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. Tokoo
    Oct 11, 2017
    5
    Love how all the critic's that reviewed this game giving it 80+ rating, all say the same thing. Oh its a great copy of the 1st game. That's nice so they polished it, added loot boxes, expanded the nemesis system, made a lack luster story, and also locked the anticlimactic ending behind ether grinding, or buying loot boxes/ Such a shame, loot boxes in a 60 usd game is retarded, but forcingLove how all the critic's that reviewed this game giving it 80+ rating, all say the same thing. Oh its a great copy of the 1st game. That's nice so they polished it, added loot boxes, expanded the nemesis system, made a lack luster story, and also locked the anticlimactic ending behind ether grinding, or buying loot boxes/ Such a shame, loot boxes in a 60 usd game is retarded, but forcing people to do the multiplayer system whether they want to or not just to make extra money is appalling, and if a critic can give you a score of 80+ after that then shame on them as well.… Expand
  2. LuigiC96
    Oct 11, 2017
    10
    great game ignoring micro transaction, blame WB not the devs, silly people harming the Devs for something they have no power or control over. supporting the Devs
  3. GamerFLAG12
    Oct 11, 2017
    9
    TL;DR, unless you want to read an honest review. High five at the end.

    For everyone going through looking at reviews, please ignore these Metacritic user reviews giving the game a 0 score. All of them are people complaining about microtransactions, without even playing the actual game and reviewing it based on what it's worth. ($60, same as every other game out there) Having played    TL;DR, unless you want to read an honest review. High five at the end.

    For everyone going through looking at reviews, please ignore these Metacritic user reviews giving the game a 0 score. All of them are people complaining about microtransactions, without even playing the actual game and reviewing it based on what it's worth. ($60, same as every other game out there)

    Having played nearly 15 hours of the game already, I've been having a blast. I was a big fan of the original, and this game was an on-the-fence buy for me due to time, but honestly, do not regret buying it at all. More than enough content and nowhere near the end still, also I've only explored two regions to this point, imagine all that I have left to do and explore.

    Microtransactions play such a small part in the game; you can probably get 60 hours of game time without even considering or looking at them, according to most people that have put in that amount of time since getting their early copies. The only benefit you get from them is getting higher ranked orcs, which you can do in the game yourself, better-ranked gear, which you can get in the game, and some XP/loot bonuses, which you can't get in the game, but don't make it that game breaking.

    The gameplay has been thoughtfully tweaked from the first game, based on player feedback over the past years, making the combat system more fluid and diverse. You can have different combat styles now, ranging from assassin to warrior to archer to a mix of all three and more. (personal favorite is Mount Rider, love my Caragors) All skills benefit from so many new additions or tweaks that it plays like the previous iteration while bringing in a whole new truckload of options. (i.e., Poisoning Grog Barrels from afar, then shooting them to cause an explosion, resulting in a poison-proof captain cheating death and hunting me down)

    The story is going to be either a hit or miss for some people, it is genuinely exciting and brings new lore to LoTR, people saying there is no lore or story are incredibly wrong and probably lazy enough to skip all the conversations and lore items found throughout the world. I have barely done some of the story missions and have found myself immersed in the game's story and it drives me to continue. Obviously, there are going to be sure things that don't make sense at first *cough* Shelob *cough* but give them time to explain it in the story, and it falls in place making it all the more entertaining.

    Graphics are a step up from the first game, some of the reviews on here have said they are awful and the reduced resolution. I have played both the PS4, PS4 Pro and Xbox One versions (PS4 being my main copy) and on all three consoles, it looked great, with some apparent advantages on PS4 Pro for textures and the overall fps rate. Someone on here went as far as to say the original games graphics were better, which is entirely crazy. Apparently, this user had both games playing side by side to make this comparison, because from what I've seen they are a definite improvement over the original.

    Grinding is another big thing people are complaining on. Most of these players don't care for having to grind; they are just using it to bolster further their hate of microtransactions, which once again are not necessary and you can ignore entirely. If you are playing a game in this day and age without some grinding, then I'd like to know what it is because most games (good ones at that) have grinding implemented in some way. (i.e., Borderlands, MGSV, Diablo, Overwatch, Dark Souls, Witcher, Nioh and much more) For most of the people complaining about grinding, please do understand that RPG/ARPG video games that have endgame content or open worlds aren't going to give you a never-ending story unless you plan to pay them. ("DLC! Oh no I have to spend money for more! Unthinkable!" -Most of the Negative Reviewers) Now, this is where the loot and nemesis systems and oodles of side missions come in, to give players a goal to get better loot and keep coming back to take on stronger enemies. If you don't like those systems, then you shouldn't be playing games built mainly for looting or open-world adventure, which is done exceptionally well in this game.

    See I haven't gotten to the end quite yet, but friends and professional reviewers I know have gotten to the end have not complained about a single thing, other than a lack of a stellar ending. So people complaining about all these issues are either nitpicky gamers expecting $60 to be a lifetimes worth of gaming in 2017 or plain crazy.

    Make your own opinions, buy the game and play it, because it honestly is a great game. Most people complaining about microtransactions are merely doing so because they feel compelled to buy these to compete with other players, who do this as well.

    Will be playing this for the next couple of weeks or months.

    Thanks for reading, hope it helps, here is your high five ( O.O)/    … Expand
  4. forbitz
    Oct 11, 2017
    1
    Its a pity that in a single player game that greed has come into the equation, speaking of course about the micro transactions which ruin the end of the game. People should vote with their wallets and let publishers know we don't want this sort of thing in games we pay good money for.
  5. Jacobo90
    Oct 11, 2017
    0
    This is unbelievable, DO NOT BUY THIS GAME. Its nothing but a rip off you need to buy loot boxes with YOUR OWN MONEY in order to finish the campaign. The game is full of MICROTRANSACTIONS if you buy this game you are supporting this kind of behavior from the gaming companies. This is a disgusting practice.
  6. pixelpassion
    Oct 11, 2017
    4
    Not far into the game and have ran into a few bugs the controls feel sloppy the UI is a mess and one cheap death when the game froze on me but we all know the loot box controversy and just feels bad the game has a bad cloud over it and it being mediocre doesn't help.
  7. Ungodly_Phantom
    Oct 11, 2017
    1
    Отличий от первой части минимум, нудный гринд,скучная боевка. И на десерт кейсики. Как игра за 60$ получает оценку 1, если бы была ф2п, то 5 из 10
  8. Vitooc
    Oct 11, 2017
    10
    I don't understand people crying about micro-transactions... You can easily finish the game without using it !! It is just a possibility if you want more epic and legendary orcs etc, but really not an obligation at any time!!
    It is definitely a great game let's be honest!!
  9. marcusgolol
    Oct 11, 2017
    0
    Хочешь купить игру и приятно провести пару-тройку вечеров попивая пивасик? Нет, теперь никакого пива, и твоего стула, и монитор тоже придется продать. Перестань ныть и покупай кейсы.

    @PayToWin
  10. capnskillet
    Oct 11, 2017
    9
    This is an early review, but I wanted to try to help counter all the zeroes from people who didn't even play. The bad reviews are only becasue of microtransactions, which would only speed up gameplay for those who want to get an advantage. None of it is required to play and enjoy the game.

    If you enjoyed the first game, then this one is much like it just more options. More skills,    This is an early review, but I wanted to try to help counter all the zeroes from people who didn't even play. The bad reviews are only becasue of microtransactions, which would only speed up gameplay for those who want to get an advantage. None of it is required to play and enjoy the game.

    If you enjoyed the first game, then this one is much like it just more options. More skills, better loot system, more orc varieties, an enjoyable story line so far, and just all around fun. You can also set difficulty this time. Bottom line is just buy the game and avoid the microtransactions if you hate them.    … Expand
  11. JAX85
    Oct 11, 2017
    9
    Best 2017 open world action adventure game! Best story , best offline mode (i love story offline mode) best upgrading system , best graphic and best environment. If you love lord of rongs , you love Middle -Earth and you should buy this game! ❤
  12. Keys1989
    Oct 11, 2017
    0
    Damn it all to hell!

    I'm almost 40, been gaming since Atari and at the peak of performance capabilities gaming is ruined by the all mighty dollar and developer greed. Pay (fot only a chance) at winning. Second half of the game is clearly designed to try and make you spend money. In a full price SINGLE PLAYER game. Unforgivable.
  13. pumajlr
    Oct 11, 2017
    0
    People who say that microtransactions don't affect the game are lying to you. If you want to reach the ending you have to pay or do hours of tedious grind. If we keep allowing this the next is going to be worse. Wait until the game is on sale.
  14. superkingarmaan
    Oct 11, 2017
    0
    shadow of war? more like shadow of greed, I can just about forgive and understand micro transactions in multiplayer games. But in single player?! Why do we need loot boxes in a story mode? It pointless and just trying to find more ways to earn money! What's next the DLC in loot boxes?
  15. BatmansLavaLamp
    Oct 11, 2017
    10
    With the short amount of time I've been able to play Shadow of War I'm already blown away- Compared to the first game, the visuals are a masterpiece. The opening cinematic is fantastic, with a style that could be mistaken for an animation feature film. This is probably because the first game had to be ported for PS3 as well as PS4, so the graphics on PS4 had to be sacrificed.
    The gameplay    With the short amount of time I've been able to play Shadow of War I'm already blown away- Compared to the first game, the visuals are a masterpiece. The opening cinematic is fantastic, with a style that could be mistaken for an animation feature film. This is probably because the first game had to be ported for PS3 as well as PS4, so the graphics on PS4 had to be sacrificed.
    The gameplay and animations feel so much more fluid than Shadow of Mordor. Don't get me wrong, SOM had incredible gameplay, but it always felt like it was lacking in variety, with only a couple different animations for each combo. SOW has outdone itself in terms of gameplay mechanics.
    Also, when you think of games like Destiny (for comparison, no bias), the sequel was very good in its own right, but it wasn't that much of an improvement from the first game. Shadow of War, however, has absolutely smashed this sequel out of the park. The map is massive, with the in-menu world map being 3D rendered. New mechanics, combat moves, Uruk variation, enemy types and environment settings. It has a much more flushed out nemesis system, and RPG elements never before seen in SOM. The progression feels perfectly paced, with the story starting a little while after the events of SOM.
    As for the story, I cannot say, as I have not played anywhere near enough of it. But just from the opening few missions, I can already say that it is going to be one to remember.
    In terms of accuracy in the LOTR universe, the names of places, the placement and map generation, and even time- they're all perfectly flushed out and thought about carefully. As a massive LOTR fan, I am not disappointed by how they have portrayed the game.
    In conclusion, this game has definitely been worth my money and time, and I cannot wait to play more of it. WB and Monolith have not failed to impress, as always.    … Expand
  16. vonfidde
    Oct 11, 2017
    0
    Disgusting and awful, no one should support these kinda games. On top of that the game is too much like the first one. Would be nice if you could play as an Orch that climbing the ranks, and then create an amazing adventure regarding that. Also the PEGI-mark needs to show that the game contains gambling, it's very missleading for parents.
  17. Direjor
    Oct 11, 2017
    0
    Поддерживаю бойкот !!!! Первая часть очень понравилась, но микро транзакции во второй убили наповал (((
  18. Prekkan
    Oct 11, 2017
    8
    All this negativity for microtransactions Is starting to get old. I personally don't care If you can buy yourself a legendary army from minute 1 or not. As long as It doesn't make the game impossible to complete without, It's not an issue. It's a option If you want to purchase the boxes or not. But onto the review!

    For the few hours I've played, I absolutely love It. All the new skills,    All this negativity for microtransactions Is starting to get old. I personally don't care If you can buy yourself a legendary army from minute 1 or not. As long as It doesn't make the game impossible to complete without, It's not an issue. It's a option If you want to purchase the boxes or not. But onto the review!

    For the few hours I've played, I absolutely love It. All the new skills, equipment's and mechanics for the captains Is just so much fun. New various puzzle solving makes you interact more with the collectables. Even added quotes from the books that you have to solve! If you liked Shadow of Mordor, you're gonna love Shadow of War. It's the same idea with a lot more content. Worth all the money.    … Expand
  19. Jakerk
    Oct 11, 2017
    0
    Los jugadores NO APOYAMOS las cajitas en todos y cada de los malditos juegos triple A que salen al mercado. Mass Effect, SOW, Destiny, Forza...Juegos DESTRUIDOS por sus políticas abusivas. Empezad a valorar en las críticas las políticas YA o esta industria que nos encanta se pudrirá hasta la médula.
  20. Hurrikhan
    Oct 11, 2017
    0
    Bait & Switch.
    To get the true ending of this straightforward uninspired story you either need to grind (not fun, not a game) either need to give more real cash.
    These micro-transactions are like gangrene. Any game with them should be avoided like the plague. Maybe after a few losses, the crooks at the top will realize making a good full game is the only way they'll get our money.    Bait & Switch.
    To get the true ending of this straightforward uninspired story you either need to grind (not fun, not a game) either need to give more real cash.
    These micro-transactions are like gangrene. Any game with them should be avoided like the plague.
    Maybe after a few losses, the crooks at the top will realize making a good full game is the only way they'll get our money. ("our" as in "players with a modicum of self-respect").
    If you bought the game, you have been had. Forever remember what gaming site betrayed you telling the game was good.    … Expand
  21. macdigger
    Oct 11, 2017
    0
    Just say NO. Draw a line in the sand where we just don't allow triple-A single player (mainly) games to do the highway robbery through game-changing microtransactions and loot boxes (gambling!).
    Whatever this game has to offer, I won't ever know until it's on very deep sale, if that.
    Game companies MUST be shown their place AND understand that non-free full-priced games are not    Just say NO. Draw a line in the sand where we just don't allow triple-A single player (mainly) games to do the highway robbery through game-changing microtransactions and loot boxes (gambling!).
    Whatever this game has to offer, I won't ever know until it's on very deep sale, if that.

    Game companies MUST be shown their place AND understand that non-free full-priced games are not free-to-play ones. MAKE A STAND RIGHT HERE.    … Expand
  22. TheNpV
    Oct 11, 2017
    10
    Dont even read guys who write about, loot-case and microtransaction system, u can play even without this stuff, u need it ONLY if u wanna finish game faster possible, no more. Microtransaction system is Unobtrusive, u can finish game easily without even opening "shop" window. I do rly respect the creators of this game, couse they fixed all problems from previous game, even some littleDont even read guys who write about, loot-case and microtransaction system, u can play even without this stuff, u need it ONLY if u wanna finish game faster possible, no more. Microtransaction system is Unobtrusive, u can finish game easily without even opening "shop" window. I do rly respect the creators of this game, couse they fixed all problems from previous game, even some little moments like parkour mechanics. You dont even need to grind much to finish game, like some one said previously. This game is damn great, even more then just great, its perfect, if u played Shadow of Mordor, and thinking to buy this part - u must do it!
    Sorry for my bad English.
    If u play this game, u will enjoy it, only guys who didnt played, saying something about microtransaction.    … Expand
  23. MG05
    Oct 11, 2017
    10
    I am not in habbit of writting long reviews but I just mention few points below.
    - The game is worth playing at least this year's best game and surely proved that as well in terms of all aspects, graphics ,story and gameplay.
    - For lootboxes which has became apple of discord for masses without any major reason as it does not effected the gameplay from any prespective as you can play    I am not in habbit of writting long reviews but I just mention few points below.
    - The game is worth playing at least this year's best game and surely proved that as well in terms of all aspects, graphics ,story and gameplay.
    - For lootboxes which has became apple of discord for masses without any major reason as it does not effected the gameplay from any prespective as you can play offline.
    - In the end go ahead dont just unllike the game beacuse of loot box thing.    … Expand
  24. Akomplice
    Oct 11, 2017
    0
    Mindless grind, unbalanced endgame, glitchy movement getting off boxes/walls, long orc monologues, combat doesn't flow, looks nice, Bruz is cool, gear stats unreliable, skills often vague, stealth needs work, predatory.

    This could have been a great game, an amazing game, that's what frustrates me the most. The other extremely frustrating thing is the complete lack of honesty & integrity    Mindless grind, unbalanced endgame, glitchy movement getting off boxes/walls, long orc monologues, combat doesn't flow, looks nice, Bruz is cool, gear stats unreliable, skills often vague, stealth needs work, predatory.

    This could have been a great game, an amazing game, that's what frustrates me the most. The other extremely frustrating thing is the complete lack of honesty & integrity of most of the critics. It's pretty obvious that Shadow of War was delayed 2 months to give Monolith time to jam this game full of hours & hours of mindless grinding.

    Unfortunately, I feel that at this point the only option is for government to step in & regulate these predatory gambling systems. I really don't want that to happen but that's exactly what's going on here, gambling with real money in a game that is intentionally vague & secretive about the odds. I've signed every online petition I could find, requesting government to step in a curb these practices that seem to be targeted towards children & people with addictive personalities.

    Giant companies don't need white knights. Anti-consumer business practices drastically impact this game, devs did very little to mask their intent. 2 months wasn't enough time to prevent the complete ruination of what clearly used to be a great game. It's still there, gasping for air, struggling not to be suffocated by garbage.

    Greed proved too alluring for Monolith/WB, this single player game is the epitome of pay to win. Not only that but the methods used to incentivize/strong arm players to fork out more money, are truly pervasive & predatory. Think any F2P mobile game, only $60-$100. They intentionally made the back end of this game painfully boring, to devistating effect.

    The game is not balanced, Monolith. After 12-15 hours of gameplay, I'd received zero gold, but I had plenty of worthless mirian. This is a problem because mirian, the currency that you actually earn steadily in game for killing enemies and completing quests, is essentially worthless. Only the lowest tier crates & upgrades can be purchased with the silver mirian, everything else requires gold. Gold is doled, out at an unbearably stingy rate, an obvious attempt to get you to spend real money. Monolith and WB didn't just use the F2P playbook, they copied it.

    The drop rate quality from the low tier mirian chests are so poor-mediocre, it's a joke. I pre-ordered the gold edition, so I got to check out the real lootcrates while experiencing the gold drought. As expected, the low tier crates don't even compare.

    The game was good, until about halfway through when you begin to notice how grindy & repetitive it's becoming. By the final act (54 hours of storyless, mindless grinding to dominate/level up high enough level Orcs/Uruk) the game becomes painful work. The mechanics & overall feel only serve to remind you of what could have been. In an obvious attempt to separate you from your wallet, Shadow of War doesn't even attempt to hide its true intentions at this point.

    It's baffling to me, did these critics play the same game I did? Are they just that compromised? The only reasons I can think that this game would receive the score it did, is that either the critics didn't play the entire game or they aren't being honest. I don't know which one is worse.

    The entire 1st half, Shadow of War got my hopes up, I was thinking "Hey maybe they did it right, greed didn't screw the game up." Then the third & mostly the forth act crash through that thought like a freight train. Nope they ruined a potentially amazing game.

    I won't be purchasing any other games that Monolith is even remotely connected to until they see the errors of their ways & decide to start caring about their customers. I don't see that happening any time soon but I can live with that. There are still a few great companies out there, like CD Projekt Red. I'm aware that WB published the Witcher 3 but you can clearly see that CDPR wasn't going to allow them to ruin an incredible game. Monolith was all too happy to lie straight to our faces & collect their loot.

    The animation they decided to use for the Marketplace in Shadow of War is incredibly ironic, a really ugly orc grinning & incessantly rubbing his disgusting hands together in glee. That's what I picture going on at Monolith/WB every time they read a review written by a dishonest shill, every time someone uses their credit card to buy gold, etc..

    Its exactly what everyone was afraid they would do, what everyone predicted would be the natural progression of these business practices years ago.

    Don't buy this game, or at least don't buy it at full price. Wait until it becomes heavily discounted, if you must. The bottom line is I regret paying over $100 for pre-ordering the gold edition of Shadow of War, I won't ever be making that mistake again. I really hope it was worth it, Monolith/WB, & the dishonest critics/shills. You've broken a lot more than trust & I won't forget that.    … Expand
  25. MrRPG
    Oct 10, 2017
    5
    The game play, soundtrack and story are all good, Improvements have been made on all the predecessors features.
    This game's biggest flaw is the greed of the studio, no single player game should have micro-transactions, this has been repeated a lot in the comments section and I have to agree with it all, we have to take a stand against these practices especially when the game play it's    The game play, soundtrack and story are all good, Improvements have been made on all the predecessors features.
    This game's biggest flaw is the greed of the studio, no single player game should have micro-transactions, this has been repeated a lot in the comments section and I have to agree with it all, we have to take a stand against these practices especially when the game play it's self pushes the player through artificial difficulty spikes in an attempt to garner micro-transactions. That said the core game is still very good.    … Expand
  26. bcdserra
    Oct 10, 2017
    10
    I'm having a lot of fun with this game, MT's or not. Gameplay, locations, atmosphere, graphics, I'm having a blast ! There have been more games with hard grinds to get endgame stuff this year, this one just gives you the choice to pay for it or not. I won't. I've grinded out Nier's true ending and +8 chips, I've grinded out Zelda's lvl 4 armors, I've grinded out Nioh's max level divineI'm having a lot of fun with this game, MT's or not. Gameplay, locations, atmosphere, graphics, I'm having a blast ! There have been more games with hard grinds to get endgame stuff this year, this one just gives you the choice to pay for it or not. I won't. I've grinded out Nier's true ending and +8 chips, I've grinded out Zelda's lvl 4 armors, I've grinded out Nioh's max level divine weapons. None of those gave me the option to pay for them. I do it because I like it. The option being there does not bother me one bit. I'll just work hard to get the best gear and max lvl orcs and if someone else wants to pay to have that it's their problem.… Expand
  27. Revolt23
    Oct 10, 2017
    0
    Do not support this BS! Microtransactions in a single player game? Are you f'ing kidding me? Do not let these scumbags get away with this! Microtransactions is a cancer in the Gaming Community! Microtransaction loot boxes!!! What a brilliant greedy scumbag move to pull!
  28. Thetiffer66
    Oct 10, 2017
    10
    Seriously? This game is awesome. Don't like micro transactions and loot crates? Don't use them. I haven't and it hasn't effected the game for me. I loved SoM, and this one is right up there. Beautiful graphics, cool new characters. If you don't play it because of this, your loss.
  29. Assassin_Lord
    Oct 10, 2017
    3
    Never before have I ever made a metacritic account. However I can no longer sit idly by. I am absolutely disgusted with the game industry now. What was once a rare and uncommon practice has now infected nearly every game. I am talking about the microtransactions and loot boxes. They were bad enough in multiplayer games, but in single player games?! They are pure cancer and a blight onNever before have I ever made a metacritic account. However I can no longer sit idly by. I am absolutely disgusted with the game industry now. What was once a rare and uncommon practice has now infected nearly every game. I am talking about the microtransactions and loot boxes. They were bad enough in multiplayer games, but in single player games?! They are pure cancer and a blight on gaming. Every last major game since 2015 has been getting this and all the major AAA games this year in a row i have seen nothing but MT's and loot boxes. Shadow of War,NBA 2K18,Forza 7,Battlefront 2,Skyrim,Fallout 4, Assassins Creed Origins, Street Fighter V,MvC: Infinite, and many others. I have since sworn off the developers/publishers of these games and all their products. Never again!
    Now onto my Shadow of War review. Not only is this game full of them,not only does it have advertisments in game everytime you pause the game or are in the main menu, but the true ending is locked behind a paywall. Warner Brothers also profitted off a dead man!! That's just the greed side of things. The game itself is a joke and an insult to Tolkien's Middle Earth lore. The story is poorly written and short. About 12-15hrs in an open world RPG adventure game ffs!! It's time we true gamers purge these greedy corporate parasites from the game industry! We are going to let then know, when you come into the game industry and try to mess with us gamers, you're going to be destroyed! You do not come into our world and try to take it as your own to corrupt!! We will end you corporate pieces of garbage! You dare have the audacity to come on our turf and take it over?!! You're done!! From this point foward DEATH comes straight for you and any who support these practices and defend this will get the same in return!!    … Expand
  30. liathwulf
    Oct 10, 2017
    0
    including microtransactions in a full priced, single player game is absolutely inexcustable exploitation of us players. The game design was intentionally gimped to encourage players to buy these horrible things. There are people out there who are kids being taken advantage of by these systems. The business model this game pushes patronizes me as a gamer and insults my intelligence. I getincluding microtransactions in a full priced, single player game is absolutely inexcustable exploitation of us players. The game design was intentionally gimped to encourage players to buy these horrible things. There are people out there who are kids being taken advantage of by these systems. The business model this game pushes patronizes me as a gamer and insults my intelligence. I get that you publishers are making hundreds of million dollars on sick people who cannot control themselves, but I hope for the sake of this industry gamers read this and don't buy this game, it deserves to rot.… Expand
  31. lilkillpappy
    Oct 10, 2017
    0
    my review for this game has been deleted 3 times now. I wonder if this one will be deleted as well? How much did Sony pay metacritic to help buffer the scores? 150 negative ratings and counting. Could the real score be much much lower? Anyway, don't buy games with micro transactions because they are a slippery slope to real money gambling and the destruction of quality games as we know it.my review for this game has been deleted 3 times now. I wonder if this one will be deleted as well? How much did Sony pay metacritic to help buffer the scores? 150 negative ratings and counting. Could the real score be much much lower? Anyway, don't buy games with micro transactions because they are a slippery slope to real money gambling and the destruction of quality games as we know it. DONT BUY THIS GAME!… Expand
  32. rtoale
    Oct 10, 2017
    0
    This is the type of future MS always envisioned when they entered the gaming business, a direct connection to your living room and 24 hour revenue stream from playing a game you already payed for. The practice is extremely greedy and the profit at any cost is very short sighted. Gamers are not to be trifled with, we are too smart for that. Boycott any developer who supports this practice.
  33. knightwhosaysni
    Oct 10, 2017
    10
    Ok let me just say one thing here: If you don't want to have the end be so grindy and **** like people are **** about, then don't power through the game. And for **** sake, would you all just shut up about the **** microtransactions. I don't like them either, which is why I AM NOT BUYING ANY **** LOOTBOXES, Besides everything I have read about them says that if you actually invest timeOk let me just say one thing here: If you don't want to have the end be so grindy and **** like people are **** about, then don't power through the game. And for **** sake, would you all just shut up about the **** microtransactions. I don't like them either, which is why I AM NOT BUYING ANY **** LOOTBOXES, Besides everything I have read about them says that if you actually invest time into the game then the lootboxes are completely unnecessary.

    Now that that is out of the way: I **** love this game already. I've defeated a **** ton of captains already and each and every one was unique and fun to fight against, required different tactics, and had different personalities.

    The combat is pretty much the same as the first game, but that's a very good thing here. The first game had amazing combat and this is no different. Its very similar to games like Assassins Creed or Batman: Arkham Asylum. One thing I love that Monolith has added to the game is dismembering enemies. It happens at random but man does it look cool when it happens.

    I like all the RPG elements that were added also. Captains, and warchiefs now drop loot that you can add to Talion to customize him as you see fit. They are also able to be broken down into Mirian, the games in game currency to buy things like gem slots for your gear.

    I haven't made it out of the first area yet, but that's because it is just jam packed with things to do and also because i want to level up my character so he isn't underpowered later on in the game. One of such things is clearing out all of the captains from the army screen. I like to think of it as sowing chaos among the ranks of Orcs, because whats an army without its captains?

    All in all, I am having a fantastic time with this game. I'll be giving an update later in the game though to see if my feelings changed.    … Expand
  34. Kaioh
    Oct 10, 2017
    8
    This game is a god tier. If you liked ME:SoM - you will like this even more.
    Pls ignore buttblasted kiddies who fell for transactions meme. They're trying to ruin games score just like they did it with Deus Ex Mankind Divided.
    Ignore little kids. Buy the game and form your own opinion. You don't need p2w in this game.
  35. aory
    Oct 10, 2017
    8
    This is a great game, all the loot box whiners haven't got a clue. Play the game, play the quests, follow the story and side quests and there isn't much to complain about. Its no 10/10 but it is overall pretty good.

    Loot boxes are pretty fail, but not necessary. As usual, they are for the lazy gamer, just like all the garbage reviews.
  36. StienMax
    Oct 10, 2017
    0
    This game isn't really much better than the first one, and has been completely designed to try to get you to spend on micro transactions. It is exactly like you'd expect to see in a free to play title except it costs the full price of a normal game. If we keep supporting devs who continue to chop off content and sell it back to us in gambling like loot crates this crap will just get worseThis game isn't really much better than the first one, and has been completely designed to try to get you to spend on micro transactions. It is exactly like you'd expect to see in a free to play title except it costs the full price of a normal game. If we keep supporting devs who continue to chop off content and sell it back to us in gambling like loot crates this crap will just get worse in the future. Avoid this garbage.… Expand
  37. Venavera
    Oct 10, 2017
    3
    Gameplay wise it's fun. Combat worked for me and it felt just like the first game if not a bit better. Wasn't a big fan of the story, but I also haven't gotten to the "true" ending which is locked against a long tedious grind put in the game to make you buy the loot boxes. There's plenty of other better games out there without practices like this.
  38. zainag
    Oct 10, 2017
    0
    This garbage game is a total grind by the end which is likely because of micro-transactions. Game balance is totally off - don't buy this game! I wish I had not pre-ordered this title, biggest mistake ever! Not buying any more WB games from now on.
  39. WeThinkHealth
    Oct 10, 2017
    10
    Everyone here, aside from the fraud making multiple Metacritic accounts, knows this game is an 8, 9, or a 10. This game didn't get GOTY for nothing in its prior form, and THIS iteration is even better. Please ignore the misguided account cloner giving this great game a 0 or a 1. Be thankful these studios create these great games for us for the same price we used to pay for 8-bit cartridgesEveryone here, aside from the fraud making multiple Metacritic accounts, knows this game is an 8, 9, or a 10. This game didn't get GOTY for nothing in its prior form, and THIS iteration is even better. Please ignore the misguided account cloner giving this great game a 0 or a 1. Be thankful these studios create these great games for us for the same price we used to pay for 8-bit cartridges in the days of NES. I, for one, don't forget those days in the 80s and 90s where - if we wanted a true AAA experience - we had to insert 25 cents or 50 cents into an arcade machine to play a game that doesn't even come CLOSE to the experiences we get in today's age from the comfort of our couch in our living rooms on our very own console. We're lucky, indeed! Hopefully, Metacritic will delete these erroneous reviews.… Expand
  40. Haldir
    Oct 10, 2017
    3
    Someone gave this game a 10 and compared it to the Witcher 3, in that if you liked the Witcher, you'd like this. Only problem is, the Witcher did not have micro-transactions, it had lovable and amazing characters, a gripping story, and a card game on the side that was addicting in its own right. Shadow of War IS fun for the first little bit, but the grind, and the opportunity to skip theSomeone gave this game a 10 and compared it to the Witcher 3, in that if you liked the Witcher, you'd like this. Only problem is, the Witcher did not have micro-transactions, it had lovable and amazing characters, a gripping story, and a card game on the side that was addicting in its own right. Shadow of War IS fun for the first little bit, but the grind, and the opportunity to skip the grind by paying more money is of no interest to me.… Expand
  41. GoEdison
    Oct 10, 2017
    10
    If you liked Shadow of Mordor, you'll LOVE Shadow of War. Period. Nothing else needs to be said...aside from the fact that everyone should ignore the 0 - 1 ratings from the same guy who's really angry about loot boxes and microtransactions - not to mention upvoting his multiple reviews with fake accounts. You have to seriously question the character of people who'll spend their dayIf you liked Shadow of Mordor, you'll LOVE Shadow of War. Period. Nothing else needs to be said...aside from the fact that everyone should ignore the 0 - 1 ratings from the same guy who's really angry about loot boxes and microtransactions - not to mention upvoting his multiple reviews with fake accounts. You have to seriously question the character of people who'll spend their day creating fake accounts to make several reviews, leave several ratings, and give their own reviews a "YES" vote. You can't fix stupid! You WILL enjoy this game, though.… Expand
  42. Ashur
    Oct 10, 2017
    10
    This is Shadow of Mordor on steroids. An amazingly fun game. Just ignore all the cry-babies crying about the microtransactions. I have been playing for quite a while and barely ever came across the menu for the lootboxes or anything. Unless you are some money spending addict, you won't notice or care about them.
  43. Eaynfrith
    Oct 10, 2017
    0
    Somehow manages to disgrace both the Tolkien legacy and AAA gaming.

    Shelob is now a beautiful woman. Orcs have funny personalities. Loot crates are required to finish the main story campaign,
  44. Deadheadbill
    Oct 10, 2017
    0
    Boring and repetitious game. So boring in fact that they created GOLD WAR CHESTS to speed up your progress thru this boring and repetitious game. Seriously, go play anything other than this crap.
  45. Tenacidad963
    Oct 10, 2017
    0
    Han malogrado una buena historia. Las empresas desarrolladoras como Monolith Productions le han agregado micro transanciones para poder avanzar en el juego. Sin embargo, se olvidan o no lo han pensado, el consumidor es el que tiene la última palabra sobre el producto que está en el mercado. Los que estudian administración o marketing saben que el consumidor o cliente está más empoderadoHan malogrado una buena historia. Las empresas desarrolladoras como Monolith Productions le han agregado micro transanciones para poder avanzar en el juego. Sin embargo, se olvidan o no lo han pensado, el consumidor es el que tiene la última palabra sobre el producto que está en el mercado. Los que estudian administración o marketing saben que el consumidor o cliente está más empoderado gracias a las redes sociales o páginas como esta. Las grandes empresas a pesar de ser multinacionales no pueden hacer lo que se les da la gana como hasta hace una década. El consumidor debe hacer valer lo que piensa. El juego cuesta 60 dólares o euros con los micropagos el usuario pagaría mucho más por un producto incompleto. Haz valer tus derechos como consumidor. Las empresas de videojuegos que hacen esto te ven como un tonto que pagará lo que sea.

    In English:
    They have failed a good story. Developing companies like Monolith Productions have added micro-transactions to help them advance in the game. However, they forget or have not thought about it, the consumer is the one who has the last word about the product that is on the market. Those who study administration or marketing know that the consumer or client is more empowered thanks to social networks or pages like this. Large companies, despite being multinationals, can not do what they feel like until a decade ago. The consumer must assert what he thinks. The game costs 60 dollars or euros with the micropayments the user would pay much more for an incomplete product. Claim your rights as a consumer. The video game companies that do this look like a fool who will pay for anything.    … Expand
  46. Rikze
    Oct 10, 2017
    0
    It have good gameplay, i just dont understand why they would make MT's for a singleplayer game, but after act 3-4 you can clearly see that the game is made with MT's in the back of the head, cause it gets too grindy! 0/10 from me since a singleplayer game should never have MT's
  47. FewFew
    Oct 10, 2017
    10
    Shadow of Mordor on steroids.

    Great game; these review bombing people haven't even touched the game which shows how immature the gaming community truly has become.

    Get it, worth a buy at full price. Don't buy the MTX's if you don't want to as they are NOT needed.
  48. PsychoNinja69
    Oct 10, 2017
    10
    This game is amazing. People spamming 0 and 1 star reviews are just mad because they aren't good enough at the game to enjoy it. If you enjoyed the first game or The Witcher 3 than you will love this game.
  49. Bashfulfruit
    Oct 10, 2017
    5
    Year 2017. You can FAIL the mission because you LEFT THE AREA of the mission in an OPEN WORLD GAME. This is ridiculous. Why are you doing this??? I don't understand...
  50. IllIdarn
    Oct 10, 2017
    0
    **** story, **** characters, **** missions, absolyte noncanon lore, boring grind. Stop this AC type **** We want interesting games, not this arcade garbage.
  51. Reddrag0852
    Oct 10, 2017
    6
    Ok, in the name of impartiality, I will ignore the micro-transaction ****
    The game is still very empty and void of LOTR lore.
    Literally the exact same Issues I had with the first game.

    There is no LOTR, it's just an orc killing simulator.
    Fun but disappointing.
  52. Altun
    Oct 10, 2017
    0
    100% agree with everyone else that their exploitative methods should not be rewarded. The game is fun until the ending and then all of a sudden you have to grind and grind and grind to beat it.
  53. Midirataj
    Oct 10, 2017
    0
    SHAME! SHAME! SHAME! SHAME!
    I don’t write reviews. A lot of people do that for living and passion. I am more of a introvert.
    I always took refugee in games. I found acceptance and friends there. It allowed me to feel able and free, unlike in real world. Once you are in the game you are not ugly, stupid or poor, or pretty, smart and rich. We are all adventurers. We are all EQUAL. We are    SHAME! SHAME! SHAME! SHAME!
    I don’t write reviews. A lot of people do that for living and passion. I am more of a introvert.
    I always took refugee in games. I found acceptance and friends there. It allowed me to feel able and free, unlike in real world. Once you are in the game you are not ugly, stupid or poor, or pretty, smart and rich. We are all adventurers. We are all EQUAL. We are all what we want to be, commit our time and effort to excel in what we believe in. We had to earn everything with our bare mouse and keyboard and gamepad.
    Microtransactions is killing the heart and soul of gaming.
    Wanna be more powerful? Pay up!
    Wanna look cool? Pay up!
    Don’t worry we made your beloved game a piece of grindy mobile dumpster.
    And Publishers say it is for your own freedom of choice.
    A testament to greed and falsehood.
    SHAME! SHAME! SHAME! SHAME!    … Expand
  54. bluemoon1987
    Oct 10, 2017
    0
    Would have been a day 1 purchase for me until the greed of the lootbox system became apparent. Lets hope the backlash to this is enough to make our point.
  55. Reza19
    Oct 10, 2017
    1
    Disgusting, very greed, let don't buy any game which very greed. Just wait until there any crack for them. It is not worthy to buy this game just to spend more money t
  56. Vainslay
    Oct 10, 2017
    0
    Horribly dumb to have extreme microtransactions in this game. Warner brothers should know better also these cheap grinding tactics just to make people pay do not support this game or company
  57. klaviernista
    Oct 10, 2017
    8
    Played a bit last night. Seems like Middle Earth, Shado of Mordor on steroids, which is a good thing IMO.

    For those of you bemoaning microtransactions in the game - there is a simple solution. Don't buy them. You don't need them to complete the game, and no one is forcing you to buy them. Its kind of like drugs. They are out there for sale, but no one is forcing you to seek them    Played a bit last night. Seems like Middle Earth, Shado of Mordor on steroids, which is a good thing IMO.

    For those of you bemoaning microtransactions in the game - there is a simple solution. Don't buy them. You don't need them to complete the game, and no one is forcing you to buy them. Its kind of like drugs. They are out there for sale, but no one is forcing you to seek them out and buy them. Panning an otherwise good game for the inclusion of microtransactions that are not required and aren't being implemented in a way to distract from gameplay is just stupid.    … Expand
  58. Rewenom
    Oct 10, 2017
    0
    Ставлю ноль за микротранзакции и объявляю бойкот этой игре. В трипл А не должно быть микроплатежей!!
    Вот мы и дожили до лут боксов в сюжетных играх.
    Ну что говноеды покупавшие overwatch, for honor, destiny 2 и прочие платные игры с микротранзакциями, докидались деньгами в монитор?    Ставлю ноль за микротранзакции и объявляю бойкот этой игре. В трипл А не должно быть микроплатежей!!
    Вот мы и дожили до лут боксов в сюжетных играх.
    Ну что говноеды покупавшие overwatch, for honor, destiny 2 и прочие платные игры с микротранзакциями, докидались деньгами в монитор?
  59. Reagon
    Oct 10, 2017
    10
    Shadow of war shines in all its aspects. Microtransactions do not affect the playable experience at all, much less expansions are needed because the game is very complete and offers a lot of hours of fun. The nemesis system is one of the revelations of the century
  60. FranciscoGtz
    Oct 10, 2017
    0
    Microtransactions + DLC season pass. We are already paying for a full game at $60.00 wtf. Gameplay is fine, overall Monolith did a good job, but these bad practices from companies have to stop.
  61. ps4lover
    Oct 10, 2017
    10
    WTF Man, all people are absolutely stupid who whining and complaining about Microtransaction on games if they love games and enjoying games so far.. just ignore it and don't bother pay Microtransactions if they don't like pay for anything that interesting them. SMH. this game is hell fantastic game ever i playing on my PS4 Pro.. graphic look great but not better than AC Origins. gameplayWTF Man, all people are absolutely stupid who whining and complaining about Microtransaction on games if they love games and enjoying games so far.. just ignore it and don't bother pay Microtransactions if they don't like pay for anything that interesting them. SMH. this game is hell fantastic game ever i playing on my PS4 Pro.. graphic look great but not better than AC Origins. gameplay is great. Story is very interesting. i having alot fun playing this for 4 hours now.… Expand
  62. Polifius
    Oct 10, 2017
    10
    The Game is Awesome! Just fantastic. Criticisms of microtransactions are not understood because they do not influence the main game.In both playable and graphic, history, duration, everything is perfect. One of the best games I've played in years, I'm in love with the nemesis system
  63. darksoulw
    Oct 10, 2017
    0
    60dlls Games must have at least a final without having to spend in microtransactions. If you want to make a microtransaction-based game, then give it for free. I do not support this greedy model
  64. kktrian
    Oct 10, 2017
    2
    Developer greed is out of control. Funn-ish game, but the degree in which they try to nickel and dime you is simply insulting. I'd rather buy a game for $100 then try to get swindled every 10 mins while playing a game purchased for $60 dollars
  65. Thalosmoon
    Oct 10, 2017
    1
    Shadow of War is an OK game. Its a AAA FULL PRICE game too. If you want all Content and the Season pass you will spend well over 100 bucks.

    Thats a LOT of money for a videogame. Now Warner Brothers went the extra step to put Loot Boxes in this game. Loot boxes that are paid for by real money. Lootboxes that contain Exp. Boosts, Gear and Units with a high value. By doing this they    Shadow of War is an OK game. Its a AAA FULL PRICE game too. If you want all Content and the Season pass you will spend well over 100 bucks.

    Thats a LOT of money for a videogame. Now Warner Brothers went the extra step to put Loot Boxes in this game. Loot boxes that are paid for by real money. Lootboxes that contain Exp. Boosts, Gear and Units with a high value.

    By doing this they Made the PVP Base Building completely Pay to Win and they SPOILER ALERT!!
    .
    .
    put the Endgame and the TRUE ENDING behind a grindwall that is artificially made into a tedium so that people would buy lootboxes for XP boosts. This Game is as SHAMELESS a MONEYGRAB as there is.

    In closing. If you dont have hundreds of bucks to spend on Microtransactions DO NOT BUY THIS GAME! NOT EVEN AS A SALE! It is no fun without investing Money for Microtransactions.

    Disclaimer: WB Games may purchase Reviewboxes that contain additional Scorepoints or Epic to Legendary Emotes like the Winki Smily of Victory"; )". Only 1000,-$ per Box. 1 Scorepoint guaranteed every 15 boxes.

    No purchase needed. The 1 out of 10 funtcions just fine as a review. Its totally optional.

    All jokes aside, no full price this riddled with Microtransactions deserves a higher Score than 1.    … Expand
  66. DarthDavy
    Oct 10, 2017
    0
    Full price 60 dollar games with microtransactions which lock the ending behind a paywall are NOT okay! Don't buy this! These kind of practices have to stop!
  67. luckydutch
    Oct 10, 2017
    5
    There's a lot going for this game and the first two acts are pretty good. Unfortunately, the final half of the game is an enormous, tedious grind to collect more and more Orcs and level them all up.

    There are loot box micro transactions and the developers assured everyone before release that the game had been balanced/designed around NOT using them but having played the game, I can now    There's a lot going for this game and the first two acts are pretty good. Unfortunately, the final half of the game is an enormous, tedious grind to collect more and more Orcs and level them all up.

    There are loot box micro transactions and the developers assured everyone before release that the game had been balanced/designed around NOT using them but having played the game, I can now confirm they lied. That horrendous, boring grind at the end of the game is clearly there to strong-arm people into buying those loot boxes.

    There is also a multiplayer mode but it is basically unplayable unless you're sinking lots of money into those boxes because your Orcs can permanently die in that mode so without the loot boxes, you'll need to do hours of grinding in singleplayer between multiplayer matches to replenish your Orcs.

    First few hours were great but I got the game yesterday & I'll probably be selling it back come the weekend because I'll be done with it by then.

    Knowing what I know now, I would have given this one a miss.    … Expand
  68. The_Steep
    Oct 10, 2017
    10
    Hello! Played a couple of hours and I want to say that the feeling is like that of Knight Arkham. Mechanics, gameplay, design and pumping are brought to the ideal. As a bunch of cool-put videos, ktt sensibly reveal the plot, many characters, in the game you feel the scale. Graphics at the level of the first part, which is not very pleasing, but on the ultra-
    settings The war is    Hello! Played a couple of hours and I want to say that the feeling is like that of Knight Arkham. Mechanics, gameplay, design and pumping are brought to the ideal. As a bunch of cool-put videos, ktt sensibly reveal the plot, many characters, in the game you feel the scale. Graphics at the level of the first part, which is not very pleasing, but on the ultra-
    settings The war is consistently showing 60 or more frames, which for such a-la slasher, very handy. If you thought about taking it or not, then boldly press the "buy" button and go to Mordor on the last trip of Taleon (I hope that this ring is enough to milk already).    … Expand
  69. mafusail
    Oct 10, 2017
    0
    From an AC-alike game to a Lineage clone. Griiiinding, griiiinding, griiiinding! And then a little bit of grinding, again! Or... it is pay-to-win! Actual game ending is hiding on the other side of "loot-boxes-wall" wich requires either or dontaing hundreds of dollars to get legendary orcs (they are NOT availible via in-game drop, maximum that you can get are epics ones) - or dozens ofFrom an AC-alike game to a Lineage clone. Griiiinding, griiiinding, griiiinding! And then a little bit of grinding, again! Or... it is pay-to-win! Actual game ending is hiding on the other side of "loot-boxes-wall" wich requires either or dontaing hundreds of dollars to get legendary orcs (they are NOT availible via in-game drop, maximum that you can get are epics ones) - or dozens of hours of mindless grinding via orc hunting or abusing the nemesis system. Which, in it's case, is really merciless to even smallest mistakes in the process of raising your perfect orc. I would say that this game poisonoed lootbox system - but lootbox system itself poisoned microtransaction system a couple of years ago.… Expand
  70. Ravarath
    Oct 10, 2017
    1
    Decent game but what's with the loot crates? I pay for game full prize so why should I pay more? Nope. Do not buy. I'm boycotting this kind of marketing. Here and in Battlefront.
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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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