Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor (2014)

by Ji-yeong
written by Ji-yeong 7 minutes read

Summary

Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor (2014)

Introduction

Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor is an open-world third-person action role-playing video game developed by Monolith Productions and published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. The game is set in the world of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Legendarium, specifically in the 60-year gap between the events of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. It tells a story of revenge, slaughter, and mystery set entirely in Mordor, the Land of Shadows. At its center is Talion, an ordinary man who loses everything, including his mortal life.

Gameplay

Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor is set in a fully open world, and features various role-playing game elements such as experience points and skills. There are various ways the player can complete their main objective. Aside from the main storyline, there are various side quests and random events the player can complete within Mordor.

The melee system is inspired by that of the Batman Arkham series. Getting into a good fighting rhythm, using both regular attacks and counter-attacks will improve the player’s combo multiplier.

A unique feature of Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor is the Nemesis system. Every enemy in the game has their own name, rank, and memory. These enemies will continue to do their own jobs and tasks even when they’re off screen. If the player does not kill an enemy in an encounter, this enemy will remember the player and change their tactics and conversations based on the encounter. This creates a dynamic and ever-changing world, as the player’s actions have real consequences on the game world.

Story

The story of Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor is set in the 60-year gap between the events of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. The player takes on the role of Talion, a ranger of Gondor who is killed along with his family by Sauron’s forces. Talion is resurrected by a wraith, and together they set out on a quest for revenge against Sauron and his minions.

Along the way, Talion and the wraith learn more about the history of Mordor and the forces that are at play. They also discover that Sauron is planning to return to power, and they must do everything they can to stop him.

Characters

  • Talion: A ranger of Gondor who is killed along with his family by Sauron’s forces. He is resurrected by a wraith, and together they set out on a quest for revenge.
  • The Wraith: A mysterious wraith who bonds with Talion. He is the spirit of an elf who was killed by Sauron, and he seeks revenge against the Dark Lord.
  • Celebrimbor: A powerful elf-lord who was killed by Sauron. His spirit is trapped in a ring, and he helps Talion on his quest for revenge.
  • Sauron: The Dark Lord of Mordor. He is planning to return to power, and Talion and the wraith must do everything they can to stop him.

Development

Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor was developed by Monolith Productions, a subsidiary of Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. The game was in development for four years, and it was released on September 30, 2014 for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, and Xbox One.

The game’s development team was led by Michael de Plater, who had previously worked on the F.E.A.R. and Condemned franchises. The team also included several developers who had worked on the Batman: Arkham series.

Reception

Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor was met with critical acclaim upon release. The game was praised for its innovative Nemesis system, its engaging story, and its beautiful graphics. The game was also a commercial success, selling over 4 million copies worldwide.

Legacy

Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor is considered to be one of the best video games of the eighth generation. The game’s Nemesis system has been praised as one of the most innovative and groundbreaking features in recent gaming history. The game has also been credited with helping to revive interest in the Lord of the Rings franchise.

In 2017, a sequel to Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor was released, titled Middle-earth: Shadow of War. The sequel expanded on the Nemesis system and introduced new features such as the ability to recruit and command an army of followers. Middle-earth: Shadow of War was also met with critical acclaim, and it was a commercial success.

Conclusion

Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor is a fantastic open-world RPG set in the world of Tolkien’s Legendarium. The game features a unique Nemesis system, an innovative melee system, and a thrilling storyline. If you’re a fan of The Lord of the Rings, or if you’re just looking for a great open-world RPG, then I highly recommend checking out Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor.

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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Ji-yeong is a passionate gamer and whose love for video games blossomed during her childhood. Growing up in the midwest, without many friends, she spent countless hours exploring the enchanting worlds of classic JRPGs like Final Fantasy and Chrono Trigger, which sparked not only an enduring love for gaming but also a keen insight into its evolving landscape. Today, Ji-yeong channels her deep-seated passion and nostalgia into thoughtful, engaging reviews that resonate with both longtime gamers and newcomers alike. Her unique perspective, rooted in a rich history of gaming, offers readers a heartfelt journey through the pixels and stories that have shaped her love for this dynamic medium. Her favorite game series of all time is Harvest Moon.

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