a lot of bugs like raising dead captains and training a captain
  79. Sceptic
    Oct 20, 2017
    5
    A genuinely excellent game marred by a lootbox system.While it's true that they are not necessary,the endgame is clearly designed to "encourage" players who have little time or patience to repetitively grind,and to purchase fast tracks to success.This is disgusting.So after spending a huge amount of time(In the pits mostly) grinding my way to 100% completion,I'll give this game a 10 forA genuinely excellent game marred by a lootbox system.While it's true that they are not necessary,the endgame is clearly designed to "encourage" players who have little time or patience to repetitively grind,and to purchase fast tracks to success.This is disgusting.So after spending a huge amount of time(In the pits mostly) grinding my way to 100% completion,I'll give this game a 10 for the first 80%,minus 5 for the insidious,predatory single player lootbox system.… Expand
  80. MlgTeletubbie
    Oct 20, 2017
    0
    The gameplay is fun, and i appreciate the added movement and combat features, but the fort capturing system seems like little less than a cool gimmick to expand the time it takes to play the game, and introduce micro-transactions into a triple A game from a major corporation. This can't be accepted as the industry norm like it has in F2P mobile games. It's one thing to add them to sellThe gameplay is fun, and i appreciate the added movement and combat features, but the fort capturing system seems like little less than a cool gimmick to expand the time it takes to play the game, and introduce micro-transactions into a triple A game from a major corporation. This can't be accepted as the industry norm like it has in F2P mobile games. It's one thing to add them to sell cosmetics and that is something I can understand, but adding a pay to win mechanism is slimy at best.… Expand
  81. Estaim
    Oct 20, 2017
    0
    **** artistic direction, shallow combat system, pretentious story full of incongruencies and a punch in the face for any fan of tolkien's universe. Sick microtransaction system. This game is ****
  82. medv4380
    Oct 20, 2017
    10
    This is a Pay-to-Cheat game. Not unusual if you remember the 80's gaming 1-900 hint lines. This is not a Pay-to-Win but depending on how you play may have that appearance. Once I unlocked the primary areas and could control an Army I started clearing out all the little collectible and side quests. While I did this it did seems like maybe there would be an intense grind in a few areas thatThis is a Pay-to-Cheat game. Not unusual if you remember the 80's gaming 1-900 hint lines. This is not a Pay-to-Win but depending on how you play may have that appearance. Once I unlocked the primary areas and could control an Army I started clearing out all the little collectible and side quests. While I did this it did seems like maybe there would be an intense grind in a few areas that seemed like I just wasn't strong enough. However, once I got back onto the primary quest line it leads me back into the area that I hadn't concerned that was more level appropriate and not grindy at all. If you are too aggressive and Kill the captains on the quests instead of recruiting you could easily turn it into a nasty grind. For those who only want to kill captains and not play the game as intended this could be seen as a Pay-to-Win, but you just need to use the Free in game currency to repopulate the dead captains. Even the Legendary Loot boxes are possible if you complete the Online Revenge quests to get the higher tier currency for FREE. You could also allow yourself to be killed to quickly repopulate if you find yourself low on currency, but I've not had this problem.

    Because of my play style the games very enjoyable, and won't require any additional purchases past the original game purchase. Though I'll probably consider future DLC expansions.    … Expand
  83. Caruat
    Oct 20, 2017
    10
    Do not read the negative reviews of users. They are devoid of arousal and are thrown against a play masterpiece only for unnecessary and completely optional microtransmissions! But do you realize that by doing so, you just do not mind a great single player game? This is a masterpiece game and a possible candidate at GOTY 2017. 10 full and praise.
  84. Neowulff
    Oct 19, 2017
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I was enjoying this game despite the butchering of Tolkien lore, that was up until I hit level 25 with my character, and notice how much, much, much slower it raised when I received experience, I was levelling up like crazy, then it was like I hit a wall.

    By this point in the game I had just conquered my first Fortress, so I tried the fight pits to level up my followers, my orcs couldn't level any higher than me, and I couldn't recruit any orcs who where a higher level than me.

    The tediousness of the collect 'em up side quests had then dawned on me, and I remembered all the hub-bub about Loot-boxes and pay to win surrounding this game, and it gave me such a bad feeling. So much so I had to stop playing and look up Metacritic reviews.

    Holy smokes! 406 negative reviews at the time of writing my own, compared to 194 positive, and 31 mixed. So I've been going over the bad reviews and learnt that at Act 4 the game becomes a grindy mess that reeks of mobile phone free to play shovel-ware, where you must recruit and level your followers to defeat massively over powered enemies assaulting your forts. Which could end up with you having to start from scratch, recruiting orcs and assaulting the fort yourself, if you lose.

    All to see the true ending (which I know won't be worth it, they rarely are), or you can buy loot boxes with real world money, FOR A CHANCE at obtaining a high level orc!

    Well after reading all this I thought "bugger right off Warner Bros" sent my game back for a refund. If the big wig publishers are to be believed, they are having a hard time recouping the cost of making these so called "triple A games". So all we have to do, when we hear of micro transactions, or something similar, is don't buy those games, don't pre-order them, just wait. The greed driven companies out there will see that their nickle and diming won't work, and they'll move on to a different medium to suck dry, like the creativity destroying parasites that they are.

    I just knew something was wrong when Shadow of War was first announced, so soon after Shadow of Mordor.

    I though "that was quick"....    … Expand
  85. ConnorMak
    Oct 19, 2017
    4
    No, the low score is not because of the infamous micro transactions. It's because the game is a frustrating and boring grind. Wait until after Xmas and pick it up for under $20. $10 if you wait longer.
  86. ryuujin
    Oct 19, 2017
    7
    Shadow of war takes the nemesis system from the last game and blows it out of the water. This game improves on every part of it and the combat is also much better. I bought the gold edition and got the platinum without spending any extra money and the time spent was well worth the money. While many people play a game for its story, this game has a much weaker story than the predecessor andShadow of war takes the nemesis system from the last game and blows it out of the water. This game improves on every part of it and the combat is also much better. I bought the gold edition and got the platinum without spending any extra money and the time spent was well worth the money. While many people play a game for its story, this game has a much weaker story than the predecessor and doesn't improve the relationship between Talion and Celebrimbor. Even still though, the game was fun to play the highlight was the amount of personality that the orcs had. The game is good and definitely a must buy, even if it has an iffy story and the fourth act being a slight grind.… Expand
  87. Valtazarkane
    Oct 19, 2017
    5
    A strong middle-aged man. A strong middle-aged man.A strong middle-aged man.A strong middle-aged man.A strong middle-aged man.A strong middle-aged man.A strong middle-aged man.
  88. ryxerg
    Oct 19, 2017
    7
    All the microtransactions are LIES! you can purchase every item in the game via daily mission, and the grinding system are Middle-Earth WAY, if you don't like it just don't buy the game!
    The story are a little bit linear but its good anyway, the main reason you want to buy this game is about the gameplay not the story.
    The gameplay looks nice, but the control of the main char are not too    All the microtransactions are LIES! you can purchase every item in the game via daily mission, and the grinding system are Middle-Earth WAY, if you don't like it just don't buy the game!
    The story are a little bit linear but its good anyway, the main reason you want to buy this game is about the gameplay not the story.
    The gameplay looks nice, but the control of the main char are not too good, i play it on my ps4 slim and the main char sometimes do something that i don't want him to do.
    Overall the game is good but need some improvement at graphic and controlling    … Expand
  89. IonStorm
    Oct 19, 2017
    0
    The game would have been great if it wasn't made intentionally grindy so that I pay real money for what is essentially cheat codes also known as loot boxes. These people have no shame.
  90. axel64701
    Oct 19, 2017
    0
    Wow , this is like a ubisoft game, it's so boring,so repetitive ,so grindy..and ACT 4 is a disgrace to us all, just to take some bucks from microtransactions... very very low game, we have to discourage this type of games.
  91. xavia91
    Oct 19, 2017
    3
    "You don't need lootboxes and can play through the whole game without a problem" that is if you are willing to grind your ass off with repetitive battles to slowly raise your level... The beginning is fun and progressing as expected, but after leaving Minas Tirith you are suddenly stuck with endless grinding and meaningless story missions on the side....

    Thanks to the proper early phase    "You don't need lootboxes and can play through the whole game without a problem" that is if you are willing to grind your ass off with repetitive battles to slowly raise your level... The beginning is fun and progressing as expected, but after leaving Minas Tirith you are suddenly stuck with endless grinding and meaningless story missions on the side....

    Thanks to the proper early phase it does not get ZERO points as it deserves for being a greedy ****    … Expand
  92. holiday_hawk
    Oct 18, 2017
    6
    I'd like to start by saying that micro-transactions have almost no affect on the game. I'm one trophy away from beating the game while platinuming it on PS4 and have not spent a cent on the game. If today's gaming community is foolish enough to buy them then I can't blame the developers for putting them in. With that said, Shadow of War is one of the most frustrating experiences I've hadI'd like to start by saying that micro-transactions have almost no affect on the game. I'm one trophy away from beating the game while platinuming it on PS4 and have not spent a cent on the game. If today's gaming community is foolish enough to buy them then I can't blame the developers for putting them in. With that said, Shadow of War is one of the most frustrating experiences I've had in a while. I had such high hopes going into to it after absolutely loving the first one (getting a platinum trophy on the regular and GOTY edition). Parts of SoW are really good, almost 9/10 good, but these parts are surrounded by a couple dozen hours of what is essentially frustrating time killer missions. There are far too many collectables, far too many missions for each faction, and the end-game fortress capture is horrible. I can't believe that when this game was playtested (and it's polished enough that I know it was well playtested) no one said "doing the same type of mission four times isn't fun, how about making fewer, but more memorable missions." If you're doing Gondor missions, be prepared to untie lots of soldiers, if you're doing Carnan missions be prepared to destroy lots of necromancer totems, and so on and so on. Without spoiling why, I'll just say that the final chapter of the game requires to defend your forts over and over again, each fort multiple times. This mechanic goes from amazing to beyond annoying so quickly. I found myself tired of it before the final act. The controls still need work, and this is unacceptable. The studio straight lifted the controls from Assassins' Creed, so they really only needed to fine tune AC's wonky controls. Instead, we're still left with controls that will have you climbing up walls when you don't want to, not climbing up walls when you want to, draining an orc off screen rather than the broken captain, and more. The worst part of all this is that buried in the middle of this tedious borefest is a great game. Some really fun, memorable missions are hidden in here. The new features such as pit fights and fort attacks are really fun at first too. It's only with an insane amount of repetition that they become aggravating. If you go into this game with a completionist mentality you're going to have a bad time. If you go into it thinking you'll just hit up the main story quest then it would be a really fun game. The developers should have left it a short, fun romp leaving you wanting more instead of a long, drawn out process leaving you wishing it was over.… Expand
  93. bhappenstance
    Oct 18, 2017
    3
    This is a real shame. Shadow of Mordor is one of my all-time favourite games, but this sequel should not have been released in the state it's in. It appears just as slick and enjoyable, but is rife with bugs. In only two hours of play, I've been stuck in three glitches that required restarting - especially unfortunate in a game where your death has consequences for enemies/progression. IfThis is a real shame. Shadow of Mordor is one of my all-time favourite games, but this sequel should not have been released in the state it's in. It appears just as slick and enjoyable, but is rife with bugs. In only two hours of play, I've been stuck in three glitches that required restarting - especially unfortunate in a game where your death has consequences for enemies/progression. If the other complaints re: microtransactions are on point (didn't make it far enough for this to be an issue), then it's deplorable that Monolith seems to have put more thought into microtransactions than game testing. Will be returning this tomorrow.… Expand
  94. louco_por_games
    Oct 18, 2017
    10
    microtransações gerou um hater pesado, não acho legal ter microtransações em um jogo, isso deve ser criticado, mas o jogo está excelente, não merece tanta negativo assim pelos users, o jogo não tem bugs que atrapalhem a jogatina, está fluindo legal, combate melhorado, adições boas para a continuação , vale a pena compra se você gostou do primeiro jogo sim.
  95. christhec
    Oct 18, 2017
    0
    I have specifically created an account in order to review this game, and to voice my displeasure over the inclusion of loot boxes into offline story mode. I played the first Middle-Earth game, and like many other people, were very impressed and surprised about how good the game was. I played through the story mode several times, and recommended the game to anybody that would listen.I have specifically created an account in order to review this game, and to voice my displeasure over the inclusion of loot boxes into offline story mode. I played the first Middle-Earth game, and like many other people, were very impressed and surprised about how good the game was. I played through the story mode several times, and recommended the game to anybody that would listen. Naturally, I was hugely anticipating the sequel, Shadow of War. I eagerly read bits of information leaked over the past couple of years, and was looking forward to purchasing and enjoying the game.

    Then came loot boxes. The very late announcement that the game would include loot boxes in the offline story mode has killed any love I had for this series. It is a trend which should be completely eradicated and offers no improvement to players enjoyment of the games. The feature is purely used to suck more money out of players, it adds literally zero benefit to the game.

    People should not support this game, and should be very vocal about their displeasure of it. I will not ever be purchasing this game, not for full price, or second hand when it inevitably gets traded in and the price drops. It is a disgrace that it has been included in this game.

    I am completely appalled by the critic reviews, none of which have rated this game negatively. Perhaps if they gave the game a negative review, they fear EA would not allow them early access to future games, a direct conflict of interest for their jobs and well being. I have also read on Youtube that Youtubers that were given the game early were forced, by means of contract, to only say positive things about the title. While I have no proof if this allegation is true, considering the overwhelming response from critics, I find it very believable.

    As other users have commented, I suggest everybody boycott this game, make it a failure to send a firm message to EA that this will not be tolerated.    … Expand
  96. Gohax
    Oct 18, 2017
    6
    Ok so before i start the review i just want to say that the whole game not counting the endgame doesn't need any microtransactions, i had a high score for this game but the endgame runied it by blocking the true ending with act 4 shadow wars which is basiclly 10 stages of defending all your fortress which is kinda fun i guess but takes a lot of in game curenncy and here is where theOk so before i start the review i just want to say that the whole game not counting the endgame doesn't need any microtransactions, i had a high score for this game but the endgame runied it by blocking the true ending with act 4 shadow wars which is basiclly 10 stages of defending all your fortress which is kinda fun i guess but takes a lot of in game curenncy and here is where the microtransactions shine i refused to continue playing and stopped after stage 2 this game had a lot coming for it and i really dont want to give out pros and cons because i dont want people playing this game and supporting that endgame microtransactions bullcrap so ill just say this
    i Spent 26 hours on the game and could Spent more but i could not do 10 stages of defened the fortress becuase it takes so much ingame money to do it and if you fail you have to retake it and then defened it again the whole thing is a pain

    the game it self is great but the endgame just ruined it this game had a lot of potential and could be a 9/10
    but greed ruined it my final score to shadow of war is 6/10 but again i do not recommend it at all because of the endgame    … Expand
  97. work_hard
    Oct 18, 2017
    10
    sim o jogo é bom, pessoal está hateando o jogo pelo fato de microtransações, vale a pena a compra, principalmente se você gostou do primeiro e este é uma continuação perfeita, pois está tudo melhorado, o sistema nemesis , muito mais horas de jogo, a história melhorou na minha opinião, quem gosta do universo do senhor dos anéis vai amar, alguns pontos pode não gostar se for um fã muitosim o jogo é bom, pessoal está hateando o jogo pelo fato de microtransações, vale a pena a compra, principalmente se você gostou do primeiro e este é uma continuação perfeita, pois está tudo melhorado, o sistema nemesis , muito mais horas de jogo, a história melhorou na minha opinião, quem gosta do universo do senhor dos anéis vai amar, alguns pontos pode não gostar se for um fã muito exigente , mas sim sombras da guerra é um excelente jogo e espero mais jogos dessa franquia.… Expand
  98. Munka48
    Oct 18, 2017
    9
    While I agree the loot boxes are annoying, you can easily earn Mirian in game by destroying old weapons that you will no longer use. THIS IS NOT an excuse, but the silver loot boxes can be bought this way alleviating the grind.

    THIS ASIDE, the game is good, the game is actually great! The story may branch off the LOTR lore and story, but the story is fun! I liked it as much flak as it    While I agree the loot boxes are annoying, you can easily earn Mirian in game by destroying old weapons that you will no longer use. THIS IS NOT an excuse, but the silver loot boxes can be bought this way alleviating the grind.

    THIS ASIDE, the game is good, the game is actually great! The story may branch off the LOTR lore and story, but the story is fun! I liked it as much flak as it gets for being cheesy. The new nemesis system is awesome and feels scripted with how specific and detailed the dialogue can be, that is a good thing! Overlords are cool and very difficult but the fortress sieges can be a little easy to rush through. You literally just walk into a point and hit down on the d pad.
    That aside though the game does a good job in making you feel powerful but also challenged. The regions are appropriately sized and add flavor to the selection. The clear focus here is game play and mechanics, so if you like games that are very video gamey you should enjoy this.    … Expand
  99. nicouou
    Oct 18, 2017
    0
    An otherwise good game ruined by loot-boxes, micro-transactions, pre-order bonuses and different editions. I advise anyone to boycott this game and all other games with these anti-consumer business strategies. Even just buying the game but not the scummy stuff still shows the publisher that you're okay paying for a game where it is in it, regardless of if you use it or not. They willAn otherwise good game ruined by loot-boxes, micro-transactions, pre-order bonuses and different editions. I advise anyone to boycott this game and all other games with these anti-consumer business strategies. Even just buying the game but not the scummy stuff still shows the publisher that you're okay paying for a game where it is in it, regardless of if you use it or not. They will intentionally make the game more tedious and/or difficult if you don't buy their greddy sh!!t to encourage you to buy it. Want an example? Just look at GTA V Online. While it might not seem too devastating now, If we allow this stuff to happen, it will only get worse over time. If you pay for a AAA priced game you should get the full experience, no excuses (real expansions made afterwards is an exception, of course).… Expand
  100. samadhi2016
    Oct 18, 2017
    9
    I consider that metacritic should take urgent action against people who put zero (0) to a game causing great damage, many will be haters and other terrorist companies, a game is a play and however bad it may be may lead a 4 or 5 of note, but zero ?, I hope metacritic take this orientation pages as 3d games and are taking with the people hater, this game is a good game, in history,I consider that metacritic should take urgent action against people who put zero (0) to a game causing great damage, many will be haters and other terrorist companies, a game is a play and however bad it may be may lead a 4 or 5 of note, but zero ?, I hope metacritic take this orientation pages as 3d games and are taking with the people hater, this game is a good game, in history, playability and fulfills its mission… 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]
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