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. 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
  2. Abysswalker89
    Oct 14, 2017
    0
    I've been a gamer for about 20 years and seen publishers pull a lot of crap. But gambling in videogames as "lootboxes""?! This is a new low! Monolith sold their souls. Please boycott this game.. buy it second hand.. download it.. just don't support this crap please. Don't let this become the new industry norm
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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 $60, and I expect to have even more fun as the game progresses. The problems are blown out of proportion by journalists. Play this game. You'll thank me.… Expand
  6. Cashmoney900000
    Dec 12, 2017
    7
    So I just completed the main storyline. Overall gameplay has expanded upon what was already in place, I enjoyed it throughly WITH a few issues. The timing doesnt always seem like line up. The enemies ability to adapt is annoying when some of them have only one weakness to begin with (i.e. shield enemies need to be vaulted over, then they adapt and you can no longer do that). The storySo I just completed the main storyline. Overall gameplay has expanded upon what was already in place, I enjoyed it throughly WITH a few issues. The timing doesnt always seem like line up. The enemies ability to adapt is annoying when some of them have only one weakness to begin with (i.e. shield enemies need to be vaulted over, then they adapt and you can no longer do that). The story line was pretty good, it surprised me. I haven't got into the lootboxes yet, but it has gotten kind of grindy. Imagine Pokemon where you can only catch a pokemon at your trainers level. The game can probably be beaten in 1 sitting. Maybe around 8 to 12 hours of storyline gameplay only. Subquest and just going around merking s*** is what makes this game fun for me. ALSO I bought it at black friday. It is not worth more than 30$ imo. Not a bad game, just not long enough, and to combat that they add extensive grinding to compensate lack of content. Fun. But has its issues. Also f*** the lootboxes, Im not with that movement, at all.… Expand
  7. goztzero
    Nov 23, 2017
    0
    Music is shallow as **** it actually makes me wanna go to sleep

    Animations especially the running one are cringe inducing Graphics are quite bad, especially everything that it's not an orc. Orc intro cinematics get old really fast. Nemesis systems gets boring/annoying after a while (orcs keep spawning all the time) Its a really good attempt but with it really needed a lot of    Music is shallow as **** it actually makes me wanna go to sleep

    Animations especially the running one are cringe inducing

    Graphics are quite bad, especially everything that it's not an orc.

    Orc intro cinematics get old really fast.

    Nemesis systems gets boring/annoying after a while (orcs keep spawning all the time)

    Its a really good attempt but with it really needed a lot of refinement this feels more like a phone game than a game itself it's not worth $60 usd    … Expand
  8. MrBrioche
    Nov 23, 2017
    0
    ok where to start... there is a lot of problem here
    1.Clumsy/unresponsive control, in a stealth/assassination game like that control is REALLY important and VERY often in this game it feels like you are trying to do something specific and the game just dont understand what you are trying to do.
    2.it feels like the nemesis system is force down your throat, sometimes you just KNOW that the    ok where to start... there is a lot of problem here
    1.Clumsy/unresponsive control, in a stealth/assassination game like that control is REALLY important and VERY often in this game it feels like you are trying to do something specific and the game just dont understand what you are trying to do.
    2.it feels like the nemesis system is force down your throat, sometimes you just KNOW that the game wanted you to die right there
    3.in the previous game the number of enemies were fix, but in this one they keep spawning all the time, so you cant ''plan'' and execute like before, overlord mission feel cheesy asf.
    4. the dmg you inflict is just to low compare to the dmg you take ex: a little grunt will take 25% of your HP per attack, the counter window is really smaller compare to the previous game, a captain CAN 1shoot you, when you are in these big fit, there is basically nothing you can do except run and even that dont usually work, feels unfair
    5.flying mechanic... my man... painful
    6.mission seems harder the first time you do it, it feel like they want to force death upon you
    7. fighting wraith is disgusting, counter window to small, they attack off screen you barely see it and so punishing and if you fight them while fighting other orc, i was dying inside
    8.i was chasing this legendary orc that was godlike and when i finally dominated him he lost some of his attribute....? wtf is going
    9.at some point i sent my epic orc on a mission, give him 2 reinforcement and for some reason my epic orc did some dmg (i think) to the 2 others and they started attacking him and they killed him ...?! this happened to me twice.... wtf AI
    10. the AI .... is really bad....
    last but not least micro transaction , i dont think it has his place in a full priced game but it wasnt intrusive but then again i cant stop thinking about how this game could have been without it

    so this game is ''good'' sometimes but the frustration you get from playing it just destroy those little moment of happiness, the only thing this game gave me, its a bad after taste in the mouth, feels bad man    … Expand
  9. devry12
    Dec 26, 2017
    10
    Game is amazing. Micro transations are no issue, just dont buy them at all, simple as that. I promise yoh wont care, dont lisfen to the people sayunb igs an issue, they clewrlh dont own this game lol.
  10. 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
  11. 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.
  12. HonzazCzech
    Dec 13, 2017
    10
    Very fun to play game i like it more than AC origins/its beautiful but boring/. Shadow of war is one of the game whenever you play feel epic!. Its take a while than you will learn combat system - army - pits - vendetas personally love it
  13. Ghoster
    May 12, 2018
    3
    This game is FUN (at least first part)! Microtransactions are not a problem because they are totally optional. But, game become boring in defense missions in act 4 (specially with Orcs talking 10 times during each mission). Further, some trophies for platinum are pointless and stupid. Fight pits are probably most stupid thing made in video games ever (in this missions you WATCH 2 NPC'sThis game is FUN (at least first part)! Microtransactions are not a problem because they are totally optional. But, game become boring in defense missions in act 4 (specially with Orcs talking 10 times during each mission). Further, some trophies for platinum are pointless and stupid. Fight pits are probably most stupid thing made in video games ever (in this missions you WATCH 2 NPC's fighting each other). So, game is really fun if you just want to play it until end of act 3. But, if you want finish act 4 or platinum trophy prepare of tones of stupid missions, trophies and a lot of grinding.… Expand
  14. ToxicJimmy
    Dec 3, 2017
    7
    First off, I understand the bad user score and overall microtransactions have really gotten out of hand. BUT, how Shadow of War implements them is not completely ruining the game. If you choose to ignore the microtransactions it makes the game a little more grindy. However due to SOW's fantastic nemesis system it kind of makes it into an OK grind and still manages to keep it as anFirst off, I understand the bad user score and overall microtransactions have really gotten out of hand. BUT, how Shadow of War implements them is not completely ruining the game. If you choose to ignore the microtransactions it makes the game a little more grindy. However due to SOW's fantastic nemesis system it kind of makes it into an OK grind and still manages to keep it as an interesting experience.

    You can still obtain orc followers, training orders and items from "regular chests" bought with in-game-gained currency which is really easy to farm on higher levels. Basically all the microtransactions do are ensure that you get a legendary item or legendary orc follower, which defeats the whole sense of purpose and accomplishment that already is present in the game if you play it normally. I don't feel forced to purchase loot boxes to enjoy the good qualities of the game.

    With that out of the way:

    Pros

    ++ Nemesis System
    ++ Movement and Combat
    + A lot of skills with many variations
    + Graphics and Performance (Played on PS4 Pro)
    + Orc Pit Fights
    + Fortress Battles (Both offline and online)
    + Some updates are free without the need of a season pass
    + No crashes (personally)
    + Voice Acting (Except Talions generic dialogue)
    + Better story boss battles than Shadow of Mordor, even though some bosses are very "copy-paste"
    + Story is interesting at times

    Cons

    -- Loot boxes
    - Obsolete gear and item system
    - The need to occasionally enter the slow and laggy market section to purchase chests for in-game currency (mainly training orders)
    - Mediocre main character
    - Some glitches (like getting stuck) may require game restart
    - Repetitive Act 4 and Nemesis missions
    - Slow and grindy progression in late-game

    I totally understand if people won't buy the game simply because of the disgusting microtransactions, it's just that they're missing out on the awesome game that lies beneath the pile of **** if they can't see past them.    … Expand
  15. 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.
  16. VmsCritic
    Jul 17, 2018
    8
    I'm a huge fan of Lord of the Rings saga. I've played Shadow of Mordor back in 2014 and it was one of the best PS4 games at that time, and still one of the best experiences I had in PS4. Shadow of War brings new challenges, improves in every aspect when compared with Shadow of Mordor. The biggest new gameplay feature are the Fortress/Conquest missions, the Dragons and Nazgul battles. TheI'm a huge fan of Lord of the Rings saga. I've played Shadow of Mordor back in 2014 and it was one of the best PS4 games at that time, and still one of the best experiences I had in PS4. Shadow of War brings new challenges, improves in every aspect when compared with Shadow of Mordor. The biggest new gameplay feature are the Fortress/Conquest missions, the Dragons and Nazgul battles. The cutscenes are incredible. The scenario is amazing. The endgame is absolutely amazing – great fight and astonishing history ending. However, I got tired of playing sometimes due to the repetition of missions, fights, etc. Perhaps thats me after playing a lot of other games with spetacular fights such as Nioh, HzD, GoW. I hope the next Monolith game reinvents itself more than they did in this game.… Expand
  17. 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
  18. saladman67
    Nov 21, 2018
    0
    Gameplay is good but not good enough to make up for the fact that you need to pay loads of money to complete the game. ugh such bs, this could have been a good game but alas I wasted 70 bucks. Never pre ordering again unless form Rockstar.
  19. visiblelight7
    Nov 16, 2018
    9
    I got the game for 20$ expecting it to be horrible but it was quite enjoyable. It's a massive improvement on the first due to the added complexity. However, it's exactly the same game at it's core so if you were bored from the first one, you will DEFINATELY feel like you are playing the same game.

    The fun comes from upgrading your character. If you enjoy watching your kick butt and get    I got the game for 20$ expecting it to be horrible but it was quite enjoyable. It's a massive improvement on the first due to the added complexity. However, it's exactly the same game at it's core so if you were bored from the first one, you will DEFINATELY feel like you are playing the same game.

    The fun comes from upgrading your character. If you enjoy watching your kick butt and get excited over what you are able to accomplish during fights...then you will enjoy this game.

    No way this game deserves a 4/10. Clearly a smear campaign due to loot boxes(which is understandable) but now that they removed it. It deserves much higher rating. I'd say AT LEAST 6-7/10.    … Expand
  20. Topazar
    Mar 15, 2018
    9
    Долгое время не покупал игру так как был смущен ее низкими оценками среди игроков, но когда приобрел ее по скидке просто офигел насколько это недооцененная игра. Прошёл ее на одном дыхании, немезида принесла немало крутых моментов с орками командирами. Отличная графика, бодрая боёвка у кучей приемов и разнообразие командиров дает не хилое разнообразие геимплея. Я прошёл всю сюжетку неДолгое время не покупал игру так как был смущен ее низкими оценками среди игроков, но когда приобрел ее по скидке просто офигел насколько это недооцененная игра. Прошёл ее на одном дыхании, немезида принесла немало крутых моментов с орками командирами. Отличная графика, бодрая боёвка у кучей приемов и разнообразие командиров дает не хилое разнообразие геимплея. Я прошёл всю сюжетку не открыв ни одного лутбокса так что все этот крик вокруг доната простой шум людей которые даже не играли в игру. Да в игре есть недостатки, однообразные сайд квесты, немного кривое управление особенно в толпе врагов сложно выбрать нужную тебе цель для атаки, но плюсы игры перекрывают ее минусы, для меня это одна из самых недооцененных игр последних лет.… Expand
  21. 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
  22. 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.
  23. ChildofDivorce
    Nov 22, 2017
    1
    I was sooo pumped about this game. LOVED SoM.
    After reading USER reviews I will not be purchasing it.
    Micro-transactions are BS, even if they aren't necessary, it just makes me sick to see them in a game like this.
    Stay classy WB.
  24. Rodrigo23
    May 17, 2018
    7
    This game really disappointed me. The world is full of useless secondary activities and stuffing to give a feeling that "there are many things to do". The mission menu is messy and confusing. The story is terribly boring, and the characters without charisma and for oblivion. The new multiplayer mode does not add much. The best thing is the nemesis system, the orcs are the only thing and the best.
  25. Kearne
    Jun 10, 2018
    0
    Lets start with that I never, ever score or even write reviews on games, movies, etc. But this.... This abomination of a game made me do it.... I've played many titles that people would call **** but this is the cherry on top of a most annoying and poorly done AAA (supposedly) video games ever made.
    I'm not gonna even describe that the graphics are bad and for me look exactly like in    Lets start with that I never, ever score or even write reviews on games, movies, etc. But this.... This abomination of a game made me do it.... I've played many titles that people would call **** but this is the cherry on top of a most annoying and poorly done AAA (supposedly) video games ever made.
    I'm not gonna even describe that the graphics are bad and for me look exactly like in Shadow of Mordor. I don't pay that much attention to it (which I did a second ago.... oh well). What pains me the most is the level of stupidity and laziness developers have shown by making it. Everything through poorly written story, strange aiming concept (during big fights you are prompt to dodge an attack from berserker and suddenly your hero tries to jump over the nearby oolog, which just grabs you and smashes into the ground) and the worst, last act: Shadow Wars.... In my wildest dreams I wouldn't come up with the idea of something as boring and tedious as perpetual siege game mechanic. First 5 stages are ok'ish. The rest is just utter garbage. Especially when attacking orcs are starting to get well ahead of you with their levels. Then the nightmare starts.... Neverending grind without any storyline. After God know how many hours sinked into the game I couldn't even make myself to finish it, not to mention doing plat.    … Expand
  26. 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
  27. IvanusKnight
    Jul 10, 2019
    0
    CASHCASHCASHCASH.PAY TO WIN.THIS GAME IS PICIE OF CASH,F+CK YOU WARNER BROS.
  28. NemesisBruh
    Feb 7, 2021
    0
    Imagine patenting the nemesis system, despite your game being an Assassin's Creed re-skin. Not to mention that nemesis system itself existed long before this game. The industry is built on innovating existing ideas. Everything is inspired by something that came before it. That's how games, art, music, writing, culture itself and everything else works. Patenting the nemesis system is likeImagine patenting the nemesis system, despite your game being an Assassin's Creed re-skin. Not to mention that nemesis system itself existed long before this game. The industry is built on innovating existing ideas. Everything is inspired by something that came before it. That's how games, art, music, writing, culture itself and everything else works. Patenting the nemesis system is like patenting a color blue, or like patenting an the idea of a powerful corrupting item in storytelling. WB Games needs to back down on this.… Expand
  29. Dimitris29
    Oct 13, 2017
    10
    All the people are hating just cause of the microtransactions... They AREN'T required to complete the game. Stop b****ing and just enjoy the game. I've played for 5 hours so far and enjoyed every second. Story is good, gameplay is great, Nemesis system is fantastic. You complaining about the microtransactions isn't gonna change anything. Just play the game without them. Everything aboutAll the people are hating just cause of the microtransactions... They AREN'T required to complete the game. Stop b****ing and just enjoy the game. I've played for 5 hours so far and enjoyed every second. Story is good, gameplay is great, Nemesis system is fantastic. You complaining about the microtransactions isn't gonna change anything. Just play the game without them. Everything about SoW is great!… Expand
  30. Fhamil
    Oct 15, 2017
    0
    We need publishers/developers with the same mindset such as CDPR. It can be done people. Keep the faith and never support microtransactions in full priced games
Page:

Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 69 Critic Reviews

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