Middle-earth: Shadow of War

 Xbox One
User Score
4.9

Generally unfavorable reviews- based on 456 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 196 out of 456
  2. Mixed: 48 out of 456
  3. Negative: 212 out of 456
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  1. kris2fur
    Oct 12, 2017
    10
    Lol
    I'm playing on nemisis difficulty, I never paid a cent in, games brilliant and I'm super powerful now.
    Microtransactions didn't ruin nothing.
    I earned 6k mithril last night 5hr session.
    If you are putting money into this game you probably aren't any good at it.
  2. nicden70
    Oct 16, 2017
    10
    The game is amazing. Haven't touched a loot box. Have like 9000 mirian saved up. Not necessary to use. Like the first game but with cleaner gameplay. The story is fantastic. Lord of the Rings fan dream come true.
  3. Michael421
    Oct 31, 2017
    10
    This whole micro transaction thing people keep moaning about seriously is not an issue at all it hasn't entered my game at all and i am about 35 hours in! There are loads and loads of upgrades and unique items to help you out throughout the game you seriously do not need to spend any thing.

    Micro transactions have been about on games for years to so i really don't under stand the fuss    This whole micro transaction thing people keep moaning about seriously is not an issue at all it hasn't entered my game at all and i am about 35 hours in! There are loads and loads of upgrades and unique items to help you out throughout the game you seriously do not need to spend any thing.

    Micro transactions have been about on games for years to so i really don't under stand the fuss being made?? Generally this is a great game a solid 8 out 10 for me, its fun, massive, and plays really well.
    all i can think about is that the Critics who have viewed this game the same as i have, have actually played the game and all the people moaning about the transactions really haven't played it at all    … Expand
  4. COhOLiC
    Oct 17, 2017
    10
    This game is AMAZEBALLS. If you liked the first then get this immediately! Those moaning and scoring based on the OPTION to use microtransactions are nothing but social justice warriors.

    STOP MOANING.

    START PLAYING.

    Love this game.
  5. Atrocity187
    Oct 12, 2017
    10
    Some of these reviews are mind boggling. This game is amazing and far from pay to win. Yes loot crates you have to pay for with real money is a bit extreme but to call it pay to win is ridiculous. More like pay to make it easier. You’re complaining because you have to actually play the game to earn mirion?

    I have a lot of time invested into this game already and absolutely love it. The    Some of these reviews are mind boggling. This game is amazing and far from pay to win. Yes loot crates you have to pay for with real money is a bit extreme but to call it pay to win is ridiculous. More like pay to make it easier. You’re complaining because you have to actually play the game to earn mirion?

    I have a lot of time invested into this game already and absolutely love it. The graphics are on point, the captains that adapt to your fight style is amazing, the 80+ skills you can acquire is awesome and overall gameplay is unbelievable. This game is definitely a candidate for GOTY once they fix some of the bugs/glitches there are.

    When you’ve been a gamer for a very long time like me, starting out on the Nintendo (excite bike and Mario brothers), you come to appreciate works of art like this game. You can tell monolith took their time on this game and didn’t do the usual release of a half finished product like most. Most of these reviews are most likely from the younger generation that have never played a Nintendo game before.

    Final thoughts : buy this game and try it for yourself, you won’t be disappointed. Every game I see reviewed negatively that I wanted, I've tried and found the complaints to be ridiculous. Take these negative reviews with a grain of salt.    … Expand
  6. Gezer2u
    Oct 14, 2017
    10
    Love this game! I would recommend it in a second. Fun and the graphics are stunning! Best game of the year!!!!! Don't wait to buy it, get it today!! Love it!
  7. LordFireFist
    Oct 10, 2017
    10
    While i personally loved Shadow of Mordor and i certainly love this game as well it has a few problems.
    1. Obviously MIcrotransactions ruin the happiness of finding a Legendary orc as you can throw down some cash and get a ton of them which will ruin the games early stages.
    2. If you decide to go the free 2 play route and want to race through the story you'll have quite a tough time as    While i personally loved Shadow of Mordor and i certainly love this game as well it has a few problems.
    1. Obviously MIcrotransactions ruin the happiness of finding a Legendary orc as you can throw down some cash and get a ton of them which will ruin the games early stages.
    2. If you decide to go the free 2 play route and want to race through the story you'll have quite a tough time as you will be pretty low leveled and so will your orcs be in that case, and even in a high level "good" orcs with usefull traits and abilities will be pretty sparse.
    3. While they defenetly are fun to do Fort Battels can be either pretty underwhelming and easy or extremely hard depending on your skill and how much time you have put down gaining intel on the Warcheifs and Overlord.
    But despite these points i still love the game and imo this games streghts outweigh the less exiting parts    … Expand
  8. LordHighfixxer
    Oct 11, 2017
    10
    Those who are writing negative reviews about Loot Boxes are doing so without playing the game. I am in Act II and have never felt a need to purchase anything in this game to advance. Do not believe people who tell you there is a pay to win wall here.

    Shadow of War is an improvement on its predecessor in every way. Monolith has delivered a sure Game of the Year candidate. The Nemesis    Those who are writing negative reviews about Loot Boxes are doing so without playing the game. I am in Act II and have never felt a need to purchase anything in this game to advance. Do not believe people who tell you there is a pay to win wall here.

    Shadow of War is an improvement on its predecessor in every way. Monolith has delivered a sure Game of the Year candidate. The Nemesis system is improved. The personalities of the Uruk and Olog-hai are great. I would rather be home right now playing instead of at work writing this review.

    I'll never understand why people will bash a good game for their agenda. There is a marketplace for chests, and you never need to touch it to enjoy this game. I actually recommend that you do not. There is loot everywhere a Captain falls.    … Expand
  9. corvenzo
    Oct 11, 2017
    10
    Favorite game of the year so far. Great gameplay, characters, graphics and story. The open world and combat is amazing. So, so glad I bought this game.
  10. Walrus35
    Oct 16, 2017
    10
    Shadow of Mordor was far and away my favorite Assassin's Creed style game, and one of my favorite games on the XBox One. Shadow of War expands the game play of SoM as well as bringing the Nemesis System to a whole new level. I am very deep into the game and can say that in no way do you ever need to touch any loot crates. In fact I would say that buying the loot crates would diminish theShadow of Mordor was far and away my favorite Assassin's Creed style game, and one of my favorite games on the XBox One. Shadow of War expands the game play of SoM as well as bringing the Nemesis System to a whole new level. I am very deep into the game and can say that in no way do you ever need to touch any loot crates. In fact I would say that buying the loot crates would diminish the fun and satisfaction of going out and building your army!… Expand
  11. InputVerolian
    Oct 19, 2017
    10
    Great game tons of fun and perfectly picks up where Shadows of Mordor left off. I was a huge fan of the first game with something like six play throughs unlocking everything each time...it was a blast. Shadows of War picks up right after the last game ends and assumes you have some base knowledge from the previous game...I love that. The campaign moves you at your own pace...if you wantGreat game tons of fun and perfectly picks up where Shadows of Mordor left off. I was a huge fan of the first game with something like six play throughs unlocking everything each time...it was a blast. Shadows of War picks up right after the last game ends and assumes you have some base knowledge from the previous game...I love that. The campaign moves you at your own pace...if you want to go farm captains...go do it...you want to complete all events perfect...go do it...there is no rush here just like the first game. To me this is everything that made Shadows of Mordor great in a bigger better more interactive world. P.S. If you are good at this game...you don't need to buy any loot boxes...Have fun!… Expand
  12. Caruat
    Oct 20, 2017
    10
    Do not read the negative reviews of users. They are devoid of arousal and are thrown against a play masterpiece only for unnecessary and completely optional microtransmissions! But do you realize that by doing so, you just do not mind a great single player game? This is a masterpiece game and a possible candidate at GOTY 2017. 10 full and praise.
  13. ImFaded99
    Oct 25, 2017
    10
    Great game ! No matter what they say
    but i think this is one of the best games that ever played on my
    Xbox one . I love graphics and story and also nemesis system
  14. Uncleswiggle
    Dec 3, 2017
    10
    I think that this game has a ton to offer, a great story, engaging side missions, and even a really great army building feature. The loot boxes were done in such a way where they are not pay to win. You can get a loot box and it will not make your character overpowered because it will scale to your player level. I personally am not one to buy lot boxes i feel that they are needless in aI think that this game has a ton to offer, a great story, engaging side missions, and even a really great army building feature. The loot boxes were done in such a way where they are not pay to win. You can get a loot box and it will not make your character overpowered because it will scale to your player level. I personally am not one to buy lot boxes i feel that they are needless in a game like this...So i didn't buy any, and i got to experience the game in its entirety and loved every minute. If you find yourself needing to buy lootboxes, this probably isnt the game for you lol… Expand
  15. Jakius_Emrys
    Dec 30, 2017
    10
    The sequel to Shadow of Mordor, Middle Earth: Shadow of War has improved and expanded on the award-winning game. It's graphics are so much better than its predecessor, the Nemesis System is expanded on greatly, the main characters are shown in a lot more depth than before and the story is both engaging and interesting as it somewhat ties in the Lord of the Rings trilogy. I found the siegesThe sequel to Shadow of Mordor, Middle Earth: Shadow of War has improved and expanded on the award-winning game. It's graphics are so much better than its predecessor, the Nemesis System is expanded on greatly, the main characters are shown in a lot more depth than before and the story is both engaging and interesting as it somewhat ties in the Lord of the Rings trilogy. I found the sieges to be quite fun, the random orcs have much more personality than Shadow of Mordor (my personal favourites being the Singers/Bards and the Orcs that say "maybe you've got a problem with one Orc, maybe a hundred, but ALL orcs, maybe the problem's with you"), and the combat is fun with a tonne of new abilities. In addition to this, we get to fight amazing enemies such as a Balrog and Sauron (not in a quick-time event this time). Even better, Ratbag returns for the sequel and Ologs make a splendid entrance into the game with the introduction of everyone's favourite Olog betrayer, Bruz the Chopper. Even with the micro-transactions, this game improves almost everything I loved about the first game and made it even better. My only problem, you can't Shadow Mount unbroken graugs as you could in the original (but they fix it by allowing you to summon your own dire caragor, graug and even a drake). All in all, an exceptional game which everyone should play.… Expand
  16. Karbol
    Jul 17, 2018
    10
    If you get past all the "Microtransaction Madness" all the comments are crying about, you'll find a repetitive yet fun game with a lot to offer. The First Act is one of the weakest parts since the story is not for everyone, but in the Second Act is where the game really starts to shine. The Nemesis System is one of the greatest addition to videogame history, the orcs you can find are allIf you get past all the "Microtransaction Madness" all the comments are crying about, you'll find a repetitive yet fun game with a lot to offer. The First Act is one of the weakest parts since the story is not for everyone, but in the Second Act is where the game really starts to shine. The Nemesis System is one of the greatest addition to videogame history, the orcs you can find are all hilarious and memorable, and the twist from the Third Act is just amazing.

    And, as of 17th of July, the Fourth Act is no longer a grind, but a streamlined and shortened experience. Don't listen to the other critics, if you actually cared about the game and planned your defenses, you never had to buy one single lootbox and can carry your orcs from the beginning to the very end.    … Expand
  17. TheGerald39
    Oct 20, 2020
    10
    After all the **** about the games i was afraid it will not reach the quality of the first game. But after playing it with 100% i have to say that it is even better than the Shadow of Mordor! I hope there will be a third game in the near future.

    And they removed all the microtransactions from the game, it's sad that nobody who wrote a negative review about it comes back and edit it, if    After all the **** about the games i was afraid it will not reach the quality of the first game. But after playing it with 100% i have to say that it is even better than the Shadow of Mordor! I hope there will be a third game in the near future.

    And they removed all the microtransactions from the game, it's sad that nobody who wrote a negative review about it comes back and edit it, if they fixed the problems that person had...    … Expand
  18. Alan0211
    Oct 4, 2019
    10
    The game is great and the history interesting. The diferents rivals, the IA from enemies, the graphics, etc. All is great. Right now, the microtransaction is not necesary.
  19. Nitaro
    Dec 23, 2021
    10
    Shadow of Mordor was a brilliant game, and SOW improves upon that, so you just can't go wrong with this game. It's much grindier than SOM, but this is the first game where I enjoy grinding more than the main story. One can never get tired of taking over fortresses and growing your army of Orcs. The new mechanics of siege, betrayal, shaming etc simply adds so much more depth in this sequelShadow of Mordor was a brilliant game, and SOW improves upon that, so you just can't go wrong with this game. It's much grindier than SOM, but this is the first game where I enjoy grinding more than the main story. One can never get tired of taking over fortresses and growing your army of Orcs. The new mechanics of siege, betrayal, shaming etc simply adds so much more depth in this sequel to SOM. Also, I must say, I haven't used a single micro transaction in this game, and you don't need them as you will eventually get good enough with all the great equipment and skills that you earn in mid to late game.… Expand
  20. VOIIIXI
    Jan 9, 2023
    10
    One of the greatest games ever made! I have never been this addicted to playing a game in a long time. The Nemesis is honestly the greatest innovation in any video game ever, to this day. The complexity and thought put into the system are truly commendable and needs to be implemented into games more. I know the game is very known and popular, but it is still underrated in my opinion. It isOne of the greatest games ever made! I have never been this addicted to playing a game in a long time. The Nemesis is honestly the greatest innovation in any video game ever, to this day. The complexity and thought put into the system are truly commendable and needs to be implemented into games more. I know the game is very known and popular, but it is still underrated in my opinion. It is one of the smartest and most fun games I've ever played, and I have the upmost respect for the devs. deserves an 11/10. I almost never write reviews for games, but I said for this one I need to do it. This game needs to be appreciated more. It should've been game of the year and in the top 10 games of all time just because of how intelligent of a game it is.… Expand
  21. SlavaKuzmin
    Jun 22, 2020
    10
    Лучшая игра по лицензии всех времен, лучший рогалик,уникальная экшн рпг,бит эм ап,наигранно тысяча часов,топ,не то что помойка на вроде ласт оф асс 2
  22. Anatoliy_DeVile
    Feb 15, 2021
    10
    "Гриндить, гриндить и снова-таки гриндить" - как завещал нам вождь племени орочьего Гриша Шептун. Тут без этого никуда. Попытка в самом начале игры сразиться с капитаном 7 уровня закончилась позорной смертью, ибо не внял я главному лозунгу земель мордорских. Далее, сражаясь с равными либо с уровнем максимум +4 кэпами, скилл Талиона поднимали мы и сразили окаянного врага и всех прочих,"Гриндить, гриндить и снова-таки гриндить" - как завещал нам вождь племени орочьего Гриша Шептун. Тут без этого никуда. Попытка в самом начале игры сразиться с капитаном 7 уровня закончилась позорной смертью, ибо не внял я главному лозунгу земель мордорских. Далее, сражаясь с равными либо с уровнем максимум +4 кэпами, скилл Талиона поднимали мы и сразили окаянного врага и всех прочих, посягнувших на здоровье странника. Первая часть Средиземья была прекрасна, но ее явно не хватило, хотелось конечно же больше. И это самое больше с горкой нам отсыпали во второй части. Честное слово я еще ни разу так долго не играл в экшн от третьего лица. Мы с женой в общей сложности наиграли 50 часов чистого игрового времени. Да конечно мы проходили абсолютно всё: прошли все допы, завоевали все крепости, отразили все атаки на крепости, нашли весь полезный лут, заклеймили всех капитанов ну и естественно прошли всю сюжетку. Точно могу сказать в этот раз мне хватило! Можно даже было поменьше, но остановиться было невозможно ибо игра просто великолепна! Shadow of War в плане базовой игровой механики сильно не поменялась, включая и косячное управление, так что долго привыкать не придется. Но это лишь базово! Появилось конечно же и очень много нового: это и интересные многоуровневые прокачки скилов персонажа и его оружия; к привычному арсеналу добавилась глефа, хотя и не сказать чтобы очень полезная; появился такой важный элемент боя как эльфийская ярость, используемая при полном накоплении маны, для глобального истребления орков на экране; ну и соответственно получили мы в нагрузку различные способы добивания, клеймения и прочего изуверства. От этого всего разнообразия прямо-таки рябит в глазах и это очень приятное разнообразие и оно манит, оно затягивает. А еще затягивает просто потрясающий игровой мир: это и тревожный Минас-Итиль, заснеженный Нурнен, мрачный Кирит Унгол, огненный Горгорот, таинственный лес Карнан ну и конечно зловещий Минас-Моргул!!! О да, уже только этого вполне достаточно, чтобы кайфануть истинному поклоннику ВК, коим я собственно и являюсь. Сюжетная часть также очень интересная и захватывающая, наполненная валом событий и до боли известных персонажей вселенной Властелина колец. По Мордору, кстати, мы можем теперь перемещаться как на своих двоих, так и на карагоре, да на грауге, кстати они тоже здесь бывают разные, и да мы можем нынче летать на драконе!!! Хотя этот элемент в игре выполнен немного коряво. Самое конечно интересное в Shadow of War это охота на капитанов и их клеймение/убийство в зависимости от их воли. Тут уж включаем всю фантазию и навыки ибо каждый капитан это отдельный индивид со своими слабостями и сильными сторонами, в помощь нам костры, грог, моргульские мухи, пауки и мерзкие гули.… Expand
  23. golfnut1969
    Feb 22, 2022
    10
    This has been one of my favorite games to play on Xbox. As a big fan of the fighting style of the Batman games, this game worked for me. I also like the storyline. After 124 hours of gameplay, I stopped playing, which for me is quite a bit. Usually after about 60 hours or so I lose interest in any game.
  24. Soild
    Feb 25, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. لعبه حلوه والله ومدري ليه الناس ماتقبلوها الصراحه العالم جميل والقيم بلاي حلو اما القصه الصراحه اقل من عادي مو نفس شادو اوف موردن والشخصيات نفس شي… Expand
  25. neomoonsevin
    Apr 9, 2023
    10
    Awesome game I like it I was never a fan of lord of the rings games in the past but I like this game because it's a 3rd person brawler
  26. rodericrinehart
    Jan 2, 2018
    9
    SCORE: 9/10

    First off, the game is an improvement in every way from Shadow of Mordor - better combat, more varied environments, better graphics, better world building, better use of your followers, and no QTEs. It is a derivative game - combining the parkour of Assassin's Creed, the towers of Far Cry and Assassin's Creed, with the melee combat of Batman and the bow combat of Tomb Raider    SCORE: 9/10

    First off, the game is an improvement in every way from Shadow of Mordor - better combat, more varied environments, better graphics, better world building, better use of your followers, and no QTEs. It is a derivative game - combining the parkour of Assassin's Creed, the towers of Far Cry and Assassin's Creed, with the melee combat of Batman and the bow combat of Tomb Raider or Horizon Zero Dawn, There are times with investigations - similar to The Witcher 3 and Batman. It combines all these aspects into the lore and world of Tolkien. It isn't canon by any means, but it is an enjoyable story and only the most die-hard fans would have a problem with it. My favorite book and movie ever is The Lord of the Rings, and I'm fine with the liberties this game takes.

    As for the microtransactions and loot boxes that people have complained about, it is far overblown. You absolutely do not need a single thing, and I have seen multiple gaming publications repeat that same things. When I read Metacritic and some forums, I would swear that the people complaining have never actually played the game. That said, I wish they weren't there because I don't like them in general and don't like where the games industry is headed with them.

    The game is super fun, looks to have 40-60 hours of extended gameplay for just one play-through, and offers ultrawidescreen gaming that performs very well at 3440x1440p on ultra everything with a 1080ti.    … Expand
  27. timmd93
    Oct 21, 2017
    9
    This game is absolutely not pay to win. I havent spent a single cent on the game so far and have not encountered anymore difficulty than i did in the first game. The game is alot longer than the first but it does not get boring. They really rounded out the game and made the nemesis system even better. The combat i will concede does feel a bit easy at times as talion is even strongerThis game is absolutely not pay to win. I havent spent a single cent on the game so far and have not encountered anymore difficulty than i did in the first game. The game is alot longer than the first but it does not get boring. They really rounded out the game and made the nemesis system even better. The combat i will concede does feel a bit easy at times as talion is even stronger than he was in the first game. Dont listen to anyone telling you that you need to spend money to beat the game because that is just 100% not true and its just people piling on to **** on a game. If you played and beat the first shadow of mordor i would highly recommend you pick this up. The only reason you would have to spend money in this game is if you dont understand what your doing and arent experienced with shadows of mordor.… Expand
  28. ITZZZPERRY
    Jan 2, 2019
    9
    Middle-Earth: Shadow of War is an amazing game. The gameplay is so fluid and complex, yet easily accessible. The story is engaging, and has some very unexpected twists. It can be a little bit of a grind, however.
  29. LordGoyo
    Oct 26, 2017
    9
    La calidad del juego es muy buena.... no estoy de acuerdo con la política de micro transacciones. Pero no me olbiga a disfutar del juego., con lo cual ignoro ese apartado.
    Técnicamente luce genial, la historia es absorbente aunque se toma sus licencias en lo que es el mundo del señor de los anillos, que también se agradece un poco imaginación. El doblaje al castellano es de 10. Con    La calidad del juego es muy buena.... no estoy de acuerdo con la política de micro transacciones. Pero no me olbiga a disfutar del juego., con lo cual ignoro ese apartado.
    Técnicamente luce genial, la historia es absorbente aunque se toma sus licencias en lo que es el mundo del señor de los anillos, que también se agradece un poco imaginación. El doblaje al castellano es de 10. Con varios actores reconocidos y se agradece el esfuerzo. Sinceramente creo que la gente no es objetiva. Disfrutad el juego y la historia que es lo que realmente importa.    … Expand
  30. lee21
    Jan 4, 2018
    9
    Amazing masterpiece of a game.....Remember, the low user score is because of the microtransactions and also because the players who gave it a low score obviously struggled to complete it, or they never could complete it, if you are a bad boy like me then you dont need to spend a single penny on microtransactions, you just need common sense and skill......Also remember that the world isAmazing masterpiece of a game.....Remember, the low user score is because of the microtransactions and also because the players who gave it a low score obviously struggled to complete it, or they never could complete it, if you are a bad boy like me then you dont need to spend a single penny on microtransactions, you just need common sense and skill......Also remember that the world is full of morons who do not see a masterpiece when it is in front of them.......Also has a touching ending in honour of one of their team who died of cancer during the making of the game, i know everyone has opinions but some people should just be labotomised......Be don or be gone:)… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

43
#43 Best Xbox One Game of 2017
9
#9 Most Discussed Xbox One Game of 2017
19
#19 Most Shared Xbox One Game of 2017

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
81

Generally favorable reviews - based on 38 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 30 out of 38
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 38
  3. Negative: 0 out of 38
  1. Impulsegamer
    Nov 29, 2017
    88
    Perhaps you might slap your forehead in dismay by the goofy plot or looseness to the source material but what's undeniable is, that Middle-earth: Shadow of War is a lot of fun.
    Read full review
  2. Cubed3
    Nov 13, 2017
    60
    Middle-earth: Shadow of War has high production values and is a fun open-world slashathon, but it's stretched thin. The storyline starts off promising, but all of the interesting characters get pushed aside to make room for nothing of consequence. Hours upon hours are lost to the abyss as players engage in a relentless cycle of gear upgrades and Orc recruits. Assaulting fortresses and conquering territory loses its appeal a bit too quickly. The game is pretty entertaining in short bursts, especially when Talion can make full use of his powerful abilities. Still, the lack of finesse when it comes to combat will make fighting feel a bit bothersome. The Ranger is at his best when he's eliminating the opposition with surgical precision, or making use of hazards in the environment. All in all, this title is worth a look; just don't expect to grow too attached to it.
    Read full review
  3. games(TM)
    Nov 3, 2017
    70
    While it's huge and complex in many of its systems, it still feels as if it is caught in 2014. [Issue#194, p.68]
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