Middle-Earth: Shadow of War

First and foremost to the people debating whether this game is an RPG or not, it is absolutely an open world RPG game. You can make builds, there is outfit customization, there are multiple ways to approach missions, camps, etc. And there are very interesting activities. It is an RPG game and I think it should be a very nice game model for developers wanting to make such a game. My favourite aspect of the game was the combat however. I don't think that I have played a game with a better combat and fighting system in my life. It is paired to the skill point upgrades amazingly so you don't get bored and it doesn't get repetitive and there are more and more ways to fight enemies. The story was very good and very interesting (something that I didn't quite expect to be honest) and the protagonist(s) I found very interesting and well written even though I hadn't even played Middle Earth: Shadow Of Mordor. The only reason why I am not giving this game a 10 is mainly because I think that in the end, in an attempt to officialize the game as non canon (it's story not affecting the movies which chronologically are later) they kinda ruin it . I believe that they could have wrapped it up better but it's not bad. Anyways this game is very very good and I definitely recommend it, especially if you are a Lord Of The Rings fan or like (F)RPGs.

Shadow of War takes everything from its predecessor and improves upon it. It is everything the first game should have been. The nemesis system is incredible, the numerous large maps are amazing and provide plenty of beautiful locations to explore, and the combat is nearly perfect. The focus on warfare is really what make this game stand out from other action/adventure games. Where Assassin's Creed and Arkham focus on puzzles and solving mysteries, Shadow of War focuses on mass warfare between your army and Sauron's army. It also takes many elements from the wider LotR universe and gives them some screen time here, providing connections to the films and books. This is one of the greatest games I have ever played and that stands true as I play it a second time 2 years after release.

This game is so good that I replay it every year... The Nemesis system is awesome and makes it fun to do the Nemesis-things. After you finish the story, which clocks in at about 27 hours, you can go on in the Shadow Wars. The fun is literally never-ending... There's not much to add. The combat is perfect, the storyline is well-written, navigation in games is also without a fault and the characters (yes even the Orcs) are all interesting. I give this game a 9,3/10.

I'm a massive game, have been since my first console (Sega mastersystem) I have played/owned hundreds of videogames. So it's very rare for me to find a game that has something new and original. But this game I think is special it improves on the predecessor shadow of Mordor in many ways manly the nemesis system and the storming and defended forts and avenging other players that have died. Story is good and the gameplay is fantastic. But the real element of this game is the nemesis system we're there is an ever changing hierarchy of orcs and warlords fighting for power and your actions as a player will impact this ever changing system. Not to mention the variety of the orcs themselves. A nice touch when you kill an orc and they comeback from the dead only to be disfigured from how you killed them is a particular favourite of mine. Also hats off to the developers who listened to there fans and removed the micro transactions. I really can't praise this game enough it's probably my favourite game on the current generation of consoles on one of my favourites off all time. So if your on the fence and still thinking about playing it I say give it ago especially seeing as it's incredibly cheap now. I just hope they make another one. I think the nemesis system still has a lot to offer.

MIDDLE EARTH: SHADOW OF WAR (2017) was definitely a worthy sequel to the Tolkien Middle Earth inspired ME: Shadow of Mordor and as a hardcore, diehard Tokien fan, I'm glad to have a sequel to the Middle Earth themed games to play. Since this game came out it's been both lauded and criticized, and I can honestly understand why. My opinion is often mixed as well. I tend to lean more on the optimistic side however, and remain just grateful to have a decent Tolkien-inspired game, and honestly because I did truly enjoy this series of games, I will rate it accordingly.

As other reviewers have said before, this game had strong similarities to Assassin's Creed series, as well as other similar parkour action styled games with elements of stealth, adventure, fighting, (i.e. Assassins Creed series, Watch Dogs, inFamous, etc.) however the unpredictability of the AI for the Orcs made this game really fun and much more strategic. I enjoyed the premise of the battlefield being the main focal point, recruitment of orcs, building your own army, all the while analyzing and dismantling the enemy army. Uber cool. And the revenge aspect often made it more enjoyable as well.

While it can still be a bit repetitive, (Aren't most games when you think about it?) the graphics are pretty great, cutscenes are visually praisable, and the story is compelling enough to drive the player onwards WITHOUT overstepping too much outside of the Tolkien lore and world. I really appreciated that the writers didn't want to diminish or tarnish an epic masterpiece world by adding too much of their own. Not saying everying here is cannon, per say, but just that it didn't really feel overdone or too butchered. I enjoyed how the many collectables offered room to share lore and background to players that might not know about it. Lastly, while Talion as a character was alright, I really liked the persona and portrayal of Celebrimbor as a main lead.

Overall, this game was really fun and offered a decent ammount of play time. While, not perfect, it was still pretty great for a Tolkien / Middle Earth inspired game and I hope to get more sequels in the future, as long as they don't stray too far from the literature or take too many liberties with the source material.