Tie-in games often grapple with the challenge of maintaining the integrity of their source material, and in this regard, Middle-earth: Shadow of War takes bold liberties with the lore of The Lord of the Rings. Yet, it does so in a manner that is both chaotic and captivating, complemented by exceptional gameplay mechanics that have solidified its place as one of my all-time favorites. Currently, the complete experience is available for under , a price that feels like a steal even for those who may not be well-versed in Tolkien’s legendary universe.
Narrative and Gameplay Fusion
Following the success of Shadow of Mordor, Middle-earth: Shadow of War continues the journey of Talion, an undead ranger intertwined with the elf lord Celebrimbor. Players need not be familiar with the original lore to dive into this adventure. The story unfolds as Talion forges a new Ring of Power at Mount Doom, only to have it seized by Shelob, who uses it to glimpse the future, guiding Talion in his quest to thwart Sauron’s dominion.
While the narrative is engaging, it is the gameplay that elevates the experience to extraordinary heights. Talion’s combat mechanics draw inspiration from the acclaimed Batman Arkham series, requiring players to execute dynamic combos while harnessing a variety of magical abilities bestowed by Celebrimbor. As the story progresses, players will encounter the innovative Nemesis System, a feature that has yet to be replicated in other titles, a fact that remains a point of frustration due to Warner Bros.’ patenting of this remarkable mechanic.
The Living World of Orcs
The brilliance of the Nemesis System lies in its ability to breathe life into the game world and its adversaries without overwhelming players with swarms of NPCs. Each region is governed by a diverse array of orc and uruk captains, whom Talion can either dominate or eliminate, thereby reshaping the dynamics of the armies. The system introduces elements of infighting and betrayal among the captains, which players can strategically exploit. Each enemy captain possesses unique strengths and weaknesses, and if left alive, they will remember their encounters with Talion, leading to memorable moments—such as a mind-controlled orc breaking free to betray you or an old nemesis returning from the dead, battle-scarred and vengeful.
Having experienced Shadow of War on Xbox One at launch and now enjoying the Definitive Edition on PC, my admiration for the game has only deepened. In our review, Matt Purslow praised its “Mithril-strong foundations,” awarding it an 8/10, and he too was enamored with the Nemesis System, reinforcing its acclaim.
A Bargain for Gamers
The Shadow of War Definitive Edition encompasses the base game, along with expansions such as The Blade of Galadriel and The Desolation of Mordor, plus two tribe expansions that introduce new orcs, enemies, and weapons. All of this is available for just .39 / £3.59 at Fanatical, representing a staggering 91% discount off the regular price. Given the extensive content included, it’s an exceptional deal.
With the countless hours I’ve invested in Shadow of War across two platforms, my enthusiasm for the game is undeniable. In fact, I find myself contemplating a third playthrough after reflecting on its many merits.
