Middle-earth™: Shadow of Mordor™

This game was okay. The nemesis system, of where this game got its fame, is really cool to see in action as you play, but that's it. The game play is fun for a while, but starts to feel repetitive and at some parts I really wanted to put the game down and play something else. The story was somewhat interesting, but I wasn't happy with the "ending". To me it felt like the writers forgot a couple pages of the story. The game shows, for me at least, that the normal price is £15.99 for the GOTY edition, for which I would not pay for this title. It's currently on sale for me at £3.19 which I would would recommend at that price. Overall the nemesis system is what made this game interesting(and popular), but everything else is pretty mediocre.

This game is basically what would happen if Assassin's Creed and Batman: Arkham had a baby in Mordor... Such an addicting game from start to finish, so good in it's execution, the combat, the stealth, the setting, the wraith mechanics...and that NEMESIS system all fused together to make this game an instant classic. They knocked it out of the park with gameplay, you can really be a monster on a battlefield in the endgame with all skills unlocked. It’s the best Tolkien-based murder simulator you never knew you needed Definitely go buy and support this game and it's sequel because WB Games obviously don't care since they shut down the studio and it's developers 😕

Middle-earth™: Shadow of Mordor™ is a highly engaging and content-rich action-adventure game that immerses players in the darker corners of the Lord of the Rings universe. One of its most impressive features is the Nemesis System, which dynamically responds to your actions and creates unique, evolving enemies that make every encounter feel personal and meaningful. The combat is smooth and satisfying, offering a great balance of fluidity and strategy, while the upgrade system allows for a variety of playstyles. The story is captivating, the characters are well-developed, and the open world is filled with secrets to uncover. Overall, Shadow of Mordor delivers a memorable experience that stands out as a worthy addition to Tolkien’s legacy.

Shadow of Mordor is an alright game, the premise is cool, a lot of the mechanics are cool at first too, but I feel like it falls flat after a few hours. Now, I've only played this game for just over 5 hours, so take this with a grain of salt, however, I've felt that because I've only managed to play 5 hours is why I need to make this review. The World: My first impressions of the world's map was a lot of disappointment, it all looks very dreary and barren (which I understand fits the aesthetic and mood, but listen-) and that's kind of it, there's a lot of empty spaces. There are camps and buildings and the like, but they all look pretty much the same. Also, it's open-world as far as I can tell, an open world that looks almost exactly the same wherever you go. The Combat: The combat at first feels very cool, you get a sword, a dagger, and a bow. At first it felt awesome having a fair amount to work with at the start of the game, until it got boring, was this really it? It certainly seems like it? Being open world, it isn't like you can storm into a fortress and make your way through, fighting through room after room, if you start a fight, all the enemies will start swarming you, and pretty soon you get stuck surrounded by 20-30 orcs in a seemingly endless wave. The enemies: The enemies felt very boring very fast, normally I'd say this can be remedied by a sense of progression, but you can find orcs everywhere, they might be wandering around the world or grouped up in camps or fortresses. There might be more to it further on, but so far I've only ever seen standard fighter orcs, bow-wielding orcs, and spear throwing orcs, that's it. There are some beasts you can fight, but they feel more like a pain to go out of your way to fight anyway. Another part of the game is the captains and war-chiefs, you can hunt them down and cause chaos within Sauron's army, there's even a menu screen where they are identified and you can see which ones you've killed. At first I liked this, they seemed to have their own gimmicks even if they still felt pretty samey to the rest of the orcs, and it finally gives you a sense of progress! Until, once again, it becomes pointless, I mean sure, they give you cool stuff and experience or whatever when you win, but soon after killing a captain or chief, they get replaced with a new one soon after. And eventually I realized there was no taking them all out, it stopped feeling significant and felt more like an optional mini bosses you could farm. To add on to the part about being swarmed by 20-30 orcs that I mentioned under The Combat, it's also possible to encounter up to FIVE of these captains in ONE fight! Who sometimes, can regain ALL their health mid-battle. Someone else said this was a glitch, but I don't think it is, I reckon it was just more likely overlooked. The Story: I'll be honest, there's not much I can say here. The start of the game is really interesting, it gives us backstory for the protagonist, a motive going forward, and a whole lot of mystery and intrigue. When you start properly playing the game, you're given your objectives and can start on your quest, however, I've found it hard to keep being interested, not because the story is lacking, but because the world feels lacking. It hasn't made me WANT to explore the main story. My final verdict: Shadow of Mordor is a game with a lot of potential that falls flat. As many have already said, it becomes boring and repetitive really early on, I've played 5.3 hours and even those hours I could only play an hour at a time before getting bored, so why would I wanna keep playing? If it's on sale and you're looking for a game to mindlessly play while listening to a podcast, youtube video, or twitch stream, I'd get it, otherwise I don't think it's worth the time or money. 4/10 (I'll probably keep picking it up to play while listening to a podcast or something, and if my thoughts change, I'll update my review.)

Awsome game that I got in sale, definitely worth it, if you feel it's getting repetitive, go touch grass and come back to it.

It is a fun game. If Assasin's Creed and Batman had a child, it would be this series. Very fun to play, easily 8/10

excellent game i love the story and lore. great mechanics and challenging runs good.

It's a really good open world game. Progress is fun, and the Nemesis system really gives a lot of memorable moments.

- Start my first game - Encounter a captain before my first mission - It's actually fine, captains aren't that hard... - Omfg it's a second captain - Run for my life but keep getting blocked by more uruks - 10 minutes later I finally kill them - 10/10 would almost die again

so i got this game and its sequel during this years summer sale and i have to say it is amazing I completely lose track of time one moment its daytime and the sun is bright and high in the sky the next it MIDNIGHT AND DARK AS HELL Not to mention this game enters my dreams for the past few nights And it's been a LONG time since any game had me dreaming about it 15/10 game old but gold

The graphic for a 10+ years old game seems on par with games right now. This game was underrated in so many ways, because of developers' previous mistake where it involved micro transactions. Although it was removed but damage can't be undone. Do give a try, every LOTR fans will love it. The story between Hobbit and LOTR.

This game is a mess. And i really wanna give it a chance since there are parts that are enjoyable but it overall just is such a frustrating experience. It tries to be a mix of batman and assasins creed but fails miserably at both. The story is very generic and the game just feels so directionless. The worst part imo is the combat. There is nearly nothing to do crowd control in any shape or form, especially when a thousand hordes of enemies spawn in. Like literally, how can it be that i wanna fight one captain and then five more just appear around there even though they havent been there in the first place. Also the fact that the enemies spawn almost endlessly, makes the whole experience more frustrating than rewarding. It just feels so unpolished, even though the nemesis system is a cool concept. But ultimately you end up dying and dying over again because either the spear throwers have 100% accuracy or there is just around 50 enemies around you with 10 of them being elite enemies or captains. I really tried to give this a fair chance but damn is it frustrating and badly executed. I only recommend to buy this when its on sale.

Middle-earth™: Shadow of Mordor™ offers a thrilling and fresh take on the beloved fantasy world of J.R.R. Tolkien, expertly combining open-world exploration, fluid combat, and innovative narrative mechanics to craft an action-adventure experience that stands out in the crowded genre. Developed by Monolith Productions, the game transports players to the dark and dangerous lands of Mordor, where they assume the role of Talion, a ranger consumed by vengeance after a brutal attack that leaves him bound to the wraith of the elf lord Celebrimbor. This unique fusion of mortal and spectral powers sets the stage for a story steeped in tragedy, revenge, and redemption, all unfolding within a richly detailed and dynamic open world. One of the most groundbreaking features of Shadow of Mordor is its innovative Nemesis System, which dynamically generates personal rivalries and evolving relationships with enemy captains and warlords throughout Mordor. Unlike traditional scripted antagonists, these enemies remember their encounters with Talion, adapt their strategies, and can even seek revenge after being defeated or humiliated. This system creates emergent narratives that make each playthrough feel personalized and unpredictable, injecting a layer of depth and immersion rarely seen in open-world games. Players become invested not just in the main quest but in the intricate web of power struggles and vendettas that shape the political landscape of Mordor. Gameplay is a seamless blend of stealth, parkour, and brutal melee combat reminiscent of the Batman: Arkham series but infused with a distinctive fantasy flair. Talion’s combat is fluid and satisfying, rewarding timing and strategy with devastating combos and executions. The game encourages players to approach situations creatively—whether by sneaking past hordes of orcs, assassinating targets from the shadows, or engaging in all-out battles against multiple foes. The inclusion of wraith powers adds an exciting supernatural dimension, allowing Talion to dominate enemies, unleash powerful attacks, and manipulate the environment in combat and exploration. The world of Mordor itself is both expansive and atmospheric, richly populated with varied environments—from volcanic plains and fortress ruins to dark caverns and war camps—that reflect the harshness and corruption of Sauron’s domain. The game’s art direction, lighting, and sound design work harmoniously to evoke a sense of dread and wonder, while the detailed enemy hierarchies and fortifications encourage tactical planning and strategic thinking. Side missions, collectible artifacts, and skill upgrades complement the main storyline, providing a robust and rewarding gameplay loop that keeps players engaged long after the initial narrative. Narratively, Shadow of Mordor excels in weaving an original story that respects Tolkien’s lore while introducing fresh characters and conflicts. Talion’s quest for vengeance gradually evolves into a deeper struggle against the forces of darkness, exploring themes of loss, identity, and sacrifice. The voice acting and writing are strong, with compelling performances that bring the characters and the brutal world they inhabit to life. While the story can sometimes follow familiar revenge-driven tropes, the game’s execution and the immersive Nemesis System elevate it beyond standard fare. On the technical side, Shadow of Mordor delivers a smooth and polished experience across platforms, with minimal performance issues and intuitive controls. The user interface is clean and accessible, effectively managing the game’s many systems without overwhelming the player. The progression system is rewarding, with a wide array of skills and upgrades that allow players to tailor Talion’s abilities to their preferred playstyle. In summary, Middle-earth™: Shadow of Mordor™ is a landmark action-adventure title that reinvigorates the Tolkien universe with innovative gameplay mechanics and a richly detailed open world. Its blend of dynamic enemy interactions, fluid combat, and immersive storytelling creates a deeply engaging experience that appeals to both fans of the lore and newcomers alike. With its unique Nemesis System, atmospheric world, and compelling protagonist, Shadow of Mordor sets a high bar for narrative-driven open-world games and remains a must-play for anyone seeking a thrilling journey through the darker corners of Middle-earth. Rating: 9/10

It might be cause other games have spoiled me, but i honestly felt this game was a chore more than anything. I completed it just so i didn't waste my money really. Is it a good game, to some sure but to me nothing was enjoyable enough. combat and stealth meh, traversal was boring either running or riding a caragor or fast travel. and there wasn't any visual landmarks that i cared to even look at. genuinely the best part of this game was ratbag and he's no longer seen about halfway through.

I enjoy the gameplay immensely. However, the story disregards alot of the source materials and feels more like fan fiction than anything else.

Amazing game and would recommend. I went straight from this gem into shadow of war and in my opinion, this is the better game. I actually only have about 6 hours into War and I hate it. Crazy to me that a game in 2014 feels more immersive and just better.

Fun and satisfactory, the nemesis system is something that is unique, interactive and gives the game a more ¨personal¨ aproach. Mechanics are good, and combat is good, although be carefull of being overwhelmed, too many foes will be very difficult to handle on early stages of the game. Also, the satisfaction of executions and combat finishers is something that gives combat a very fun twist.

Not very difficult but a very good story line and action!!

I like the game. The only thing that I REALLY did not like was the final boss fight. I expected it to be something like fighting the Warchiefs (10 times more difficult though), and I got a point and click.

I swear the nemesis system is possessed but no other game does it like this. I would take the storyline of this game any day of the week over the shit rings of power.

This game is fun, kind of Assassin's Creed meets Prototype? It's good for one or two dozen hours of fun running around killing orcs. The orcs are really funny and talk shit to you when you die to them, honestly 10/10 voice acting and dialog for them. The story is pretty weird and you have to treat it like a fanfiction since none of this stuff is remotely cannon (and the ending was extremely bad) but you can really just ignore the plot if you like still have fun doing missions.

This was one of my steam summer sale games, never got around to playing it years ago. i must say it is very hard to log off. If you enjoy the Arkham games, this has a very similar fighting style to it with the counters. Also the nemesis system is super cool!

Truly a fantastic game, though clearly designed for play with a controller. Still played through the whole story with mouse and keyboard, and still good, just requires some tweaking on settings. 10/10 recommend if you are a fan of LOTR, even if it's not canon. As far as the mention of tweaking for mouse and keyboard. Sensitivity starts way out of whack for use with a mouse, some things were too sensitive and others not enough. Minor issues with keybinds, things being bound to very uncomfortable keys to reach simultaneously, could be my own preference from other games, but I don't know what I would do if I had a mouse that didn't have a 4th and 5th button. A lot of commands that are shared are nuissancesome while some that are split for no comprehensible reason are equally so. However, given its age, this is understandable and can still be dealt with.

if you love lord of the rings it is a great game to play and immerse yourself in.

This is like Assassin's Creed except that it is fun and interesting the whole time.

Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor still packs a punch in 2025. With the HD Texture Pack, Mordor looks surprisingly decent for a decade-old wasteland. The combat remains slick and satisfying, a rhythmic ballet of blades and brutal finishers. The Nemesis System adds a personal grudge-match flair no other game has truly matched. The open world feels alive with chaos, ambition, and the occasional grunting Uruk poetry slam. Best part? It’s dirt cheap on sale—practically a heist at this point. A gritty, thrilling power fantasy with just the right amount of Tolkien flavor. Definitely worth diving back into. Recommended.

Enjoyed main game and story. Beginning was a bit challenging, but as ability tree grew became a bit easy and just wanted to finish the story.

Even though the idea of this game would have Tolkien rolling in his grave, it is really fun. Complex enough and with smooth controls to play either aimlessly or with precision. Beautiful and living environments. There should be more games out there like this. Great system

A solid 7/10 Shadow of Mordor offers one of the best hyper-lethal assassin power fantasies you can ever get from a video game, yet its age highlights a lacking story along with a world that gets really old really fast. With Shadow of War being released, I have a hard time finding any reason to play this game over its drastically improved sequel. The one thing Shadow of Mordor does right in comparison to its sequel is a respect for your time (play this if you hate having to grind for levels or gear because Shadow of War has a whole lot of that). The mechanics and - of course - the nemesis system are still an absolute joy to experience but the lack of difficulty and map variety makes this game just a really polished arena stab-em-up. With all that being said the game still offers a really solid experience to play, I would highly recommend if its ever on sale for super cheap. btw the parkour sucks ass.

Goated ass game, played it as a kid (dont think I beat it back then) and came back to it 10 years later and its still a banger. Im excited to try Shadow of War after I beat this one

I picked up this game again after 10 years, and it's still incredible.

This game is fantastic. It has a few minor bugs, sure, but it doesn't detract from what a fantastic play it was. It's no Shadow of War, but it's still top notch. Highly recommended.

Orc-slaying simulator. This game holds up very well in 2025 and is very slick and snappy on deck (high, 60 FPS out of the box). I feel like Assassins creed's climbing and combat wasn't so fast in 2014. Nemesis system leads to very funny moments. I finished both story DLCs and I really liked the beast one as the beasts provide more variety. Bright lord brings more difficult combat focused on branding/controlling Orcs. 9/10

Assassin's Creed with a LOTR coat of paint. I don't like the AC formula and I'm not a fan of Tolkien's universe so I got bored really quickly. But are the game and production value good ? Absolutely my good sir ! Hence the thumb up, It's a good game it's just that I don't like it. So if you like the two IP above, you'll have a blast.

Arkham combat with swords is very cool, presumably so....

Just Fun and Brutal...the combat is soo fun!! can't recommend it more!!!!

Shadow of Mordor was a fantastic game ten years ago and it's still an absolute blast today. Story is alright, but it's very lore-breaking when it comes to the rest of the Tolkien's world. I can look past it though, as the game is trying first and foremost to be a fun time, which it most certainly is. My only real complaint is, having finished the story mode on console back in the day is that the ending to this game is... just kind of anticlimactic. A QTE that falls short of everything else. That being said, still a fun game with good combat, entertaining dynamics with the orcs, and a very satisfying system in terms of getting more powerful (seriously, you're almost unstoppable once you've gotten most of the upgrades). Haven't played the DLC yet but excited to check that out eventually.

Fantastic game, especially for its time. Takes the best elements of Batman Arkham and Assassin's Creed games and places them in the Tolkien's masterpiece. Well done!

It is criminal we don't get more games or utilise the nemesis system from these games. I loved the unique voice-lines and recognising certain voice actors. I will certainly entertain this title again in the future. Or enjoy watching someone else play it.

It's a shame you can't export orcs to the next game anymore, but overall still solid.

Nothing quite like scurrying about the home of the Dark Lord and yoinking his followers into your service. Aside from some janky movement mechanics, this is a great game. And yes, it basically tosses the cannon out the window here and there, but personally i am willing to overlook that since it's so fun.

This is a great game that respects the lore of LOTR and Tolkien while expanding on the original material. This game is has the combat system of Batman Arkham games and the parkour of Assassin's creed and does both very well. I kinda like Talion as an MC but he is a bit boring tbh, Celebrimbor is an amazing char and is really powerful. Once you get the best upgrades you really become powerful and you can really feel it. The one thing i didn't like was the absurd amount of damage the archers/lancers deal to you, they can snipe you from 100 feet away and kill you pretty easily. The thing is, you get punished heavily from dying on this game and all of the effort you just did goes to waste because of some random arrow shot at you. The captains become stronger and replace the ones you killed, so I just lost about 45 min of my time because of some random captain that showed up while I was doing something else. This is actually my second playthrough because I gave up. It was very overwhelming for me. But once I got the branding ability the game became much easier. The nemesis system is great and really engaging, just don't die. Get this game if you like Tolkien and you want to experience more about the LOTR universe.

This isn’t just another open world action game, it’s one of the most creative and enjoyable experiences set in the Lord of the Rings universe. The story is surprisingly compelling. You play as Talion, a ranger bound with the spirit of the wraith Celebrimbor, on a revenge fueled mission through Mordor. It’s a dark and personal tale set between The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, and while it takes some creative liberties with the lore, it absolutely works. There’s a strong emotional core here, and it blends well with the brutal, war torn setting. But the real star of the show is the Nemesis system. It's honestly brilliant. Orcs (Uruks) in Sauron’s army remember you. If one kills you, he gets promoted, gets stronger, and might taunt you the next time you meet. Some run away, some hold grudges, and some develop scars and personality traits based on your interactions. It makes every enemy encounter feel personal. I had rivals who killed me multiple times and finally getting revenge on them felt so satisfying especially after they kill you and laugh in your face multiple times (not that I have experience with that or anything). Combat is smooth and satisfying, like a mix of Assassin’s Creed and Arkham games, with an added layer of supernatural abilities thanks to Celebrimbor. You’ll be stealth killing one moment and dominating enemy minds the next. It feels powerful without being mindless. Pros: - Unique and addictive Nemesis system - Strong story and lore connections - Fun, fluid combat and stealth mechanics - Orc captains have real personality - Mordor has never felt so alive (or dangerous) Cons: – Some side missions can get repetitive – Environments can feel a bit samey over time – Story ends a bit abruptly (setting up the sequel)

The intro/tutorial alone is 1000x better than any scene in the LotR movies. This game is extremely fun and worth playing even if you already have Shadow of War. Talion is one of the most underrated modern protagonists. I highly recommend you turn off all combat and stealth HUD elements for a truly cinematic and hardcore experience.

After beating the main story mode, all I got to say is this game is worth it...BUT (SPOILER WARNING SPOILER WARNING SPOILER SPOILER FINAL BOSS SPOILER) I feel that the final boss was very anti climatic. I felt like the fight with the Five talons right before the final boss was much what I was hoping the boss would be (of course less of fighting strong guys and more fighting one strong boss), I was very disappointed with the ending being some (admittedly very satisfying) lore that capped off our buds story, not counting his own campaign. I was prepared for a bait and switch after the 5 qte's you do, showing that the boss wasn't really dead, but nope, he died. I felt like the ending lessened the impact of the game overall, but is extremely fun still. The combat seems simple and you would think you would get tired but you don't, collecting artifacts and runes would sound like it would get tiring but it doesn't. This game sucked me in and had me at to many moments realizing that I had spent the whole day playing it. At the time of writing this review, I plan to 100 percent the main game, and then start working on the goated dwarf's campaign (or the other way around lol), do our (SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER) ring maker pal's campaign, and then buy the second game. I don't know if I'll have kids, but if I do, they WILL be required to play this game to be considered my kin. 10/10, would stay up too late to play this again.

amazing MUST play game with incredible combat and a game world that truly feels alive

definitely worth it if youre a lotr fan, and even if youre not, its still a fun game. Is it a bit on the older side? yes. Does is still look good for its age? also yes. Combat is great, Nemesis system is fun asf and unlike the sequel the orcs actually look like lotr orcs.

after spending around 120 hours on shadow of war, i decided to 100% the first game as well, definitely worth playing

Slaying endless waves of ugly orcs has never brought me this much joy—seriously, it’s like stress relief with swords. Every time I stealthily decapitate a snarling Uruk, I feel my soul grow lighter. However, I’m about 10 hours in and still have no idea what this has to do with Frodo Baggins. No rings. No hobbits. Just me, a ghost, and a disturbing number of orc beheadings.

Shadow of Mordor is a must-play for EVERYONE. It looks amazing, plays amazing and let's you play with one of the most interesting game mechanics in recent history: the Nemesis System. This dynamic hierarchy of randomly generated enemies permeates through the entire game and makes it a lot more exciting than other open-world games. While the main story missions and the story itself could be a bit better, the dynamics of the Nemesis System make even the more mundane missions a thousand times more fun. Shadow of Mordor is great.