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. Kevin1234
    Jul 6, 2020
    9
    For me it is a great game. The nemesis mechanic seems so good to me that I would like it to appear in other games as well. Its history and gameplay is very good.
  2. SkilletBERS
    Jul 2, 2020
    10
    Game is really good now. Nemesis system is really cool and can create your new friend ork captain or worst enemy. I really enjoy playing this game, and I would recommend it.
  3. Burattix54
    Jun 26, 2020
    7
    The game got review bombed at launch, but it isn't objectively bad, they even changed the last section of the game to be more bearable, and removed microtransactions. I still advice not playing it because it's the worst part of the game, and just watch the ending on youtube, it's not a great ending anyways.
  4. JoKeR_AlexS
    Jun 24, 2020
    4
    Este comentário é universal nas minhas reviews. Apenas quero dar nota aos jogos e caso queiram saber mais alguma coisa sobre o jogo, aconselho a ver outras reviews ou até mesmo a experimentar o jogo.
  5. Natedog1985
    Jun 20, 2020
    0
    Hitboxes in combat are so off combat is impossible.If you just like a story with meaningless game-play then waste your money. If you're a serious gamer do not buy this game. I hate to leave bad reviews and I hoped it was just a glitch but the combat in this game is terrible. My 50 went up in smoke, don't let yours.
  6. Arthur26670
    Jun 15, 2020
    8
    Uma boa continuação do shadow of mordor, o sistema de orcs ficou muito bom, cada orc com aparência única e personalidade.Podendo trair,Rebeliões,enganar a morte,voltar dos mortos,ressuscitar e diversas mecânicas novas do sistema nêmesis.A diversos mapas e todos diferentes com o objetivo de recrutar e conquistar as fortalezas,que são bem divertidas principalmente o on-line,que funciona bem.Uma boa continuação do shadow of mordor, o sistema de orcs ficou muito bom, cada orc com aparência única e personalidade.Podendo trair,Rebeliões,enganar a morte,voltar dos mortos,ressuscitar e diversas mecânicas novas do sistema nêmesis.A diversos mapas e todos diferentes com o objetivo de recrutar e conquistar as fortalezas,que são bem divertidas principalmente o on-line,que funciona bem. A dublagem está boa e o gráfico é abaixo do esperado pra um jogo de 2017. Comprei 1 ano depois então não tive problemas com as polêmicas de lootbox.Apesar de ser divertido recutrar os Orc fica muito enjoativo fazer as mesmas coisas sempre. No geral é um bom jogo pra fechar a história de Talion mas precisa urgentemente de novos caminhos para não repetir os erros deste game.… Expand
  7. Pibblepunk
    Jun 12, 2020
    1
    Liked the first game well enough, though the nemesis system while cool in concept could sometimes really screw you over in unexpected ways. Sequels are generally expected to build upon the original title, featuring things like improved graphics and gameplay, perhaps a more engaging narrative and complex worldbuilding. Standard stuff. This game however, is in every single respect aLiked the first game well enough, though the nemesis system while cool in concept could sometimes really screw you over in unexpected ways. Sequels are generally expected to build upon the original title, featuring things like improved graphics and gameplay, perhaps a more engaging narrative and complex worldbuilding. Standard stuff. This game however, is in every single respect a downgrade from the original. The graphics and character models look worse, the environments look worse, the combat is worse, the story is more confusing and less interesting. Even the UI has been downgraded. And on top of all that, every single menu page is pushing advertisements for DLC content on you, as if to say, "Hey, you notice how this game is a bunch of cheap and badly made BS? Would like to buy MORE OF IT???" Absolutely disappointed.… Expand
  8. XxAlbertoBuzzxX
    Jun 2, 2020
    7
    MIDDLE-EARTH: SHADOW OF WAR
    ....................................................................
  9. alexandrumna
    May 11, 2020
    8
    Played this after the microtransactions were removed and I have to say it's a pretty good game. It doesn't really improve the graphics of the previos game, which were good nonetheless, or the gameplay mechanics. It might become a little repetitive at some point, but the stpry is amazing, loved every bit of it.
  10. Br_AgSs
    May 5, 2020
    6
    This game is a huge stepdown from Mordor. The combat is not as fun and fluid as Shadow Of Mordor, the nemesis system is bigger, but wasnt enough to keep me entertained like Mordor did, the story is predictable and cliché,(also, Celebrimbor is terribly bad writen in this game, as well as Talion) the graphics are ok, there is something wrong with the lighting in this game, some places areThis game is a huge stepdown from Mordor. The combat is not as fun and fluid as Shadow Of Mordor, the nemesis system is bigger, but wasnt enough to keep me entertained like Mordor did, the story is predictable and cliché,(also, Celebrimbor is terribly bad writen in this game, as well as Talion) the graphics are ok, there is something wrong with the lighting in this game, some places are dark as hell, and some places are bright as hell, Shadow Of Mordor had much better graphics, character models and enviroment, Shadow Of War even removed that BEAUTIFUL rain Mordor had.
    Dont buy Shadow Of War, buy Shadow Of Mordor.    … Expand
  11. MathiasVoorhees
    Apr 27, 2020
    5
    A general downgrade from the first apart from the graphics and enemy types.
  12. WaspyWasp
    Apr 26, 2020
    10
    Great game. The Nemesis system is still quite remarkable and it's surprising that no other game attempted to achieve something similar. Talion and Celebrimbor are great characters, and while the story is quite nonsensical if you try to put it in line with the books, it's still incredibly enjoyable. Can't wait to see what Monolith has in store next
  13. Obligaviews
    Apr 16, 2020
    6
    I think the only compliments I have for this game regard the nemesis system and voice acting. I have no idea where these 10s have been coming from, but to each their own.

    Let's start here. The game handles about as well as you would driving on black ice. I can't assign a value to the number of times the character would get stuck on flat ground, ignore button presses mid-combat, attack    I think the only compliments I have for this game regard the nemesis system and voice acting. I have no idea where these 10s have been coming from, but to each their own.

    Let's start here. The game handles about as well as you would driving on black ice. I can't assign a value to the number of times the character would get stuck on flat ground, ignore button presses mid-combat, attack the complete opposite enemy from where you had the stick pointing, and so on. The normal running speed is about on par with a 90-year-old grandmother (80 would be too fast, and I'm only half kidding, sadly).

    The graphics, while understandably depressing and muddy, are in effect not appealing to look at and it often feels difficult to make out details because, again, just about everything is faded and shades of the same color. There was also some weird blurring effect that made it difficult to see at times.

    Maybe a bigger LotR fan than I would care more about the side-quests and collectibles, but I personally found them boring and tedious to collect and complete. This may have changed if the gameplay was more engaging and, well, worked correctly more than 1/2 the time, but it does not.

    Trying to play this game feels like the few moments of fun you have here and there while taking care of household chores for a couple hours. 5.5 rounded up to a 6.    … Expand
  14. Weeklythrower58
    Mar 27, 2020
    1
    This is trash on ps4 play it on Xbox the game is just broken and ai is ****
  15. fase_ssamm
    Mar 2, 2020
    9
    Perfect game, all these fortnite players are lagging, they r gae, and play fortnut all dae
  16. MeleeM
    Feb 24, 2020
    0
    Avoid PS4 version of this game. Hopelessly broken in Act II and cannot proceed with first fortress assault mission "The Etten". WBGames support is useless.
  17. MeteorJunk
    Feb 18, 2020
    8
    Shadow of War really let the nemesis system shine and show the true potential of such mechanics. The fluid time events, how power works, special events such as a return from death or blood brother revenge, it all feels so alive. Although the controversy of micro transactions (which has now been resolved by Monolith by completely removing them) a lot of fans called this game "pay-to-win".Shadow of War really let the nemesis system shine and show the true potential of such mechanics. The fluid time events, how power works, special events such as a return from death or blood brother revenge, it all feels so alive. Although the controversy of micro transactions (which has now been resolved by Monolith by completely removing them) a lot of fans called this game "pay-to-win". This was not completely true, you could buy micro transaction, but they were not required to win, they honestly just led to an easier way to make your orcs powerful. it was not required for anything else. Anyway, its pretty petty to whine about such things in a game where it only matters in conquests and pit battles (conquest isn't even a huge benefactor either). But that is all in the past. As for the story... it was a little less involved than in the first game but it was on the right track. I appreciate the lore characters such as Shelob being major characters, and they all played some kind of role instead of just being there for show. The twist of the story was rather disappointing in the end for me but hey, others probably enjoyed it. Overall this game is a solid 8.… Expand
  18. Watcher-o-Roads
    Feb 12, 2020
    1
    Wasted Opportunity
    Batman Arkham like gameplay with addition of Nemessis system which was cool. Lamest final boss fight and unreliable story which ruin both the game and the Lord of the Rings experience.
  19. pjtaylor2011
    Jan 25, 2020
    8
    I had fun playing the original, but refused to buy this, because of what I'd heard about the microtransactions. However, I played it with a free trial of Playstation Now...and loved it. Can't actually see where the MTs are. Either I'm not looking for them, or the PS NOW version doesn't have them. Its a really good, addictive game. Good Gameplay, if not a little repetitive and a good littleI had fun playing the original, but refused to buy this, because of what I'd heard about the microtransactions. However, I played it with a free trial of Playstation Now...and loved it. Can't actually see where the MTs are. Either I'm not looking for them, or the PS NOW version doesn't have them. Its a really good, addictive game. Good Gameplay, if not a little repetitive and a good little perks tree.… Expand
  20. Kurxen
    Nov 23, 2019
    1
    DO NOT BUY even if it were a dollar. I play every game out there but this game is GARBAGE. One of the biggest issues is the enemy balancing. Ots just ridiculous and unplayable as you can defeat a single thing. I'm telling you even on easy mode they can still one or two shot you
  21. lostsol
    Nov 13, 2019
    3
    While playing the game you will find yourself forced to spend more money to finish to be able to finish it. If this isn't a d*** move, then what it is?
  22. Lord-Eagles
    Nov 11, 2019
    4
    Shadow of War fails as an improvement upon its predecessor marring the potential this game had.
    Instead of focusing on a more personalized nemesis system and a larger variation of missions it delivers a clunky mess that just throws you in 5 slightly oversized and poorly tested map areas which should’ve only been 3 but it will try to use as an excuse to build a game that you can play for    Shadow of War fails as an improvement upon its predecessor marring the potential this game had.
    Instead of focusing on a more personalized nemesis system and a larger variation of missions it delivers a clunky mess that just throws you in 5 slightly oversized and poorly tested map areas which should’ve only been 3 but it will try to use as an excuse to build a game that you can play for 90+ hours but after you complete the story and side missions and collectibles about 25-30 hours in you’ll find no reason to stick around.
    The controls to this game feel clunky and not quite as smooth as the previous installment with an absolutely unneeded and unwanted equipment drop mechanic being added which should’ve had an expanded equipment upgrade system instead along with keeping the Gem drops. and an unforgivable OVERLY bloated skill tree that requires you to not have more then one improvement upgrade being activated but allows you to toggle on whenever you want if you go into the menu mid fight. With all of these combined cause this game to eventually dissolve into a tiresome grind.
    Other problems surround the siege missions. their upgrades, your orc army upgrades, and their overpriced expenses which were originally meant to be Microtransactions. But these missions are the big draw to the new installment essentially being A set of either attacking or defending fortresses. Which also ends up being the core Post gameplay loop. Well at its core being fun and intriguing falls short of its glory mixed with the sometimes clunky control mechanics and the Orcs constantly introducing themselves in the middle of the war, it essentially boils downing to orc fortress CTF that’s constantly pausing when your trying to do a combo move.

    All In all a fun experience that should’ve been thought out and executed in a more organized manner. And instead of going bigger it should’ve went more personalized    … Expand
  23. Georgekratos
    Nov 9, 2019
    9
    El mejor combate con espada de la historia de los videojuegos. Me encanta....
  24. Darksideua
    Nov 5, 2019
    0
    Seriously? You need to finish an enemy using a completely random button after you've fought him for a long time and if you don't press the random button in a very short time the enemy revives and runs away and you have to track him down and kill him again.. What a joke! This is one of the most annoying games I've played, great idea, terrible execution..
  25. MazrimTaim14
    Oct 14, 2019
    3
    Question: How do you f up a great, fresh and innovative game in Shadow of Mordor?

    Answer: Make everything grindier to earn freaking microtransaction.

    It only affects the endgame if you want to see the "true" ending. But its better to watch it instead on youtube.

    The award "Could have been a Contender" goes to this steaming pile of
  26. Roo182
    Sep 11, 2019
    6
    I initially put this game down right away. It was too repetitive and the fact that I couldn't advance the game without getting stronger orcs (mostly through microtransactions) was the last straw. 2 years later, after they took the heat and removed the microtranactions, I came back. It is still a fun LOTR game, and the Nemesis system is definitely cool. But the story felt soulless and theI initially put this game down right away. It was too repetitive and the fact that I couldn't advance the game without getting stronger orcs (mostly through microtransactions) was the last straw. 2 years later, after they took the heat and removed the microtranactions, I came back. It is still a fun LOTR game, and the Nemesis system is definitely cool. But the story felt soulless and the missions were empty. Definitely not what I wanted, but as a big LOTR fan in general, I put up with it.… Expand
  27. Berik
    Aug 21, 2019
    5
    Where Shadow of Mordor felt like a combination of other genres, but with a new exciting system (The Nemesis System), Shadow of War seems to completely commit to what other high profile games are doing: Collectibles to fill up play time, large open worlds that are barely utilized in the story, and a lackluster poorly written story.

    To start with the story: Monolith has taken liberties    Where Shadow of Mordor felt like a combination of other genres, but with a new exciting system (The Nemesis System), Shadow of War seems to completely commit to what other high profile games are doing: Collectibles to fill up play time, large open worlds that are barely utilized in the story, and a lackluster poorly written story.

    To start with the story: Monolith has taken liberties with the Lord of the Rings lore in the past, but this time they decided to grab it by the hair and smear its face in a pool of mud. Shelob, which is the big spider from Return of the King, is somehow a future telling swimsuit model that has the power to imprison wraiths. If that sounds completely ludicrous to you, than you are spot on mate!

    Apart from that, the story itself seems to be more of a side objective to the main goal: Recruiting, killing and making captains. Talion has become rather dumb in between the previous game and this one, and does everything your gut tells you NOT to do. Want to learn what a cliché, ridiculous and dumb character is like? Play the story of Shadow of War, because all the characters in this game fit the description.

    As for combat, the game unfortunately takes a step back to its predecessor. Where Shadow of Mordor felt hard but ultimately balanced and precise, Shadow of War is a mess. Battles with groups are now even more like mosh pits. The AI seems to completely ignore you when a captain attacks, yet their IQ will raise by 50 points the moment Talion attacks. Grunts will hit you to the point that you will get stabbed in the back all the time if your finger isn't glued to your triangle button. Also, prompts are sometimes in such ridiculous quick succession of each other that it seems to be impossible to evade, counter or survive for that matter. I can say for a fact that it wasn't like this in Shadow of Mordor, as i've played it four weeks ago before i started playing Shadow of War.

    The amount of traits that Orcs can have are greatly increased. There are more than triple the amount of traits Shadow of Mordor had, and Captains will interact with the player much more. Some will betray or ambush you, and others defy death so often that you will wonder if they aren't wraiths themselves. This is a welcome addition, but it fails to make the Orcs more interesting and less of a number. In fact, some traits are so powerful that it will lead to some very cheap deaths. The traits can be so random among captains that it hardly ever leads to a memorable orc.

    Do orcs have more distinction? No, absolutely not. In fact, every orc now looks like they gathered their weapons and armor at a Lost and Found shelter. Their is rarely a coherent theme in their outfit, nor does it suit them. I've seen orcs wearing golden elven armor (stupid), an orc dressed as a bard (totally taking a dumb on J.R.R Tolkien's lore there) and even a few as pirates... The **** Monolith.

    The size of the game is more of a flaw than anything else. Prepare to switch between the game, the map and the army screen hundreds of times as there is no quick button, and you'll constantly be wondering where you will have to go to next. Orcs are mostly far away, especially if you just met them. They will then 'magically' transport all the way to the other side of the map. Great.

    The new Conquest or Siege mode is fun, but after 2 or 3 times you will really have seen all there's to it. Above the Warchief now stands the overlord, which is the boss of a region. After storming the fort, taking checkpoints and dealing with remaining warchiefs you'll be fighting the Overlord, which is usually a high leveled bullet sponge with minions around him. And somehow you have to fight them solo, even though you brought an army with you ...

    The camera in this game is a disaster, and so is directing Talion. You see, the camera is now more zoomed in on Talion and everything North of him. I say this because, unlike the previous game, the camera will not move with your direction and will even push back against you if you try to turn it! Also, Talion doesn't do actions in the direction you point him to, but rather tries to connect with highlighted targets and ledges. This leads to 80% of your playtime feeling frustrating as Talion pretty much doesn't obey your controller. This pissed me off so much that i considered to stop playing this game.

    Unfortunately the game as a whole has been disappointing and frustrating to me, especially because i really liked Shadow of Mordor. This game is too overstuffed, too incoherent, a mess in combat and a joke to the lore of Middle Earth. It's an average game, which i can only recommend if you like to be frustrated and punished for seeking more Shadow of Mordor fun. I give it a 5/10.    … Expand
  28. manningn15
    Aug 18, 2019
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This is my favorite video game of 2017 and my 2nd favorite video game of all time. The visual and graphics are phenomenal, beautiful, creepy, and cool especially the characters, the drakes, the caragors, the graugs, and Ghûls. I loved how real the people looked. The different areas were really real looking and looked so much like the scenery in the movies. The gameplay was remarkable especially the fighting, the drake riding, and the missions. The story and writing are terrific. I love to ride drakes and kill captains. The enemies are awesome. The voice over performances are fantastic especially the ones for Talion and Shelob. I loved all of the different weapons and the armour you can get. I love this game so much and it is a A+ game.… Expand
  29. egaqu
    Aug 7, 2019
    5
    This game is okay mechanically and visually. Combat becomes repetitive due to habitually using the same attacks and counters on basically the same enemies over and over and over and over again. All of Act II is a 15+ hour grind that barely proceeds the story and largely serves to prolong the game. Same with the entirety of Shadow Wars. In a nutshell the only meaningful gameplay to thisThis game is okay mechanically and visually. Combat becomes repetitive due to habitually using the same attacks and counters on basically the same enemies over and over and over and over again. All of Act II is a 15+ hour grind that barely proceeds the story and largely serves to prolong the game. Same with the entirety of Shadow Wars. In a nutshell the only meaningful gameplay to this game is siege conquests, something that can be done in an hour but spread over 30-40 hours.… Expand
  30. IvanusKnight
    Jul 10, 2019
    0
    CASHCASHCASHCASH.PAY TO WIN.THIS GAME IS PICIE OF CASH,F+CK YOU WARNER BROS.
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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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