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. Oleksandr_
    Feb 10, 2021
    0
    Patenting the nemesis system, despite your game being created base on others' ideas. The industry is built on innovating of existing ideas.
  15. 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
  16. Filmanwalt
    Oct 8, 2020
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Middle-earth Shadow of Mordor Review Date 26.02.2020

    I started the game again after a long time (had about 24 hours of playing time) and ended the whole thing after 35 hours today. A great game in the guise of Lord of the Rings, but not always convincing.

    story

    Most of the time I had fun with the cutscenes and individual story sections, but none of that was outstanding now. The last two "fights" in the story are pretty lame.

    Gameplay

    I finished the game because it was very repetitive but not quite as motivating at the same time.

    But had my weapons fully armed except for the dagger. I just don't like stealth mechanics that much and what annoyed me even more was that you were forced to stealth during individual story quests.

    In addition, the moment was when u could control a Uruk..very cool.. Unfortunately, this was not implemented that well in infight (friendly fire, etc. makes life difficult in the sometimes confusing fights).

    The highlight is definitely the Nemesis system here there was one or the other almost godlike Uruk at the end: D.

    graphic

    Looks okay even if the first area is very dreary. A bit of variety would have been good here (more areas). The opponents are presented really cool and are well synchronized, but unfortunately the voice repeats itself very often here.

    Conclusion

    Good title in the Lord of the Rings setting, but with a few weaknesses. 7/10 severed heads.    … Expand
  17. 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.
  18. SWFan523
    Jun 21, 2020
    8
    Excellent story of revenge with a LOTR backdrop. Nemesis system is a fantastic achievement that keeps me coming back.
  19. 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,
  20. Mohmelianirma
    Apr 29, 2020
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. لعبة جيدة للأشخاص الذين قامو بلعبها اثناء اصدارها فقط
    اعطيتها هاذا التقييم لأني لعبتها سنة 2019    … Expand
  21. 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
  22. 123mattatwood
    Jan 10, 2020
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This game is lame was not worth the money I was verry disappointed wish you could refund games seems wrong claiming to be the game of the year and play something so f...n stuipid......… Expand
  23. Broyax
    Nov 14, 2019
    2
    Un mélange d'Assassin's Creed et de Batman sur la licence neuneu du Seigneur des Anneaux, pas de quoi vraiment se réjouir en vérité... Les combats sont donc comme les Batman & Co, une suite de bourrinage et de mini-QTE en somme (appuie sur Y quand on te le dit, voilààà c'est biiiien, maintenant con-tinue de marteler X...) avec au bout de chaque séquence de bourrinage, des coups spéciauxUn mélange d'Assassin's Creed et de Batman sur la licence neuneu du Seigneur des Anneaux, pas de quoi vraiment se réjouir en vérité... Les combats sont donc comme les Batman & Co, une suite de bourrinage et de mini-QTE en somme (appuie sur Y quand on te le dit, voilààà c'est biiiien, maintenant con-tinue de marteler X...) avec au bout de chaque séquence de bourrinage, des coups spéciaux qu'on peut déclencher... en appuyant sur deux touches en même temps (X+Y ou A+X et ainsi de suite) : il s'agit bien d'une saloperie de jeu de baston à la con mais avec des roulades aussi ! à certains moments en tout cas, les vrais QTE bien cons et très nazes sont là pour vous faire bien chier.

    Le maniement reste en conséquence de quoi très lourd et ces combats s'avèrent chiants et d'autant plus répétitifs qu'on va en manger jusqu'au bout... si on tient jusque là. Et pourtant, on passe pas mal de temps sur ce Mordor, grâce à l'infiltration assez réussie même si le mode discrétion impose de maintenir la gâchette sans arrêt (un mode on/off peut-être...? non, ce n'est pas prévu, alors maintiens la gâchette, voilààà c'est biiiien).

    Ce monde ouvert bénéficie en tout cas d'une bonne ambiance, les Orcs se révèlent hargneux à souhait, souvent drolatiques d'ailleurs dans leurs dialogues et commentaires (la VF est excellente à ce propos). Toujours est-il qu'un nombre hallucinant d'Orcs peuplent ce monde, car ils reviennent sans cesse et on doit veiller lorsqu'on se promène à ne pas choper l'agro comme dans un sale mmo de merde (pléonasme évidemment) !

    Il n'est pas rare de se retrouver encerclé par 15 à 20 Orcs en colère, dont 2 ou 3 boss enragés et le seul moyen de se soigner est d'aller... cueillir des fleurs (sic !). Le héros a le charisme d'un beignet soit dit en passant mais on peut jouer avec un autre avatar, en l'occurrence une Elfe blonde qui n'amuse pas le terrain.

    Pas mal de trucs à ramasser ici et là qui aideront à débloquer des trucs et des machins, sans compter des missions secondaires à profusion... Le fait d'aller buter des boss à n'en plus pouvoir finit par lasser et le fait de pouvoir les manipuler n'intervient que trop tardivement dans le jeu... alors qu'on en a vraiment marre. La maniabilité laisse aussi à désirer au niveau du parcours et des déplacements, le personnage s'avére peu réactif et la caméra fait de la merde.

    En ce qui concerne la réalisation, les graphismes ne sont pas mal du tout et les chargements restent limités (leur Path Engine est tout-à-fait à la hauteur). Quoi qu'il en soit, je dois avouer que j'aimais pas les Batmous, donc je ne suis pas plus étonné que cela finalement... mais fort déçu quand même alors que l'infiltration encore pêrfectible laissait espérer un meilleur potentiel. Mais les combats mettent le jeu par terre et la répétition globale du jeu est décidément aussi ennuyeuse que fatigante.    … Expand
  24. 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.
  25. CenkAlp
    Oct 15, 2018
    6
    Hikaye = 5
    Oynanış = 7
    Grafikler = 7
    Sesler = 7
    Keyif = 7
    Atmosfer = 7
    Süre = 6
  26. 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
  27. 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.
  28. kaiserkiwi
    Jun 19, 2018
    8
    Pretty good game. Even after 4 years it looks not really old or bad. Still fun.
  29. 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
  30. 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
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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 »