Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor

 Xbox One
User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 805 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 644 out of 805
  2. Mixed: 83 out of 805
  3. Negative: 78 out of 805
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  1. RTCWFAN
    May 7, 2023
    9
    One of the best Lord of the Rings games with great gameplay and really good ideas. Even if you're not a fan of the franchise, it's a funny game from start to finish. Overall rating: 8.9.
  2. ZackH25
    May 4, 2023
    10
    Genuinely a near masterpiece. Nemesis system is one of the best parts of a game I have ever experienced. So good that Warner Bros even got a patent for it. Story was good and personal. Bosses/Warchiefs were great as well, final boss fight was a let down but that is the only proper flaw of the game. Combat is also very good as well. Took the best parts of batman and assassins creed and madeGenuinely a near masterpiece. Nemesis system is one of the best parts of a game I have ever experienced. So good that Warner Bros even got a patent for it. Story was good and personal. Bosses/Warchiefs were great as well, final boss fight was a let down but that is the only proper flaw of the game. Combat is also very good as well. Took the best parts of batman and assassins creed and made it better.… Expand
  3. Alex_Pilgrim008
    Mar 2, 2023
    8
    "Shadow of Mordor" is an open-world action title that borrows much from the "Assassin's Creed" and "Batman: Arkham" games. Based on the Middle-Earth film adaptions by Peter Jackson, it takes place between the "Hobbit" and "Lord of the Rings" trilogies. In the prologue, the Ranger Talion and his family are ritualistically murdered by The Black Hand of Sauron. Shortly after, he is"Shadow of Mordor" is an open-world action title that borrows much from the "Assassin's Creed" and "Batman: Arkham" games. Based on the Middle-Earth film adaptions by Peter Jackson, it takes place between the "Hobbit" and "Lord of the Rings" trilogies. In the prologue, the Ranger Talion and his family are ritualistically murdered by The Black Hand of Sauron. Shortly after, he is resurrected and his soul is merged with a Wraith named Celebrimbor. As a result, Talion gains the Wraith's supernatural abilities and goes on a quest to avenge the death of his loved ones.

    The game's innovative feature is the Nemesis system which affects the Orc armies in several different ways. So if you kill a Captain, power upheavals occur; other Orcs rise in rank and fight for promotions. But if the Captain survives your attacks, they’ll increase in power and change in appearance (to reflect their wounds). The Nemesis system leads to all sorts of unpredictable scenarios and that's what makes it unique. The game's progression system is more conventional. It is represented by a “tree branch” chart with different abilities you can unlock and upgrade. As you progress through the story, you'll also discover side-missions, weapon challenges, hidden artifacts and puzzle pieces.

    Surprisingly, "Shadow" is a major gorefest. You’ll decapitate countless of Orcs as you advance in the game. Another surprise is the lack of lag during encounters with numerous on-screen enemies. The framerate never falters during these intense moments of battle. Overall, “Middle Earth: Shadow of Mordor” is a fun action romp. A compelling story, fluid combat, the Nemesis system and impressive production values really make it shine. It’s one of the best video game adaptions of an existing property. I would rate it with an 8.6 out of 10.    … Expand
  4. ZXSth
    Feb 25, 2023
    9
    An outstanding action-adventure game. Excellent performances from its voice cast perfectly complement how well Tolkien's world has been brought to life - these, in tandem with some of the best combat and stealth mechanics I've ever seen in a video game, made for a shockingly good experience that defies what one could ever expect from what could arguably be considered a licensed video game.An outstanding action-adventure game. Excellent performances from its voice cast perfectly complement how well Tolkien's world has been brought to life - these, in tandem with some of the best combat and stealth mechanics I've ever seen in a video game, made for a shockingly good experience that defies what one could ever expect from what could arguably be considered a licensed video game. It is only held back somewhat by a slight lack of replay value, but even that does not manage to mar what I found was an excellent experience.… Expand
  5. Art2020
    Mar 7, 2022
    8
    Good game, good combat. I really enjoyed it but I'm not likely returning to it very soon
  6. DoctorMojica
    Jan 6, 2022
    8
    Shadow of Mordor is a great adventure RPG game that feels like the perfect blend of Assassins Creed gameplay and The Lord of The Rings world. Relative short game but very enjoyable. A MUST play for Tolkien and Assasins Creed fans.
  7. simotron
    Dec 25, 2021
    9
    Although at first glance it looks like a underwhelming, repetitive Arkham clone, a really fun and unique experience is underneath. One that makes me want to explore every inch of the interesting and twisted world.
  8. Amir7scorpioN
    Dec 11, 2021
    8
    as a Fan of Lord of the Rings i loved this game... maybe i am crazy but loved it as much as the movies... this game is good
  9. Rhinochimera
    Aug 6, 2021
    8
    Shadow of Mordor is an fantastic game, the best about this game is the gameplay which is similar of the batman arkham series. The story starts strong which then become just avarage over time. There are many side missions to do and thanks to the nemesis every enemy doesnt look the same and is different variety is guaranteed.
  10. Malachi7
    Jun 3, 2021
    10
    Massive LOTR/Hobbit fan here. I love this game so much. Its the prime example of how you adapt movies into a video game. The combat system is so well made and addictive. I absolutely love the large range of abilities you can unlock. Its so, so fun. I would highly recommend this game.
  11. BilalG
    May 26, 2021
    9
    I love gameplay system specifically the new Nemesis system and the fantasy world it's beautiful and gorgeous everything in the game I love it but the story it's not that's good
  12. Sarian263
    Mar 15, 2021
    8
    I am not someone who is HUGELY invested in the LOTR lore. I know little bits here and there but not enough to call myself a die hard fan. That being said, this game is incredible and is so great at what it does.

    The best way I can describe this game, it is a mix of Assassins Creed with the parkour/climbing and stealth, Batman Arkham with its combat, and Mortal Kombat with its brutal    I am not someone who is HUGELY invested in the LOTR lore. I know little bits here and there but not enough to call myself a die hard fan. That being said, this game is incredible and is so great at what it does.

    The best way I can describe this game, it is a mix of Assassins Creed with the parkour/climbing and stealth, Batman Arkham with its combat, and Mortal Kombat with its brutal executions you can pull off. It has a great story that even someone like me could get into and understand, Somewhat open world as well and of course I HAVE to mention the Nemesis system.

    In a nutshell, the orcs have leaders who you have to take down (Mini bosses if you will) and by killing them, you can get stronger...HOWEVER, if they kill you for whatever reason or you cannot kill them and they run away, they will remember you and the next time the fight ensures, it gives you more of a incentive to get your revenge. Even the dialogue changes.

    Overall, fantastic game even coming from a LOTR noob like me!    … Expand
  13. Anatoliy_DeVile
    Feb 15, 2021
    10
    Второе моё пришествие в Мордор и, кажется, не последнее. Однозначно не последнее, потому как игра затягивает с головой. Великолепный мрачный игровой мир Мордора, кишащий толпами орков и прочей зловещей живностью, которая не даст вам покоя ни на минуту. Очень интересная история игры с наличием весьма знакомых персонажей. Прокачка скилов героя радует глаз, и вот прямо хочется усилить его поВторое моё пришествие в Мордор и, кажется, не последнее. Однозначно не последнее, потому как игра затягивает с головой. Великолепный мрачный игровой мир Мордора, кишащий толпами орков и прочей зловещей живностью, которая не даст вам покоя ни на минуту. Очень интересная история игры с наличием весьма знакомых персонажей. Прокачка скилов героя радует глаз, и вот прямо хочется усилить его по максимуму, потому как открываются для нашего Талиона бесконечные возможности уничтожения орочьего отродья: различные приемы ведения боя, тактические заморочки, бонусные усиления оружия. Потому прохождение допов видится чем-то неотвратимым. Допы, к слову, здесь весьма любопытные. Помимо стандартных дополнительных миссий, которые можно найти на карте, также очень интересно отжимать капитанов армии Саурона. Претензий к игре у меня практически нет, разве что чутка кривое управление, но это так мелочи.… Expand
  14. Tbrown5
    Dec 20, 2020
    10
    ok for me, this game is one of my GOATs, for big fan of lord of the rings, this game is everything i have ever wanted from lord of the rings/Assassins creed hack and slash single player, the story is great with memorable and awesome characters, gameplay is addictive as hell, and the nemesis system is tuned to perfection, this game is incredible, my only 2 complaints are that the stealthok for me, this game is one of my GOATs, for big fan of lord of the rings, this game is everything i have ever wanted from lord of the rings/Assassins creed hack and slash single player, the story is great with memorable and awesome characters, gameplay is addictive as hell, and the nemesis system is tuned to perfection, this game is incredible, my only 2 complaints are that the stealth movement for climbing on walls is jaincky but it can be mastered and the main story was incredible then it ended at hour 18 for me, it felt to short and was bumped when it ended, however I've always wished for a game like this, go out and buy this frickin masterpiece… Expand
  15. Dertravia
    Jul 19, 2020
    10
    anything less than a 9 is ridiculous. This game has done something never before seen in an action rpg. I named this game of the year the moment I made my first execution. If you haven't played it pick it up, its easy to pick up and get into it which is great for parents or people with busy lives and can't get involved in in depth story lines. The nemesis system is next generation.
  16. SWFan523
    Jun 21, 2020
    8
    Excellent story of revenge with a LOTR backdrop. Nemesis system is a fantastic achievement that keeps me coming back.
  17. DzmitryBoston
    Jun 11, 2020
    10
    A must own game. What a breakthrough in the game making was this game. Enjoyed every minute of the experience. Please buy and play if you have missed the game,
  18. Godcomplex1999
    Mar 12, 2020
    9
    One of the most underrated games of all time. If you like dark fantasy games this one is for you
  19. SkinnySkittles
    Nov 10, 2018
    10
    Simple yet really fun game. Very similar to an Arkham game if you have played one of them, but with LOTR lore and characters.
  20. iddqd4
    Aug 4, 2018
    8
    Взял по большой скидке 4 года спустя, совершенно не ожидая классной игры, спасибо нашему игрожуру, и был приятно удивлен. Боевка в игре получилась очень зрелищной и эпичной, рубить головы не надоедает до конца, очень жестоко и вместе с этим весело. Плюс совершенно чудесный сеттинг, отлично смоделированные, злобные орки, мрачное окружение, и вплетенное в лор ВК интересное повествование.Взял по большой скидке 4 года спустя, совершенно не ожидая классной игры, спасибо нашему игрожуру, и был приятно удивлен. Боевка в игре получилась очень зрелищной и эпичной, рубить головы не надоедает до конца, очень жестоко и вместе с этим весело. Плюс совершенно чудесный сеттинг, отлично смоделированные, злобные орки, мрачное окружение, и вплетенное в лор ВК интересное повествование. Провел в игре 30+ часов, и совершенно не разочарован. Отличная игра.… Expand
  21. Fobmcrafi6
    Jul 1, 2018
    10
    10.4 out of 10. Extra points for having so much content, even in the post-play and having it be continuously challenging and exciting. This is a perfect side-story of the LotR lore that we didn't even need which makes this game a gem. Fun vengeance on those who killed your friends online. The gameplay felt smooth yet compelling to master.
  22. kaiserkiwi
    Jun 19, 2018
    8
    Pretty good game. Even after 4 years it looks not really old or bad. Still fun.
  23. Dalray3s
    Jun 6, 2018
    8
    Me parece un juego realmente de nueva generación, pero quizás algo mas de las 20 misiones y un final mas sorprendente hace que no sea la obra de arte que puede ser.el sistema de combate como el de Batman es un gran acierto que hace las delicias del jugador, también algo escaso el sistema de mejora de habilidades y podría tener algún modo de personalizar al igual que tu apariencia.Me parece un juego realmente de nueva generación, pero quizás algo mas de las 20 misiones y un final mas sorprendente hace que no sea la obra de arte que puede ser.el sistema de combate como el de Batman es un gran acierto que hace las delicias del jugador, también algo escaso el sistema de mejora de habilidades y podría tener algún modo de personalizar al igual que tu apariencia.

    Espero y deseo una segunda parte.    … Expand
  24. Iky009
    Apr 19, 2018
    8
    The early opening hours are exciting, but plot dispersal is a problem that often makes the game monotonous and cloying, even with a plot that carries, and an incredibly fun and even ground-breaking battle system, Shadow of Mordor is far from be a masterpiece of the genre, but it's still a great RPG
  25. Azog95
    Feb 1, 2018
    8
    the game is really good, but the single player's story is so short guys, i hope in next mordor will be a long story mode.
  26. Jakius_Emrys
    Dec 30, 2017
    9
    Middle Earth: Shadow of Mordor is both a combination of great story-telling, delicately crafted and interesting characters (my favourite being Ratbag the Coward), some of the best game art I've ever seen and impressive, complex (but still easy-to-use) game mechanics. And the unique Nemesis system only adds to the complexity of the game, allowing players to have a unique & differentMiddle Earth: Shadow of Mordor is both a combination of great story-telling, delicately crafted and interesting characters (my favourite being Ratbag the Coward), some of the best game art I've ever seen and impressive, complex (but still easy-to-use) game mechanics. And the unique Nemesis system only adds to the complexity of the game, allowing players to have a unique & different experience every single time, with every Uruk Captain (except for key Uruks (e.g. Gimub the Slaver, Ratbag the Coward, Brogg the Twin and Mogg the Other Twin)) being different each time the game is played. A great experience, and with interesting side-missions (if repetitive after a while). The only negative things I could say about the game is that occasionally there are Uruks with similar titles, the personalities of a lot of Uruks aren't the best, and over time, their opening lines becomes a little repetitive, but overall, a great game to buy as it is well worth the money… Expand
  27. eli_fjr
    Dec 20, 2017
    9
    Sneaky great game. No idea i was into these type of games (hack n slash) until I 100 percent completed this game.
  28. aljirik1992
    Oct 29, 2017
    8
    У вселенной Толкиена есть всё: богатый и насыщенный лор, колоритные герои и витееватые злодеи, отличный мультфильм и серия «щикарных» кинолент! Однако с играми (на мой вкус) у LotR не задавалось со времён «Возвращения Короля». Многие проекты были сделаны далеко не на коленке, однако зачастую оставались без «лица». Каких только игровых механик не перелопатили рядовые геймеры и труфанатыУ вселенной Толкиена есть всё: богатый и насыщенный лор, колоритные герои и витееватые злодеи, отличный мультфильм и серия «щикарных» кинолент! Однако с играми (на мой вкус) у LotR не задавалось со времён «Возвращения Короля». Многие проекты были сделаны далеко не на коленке, однако зачастую оставались без «лица». Каких только игровых механик не перелопатили рядовые геймеры и труфанаты вселенной «Властелина колец» и за какими только сюжетными перипетиями не наблюдали в играх по мотивам, что глядя на презентации проекта от MONOLITH, можно было в голос говорить ПЛАГИАТ. И дейсвительно от С:ТМ за версту несёт вышками «юбиков» и тумаками «человека в латексе с ушками», вот только в столь банальном амбре прослеживаются куда более завораживающие нотки в виде изысканной системы nemesis, которая тесно переплетается со способностями главных героев и хорошей сюжетной затравкой с намёком на продолжение! Но чтобы оценить весь спектр ароматов придётся довольно долго «внюхиваться», поэтому–то и 4*… Expand
  29. Locke_Cole
    Oct 16, 2017
    8
    Shadow of Mordor es un juego recomendable pues realiza dos cuestiones extrañas de ver en un mismo videojuego, por un lado depura y por el otro innova. Lo primero está relacionado a su sistema de juego, es un Assassins Creed en cuanto a mecánicas de infiltración y movilidad y lo hace mucho mejor que los AC. En el sistema de combate es muy similar a los juegos de la saga Batman Arkham,Shadow of Mordor es un juego recomendable pues realiza dos cuestiones extrañas de ver en un mismo videojuego, por un lado depura y por el otro innova. Lo primero está relacionado a su sistema de juego, es un Assassins Creed en cuanto a mecánicas de infiltración y movilidad y lo hace mucho mejor que los AC. En el sistema de combate es muy similar a los juegos de la saga Batman Arkham, mantiene la base pero agrega ciertas particularidades asociadas a la lucha con espadas y armas de corte medieval.

    Sin embargo lo que para mi lo hace recomendable es la implementación del sistema némesis, el cual consiste en la forja de una relación entre tu y un enemigo cualquier del juego la cual se va viendo condicionada por las veces que te mate y como eso va generando que vaya ascendiendo dentro del ejercito de Sauron. Esto genera que no hayan dos experiencias de juego iguales.

    Como mundo abierto es genérico, tiene coleccionables random y que aportan poco. El mapa no está especialmente inspirado y la música es poco memorable. Técnicamente estaba bien en su época, pero se nota que está amarrado a la anterior generación por tener una versión en esas consolas. Su mayor error es que siendo un juego basado en un mundo literario tan rico y profundo tiene una historia y unos personajes horribles. A mi al menos no me importó ninguno, no tuvieron desarrollo, no pasó nada interesante en la historia y el motivo por el cual estamos en guerra con los orcos es lo de menos. Juego recomendado por sus mecánicas y por el sistema némesis. No vengas acá esperando una historia interesante por estar basado en la Tierra Media.    … Expand
  30. SuperkenGaming
    Aug 6, 2017
    8
    Middle Earth Shadow of Mordor
    When Batman meets Assassins Creed
    Middle Earth Shadow of Mordor is an action adventure game where you play as Talion, going after the black hand after he does something in the beginning of the game that I wont spoil… But part of that something is killing you.. That’s right.. youre dead… sort of… Youre stuck in limbo and seeking revenge.. but you soon find    Middle Earth Shadow of Mordor
    When Batman meets Assassins Creed
    Middle Earth Shadow of Mordor is an action adventure game where you play as Talion, going after the black hand after he does something in the beginning of the game that I wont spoil…
    But part of that something is killing you..
    That’s right.. youre dead… sort of…
    Youre stuck in limbo and seeking revenge.. but you soon find out youre attached to Elf Lord Celebrimbor who is also after the black hand… and with his power you turn into an assassins creed fans dream…
    You can hop from these towers and really any location without taking damage leap of faith style..
    The game is set in an open world takes place on 2 maps
    and you can unlock fast travel points on the maps by climbing towers like assassins creed..
    Climbing in this game is automatic, done by just holding down a button which can make for some frustrating getaway moments during combat as expected..
    not as smoth as the later installments of assassins creed has become..
    but these maps are crawling with side missions power struggles and collectables…
    And there is actual incentive to star aside from the main story thanks to the different skill trees and leveling system in this game..
    You of course aqquire skills by leveling up from killing orcs and completing quests… this lets you unlock new skilsl in your skill tree..
    But to unlock more tiers in your skill tree you need more power..
    power is acquired by taking out orcs in saurans army..
    The first half of the game is all about climbing your way through the orc ranks and taking out the 5 warchiefs..
    you do this by grabbing orcs, enetering their brains,, and getting intel on your target..
    this intel will tell you their location, their strengths, power and their weaknesses…
    And once you feel youre prepared to take them down you can go into a power struggle to eliminate them..
    But you have to be sure youre ready because of the games nemesis system…
    the combat here is fairly simple and plays like the batman arkham games and the ps3 assassins creed games…
    you can stealth kill enemies from bushes, ledges, behind, or from above.. use your bow to head shot or zip through thin air for a devastating blow.. ride in on the back of an animal or monster you’ve taimed in the wild..
    or you can go in batman style countering attacks and going for annoying finishers that take 20 years to pull off and are nearly impossible to pull off outside of a main mission…
    This is my biggest complaint with the entire game…
    These missions to dethrone orcs are extremely frustrating because the game expects you to be able to take on 30 at a time while in the story they only ask you to deal with like 5 or 6 at a time..
    The variety here is a lot like the arkham games where you eventually have to stun enemies or jump over their shields just to make things more frustrating…
    but every time you go to do a ground finisher itss get broken up because it takes so long to pull off, thankfully you are eventually able to pull of moves like executions once you get a hit streak going of 8 and later 5, but this doesn’t help these encounters from feeling cheap…
    if you do get knocked down,. You will.. a lot.. you have the opportunity to do a quick time event to get up again 2 or 3 times.. but eventually you will just die or if you mess up youll just die,,
    And dying makes things even worse as the orc that kills you will remember you, they get promoted in the ranks, and their power ioncreases making them even harder to take care of the next time…
    And then there are the collectibles and sidemissions that increase your attribvutes like health as well as open rune slots for your sword, bow, and dagger, these runes are picked up off of warchiefs and captains…
    Who also act as bodyguards…
    so its important to take out a targets bodyguards before you attack them to make your encounter easier…
    during the 2nd half of this 12 hours game.. you have to go through the same system..
    this time however youre tasked with making your own army out of these orcs so you can challenge the black hand.. and you do this by your new ability to brand them..
    Your goal is to now find a target and get them on your side..
    you can either go right to a bodybuard or help your newly owed orc captain prove himself and become a bodybuard..    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

4
#4 Best Xbox One Game of 2014
11
#11 Most Discussed Xbox One Game of 2014
10
#10 Most Shared Xbox One Game of 2014

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
87

Generally favorable reviews - based on 12 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 12
  3. Negative: 0 out of 12
  1. Hyper Magazine
    Dec 2, 2014
    90
    Addictive combat with a multitude of variants and silky smooth gameplay make this hard to put down. [Issue#255, p.51]
  2. X-ONE Magazine UK
    Nov 8, 2014
    90
    An open-world classic driven by systems over story. [Issue#117, p.76]
  3. Pure Xbox
    Oct 21, 2014
    80
    The much talked-about Nemesis System also plays a big role in injecting personality and connecting the player to the game world.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »