Middle-earth™: Shadow of War™

Genre: Action, Adventure, RPG
Developer: Monolith Productions
Publisher: WB Games
Franchise: WB Games
Release Date: October 10, 2017

About the Game:

Middle-earth: Shadow of War™ is the epic sequel to the critically acclaimed Shadow of Mordor. Developed by Monolith Productions and published by WB Games, this action-adventure RPG takes players deeper into the dark and treacherous world of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth. Building on the groundbreaking Nemesis System, Shadow of War offers a richer, more expansive experience as you forge armies, conquer fortresses, and confront the full power of Sauron and his Ringwraiths.

Story:

The game continues the story of Talion and Celebrimbor, the wraith who shares his body. Together, they forge a new Ring of Power to challenge Sauron’s dominance. However, their actions attract the attention of the Dark Lord and his terrifying Ringwraiths, setting the stage for an epic battle for control of Mordor.

As Talion, players must rally an army of loyal followers, infiltrate enemy lines, and conquer fortresses to weaken Sauron’s grip on Middle-earth. The narrative is filled with twists, betrayals, and emotional moments, offering a compelling tale of power, corruption, and redemption.

Gameplay:

Shadow of War expands on the gameplay of its predecessor with new features and mechanics:

Nemesis System 2.0:

The award-winning Nemesis System returns, creating unique personal stories with every enemy and follower. Uruk captains and warchiefs remember your actions, forming rivalries and alliances that shape the world.

Fortress Conquest:

Build and command your army to siege and conquer enemy fortresses. Customize your forces, assign warchiefs, and lead them into battle in large-scale, strategic assaults.

Expanded Open World:

Explore vast regions of Mordor, from lush forests to volcanic wastelands, each filled with quests, secrets, and challenges.

Combat and Abilities:

Engage in fluid, brutal combat with Talion’s sword, bow, and dagger. Unlock new abilities and upgrades for both Talion and Celebrimbor, including devastating Ringwraith powers.

Army Building:

Recruit and dominate Uruk captains to build your army. Train and equip your followers to create the ultimate fighting force.

Key Features:

Epic Story:

A gripping narrative that delves deeper into the lore of Middle-earth, featuring iconic characters like Sauron, the Ringwraiths, and Shelob.

Dynamic World:

The Nemesis System creates a living, breathing world where every enemy and ally has a unique story.

Fortress Sieges:

Large-scale battles where you lead your army to conquer enemy strongholds.

Customization:

Personalize your army, fortresses, and Talion’s abilities to suit your playstyle.

Stunning Visuals:

A beautifully crafted world that captures the dark and dangerous beauty of Mordor.

My Thoughts:

Middle-earth: Shadow of War™ is a monumental achievement in open-world RPGs. The game takes everything that made Shadow of Mordor great and amplifies it with larger battles, deeper customization, and a more immersive world. The Nemesis System remains the star of the show, creating unforgettable moments as Uruk captains rise through the ranks, betray you, or swear loyalty after a hard-fought battle.

The fortress sieges are a standout feature, offering a blend of strategy and action that feels both epic and personal. Leading your army into battle, watching your warchiefs clash with enemy forces, and finally planting your flag on the enemy stronghold is incredibly satisfying.

The story is darker and more complex than its predecessor, with Talion and Celebrimbor’s partnership tested by the corrupting influence of the Ring of Power. The inclusion of iconic characters like Shelob and the Ringwraiths adds depth to the narrative, making it a must-play for fans of Tolkien’s lore.

While the game’s microtransactions and loot boxes were controversial at launch, they have since been removed, allowing players to fully enjoy the game without distractions.

In short, Shadow of War is a masterpiece that delivers on all fronts—story, gameplay, and world-building. It’s a must-play for fans of action-adventure games and Tolkien’s Middle-earth.