Middle-earth™: Shadow of War™

Middle-earth™: Shadow of War™ is an ambitious action-adventure RPG that builds on its predecessor, Shadow of Mordor, by expanding the open world and refining the innovative Nemesis System. Players take on the role of Talion, a ranger fused with the Elven wraith Celebrimbor, as they forge a new Ring of Power to challenge Sauron's dominion over Mordor. The Nemesis System dynamically generates unique enemy orc captains with evolving grudges, personalities, and strengths, creating emergent storytelling that enhances player immersion. Fortress assaults and army recruitment add strategic depth, while fluid combat blends stealth, melee, and supernatural abilities with robust customization.

Despite a rocky launch marred by microtransactions and bugs, subsequent updates removed pay-to-win elements, improving the endgame experience. Some players criticize clunky controls, repetitive gameplay loops, and occasional performance issues during large battles. However, the game's rich lore, memorable characters, and satisfying combat make it a rewarding experience for fans of action RPGs and Tolkien's universe alike.

Highlights

Players praise the for creating personalized and memorable enemy interactions that evolve dynamically. The , inspired by Batman Arkham-style countering and enhanced with supernatural powers, receive strong acclaim. The game's of Mordor, alongside immersive voice acting and engaging fortress sieges, contribute to a captivating atmosphere. Many appreciate the expanded content and longer playtime compared to the predecessor, with the story adding depth to the Tolkien lore. The removal of microtransactions post-launch is also noted positively for restoring gameplay balance.

Criticisms

Common criticisms include , especially with character movement and combat targeting. Some players find the gameplay loop , particularly in the mid-to-late game stages. Technical issues persist for some, including that hinder progress. The story is sometimes viewed as , lacking the emotional depth expected by Tolkien fans. Additionally, players mention and occasional AI oddities. The absence of manual save options and intrusive cutscenes also detract from the experience for some.