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. aintry
    Sep 30, 2014
    10
    I'm about 3 hours in, so it may be a little premature to rate this a perfect 10, but I'm doing it anyway because I'm finally having as much fun as I originally thought I would with my new console. Plus, I've waited way too long for this caliber of a Middle Earth-lore based game, and suffered through way too many complete pieces of excrement. This game is hands down my favorite next-genI'm about 3 hours in, so it may be a little premature to rate this a perfect 10, but I'm doing it anyway because I'm finally having as much fun as I originally thought I would with my new console. Plus, I've waited way too long for this caliber of a Middle Earth-lore based game, and suffered through way too many complete pieces of excrement. This game is hands down my favorite next-gen release to date.… Expand
  2. Sceptic
    Oct 11, 2014
    10
    I regard The Silmarillion as the finest collection of stories ever conceived,along with the rest of the great mans work,so it was with great trepidation that I approached this games lore.Despite some inconsistencies,Monolith have done a respectful and masterful job.The game itself is fantastic and Uruk slaying never becomes anything less than awesome.Their variance in appearance andI regard The Silmarillion as the finest collection of stories ever conceived,along with the rest of the great mans work,so it was with great trepidation that I approached this games lore.Despite some inconsistencies,Monolith have done a respectful and masterful job.The game itself is fantastic and Uruk slaying never becomes anything less than awesome.Their variance in appearance and speech are brilliantly done.Stealth is great,as are the powers and story.S.O.M reminds me more of Far Cry 3 more than any other game due to its structure,though movement and some combat are reminiscent of the games most have alluded to.But who cares!Gird yourself with sword,dagger and bow,power up and kill you Nemesis.Truly amazing.… Expand
  3. Devo
    Sep 30, 2014
    10
    If you like the batman games, or Assasins games... Toss in the Lore of LotR... All you get is a perfect game!

    The game is wonderful. No issues with playability, and the land you are in just comes to life. Enjoy LotR fans, it is finally worth it to play a game based on the lore. (Besides the lego games)
  4. Drewcifer
    Oct 3, 2014
    10
    This game is top notch. I haven't had this much fun in a long time. The combat mechanics are sexy and intricate. I expected the Orc Captain system to be contrived and basic. It's extremely robust and will keep you engaged for HOURS. It looks great on the Xbox One, despite the console's hardware/graphics setbacks.
  5. xMurderotica89
    Oct 10, 2014
    10
    Just finished this game with 80% completion, so just rounding up a few collectibles and side missions left.

    I have to say I never thought there would be a good LOTR/tolkien related game, This really proved me wrong. Incredible game, with lots to do, amazing gameplay and wow is it pretty. Played on Xbox One. Sound is also top notch, and the music was a surprise if I'm honest - I    Just finished this game with 80% completion, so just rounding up a few collectibles and side missions left.

    I have to say I never thought there would be a good LOTR/tolkien related game, This really proved me wrong. Incredible game, with lots to do, amazing gameplay and wow is it pretty. Played on Xbox One.

    Sound is also top notch, and the music was a surprise if I'm honest - I expected a LOTR/Hobbit copycat, but the composer has used a different style which really works, whilst also taking influences from the films here and there. bravo!

    Loved this game. I take it they're going to make another (ending is a giveaway) and I hope they do.

    My only nitpick with this game was that it would have been nice to visit some locations in middle earth. Now I know this is a game about mordor, but maybe in the next one give us some variety? There's plenty of places in middle earth we would LOVE to go. That said, both maps you get in this game give 2 different types of maps to traverse, one barren and dead, and one lush and green which was nice.

    I will be buying all the DLC to help support this great game, and hopefully new franchise.

    10/10.    … Expand
  6. TheSquirrel
    Aug 22, 2015
    10
    A must play open world stealth combat masterpiece. Good graphics, excellent story, excellent score, great pace and feel, this game blew away all expectations I had for it. The nemesis system works, the combat flows beautifully, and the variety of approaches available to the player ensure that you do things the way you want to.
    I will caution that the game can be very difficult and you    A must play open world stealth combat masterpiece. Good graphics, excellent story, excellent score, great pace and feel, this game blew away all expectations I had for it. The nemesis system works, the combat flows beautifully, and the variety of approaches available to the player ensure that you do things the way you want to.
    I will caution that the game can be very difficult and you will die, but even here death is an integral part of the game and plays a part in the ever evolving world.
    That may be this games greatest achievement, the feeling that you are in a world with a life of it's own, and yet everything you do effects that world and how it grows.    … Expand
  7. BrinZalazar
    Oct 1, 2014
    10
    Every second I play this game, I'm surprised and impressed by how it feels. I think this is a must own title for anyone who is a fan of Lord of the Rings, or Action/RPGs. The only times I put this game down is when I have to go to work, or to sleep. I'm hooked.
  8. Death0fLove
    Sep 30, 2014
    10
    There's no two ways about it. I absolutely LOVE this game! I've only been playing for about 3 hours but I have to work tomorrow yet I cannot stop playing Shadow of Mordor. I love everything about this game and gladly look forward to sinking several hours into it.
  9. Caste
    Nov 9, 2014
    10
    This game is awesome. It's like a perfect mixture of Batman latest games, inFamous and AC series.
    There are a lot of quests, achievements, skills, etc. A lot of things to do, all different and non-repetitive imo.
    The combat gameplay is awesome, quite similar to Batman's but better for me thanks to brutal executions and sound FX.
    Totally recommended :D
  10. corpal_hudson
    Nov 8, 2014
    10
    I was up until 4am playing this game. You'll be trying to do some part of the main mission but end up side tracked with killing random captains. It's easy to get lost in this game. There is so much to do. Weapon runes are fun. Stalking Orcs and them having them taunt you when you mess up and alert them is priceless. The orcs even chant their captain's name. A lot of attention toI was up until 4am playing this game. You'll be trying to do some part of the main mission but end up side tracked with killing random captains. It's easy to get lost in this game. There is so much to do. Weapon runes are fun. Stalking Orcs and them having them taunt you when you mess up and alert them is priceless. The orcs even chant their captain's name. A lot of attention to detail from the game maker here. If you are middle of the road on this title, buy it. It's one of the best games out right now as far as adventuring.… Expand
  11. Mirkwooduk
    Oct 6, 2014
    10
    shadows of mordor is amazing and beautiful I love this game
    I has solid voice acting great combat and an great lore
    the game has the combat system of batman arkham series with the stealth of assasins creed
    with the lord of the rings coating
    with andy serkis as Gollum and some more exelent actors
    the gane Is world class
  12. Arsiboy
    Sep 30, 2014
    10
    This is a very fun game... I only play Halo and really never played anything else. But this game is just as fun fun fun. Stop reading and go buy this game.
  13. MetaMann
    Sep 30, 2014
    10
    This is one of the best story driven games I have ever played. I actually care about what's about to happen next like I did when I played Fable.... There is so much action and this is definitely the best LOR game I have had the chance to play. The nemesis system gives a brand new feeling to gaming and this is the definition of next gen. There hasn't been a game released like this and youThis is one of the best story driven games I have ever played. I actually care about what's about to happen next like I did when I played Fable.... There is so much action and this is definitely the best LOR game I have had the chance to play. The nemesis system gives a brand new feeling to gaming and this is the definition of next gen. There hasn't been a game released like this and you have to play it. Shadow of Mordor is not getting the credit that it needs and easily squashes every game that has come out this year. Yes... Even Destiny… Expand
  14. MateusBreda
    Oct 2, 2014
    10
    I loved it, good gameplay, graphics new generation, system nemesis. Based on the universe lord of the rings, perfect - highly recommended ///////// (em português) Adorei , boa jogabilidade, graficos da nova geração , sistema nemesis . Baseado no universo de Senhor dos Anéis, perfeito - Altamente recomendado.
  15. RockStarSpence
    Oct 2, 2014
    10
    This game rocks my face!!! Hard to put down:) Not my face, the game. Seriously though, i can't wait to go home and kill some Uruk captains! Especially the one that has killed me wayyyyyy to many times. I highly recommend this title if you dig the Batman games and/or Assassins Creeds.
  16. cowboydanx
    Oct 5, 2014
    10
    I made an account just to review this game. Jus wanted to let people know it gets ALOT better the more you play it....I was somewhat uninterested 2-3 hours in now I'm probably 12+ hours in and I'm hooked. Way better combat than any AC game I've played, especially once you get alittle deeper into the game and unlock some of the runes/ability upgrades, you can put together some nastyI made an account just to review this game. Jus wanted to let people know it gets ALOT better the more you play it....I was somewhat uninterested 2-3 hours in now I'm probably 12+ hours in and I'm hooked. Way better combat than any AC game I've played, especially once you get alittle deeper into the game and unlock some of the runes/ability upgrades, you can put together some nasty combos not to mention some of the brutal executions :)

    Also to people saying the map is small...theres another map you unlock later in the game and I'm pretty sure they are going to be releasing new content as DLC. The trials are also really fun and you can customize the way you play with your rune setup.

    THIS IS THE NEW RPG    … Expand
  17. RichardGreen
    Oct 5, 2014
    10
    I'm addicted!!! Amazing! Signed up on Metacritic just to review this game. Half way through the game I was laughing with joy, I was nervous fighting huge orc mobs, I ran for my life when health got low, I was excited with each ability unlock, I was exhilarated winning back from near death situations! RPG elements of the orc army are super fun and very fresh! Props to Monolith Studious,I'm addicted!!! Amazing! Signed up on Metacritic just to review this game. Half way through the game I was laughing with joy, I was nervous fighting huge orc mobs, I ran for my life when health got low, I was excited with each ability unlock, I was exhilarated winning back from near death situations! RPG elements of the orc army are super fun and very fresh! Props to Monolith Studious, they deserve every dollar, I'm loving this game.… Expand
  18. JazzLuxus
    Oct 13, 2014
    10
    Despite I am not a big LOTR fan, I decided to try Shadow of Mordor because of the high scores it received from a lot of reviews across the Internet. If can describe it in simple terms, I would say this game is AWESOME !!!. From the gameplay, music, sound effects, graphics, to the battles and gore. Everything on Shadow of Mordor is GREAT and the Nemesis mode is super interesting and fun.Despite I am not a big LOTR fan, I decided to try Shadow of Mordor because of the high scores it received from a lot of reviews across the Internet. If can describe it in simple terms, I would say this game is AWESOME !!!. From the gameplay, music, sound effects, graphics, to the battles and gore. Everything on Shadow of Mordor is GREAT and the Nemesis mode is super interesting and fun.

    This game deserves a 9.8 but I will give it a 10 because of the haters who give it a low score.

    If you want a game that gives you a lot of fun, a good challenge and a great value for your money, try Shadow of Mordor, you won´t be disappointed.    … Expand
  19. SteveScoresEZ
    Oct 13, 2014
    10
    This game is absolutely amazing! Once you get used to the controls, fighting, and what to do in the game it's extremely enjoyable. The fighting feels great. When you counter, you stop what you're doing and stop the attack. It may not sound like a big deal but a lot of games don't have this. The enemy system is AWESOME! I love finding intel, getting rid of war chiefs and their body guards,This game is absolutely amazing! Once you get used to the controls, fighting, and what to do in the game it's extremely enjoyable. The fighting feels great. When you counter, you stop what you're doing and stop the attack. It may not sound like a big deal but a lot of games don't have this. The enemy system is AWESOME! I love finding intel, getting rid of war chiefs and their body guards, and controlling other captains and making them my own war chiefs to control! The steal system is great. If you have ever played Tom Clancy's: Blacklist, it is very similar to that. The graphics are stellar and the cut scenes are very good looking and have solid voice acting. If you are on the edge about buying this game, GET IT!… Expand
  20. MacauDragon
    Dec 28, 2014
    10
    One of the best games ever, works smoothly. Great features GTA creators should learn how to use movement with obstacles in the game.
    I expect more worlds and missions in the near future.

    This is a 10 game so far.
  21. Tfort
    Nov 12, 2014
    10
    The second most unique game I have ever played is Middle Earth: Shadow of Mordor(1= sunset overdrive) This game is absolutely incredible and was almost as challenging as the Dark Souls series on xbox 360. The graphics are beautiful enough to really capture what they want Middle Earth to look like. I love how the combat feels in this game which makes it seem like every enemy is a toughThe second most unique game I have ever played is Middle Earth: Shadow of Mordor(1= sunset overdrive) This game is absolutely incredible and was almost as challenging as the Dark Souls series on xbox 360. The graphics are beautiful enough to really capture what they want Middle Earth to look like. I love how the combat feels in this game which makes it seem like every enemy is a tough battle. The storyline is wonderful and feels like it's coming straight out of a movie or book. It's worth a buy 100% regardless whether your a lord of the rings fan or not. It's in my top 10 games for sure that I have ever played… Expand
  22. Flaggermouse
    Nov 18, 2014
    10
    This is more of a fight simulator than an RPG but there are quests and the captains are a challenge. I like how the ones with a power of one can kill you with a lucky strike and then advance in their ranks. It keeps you on your toes. Some times it is better to flee then to try and stick it out, some battles you are better off to retreat so as to fight latter. Graphics are intense, and runThis is more of a fight simulator than an RPG but there are quests and the captains are a challenge. I like how the ones with a power of one can kill you with a lucky strike and then advance in their ranks. It keeps you on your toes. Some times it is better to flee then to try and stick it out, some battles you are better off to retreat so as to fight latter. Graphics are intense, and run very smooth. If you like combat this is the game for you. It is a mix of Skyrim and Assassins Creed. I love it.… Expand
  23. MstrLckM
    Nov 21, 2014
    10
    This game is a great achievement for video games and will change the way games are made in the future. People complain that the game isn't long enough, but if you are a true LOTR fan, and if you like the game even a hint, you will purchase the DLC which will contain hours and hours of more campaign in addition to new locations/maps. The physics and animations of the game are incredible,This game is a great achievement for video games and will change the way games are made in the future. People complain that the game isn't long enough, but if you are a true LOTR fan, and if you like the game even a hint, you will purchase the DLC which will contain hours and hours of more campaign in addition to new locations/maps. The physics and animations of the game are incredible, gameplay practically flawless. You will enjoy slaying orcs for hours on end!… Expand
  24. Arseniaa
    Dec 30, 2014
    10
    I really really enjoyed this game - once I got into it. At the beginning it's really tough but as your Character builds his skills things get really fun. I loved the WarChief system. Just keep in mind the end of the game is quite easy and not all that tough, that said this actually makes a lot of sense due to all the building you've done throughout the game.
  25. SilentSlay3r
    Jan 9, 2015
    10
    I loved this game. The controls reminded me of assassins creed but this is ten times better. I love the upgrades and runes you can add to your ranger. But adding just the right runes can make the game a little too easy. I would easily recommend this game to anyone.
  26. MitchellHaglund
    Jan 30, 2015
    10
    I'm gonna keep this simple. The combat, world, graphics, and gameplay are utterly amazing. I can't say much more than this is one of my favorite games of all time. Easy. A must-own.
  27. roady73
    Feb 7, 2015
    10
    Excellent game! Best console game I have played in years. Nothing I dislike, other than the fact that the story line/quests/side missions, etc. were too short.
  28. Virok
    Mar 19, 2015
    10
    I am really enjoying and addicted by this game.
    They way you get involved with The hierarchy of Orcs, the side quests and the main quest it self.
    The "Batman" fighting style is also very good.

    For a long time I haven't been addicted by any game, and this one just broke the streak :)
    I do recommend this game.
  29. tomenigma
    Apr 28, 2015
    10
    Having just finished this game I must say it is my favourite game of 2015 so far. The combat is awesome and final brutal kills are very satisfying (in the gaming sense of course). Nemesis system randomizes everything for you so no two players will have the same gameplay. Your dead empowers your opponents and you can make some enemies encounters very difficult if you do not plan yourHaving just finished this game I must say it is my favourite game of 2015 so far. The combat is awesome and final brutal kills are very satisfying (in the gaming sense of course). Nemesis system randomizes everything for you so no two players will have the same gameplay. Your dead empowers your opponents and you can make some enemies encounters very difficult if you do not plan your mission well. The stealth is very important and personal threats of your opponents are adding more layers to the game. If you like Assassin's Creed this game is for you. It is not as forgiving or easy as AC but this game will sink you in and in time you will master your combat skills making game much more enjoyable. My only beef with this game is that final two bosses fights were ridiculously easy to the point that I was surprised that the same devs who developed the 95% of game simply overlooked the final 5% of it to make the ending epic. There few bugs with camera but this game overall was great fun and worth every penny. I only could wish that Assassin's Creed could take Nemesis system and incorporate it there. I also hope for Shadow of Morder 2 to continue Tallion's adventurous fight against army of Sauron. Awesome job Monolith!… Expand
  30. WrathOfTheFin
    May 18, 2015
    10
    What could I say about this game. I could speak for hours about its sheer brilliance e but instead I will say a few words to make you get this game: living open world, intriguing story, pitch-perfect real time and Slo-Mo combat, ambitious and perfect nemesis system, amount of content and moneys worth. A masterpiece!

    As you can see. I love this game!!!!!!!!!
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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

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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 »