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. Rednew
    Nov 1, 2020
    10
    Good game, glad they removed lootboxes, picked up for free on PlayStation Plus, nice month.
  2. Asisclo
    Mar 14, 2021
    10
    This game is just amazing.
    Nice combat
    Nice Art
    Nice History
    Everything is awsome in this game!
  3. CGpancake
    Jul 10, 2020
    10
    I played it after removal of loot-boxes and marketplace, since all of the criticism including pacing of the game was addressed and adjusted according to the changes we are left with a perfect, long and unique game with incredibly satisfying game-play loop. More than worth the price for great fun lasting days.
  4. ACCELLWORD
    Jul 13, 2020
    10
    Termine la historia principal, me encanto, literal este juego tiene la mejor historia que jugué, todo me gusto, las mecánicas, la inteligencia como si los Uruk tuvieran conciencia, y los que dicen sobre micro transacciones, yo solo compre el juego y desde ahí no eh gastado un peso, así que esa es mi opinión sobre este increíble juego.
  5. Purplebleaf
    Oct 27, 2020
    10
    Played it 3 times and still havin fun with it, every time I'm in some fantasyy mood this is the game to go
  6. Rocon
    Aug 19, 2020
    10
    I love this game, it's just perfecto the gameplay and very enjoyable, I recommend it a lot
  7. hector_bcn98
    Nov 15, 2022
    8
    Una vez resuelto el tema de los micropagos, el juego se queda en una notable mejora respecto al primero.
  8. joaopdr
    Nov 7, 2020
    8
    I thought the game was good, I haven't finished it yet, but I liked everything in general, both mechanics, history, narrative, etc.
  9. Raios-Rogue
    Apr 27, 2021
    9
    true ending locked beihind grinding forcing players to either spend money on lootboxes or watch it on youtube well i did the dumbest thing ever and i bought the lootboxes just to see the ending i just platinum the game a few minutes ago i'm giving 9/10 because besides the microtransactions and too much grinding also the second DLC you get to play as a human kinda kills immersion we don'ttrue ending locked beihind grinding forcing players to either spend money on lootboxes or watch it on youtube well i did the dumbest thing ever and i bought the lootboxes just to see the ending i just platinum the game a few minutes ago i'm giving 9/10 because besides the microtransactions and too much grinding also the second DLC you get to play as a human kinda kills immersion we don't want to play as a human in a lord of the rings game but anyway i will give the second DLC a shot the first DLC blade of galadriel was good i put like solid 5 hours in it very short DLC which was a bummer all it's left after you finish the story is to grind but other than that there isn't anything else bad to say about this game i had a blast with this game my experience was great with this game i had solid 60+ hours into the main story this is the best Lords of the ring game i have played and it definitely makes me wanna go ahead and play the first game maybe the first game is a lot better and that's why people are so disappointed because they had high expectations for the second game and all those lot boxes microtransactions really pissed people off i went in with low expectations and i had a blast with this game the nemesis system was very unique i hope we get to see an improvement of this game in the future on 9th gen consoles PS5 XSX… Expand
  10. omarwach
    Nov 15, 2020
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The game is good, al the microtransactions critics are sh*t because you can enjoy the game without paying, the bad part is the textures aren't so good for the year that has been created, that's all good game… Expand
  11. MaulScarreign
    Dec 13, 2020
    8
    This is a direct sequel to Shadow of Mordor, which is also a fantastic game. I personally love this game and it's easily one of my top favorite games. There are some issues though, including some that diminish the joy of playing it.

    *****This game no longer has microtransactions, which I believe was a huge issue many players had well before I picked this up.**** PROS + Very    This is a direct sequel to Shadow of Mordor, which is also a fantastic game. I personally love this game and it's easily one of my top favorite games. There are some issues though, including some that diminish the joy of playing it.

    *****This game no longer has microtransactions, which I believe was a huge issue many players had well before I picked this up.****

    PROS
    + Very interesting and engaging story
    + Great voiceovers
    + Fun missions
    + Fast paced, somewhat smooth and fun combat with many different ways to kill and damage enemies
    + The Nemesis system is much the same as in SoM but with more creative ways to manipulate Orcs
    + Genuinely funny dialogue from Orc captains

    CONS
    - The controls are quite honestly the worst I've ever suffered through. I'm not exaggerating. I played Brutal, which is the hardest difficulty, and while challenging, the most difficult part of the game was actually the parkour, especially trying to climb a monument to destroy it. It is incredibly sticky, nonresponsive, and unintuitive. You will climb onto the wrong ledge multiple times, either placing you right in front of an Orc you were trying to avoid or placing you in Orcs' sights while you're trying to evade archers.
    - If you dominate an Orc and move away from him, he'll revert back to hostile. This runs contrary to the idea you're creating an Orc army and doing so is a core mechanic of the game. If I wanted to dominate all archers in a fortress before attacking to give myself an advantage, I should be able to do that. Unfortunately, you can't.    … Expand
  12. Oliver007
    Jan 13, 2021
    10
    Es muy buen juego, la historia esta mucho mejor estructurada que en el pasado juego, y la jugabilidad es menos repetitiva y muy divertida, y las malas reseñas se deben a que la bola de retrasados le tiran hate porque se me mete con el lore del señor de los anillos aunque sepan de ante mano que el juego no es canon
  13. Philip02_03
    Feb 20, 2021
    10
    One of my favorite games! Good charakters, nice system, epic raids and so beautiful places!
  14. Goatzjr
    Apr 15, 2021
    10
    For me its a great game. The nemesis system is great, combat is enjoyable and story is amazing. I see lots of people complaining about micro-transactions but i have about 200 hours in game and i didn't pay any money. Im not bored either because every orc has its personality and weaknesses. Overall the game is great its my favourite ps4 game i ever played.
  15. Dinerofresco
    May 5, 2021
    10
    This game really feeds off the first game and pretty much perfects it to be honest , great story and im absolutely in love with the Nemesis system from both games
  16. Arrow_2234
    Apr 30, 2022
    10
    Stop complaining about micro transactions. They barely even matter since the stuff you buy is **** you can grind for anyway. That being said middle earth Shadow of war is one of the best games I have ever played. It combines brilliant combat with traversal mechanics that are fun no matter how much you play. The story is somehow better than Mordor and I find it ridiculous that people areStop complaining about micro transactions. They barely even matter since the stuff you buy is **** you can grind for anyway. That being said middle earth Shadow of war is one of the best games I have ever played. It combines brilliant combat with traversal mechanics that are fun no matter how much you play. The story is somehow better than Mordor and I find it ridiculous that people are complaining it’s not “lord of the rings enough.” my only problem is that the level up system can get really Grindy at times. Even still you don’t really notice it since you’ll be fighting war chiefs really often anyway.… Expand
  17. that_eliass
    Jun 15, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I love Because the physics are good the characters are good and the story is excellent… Expand
  18. 3WordReview
    Jul 16, 2022
    8
    8.1/10 Played the game on a PS5, platinum achieved and I played both of the DLC.

    Speed

    Medium

    Creedlike
  19. Sinagrimm
    Aug 12, 2022
    10
    Love this game.its game play and story mod is great. I mean it gives me the experience of middle earth that i cannot describe
  20. Universal_Pwner
    Sep 27, 2022
    10
    I can understand the frustration with microtransactions in the early release of this game. I, however, got it on sale after the microtransactions were removed so I've only played this game is it currently is, and should have been from the start.

    With that said, this is the best game that i've played on PS4. It's so polished, deep, and has a ton of replay value even after you beat it.    I can understand the frustration with microtransactions in the early release of this game. I, however, got it on sale after the microtransactions were removed so I've only played this game is it currently is, and should have been from the start.

    With that said, this is the best game that i've played on PS4. It's so polished, deep, and has a ton of replay value even after you beat it. The story mode of the game from what I remember (it's been a while since I beat it) was ok, but just doing the online fortress raids and continuing to strengthen my own armies is where I'm enjoying this game the most.

    The depth of character and ability customization available in this game is impressive. So many different ways to build your character and minions, you can guarantee that your 'Bright-Lord' and his army are truly one of a kind. I played Shadow of Mordor and loved that game, and this one took the series to the next level entirely!

    Shadow of War is a STEAL at the price it's going for these days, and I highly recommend it to anyone, especially fans of the Lord of the Rings movies/books.    … Expand
  21. SirLecram
    Oct 22, 2022
    9
    Really good action game, a lot of moves, many different ways to achieve your goals, great nemesis system and no microtransactions right now :) I recommend to test this game now and have fun.
  22. DanielGG91
    Nov 15, 2022
    8
    He visto que hay muchas críticas negativas y desconozco por qué. En mi caso me pareció una continuación perfecta del anterior, manteniendo todo lo bueno que ofrecía. Para mí recomendado si eres fan de El Señor de los Anillos.
  23. goodgriff33
    Dec 24, 2022
    8
    Answer: 75 characters is between 10 words and 19 words with spaces included in the character count. If spaces are not included in the character count, then 75 characters is between 12 words and 25 words.
  24. Mike0529
    May 17, 2023
    8
    I totally understand all the bad reviews about the game when it released. Micro transactions is the best way to ruin a videogame. However, after all the updates made about this situation, the game got way much better, I just finished it 2 days ago and I can say it is great, the nemesis system is greatly improved and the story expands the universe created by Tolkien. Also, the expansionsI totally understand all the bad reviews about the game when it released. Micro transactions is the best way to ruin a videogame. However, after all the updates made about this situation, the game got way much better, I just finished it 2 days ago and I can say it is great, the nemesis system is greatly improved and the story expands the universe created by Tolkien. Also, the expansions were a great addition, specially the one with Eltariel. 8/10… Expand
  25. NoahsNexus
    Apr 6, 2023
    9
    Middle-earth: Shadow of War is an epic adventure that takes players deeper into the world of J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth. The game is a direct sequel to Shadow of Mordor and builds on the already excellent gameplay mechanics and the engaging Nemesis System.

    The game takes place in a vast open world, and the graphics are breathtaking, making players feel like they're truly a part of    Middle-earth: Shadow of War is an epic adventure that takes players deeper into the world of J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth. The game is a direct sequel to Shadow of Mordor and builds on the already excellent gameplay mechanics and the engaging Nemesis System.

    The game takes place in a vast open world, and the graphics are breathtaking, making players feel like they're truly a part of this fantastic universe. The combat system is refined and more challenging than its predecessor, with a variety of moves and abilities that give players greater control over their characters.

    The Nemesis System, which was one of the defining features of the first game, has been expanded upon, allowing players to create their own unique army of orcs to take on the enemy forces. The addition of new orcs, each with their own strengths and weaknesses, makes the gameplay even more varied and exciting.

    The story is engaging and well-written, and the characters are compelling. Fans of the series will appreciate the return of fan-favorites such as Talion, Celebrimbor, and Gollum, who are all voiced by excellent voice actors.

    The game also has an incredible soundtrack that complements the action on-screen perfectly. The sound design is top-notch, and the game's atmospheric score adds to the immersive experience.

    Overall, Middle-earth: Shadow of War is a fantastic game that improves upon the already impressive Shadow of Mordor in almost every way. It's a must-play for fans of action games, open-world titles, and the Lord of the Rings franchise. With its compelling gameplay, excellent story, and engaging characters, Middle-earth: Shadow of War is a true gem that should not be missed.    … Expand
  26. theomegamaster9
    Oct 14, 2017
    0
    This game could have been great, but we should not judge based on potential. I loved the first game and i really felt that the nemisis system could become something truly unique and amazing after a bit of improving. Unfortunately, greed on an unbelievable scale ruined the experience completely. Call me whiner, but i truky believe that we need to take a stand here. This is not acceptable.This game could have been great, but we should not judge based on potential. I loved the first game and i really felt that the nemisis system could become something truly unique and amazing after a bit of improving. Unfortunately, greed on an unbelievable scale ruined the experience completely. Call me whiner, but i truky believe that we need to take a stand here. This is not acceptable. Locking the ending away behind a wall of pay-or-grind is absloutely dispicaple and taints the whole experience. I am sad that a series like this had to be the one to take the fall for the industry's growing greed but someone has to. This needs to stop.… Expand
  27. Psheshlov
    Oct 24, 2017
    0
    No, it's unacceptable. I was really waiting this game. Game, not grind. Boxes in the single player game? Really? And this boxes includes not just skins...
  28. fredhorrigan
    Oct 13, 2017
    0
    Because making a generic AssCreed clone with all of the flaws and none of the (few) strengths wasn't bad enough, now we need to put in a slot machine mechanic into a single player game and also profit from a dude's death.

    Cancer. Absolute cancer.
  29. ArchibaldDuke
    Oct 13, 2017
    0
    Micro-transactions in $60 single player games. $60 single player games with premium editions. With gold editions. With.. well, you understand. The greed obviously knows no limits.
  30. Wallasuko
    Oct 13, 2017
    0
    "I'm starvin. We aint had nothin' but maggoty fans for three stinking years!"
    "Mmmyeah! why cant we haves some money!... what about microtransactions? they're fresh!"
    "THEY ARE NOT FOR SELLING!"
    "What about loot boxes? they need those! Aww they look tasty!"

    "LOOKS LIKE SCAMS BACK ON THE MENU BOYS! RAAAAAHHHHH!"
  31. GoddamnVictor
    Oct 17, 2017
    0
    A sad thing about this game is that the lootbox controversy is completely taking attention away from how much this game is lacking in creativity as a sequel, the story is great for Tolkien fans but there is just SO MUCH GRIND to go thru, and there are so little improvements to core gameplay, graphics look the same, menus are still ugly as hell (I think they are the same of the past gameA sad thing about this game is that the lootbox controversy is completely taking attention away from how much this game is lacking in creativity as a sequel, the story is great for Tolkien fans but there is just SO MUCH GRIND to go thru, and there are so little improvements to core gameplay, graphics look the same, menus are still ugly as hell (I think they are the same of the past game even).

    The game deserves a hall of fame place on how little improvement they have made, it is the laziest sequel I have played ever and would really like my TIME back    … Expand
  32. roundtablegamer
    Oct 16, 2017
    6
    Talion is back in a continuing adventure in the land of Mordor. Following the events of Shadow of Mordor, Monolith Productions and Warner Brothers brings us Shadow of War. Does Shadow of war rule middle earth or should it have been burned and destroyed along with the rings? Let us find out.

    Story: The story picks up right from the events of Shadow of Mordor you are back playing as    Talion is back in a continuing adventure in the land of Mordor. Following the events of Shadow of Mordor, Monolith Productions and Warner Brothers brings us Shadow of War. Does Shadow of war rule middle earth or should it have been burned and destroyed along with the rings? Let us find out.

    Story: The story picks up right from the events of Shadow of Mordor you are back playing as Talion and Celebrimbor. In the very beginning of the game, we see them making a new ring to fight against Sauron and the Azgul. There is a war happening in middle earth in this installment of the series between the Orcs, Uruks and Olacs and the Minas Ithil. You take sides with Minas Ithil to help them win the war; however, down the line you find out there is a traitor in the Minas Ithil. In the story, we run in to new characters that have an effect in the story like Shelob, a woman who can turn in to a big spider, which is cool in my opinion. She takes Celebrimbor as a hostage in exchange for the ring you created, so that she can take on Sauron herself. As the story continues, it became more confusing because there was so much going on with all the different characters and became less interesting as I progressed through it. There are four different acts throughout the story the second being by far the longest.

    Game play: The game play in Shadow of War is pretty much the same as the first one but with more RPG elements. However, it adds a few things as well; we still have the fighting style that we have seen in the Batman series. One thing I really enjoyed and found very annoying at the same time was the fortress raids. In order to progress through some of the story you need to take over these fortresses to clear the region. While doing some of these missions you feel like your weapons are never strong enough to defeat all the captains at one check point, but luckily I was able to beat this game without using the micro transactions. Throughout the game, you will brawl, use stealth, manipulate and climb your way through Gondor. Another feature I found in this game that was a bit tedious was building your own army. How you do this is by recruiting captains after you weaken them and they help you when it is time to do a fortress raid and take on the overlord of the fortress. This is not mandatory but it helps when it comes to difficulty but I just found it tedious. Game play design is not great in this case and unfortunately is one of my biggest pet peeves when it comes to games. When you clear a camp, it should remain cleared and not have the enemies re-spawn. As you progress through the story you will run in to a fair bit of collectibles like artifacts and memories which are words that go to a poem that unlocks a door and behind that door is a high level armor or weapon.

    Conclusion: Shadow of War is a fun game but by the time, I hit the Twelve-hour mark I felt it became very lack luster, and I just wanted to be finished. It has lot of new additions to compare to the first one, but does not feel as polished. The story is far less interesting and has a lot going on with it between the characters and your character that is becomes hard to follow. With some game play flaws that are very noticeable it becomes very lack luster just a few hours in to the game I struggled just to finish it but the pay off at the end of the game was worth it.

    Shadow of War 6/10 Average    … Expand
  33. cristipvp
    Oct 16, 2017
    0
    This game dosent worth its money, bought it and played it, i mean it is decent, until the part that your followers dying like crazy, then u have to do more grinding to get new ones, the whole game is made so that u are forced to buy loot boxes with real money, that's the whole idea of the game, thats what make's it terrible. Talion control is very good but. Game content is very small....This game dosent worth its money, bought it and played it, i mean it is decent, until the part that your followers dying like crazy, then u have to do more grinding to get new ones, the whole game is made so that u are forced to buy loot boxes with real money, that's the whole idea of the game, thats what make's it terrible. Talion control is very good but. Game content is very small.... only thing that can make you play the game more hours after u finish it its the boring grinding… Expand
  34. Chronos1
    Oct 14, 2017
    0
    Not acceptable to make a awesome game and then load it up with greedy MT and lootcrates.. sure you don't have to buy them but it was clear they made the game extremely grindy towards the end in order to try to get lazy people to pay $$ for lootcrates.. this is why your game fails and guess what?? BF II will fail also because you **** never learn.
  35. Abdul701
    Oct 14, 2017
    0
    I don't normally write reviews, but I think this has to be said: don't buy this game. If you buy this game, you are supporting one of the largest anti-consumer companies I've ever seen. I'd say that at this point, WB Games is even worse than EA.

    The only reward for the grind is more grind, lootboxes are unnescessary. Also microtranactions for loot things really?
  36. Trinisca
    Oct 14, 2017
    0
    This game truly has all of the atrocious user-hostile and money grabbing features, which the game industry so pride themselves on. They have pushed it one nudge further in Shadow of War, and if you don't vote with your wallet and say no, they will continue this downwards trend.
  37. Hak
    Oct 14, 2017
    0
    Game would be more enjoyable except for a microtransaction system integral to viewing the "true" ending of the game. Either grind the same things for 30 hours, or pay extra money. As a full priced, single player game, microtransactions are simply unforgivable.
  38. GuerillaTaktics
    Oct 14, 2017
    0
    Can we stop with the microtransactions already? This is a single player only game and they still managed to throw in a loot box mechanic, the only games where microtransactions are a good thing is when they are purely cosmetic.
  39. Unicus
    Oct 15, 2017
    1
    So much of this game is based on the first part, even the sounds have been taken over. It's like I'm playing the predecessor (which I have played A LOT), just with additional features. Once you get bored of the old game, do you really want to play the all new game, which is the same as the old? Apart from that, I feel like everything is overpriced, especially considering that so much hasSo much of this game is based on the first part, even the sounds have been taken over. It's like I'm playing the predecessor (which I have played A LOT), just with additional features. Once you get bored of the old game, do you really want to play the all new game, which is the same as the old? Apart from that, I feel like everything is overpriced, especially considering that so much has been taken from the previous version. The game itself (which can cost up to 100 USD, for the Gold edition), the all new buy in the single player game stuff, to show off to your not online friends... I have also played the game on Android, you can see the same overpriced "boost packages" there as well.… Expand
  40. DeadlyLemming
    Oct 17, 2017
    4
    Amazing underlying gameplay which makes it all the more heartbreaking that they leave a large amount of fun items and orcs exclusively for people who pay extra real money. Its like they tried to make the normal game as underwhelming as possible (for a game with such potential) so that you would have to buy golden/mithril chests just to have unique loot with any amount of flair. Sadly theAmazing underlying gameplay which makes it all the more heartbreaking that they leave a large amount of fun items and orcs exclusively for people who pay extra real money. Its like they tried to make the normal game as underwhelming as possible (for a game with such potential) so that you would have to buy golden/mithril chests just to have unique loot with any amount of flair. Sadly the loot/market system itself is also so cumbersome it is undoubted the game would be better off without it.… Expand
  41. MlgTeletubbie
    Oct 20, 2017
    0
    The gameplay is fun, and i appreciate the added movement and combat features, but the fort capturing system seems like little less than a cool gimmick to expand the time it takes to play the game, and introduce micro-transactions into a triple A game from a major corporation. This can't be accepted as the industry norm like it has in F2P mobile games. It's one thing to add them to sellThe gameplay is fun, and i appreciate the added movement and combat features, but the fort capturing system seems like little less than a cool gimmick to expand the time it takes to play the game, and introduce micro-transactions into a triple A game from a major corporation. This can't be accepted as the industry norm like it has in F2P mobile games. It's one thing to add them to sell cosmetics and that is something I can understand, but adding a pay to win mechanism is slimy at best.… Expand
  42. SavageeRancor
    Oct 27, 2017
    9
    Micro transactions aside, Shadow of war is an excellent gmae. It improves on almost every aspect of the first game and is more of what I loved the first time.
    The nemsis system feels way more fleshed out. The Orcs have character and there is so much fun stuff to do.
    The looting system can be tedious and bloated at times, but this doesnt take away from the over all experience. If you    Micro transactions aside, Shadow of war is an excellent gmae. It improves on almost every aspect of the first game and is more of what I loved the first time.
    The nemsis system feels way more fleshed out. The Orcs have character and there is so much fun stuff to do.
    The looting system can be tedious and bloated at times, but this doesnt take away from the over all experience.
    If you loved the first game, you'll love this one.
    Buy the game and dont pay for a thing. In reality you dont have to so I dont see why everyone is upset    … Expand
  43. bhappenstance
    Oct 18, 2017
    3
    This is a real shame. Shadow of Mordor is one of my all-time favourite games, but this sequel should not have been released in the state it's in. It appears just as slick and enjoyable, but is rife with bugs. In only two hours of play, I've been stuck in three glitches that required restarting - especially unfortunate in a game where your death has consequences for enemies/progression. IfThis is a real shame. Shadow of Mordor is one of my all-time favourite games, but this sequel should not have been released in the state it's in. It appears just as slick and enjoyable, but is rife with bugs. In only two hours of play, I've been stuck in three glitches that required restarting - especially unfortunate in a game where your death has consequences for enemies/progression. If the other complaints re: microtransactions are on point (didn't make it far enough for this to be an issue), then it's deplorable that Monolith seems to have put more thought into microtransactions than game testing. Will be returning this tomorrow.… Expand
  44. Zortrax
    Oct 15, 2017
    0
    Loot boxed in a singleplayer game?? If the game was free I could agree with it.
    These stupid tactics to get all our money should forever be banned. I can only give a zero for this game.
  45. Asaliah
    Oct 17, 2017
    4
    Huge fan of the first one, I bought this one day one.

    It was a huge mistake: -It's exactly the same game -It's full of bugs (character stuck, bugged quests,...) -It's super repetitive -90% of skills are useless -Can't skip Orcs' speech (trust me after several hours you CAN'T stand it anymore) -Graphics are very meh -I'm ok with lore "twists" but here the story is super basic and    Huge fan of the first one, I bought this one day one.

    It was a huge mistake:
    -It's exactly the same game
    -It's full of bugs (character stuck, bugged quests,...)
    -It's super repetitive
    -90% of skills are useless
    -Can't skip Orcs' speech (trust me after several hours you CAN'T stand it anymore)
    -Graphics are very meh
    -I'm ok with lore "twists" but here the story is super basic and poorly written
    -And the cherry on the cake: microtransactions, it's totally UNACCEPTABLE
    -Secondary characters are super cliche

    If you don't pay, either use a cheat engine to finish it or stop midway and watch the real end on youtube. It's litteraly dozens of hours of grinding.    … Expand
  46. Teh_Beavs
    Oct 26, 2017
    9
    I feel like alot of these micro transaction reviewers never played the game... I am probably 20+ hours in and have never felt I needed to go to the store. So ignore them. If you enjoyed the first game you'll enjoy this one. More content, slightly upgraded nemesis system, more reasons to keep playing after completing campaign.
  47. Estaim
    Oct 20, 2017
    0
    **** artistic direction, shallow combat system, pretentious story full of incongruencies and a punch in the face for any fan of tolkien's universe. Sick microtransaction system. This game is ****
  48. lager96
    Oct 26, 2017
    7
    This is not a bad game. This is not a great game. This is a good game that could have been much better. I like a lot about this game, which is why I'm so let down by many aspects of this game. To begin, I love the new fortress system where you can capturing and then defend them. Building your army in a area to then bring them to take a fortress is amazing! It's so rewarding to see yourThis is not a bad game. This is not a great game. This is a good game that could have been much better. I like a lot about this game, which is why I'm so let down by many aspects of this game. To begin, I love the new fortress system where you can capturing and then defend them. Building your army in a area to then bring them to take a fortress is amazing! It's so rewarding to see your effort pay off. Every time you dominate or kill an enemy captain in a fortress assault makes the hours building your army worth it. Even more satisfying, is when you make your way through the fortress and into the overlords room. It is the best feeling when you get that killing blow and take the fortress for you and your army. However, after the first three time it can get very repetitive. This can be due to how many times you need to do this (especially in Act IV: Shadow Wars). The amount of times must do this to complete the game is ridiculous. It is enjoyable when it naturally occurs but act IV outstays its welcome and leaves a sour taste in your mouth. The combat is also has positives and negatives. When you are facing three or four orcs it is smooth and fun but when you are facing large groups (like in the fortresses) it begins to show it flaws. Many times I was wanted to vault over a normal orc but Talion decided to jump over an olog just to have it throw me to the ground every time. This type of thing happened to often and completely ruined to flow of the combat. Even when I tired to use of finisher on a captain the game would use it on a grunt orc and waste it. The story is around 20 hours (not including shadow wars) and is okay. There are some cool things but nothing that sticks out to me and nothing I will remember in years to come. I also noticed that many of the orcs look and often have very similar names. This happened few and far between in the first game and it seems to happen even more often here. The amount of times I have seen an almost identical captain is insane and makes it an inferior system compared to the original game. The loot crates may be to blame for this because of how easy you can unlock captains. You can buy crates and get 100+ captains easy so the orcs will begin to look very similar. It may sound like I completely dislike this game but I don't. The story, mixed with the random events, plus the fortresses made for a fun 20ish hours. After you complete the third act, the game wares out its welcome and becomes very repetitive. I'm fine with some repetitive tacks but when the game is only repetitive, without the story to distract me, it get bored. This is a game that is good but was held back by a lot of small issues. Tolkien is probably rolling over in his grave by the violence being added in the world he created, hahaha.… Expand
  49. SuperkenGaming
    Oct 27, 2017
    7
    Middle Earth Shadow of War
    Lacking Soul
    I’m about to break most of your hearts, I didn’t like shadow of war as much as every other reviewer… As to me this game feels like a soulless cash grab Shadow of War is the sequel to the much better middle earth shadow of Mordor.. You once again play as Talion who sets out to bring balance to middle earth... As a less personal story compared to    Middle Earth Shadow of War
    Lacking Soul
    I’m about to break most of your hearts, I didn’t like shadow of war as much as every other reviewer…
    As to me this game feels like a soulless cash grab
    Shadow of War is the sequel to the much better middle earth shadow of Mordor..
    You once again play as Talion who sets out to bring balance to middle earth...
    As a less personal story compared to the first... the game struggled to keep my attention with its story or world…
    Basically Shadow of War feels like more of the same with none of the heart…
    It’s a cash grab riding off of the success of the original…
    The world is much larger this time, but bigger isn’t always better as every area in this game feels generic and unmemorable…
    Back are the assassins creed like syncing point that lets you scout out this games collectables to unlock new moves in the skill tree…
    Skill wise there isn’t anything special…
    You’ll easily have every skill unlocked by time you reach the end of act 3 which takes around 19 hours.. and is the base of this games story…
    skills for the most part unlock moves you had in the first game though they have 1 of 3 modifiers that take away their annoyances from the first game like allowing celebrimbor to counter attacks while you’re doing a ground finish or add an elemental effect to a special attack like poison or fire for example…
    There’s also a really cool weapon and rune system here where you can craft runes to give you boosts like xp or life drain.. and each rare, epic, and legendary weapon or clothing item has a challenge attached to them that will unlock a perk… giving a little personality to each
    These items of course picked up off of orcs with the same rarity
    Getting rid of the annoyances is the best shadow of war does, you’re now able to run extremely fast taking away the annoying fleeing enemy moments and there’s a cool double jump added to the parquor making you feel like you’re a super hero running through the game..
    Which honestly may be the reason I feel this world is so forgettable…
    I’m able to get around it so quickly that I never had the opportunity to notice or care about my surroundings…
    a new change that I’m not a fan of is the fact that special moves are now tied to a meter instead of attack chains… of course this meter is the only way to make this games boss encounters work... but I felt like I was less in control and that building up uninterrupted attack chains was unrewarded…
    a mix of both systems in the next game if one comes would be cool… where successful chains fills the meter at a faster rate than were given here….
    There’s also an eleven rage meter that lets you unleash multiple attacks while invincible, but this meter takes so ridiculously long to fill up that it might as well not even exist... I used it probably 4 times my entire time playing because I would save it as a just in case thing…
    The nemesis system is back once again but this time the game from the jump is focused on domination after the first act...
    It’s up to you to go and capture 4 towers to get to the end of the games story…
    though I found myself gaining followers naturally through story, I didn’t have to do much hunting towards the end…however in the first few hours, this domination thing is annoying as you’re only able to capture orcs at your same level or lower…
    you’re able to humiliate them and lower their level.. But all this does is make them run away and forces you to have to go find them again somewhere else…
    this to me felt like the game just wasting the players time...
    I see no harm in letting the player just take the orc at a lower level and letting them move on..
    With your orcs you can command them to kill other orcs or prove themselves and become the bodyguard of a warchief... you can assign an orc to be your bodyguard to help you in combat…you can also go capture the bodyguards of warchiefs and have them betray… making their battles easier as you can take out each warchief individually to lower the level of a fortress greatly with each one…
    While you’re doing these hunts and gathering intel for the weakness on your next target you have to be warry of how you treat your followers, as they’re able to betray you as well…
    and once you feel you’re ready to take on a fortress you assign your orcs to positions, you give them weapons and armies to increase your odds of success and you charge in to take what’s yours…
    The review has a bit of a negative tone, but Shadow of War is a really good game….
    Its more of the really great shadow of Mordor with deeper systems and less annoyances…
    But to me it also has less heart and soul…
    This is an enjoyable experience.. But a very forgettable one…
    I give Middle Earth Shadow of War
    a 7.5/10    … Expand
  50. prorock777
    Nov 14, 2017
    0
    EA and WB the worst game publisher again. Pay to win, or loot boxes are evil, this **** is destroying gaming industry. And this game overall desent, but donation system kills all good things that this game has.
  51. Gohax
    Oct 18, 2017
    6
    Ok so before i start the review i just want to say that the whole game not counting the endgame doesn't need any microtransactions, i had a high score for this game but the endgame runied it by blocking the true ending with act 4 shadow wars which is basiclly 10 stages of defending all your fortress which is kinda fun i guess but takes a lot of in game curenncy and here is where theOk so before i start the review i just want to say that the whole game not counting the endgame doesn't need any microtransactions, i had a high score for this game but the endgame runied it by blocking the true ending with act 4 shadow wars which is basiclly 10 stages of defending all your fortress which is kinda fun i guess but takes a lot of in game curenncy and here is where the microtransactions shine i refused to continue playing and stopped after stage 2 this game had a lot coming for it and i really dont want to give out pros and cons because i dont want people playing this game and supporting that endgame microtransactions bullcrap so ill just say this
    i Spent 26 hours on the game and could Spent more but i could not do 10 stages of defened the fortress becuase it takes so much ingame money to do it and if you fail you have to retake it and then defened it again the whole thing is a pain

    the game it self is great but the endgame just ruined it this game had a lot of potential and could be a 9/10
    but greed ruined it my final score to shadow of war is 6/10 but again i do not recommend it at all because of the endgame    … Expand
  52. omghiguy
    Oct 29, 2017
    9
    This game takes what was great from the first game and maintains that greatness and in some areas even improves upon it greatly. The graphics are great (especially with the 4k add on) and the world is both extensive and interesting. Admittedly it can get repetitive at times just like the first game did, but it's still enjoyable. I encountered no bugs, load times were acceptable andThis game takes what was great from the first game and maintains that greatness and in some areas even improves upon it greatly. The graphics are great (especially with the 4k add on) and the world is both extensive and interesting. Admittedly it can get repetitive at times just like the first game did, but it's still enjoyable. I encountered no bugs, load times were acceptable and limited. The concern over micro transactions should be limited to just the fact that they're present at all, but there is literally no need to use them and extremely little benefit if you did. You'll quickly level past items and obtain new and better replacements just by playing the game. All in all if you enjoyed the first game this is a must buy. If you never played the first one you'll be fine jumping straight into this one. Highly recommended.… Expand
  53. disgruntled
    Nov 3, 2017
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Only subscribed here to voice my disappointment and hopefully send a message to future developers that try to force micro transactions into games. Really enjoyed the main story arc, which you do not need to use micro-transactions for at all. Then came the near endless fortress defence missions which would take an age to complete. Now you don't have to buy the loot boxes that contain epic/legendary orcs levelled up to your current game level (mine was 45) But you are up against level 40 (Forty!!) orcs and my orc army was 25/30 ish at best so I started levelling up in the fighting pits, maggot level, I enjoyed the first game, lets give it a go. I put an EPIC 34 level orc against a level 21 and he lost. AN EPIC 34 against a LOWLY 21 AND HE LOST. REALLY??! I lost the will to live or at least play this skewed random number generator, turned it off and wiped the game from my hard drive. This seemed to me to be a hidden algorithm (or just BAD game design) to deliberately frustrate you and force your hand towards micro-transactions to see out the end of the game, which I might have done (the long cheap way) if I didn't think I was being pushed underhandedly towards paying even more for a £50 game. Very poor and greedy tactics from WB, hope that by awarding zero the horrendous user score puts developers off this type of cynical practice and you know they pay some low level drone to read, assess and feedback on these scores. Just make good, fair games, we'll buy them and you still make money. If the next Mordor game has micro-transactions I'm getting it 2nd hand from GAME and you've lost fifty pounds!… Expand
  54. PraizzTheSun
    Nov 5, 2017
    0
    Worst than the first, full of bugs (captains stuck on terrain), the AI is complete garbage (they don't notice you even if you are 10 meters away and they forget about you when you are no longer in their line of sight).. Don't buy it. Just don't. Even for 5$, it's not worth it.
  55. EpiPhonka
    Nov 6, 2017
    0
    Full description of the game – grind and farm non stop.=( Interest to the game disappears a couple of hours after the start. Nothing new since the first part.
  56. silentblade
    Dec 28, 2017
    0
    The game’s mechanics are not only subtly affected, they are directly manipulated. In a fortress defense (I have the video of it) which is part of the endless shadow wars, the game made a warchief invulnerable for almost 45 minutes, he is not arrow-proof but my arrows do not deal any damage (can be seen in the videos), he doesn't have determination or anything like that but he healsThe game’s mechanics are not only subtly affected, they are directly manipulated. In a fortress defense (I have the video of it) which is part of the endless shadow wars, the game made a warchief invulnerable for almost 45 minutes, he is not arrow-proof but my arrows do not deal any damage (can be seen in the videos), he doesn't have determination or anything like that but he heals himself, the game is either forcing me to lose a victory point or wishes to see some of my warchiefs dead (which is what happened) or wishes to see me dead so that I can lose this fortress... grinding and micro-transactions are bad enough, but directly manipulating the game mechanics against the player, unacceptable....… Expand
  57. Neowulff
    Oct 19, 2017
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I was enjoying this game despite the butchering of Tolkien lore, that was up until I hit level 25 with my character, and notice how much, much, much slower it raised when I received experience, I was levelling up like crazy, then it was like I hit a wall.

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

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

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

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

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

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

    I though "that was quick"....    … Expand
  58. JaySilver
    Oct 31, 2017
    8
    I don't get the negative reviews. Just to be clear: you DON'T need any lootboxes at all to play or win this game. You can simply ignore it. You don't even need to grind to get money/gear/captains, just make the **** quests or play the story. The game has so much to offer, starting with assassinating orcs, to recruit them later for sieges. There are great skills, weapons and armor toI don't get the negative reviews. Just to be clear: you DON'T need any lootboxes at all to play or win this game. You can simply ignore it. You don't even need to grind to get money/gear/captains, just make the **** quests or play the story. The game has so much to offer, starting with assassinating orcs, to recruit them later for sieges. There are great skills, weapons and armor to unlock. It really feels like a great Lord of the rings game. Even the story is good at some point. The last chapter is a bit odd: just conquer/hold fortresses over and over again.… Expand
  59. Allthat
    Oct 16, 2017
    0
    First of all, you have to pay real money to see the games proper ending. What kind of game does that? WB is probably one of the stupidest publishers out there. This is a great game and had micro-transactions not been present, everyone would have bought it and the developers and WB would have made lots of money. Instead the decision to add micro-transactions gave the game tons of bad repFirst of all, you have to pay real money to see the games proper ending. What kind of game does that? WB is probably one of the stupidest publishers out there. This is a great game and had micro-transactions not been present, everyone would have bought it and the developers and WB would have made lots of money. Instead the decision to add micro-transactions gave the game tons of bad rep and it really hurt sales of this game. I hope some serious lessons were learnt from this.… Expand
  60. zkg03mjmk
    Oct 13, 2017
    0
    I was looking forward to this game. I got the platinum trophy of shadow of Mordor on Ps4.
    But I won't buy this one. I say NO to MT and loot box on a single player AAA game, which is already $60.
  61. PsychedelicRA
    Oct 14, 2017
    0
    Shame Shame Shame ! I'm very disappointed. Down with the micro-transactions !!! This is a real shame. I wait so long to get this money starving machine.
  62. Dman32
    Oct 15, 2017
    0
    Ahem, earlier submission was a mistake. I was going to say... I just made this account to declare how much of a disappointment this game was. Bottom line is... the original gameplay would have been far better. As for the Nemesis system? I have seen absolutely no counts of there being any friendship between orc and Talion.
  63. Borat
    Oct 12, 2017
    0
    This game is a pile of garbage. I can't enjoy the main game because of the loot boxes. Having a random system that dictates what you get that pushes you towards paying real money is unacceptable! Don't buy this game unless you enjoy wasting money.

    The graphics are decent. That's it.

    Selling my copy as soon as possible.
  64. mycarisorange
    Nov 30, 2017
    0
    You pay $60 for a single player game and you still need to buy crates to progress in the game?

    When are you all going to get the hint? Your fanbases aren't standing for this any longer. Double the cost of the game if you have to but give us a game that (a) actually functions as intended and (b) doesn't nickle-and-dime your reputation into nothingness.
  65. mrichardsg
    Apr 2, 2018
    10
    I had a blast playing this game! It was so much fun, and it seems endless. I'm coming off a pretty solid bender. I love the setting more than anything. It is pretty elaborate map that you can get lost in.
  66. ChestyPuller
    Nov 2, 2017
    8
    If you were a fan of Shadow of Mordor, you'll like this game. The loot box thing is bad, but It was easy enough to ignore for me at least. It has more or less the same game play but it adds new ways to use your war chiefs. I kind of wish there was a few more ways to customize them and make them more tailored to how you play, but at least you can use them more in this one.

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

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

    I have not experienced any game breaking glitches yet, but there were minor things here and there. The worst I've had was the pre-fight speech didn't trigger once but after waiting 30 seconds or so the fight began anyway. The biggest draw back is about 75% of the way through the game I kind of stopped caring about most of the missions left since I had completely conquered each area. Other than that its a strong follow up to the previous.    … Expand
  67. Hyriu
    Oct 30, 2017
    7
    Great game good gameplay but also lootbox grind + market i just wish i could play as one of the Orcs :D
    gameplay has added features but feels almost same as its predecessor
  68. oleksii13
    Nov 1, 2017
    1
    zaebali Loot boxes, zaebali Loot boxes zaebali Loot boxes zaebali Loot boxes zaebali Loot boxes zaebali Loot boxes zaebali Loot boxes zaebali Loot boxes
  69. NamelessLang
    Nov 10, 2017
    0
    I wanted this game to be good. I really did. I legitimately wanted to ignore the microtransactions. But no, this game FORCES the gameplay to revolve around it, which is INEXCUSABLE when your predecessor did it so well.
  70. IGROLOGIA
    Nov 13, 2017
    4
    This is perfectly fine for me to have an other bland game with no new ideas. Nemesis mechanics are not the thing that can perfectly replace the normal campein's story. The grind is absolute. It could be just almost the same game and it could earn 6 or even 7, but the donate thing... That really stinks. There is no way 60$ game could possibly make us pay even more with all the lackluster ofThis is perfectly fine for me to have an other bland game with no new ideas. Nemesis mechanics are not the thing that can perfectly replace the normal campein's story. The grind is absolute. It could be just almost the same game and it could earn 6 or even 7, but the donate thing... That really stinks. There is no way 60$ game could possibly make us pay even more with all the lackluster of content.
    That is bad    … Expand
  71. WalkingMoore
    Jan 7, 2018
    5
    You know what I can say?
    4 act - a simulator of monotonous actions to capture towers.
    3 act - a good production, excellent CGI videos, the plot in this act is greater than in all the others combined. Act 2 - we are taught how to capture the towers in the middle of the earth, which is quite, at first, not bad and it looks interesting. I advise you not to kill the leaders, so that the    You know what I can say?
    4 act - a simulator of monotonous actions to capture towers.
    3 act - a good production, excellent CGI videos, the plot in this act is greater than in all the others combined.
    Act 2 - we are taught how to capture the towers in the middle of the earth, which is quite, at first, not bad and it looks interesting. I advise you not to kill the leaders, so that the attacks were as in gameplay, commercials, commercials, at least were approached to this.
    1 act - enter the world, introduce some characters and give the ground for a good story, which did not happen.

    In general, the game is monotonous, the visual design is nothing, the graphics are bad, nothing new, except the towers, in comparison with the previous game - no. The plot leaves a lot of questions about the characters, which, ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ simply forgot. Yes, there are characters about whom they forgot at the stage of developing a new act, but yes, it's right - ♥♥♥♥♥♥ with him, we'll better introduce lutboks.

    And yes, defenders of lootboxes, you are just hydrocephalus, amoeba, you have a cognitive distortion. In general, you ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ f, stupid, dolbaebi with aberration. These objects with binary thinking will ask: "Well, why do you allow such a talk?", Yes because, ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ Lutboks kill a single game and it's wrong. I would write a full opinion on this, but too much text for too small audience (those who will read this review). The game does not convey the atmosphere of the Lord of the Rings.

    I recommend only to those who want to come after work / school and kill time for the liquidation of orcs.

    The final score is 5/10, not including lootboxes. Mediocre.    … Expand
  72. davidas101
    Nov 16, 2017
    0
    This game broke me

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

    I didn't think much of this games predecessor, I purchased this game on pure chance and faith and I was very much rewarded.....until about 50 hours of grinding clocked in and I realized just how little control I had over this reviled piece of rancid crap with its randomized loot chests entangled pathetically with the games otherwise impressive nemesis system. I paid £50 for this game upfront
    and countless hours of fun but the façade starts to peel pretty quickly in this joke of a game.
    THIS GAME IS A RIGGED GLORIFIED GAMBLING SIMULATOR. DO NOT BUY.    … Expand
  73. KillerWizBiz
    Nov 30, 2017
    9
    Its been a little less than 2 months after release, and I've been enjoying the game so far. Pretty much every review is about how garbage micro transactions are and how they ruined the game. 1) They are bad because they can speed up the process of getting good followers or gear, but THEY ONLY SPEED UP . I spent $0 dollars on the game after initial purchase and i beat the game just fine. 2)Its been a little less than 2 months after release, and I've been enjoying the game so far. Pretty much every review is about how garbage micro transactions are and how they ruined the game. 1) They are bad because they can speed up the process of getting good followers or gear, but THEY ONLY SPEED UP . I spent $0 dollars on the game after initial purchase and i beat the game just fine. 2) You can buy the loot chest things with money OR in game currency, yes its not easy to get your hands on this currency, as you must complete difficult-ish quest to attain said currency. But the game is a great experience. The Fortresses are fun. And there are plenty of times where it broke the seriousness of the atmosphere. And one of my favorite characters from the last game makes a return.… Expand
  74. Penguini
    Dec 10, 2017
    10
    One of my fav games of all time. But I do see some whiny 8-year-olds complaining about the microtransactions. Let me clarify a few things:

    1: Microtransactions are NOT necessary. Completing the game without spending a single cent should be easy. If you can't do this, then blame yourself, not the game. 2: Nothing in the store makes you pay actual money. They make you pay with an    One of my fav games of all time. But I do see some whiny 8-year-olds complaining about the microtransactions. Let me clarify a few things:

    1: Microtransactions are NOT necessary. Completing the game without spending a single cent should be easy. If you can't do this, then blame yourself, not the game.

    2: Nothing in the store makes you pay actual money. They make you pay with an in-game currency, which you CAN pay money for, but you can also get it for free by completing daily challenges, missions, etc.    … Expand
  75. Hobobo
    Jan 7, 2018
    3
    I'm really not diggin' what they are doing with the story. It's basically rewriting what made LoTR story so cool. Orcs now have special wizardry powers and new rings are being forged. Also, Shelob is a human lady? What? It's like they sat down and said "hhmmm, how can we make this game more like Warcraft." I don't feel that Tolkien would like the direction Warner Bros is taking with hisI'm really not diggin' what they are doing with the story. It's basically rewriting what made LoTR story so cool. Orcs now have special wizardry powers and new rings are being forged. Also, Shelob is a human lady? What? It's like they sat down and said "hhmmm, how can we make this game more like Warcraft." I don't feel that Tolkien would like the direction Warner Bros is taking with his work. It's taking on more mystical role play elements than it should be and becoming a whole different thing. Oh, and the loot boxes are stupid. As a big LoTR fan I'm very disappointed with this latest entry.… Expand
  76. LuciusCarluswig
    Jan 28, 2019
    1
    264/5000
    apart from the graphic quality of the game
    the game does not respect the books and even less the movies
    like his predecessor.
    Beyond that, the gameplay is poor and the game is extremely repetitive.
    I do not blame the dev's but did not develop more games like this
  77. fase_ssamm
    Mar 2, 2020
    9
    Perfect game, all these fortnite players are lagging, they r gae, and play fortnut all dae
  78. 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
  79. 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.
  80. 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.
  81. hyun8801
    Sep 23, 2020
    0
    absolutely garbage. Controls are seriously **** up. 99% of the time their auto targeting is off. **** up camera, missions are all **** chores.
  82. gun21000
    Oct 14, 2017
    3
    Now, dear reader, do not get me wrong, I really loved this game in the beginning. From the get-go this game amazes everyone: the different type of Uruks that forces you to think more strategically, the new-and-improved Nemesis system that helps the player shape his/hers own storylines, and even though the main story might be slow and uninteresting in the beginning of the game, it doesNow, dear reader, do not get me wrong, I really loved this game in the beginning. From the get-go this game amazes everyone: the different type of Uruks that forces you to think more strategically, the new-and-improved Nemesis system that helps the player shape his/hers own storylines, and even though the main story might be slow and uninteresting in the beginning of the game, it does excite you and makes you want continue the story in the long run. However, when you reach Act IV, the joy that you felt quickly goes away when you come across what may be on of the most laziest design choice in the history of video games, and this is where those lootboxes that you heard so much about come into the play.
    Act IV is basically you defending the forts that you captured throughout the game. Now, it does not sound that bad, but when you realize that all the Uruk captains that you dominated are severely under leveled, that the attacking captains have a million strengths and maybe a few (or worse - just one) weaknesses, and the enemy forces can and will wipe the floor with your allies, the merriment that you once had will slowly fade away. Now, you may be saying: "Hey, it's just a difficulty spike at the end of the game, it doesn't sound that bad". No, you are wrong, and even after you defend all of the forts, guess what, YOU HAVE TO DEFEND THOSE FIVE FORTS ALL OVER AGAIN, AND THIS TIME, THE ENEMY CAPTAINS ARE EVEN TRIPLE THE LEVEL THAT YOUR CAPTAINS ARE. I didn't mention the best part: to acquire Uruks who are high enough level, you have to grind the **** out of the game, or JUST BUY OUR LOOTBOXES AND PRAY THAT YOU GET AN URUK THAT IS STRONG ENOUGH. So, this is why I think this game deserves a three, and I do not think I will be finishing this game.    … Expand
  83. Toren95
    Oct 16, 2017
    0
    Pre-order canceled when i found out about the loot boxes, gonna wait for a used game in gamestop.
    Grind are heavily increased because of this, the "true" ending is sort of locked behind a paywall, because you have to spend alot of time grinding for legendary armies
    #NoMoreMicrotransactions
  84. basicbic
    Oct 17, 2017
    0
    Full of predatory forced in-game purchases. This game developer lacks the integrity required to get your business. Avoid this game and any other game released by Warner Bros. at all costs.
  85. noirfx
    Oct 15, 2017
    0
    The game is ok, just remove microtransaction and everybody will be happy. Gamers are not stupid, you can't put loot crates into 60$ single player game.
  86. IonStorm
    Oct 19, 2017
    0
    The game would have been great if it wasn't made intentionally grindy so that I pay real money for what is essentially cheat codes also known as loot boxes. These people have no shame.
  87. njja02
    May 15, 2018
    4
    Pretty much the same pros and cons as the first game. but they squandered the nemesis system by implementing loot boxes that contain Orcs. It's sad, because the open world looks beautiful, but even that feels empty. Very disappointing.
  88. nowisek
    Oct 13, 2017
    0
    Single player game for 60euro and microtransactions in it. Don't buy it. Not worth it. Pay to win. Games should be hard... But not in of way wasting time for grind. Boring repeating things.
  89. Eilanzer
    Oct 21, 2017
    0
    AVOID THIS GAME LIKE THE PLAGUE!
    DLC...Microtransactions bullcrap all over the place...And if you support this you are making the gamimg industry worse and worse!
  90. foscomicron
    Oct 31, 2017
    3
    Repetitive gameplay and non-existent story, both unforgivable in a single player game. Everything about this game feels lackadaisical from map design to character progression. The nemesis system is over-hyped as you take down orcs easily the same way. Did not progress far enough in the game for loot boxes to become an issue.
  91. mako34
    Oct 16, 2017
    0
    Od dawna bylo wiadomo, ze gra bedzie miala mikrotransakcje, ale jesli nie mozna jej bez nich przejsc, to znak, ze czas cos z tym zrobic. To jest absolutnie paskudne.
  92. Leenat40
    Oct 13, 2017
    0
    Cancer cancer cancer cancer! Loot boxes are cancer and this game is cancer. Please do not buy it, if you don't want to support trash like this. We need to put a foot down and say: NO.
  93. badgerryan19
    Oct 14, 2017
    9
    What a great game. They build on the first game and make it bigger and better. The nemesis system is more expanded and I love the different regions you can go to. The addition to the fort conquers and defends are great and some of the higher points of the game. The game has a more cohesive story was great as well, even though some of the lore isn't exactly right. The combat is more of theWhat a great game. They build on the first game and make it bigger and better. The nemesis system is more expanded and I love the different regions you can go to. The addition to the fort conquers and defends are great and some of the higher points of the game. The game has a more cohesive story was great as well, even though some of the lore isn't exactly right. The combat is more of the same, but it's great already. The upgrade level system is a little too much though. There is a lot going on and the menus can get a little confusing. Also the the gear is really awesome and it adds a little character to Talion. Now the whole thing about micro transactions. Don't buy them. All you get is orcs and that will beat the entire point of the game, so I understand the complains, but just do not buy them. If you liked the first go buy it.… Expand
  94. 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.
  95. Gamingking007
    Oct 17, 2017
    10
    So I take it that everyone complaining are extremely lazy gamers or bad gamers! The micro transactions are only for people who want to finish the game very quickly! If you play the game By completing all the side quests. Then you will have no need for micro transactions. The forts is in the single player game is extremely simple to take over. The only reason I would ever need to buy theSo I take it that everyone complaining are extremely lazy gamers or bad gamers! The micro transactions are only for people who want to finish the game very quickly! If you play the game By completing all the side quests. Then you will have no need for micro transactions. The forts is in the single player game is extremely simple to take over. The only reason I would ever need to buy the micro transactions is if you want all your orcs to say legendary on their name tags but other than that no need I got my army to level 326 and took down the fort easily which was like level 150 and this was in a more difficult region. So everyone complaining about the Micro transactions are either very lazy they’re not very good games. I understand that micro transactions can be frustrating if it hinders you from playing the game the way it was intended to be pLayed but there is no reason to complain about this game about that. If micro transactions Hinder you then I agree that it is totally corrupt especially if you’re buying a new game but that is not true with this game!This game is honestly not difficult ! This is one of the most amazing games ever created especially if you’re a massive Tolkien fan! Easily at this moment the greatest rpg of the year.… Expand
  96. Raistx
    Oct 17, 2017
    8
    I am writing this review while I am at about 1/3 completed. I am enjoying my experience very much. I love the latest version of the Nemesis system and having orcs going in great troubles to insult me. The fortress assaults are also quite enjoyable. I appreciate the storyline and the amount of LoTR lore in the game. There is a big fuss about the microtransaction element of the game, which II am writing this review while I am at about 1/3 completed. I am enjoying my experience very much. I love the latest version of the Nemesis system and having orcs going in great troubles to insult me. The fortress assaults are also quite enjoyable. I appreciate the storyline and the amount of LoTR lore in the game. There is a big fuss about the microtransaction element of the game, which I just completely ignore (I never pay microtransactions as a matter of principle).
    I now have to play the game in smaller amount to decrease my stress level due to these intense fights.    … Expand
  97. Bjaxe7
    Oct 15, 2017
    10
    This game is an absolute joy to play it has an amazing story and the game-play and especially the Nemesis System is Incredibly great those writing awful reviews clearly have no idea what this game is and have not played it , i personally haven't been able to put the game down since release day and i'm still enjoying the game after completing it. 10/10
  98. Gittoplo
    Oct 16, 2017
    9
    The last time I played the game as religiously as this one was...the last Shadow of Mordor. I want to go back. I had the same feeling with Skyrim. I have only been playing for 3 days but I can already note that:

    a) The game is fun, the nemesis system has been improved. b) The graphics are amazing. Ok I am using HDR mode on LG Oled but on basic PS4. When I switched from game mode to    The last time I played the game as religiously as this one was...the last Shadow of Mordor. I want to go back. I had the same feeling with Skyrim. I have only been playing for 3 days but I can already note that:

    a) The game is fun, the nemesis system has been improved.
    b) The graphics are amazing. Ok I am using HDR mode on LG Oled but on basic PS4. When I switched from game mode to HDR, I was blown away. It looks good.
    c) The inventory menu is ok. Too small and unnecessarily complicated.
    d) Control system should be better. Sometimes I want to jump off and end up grabbing every wall in town while being hit by Tark hating scum. I mean come on.
    e) The story is solid and as an avid reader of all Tolkien books, I can do not mind them branching out. Tolkien is no Jesus. Calm down. It is all for fun and doesn't affect canon.
    f) Cannot make any comment yet on MTS as I have about 7000 Miriam and I still haven't bought any loot boxes. People say it is a grind in the end. Hell, I still haven't stormed first fortress and it is already a grind and I love it. Enjoy every boring mission.

    I have waited for so long for this game and I am not disappointed at all. I almost got put off by bad reviews but then I decided to make my own mind up and let's be honest, I was gonna buy it anyway. Who am I kidding? Buy and enjoy.    … Expand
  99. bellerophon
    Oct 14, 2017
    0
    Nothing interesting here, if you are a Tolkien fan the story is not canon and is not well narrated, the gameplay is 95% the same as ShadowOfModor from 2014, the graphics are even worse this time, which is a real shame, considering the powerful PC we can have these days. The microtransaction system (for a SP game, WTF ?) ends up burying the whole...
  100. Lunaheal
    Oct 14, 2017
    0
    60 Euro for singleplayer game with microtransactions. Nuff said. We don't need microtransactions in singleplayer game. I hope Warner Bros. will understand it.
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

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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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