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MONSTER

Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor
Item: Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2014

GenresFantasy, Adventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, Open World, RPG, Single Player

AvailableSep 30, 2014

PlatformPC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One

DeveloperMonolith Productions

Overview

Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor is a open world third-person action role-playing video game developed by Monolith Productions and published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, which takes place in the world of J.R.R. Tolkien's Legendarium. The game takes place in the 60-year gap between the events of Tolkien's The Hobbit and The Lord of The Rings. It is 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. The game 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.

Elsewhere

8.2

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

58%

Mixed (50-79)

39%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The Story of Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor has garnered a mix of positive and negative opinions from critics. Several reviewers, such as Gameplanet and Pure Xbox, praised the game for its engaging character development, superb performances, and intriguing plot. Gameplanet specifically highlighted the addition of Gollum as fitting neatly within the narrative, adding depth to the story. Additionally, Cheat Code Central appreciated the epic and mature-rated revenge story, while Digital Spy commended the game for providing interesting background information about the Rings of Power and Mordor through flashbacks and a talented voice cast including Troy Baker and Nolan North. On the other hand, some critics expressed reservations about the story of Shadow of Mordor. Official Xbox Magazine UK criticized the storyline for stumbling under the weight of Tolkien's legacy, describing it as dull and uninteresting. DarkStation felt that while the story drew players in, it ultimately felt like fan fiction and lacked the compelling nature of the source material. Impulsegamer and Kill Screen both found the narrative uninteresting, with poor premise and character motivations, leading to a lack of depth and connection with the characters. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the Story of Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor leans towards a more positive reception. While some reviewers had reservations about the story's execution and its ability to live up to Tolkien's rich lore, others appreciated the originality of the revenge-driven narrative set in Tolkien's universe. Critics like Vandal and ZTGD highlighted the story as a highlight of the game, offering an intriguing plot with innovative mechanics and characters never before explored. Despite some criticisms, the majority of critics found the story to be engaging, with memorable moments and characters, even if it may not leave a lasting impression compared to the original books or films, as noted by TheSixthAxis.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics have mixed opinions on Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor's story. Some praise its engaging character development and intriguing plot, while others find it lacking in depth and connection with the source material. Overall, the game's narrative receives mostly positive feedback for its originality and compelling revenge-driven storyline within Tolkien's universe, despite some reservations about its execution.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

89%

Mixed (50-79)

11%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The majority of critics praised the gameplay of Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor, highlighting several positive aspects. Gameplanet commended the refined mechanics from Assassin's Creed and Arkham Asylum, emphasizing the depth, responsiveness, and visceral flair of the combat and navigation systems. Hooked Gamers found the combat addicting and enjoyed the engaging side missions, particularly appreciating the added layer of the Nemesis System. Softpedia also lauded the fluid combat system, dynamic enemies, and the strategic depth brought by the Nemesis system. Digital Chumps and Digital Spy both pointed out the rewarding progression system, strategic planning required due to unique enemy strengths and weaknesses, and the importance of side quests for leveling up. On the other hand, some critics did mention a few negatives regarding the gameplay of Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor. DarkStation criticized the difficulty balance, stating that the earlier portions were too tough while the later parts became too easy as the player unlocked more abilities. Impulsegamer noted that the gameplay combined elements from Assassin's Creed and Batman: Arkham games but didn't excel in either, with forgiving combat and flawed free-running mechanics. Metro GameCentral highlighted that the parkour and beast-riding mechanics were not very good, pointing out a specific area for improvement. Overall, the consensus among the critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the gameplay of Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor. Many critics appreciated the blend of familiar mechanics from popular titles like Assassin's Creed and Batman: Arkham series, with a unique twist brought by the innovative Nemesis System. Game Informer praised the custom experience provided by the Nemesis System, while Game Revolution highlighted the variety of moves and abilities available. The majority of critics found the combat satisfying, the progression system rewarding, and the strategic depth offered by the Nemesis System to be a standout feature. The gameplay was described as engaging, addicting, and innovative, with critics like Vandal and ZTGD emphasizing the challenging and addictive aspects of the gameplay. Overall, Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor's gameplay was widely regarded as a successful and enjoyable experience by the critics.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics overwhelmingly praised Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor's gameplay, highlighting its refined mechanics inspired by Assassin's Creed and Arkham Asylum, addictive combat, engaging side missions, and innovative Nemesis System. While some critics mentioned flaws like difficulty balance and mediocre parkour mechanics, the consensus is highly positive. The game offers a satisfying combat experience, rewarding progression system, and strategic depth, making it a successful and enjoyable gaming experience according to critics.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

52%

Mixed (50-79)

48%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor are quite varied. Some reviewers praised the game for its visually stunning environments and attention to detail. Critics like Digital Chumps and Game Revolution highlighted the impressive character models, dynamic weather effects, and colorful visuals that added to the immersive experience. Gamereactor Sweden also commended the richly detailed open-world of Mordor and customizable experience through runes, while SpazioGames mentioned the detailed graphics and smooth animations that enhanced the overall immersion. On the other hand, several critics expressed negative opinions about the visuals of the game. Official Xbox Magazine UK and Pure Xbox found the visuals underwhelming and not particularly memorable, with environments that did not impress or stand out. Toronto Sun and games(TM) criticized the lack of visual variety, with Mordor being described as disappointingly compact, generic, and lacking in originality. ZTGD mentioned moments where the game felt like a higher-res version of last-gen games, expressing disappointment in its cross-generation title status. Overall, the consensus among the critics leans towards the positive side, with many appreciating the detailed environments, character designs, and immersive experience offered by Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor. While there were criticisms about the lack of visual variety, generic environments, and disappointments in certain aspects, the majority of reviewers found the game visually impressive and engaging. The game seems to have successfully captured the essence of Mordor and provided players with a visually appealing world to explore, despite some shortcomings noted by a few critics.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics are split on Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor's graphics. Some applaud the stunning environments and attention to detail, praising character models and immersive visuals. Others find the visuals underwhelming and lacking variety, criticizing generic environments. Despite mixed reviews, most agree the game offers an engaging and visually impressive experience of Mordor.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

77%

Mixed (50-79)

23%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Sound Design and Music of Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor are overwhelmingly positive. Gameplanet, Softpedia, Digital Chumps, Impulsegamer, PlayStation LifeStyle, TheSixthAxis, USgamer, Vandal, and ZTGD all praise the game's sound design and music elements. Gameplanet commends the impressive voice acting, particularly highlighting the unique personalities given to each orc and uruk captain. Softpedia and TheSixthAxis both mention the top-notch voice acting, with Softpedia specifically praising Troy Baker's performance in bringing the protagonist to life. Digital Chumps and USgamer appreciate the beautiful and memorable soundtrack that enhances the overall gameplay experience. Impulsegamer notes the earthier and rawer tone of the music, which aligns well with the game's focus on orcs. Vandal and ZTGD highlight the immersive sound design, with ZTGD specifically mentioning the innovative use of the DualShock 4 controller's speaker to enhance the overall experience. While the majority of critics had positive feedback, there are a few areas of improvement mentioned by some reviewers. Cheat Code Central is the only critic who provides a specific critique, mentioning the use of the DualShock 4 controller's speaker as adding immersion to the gameplay. While this is seen as a positive aspect by Cheat Code Central, it could be viewed as a potential negative by players who prefer a more traditional audio setup. Additionally, while the overall sentiment towards the sound design and music is positive, there is a lack of in-depth criticism or diverse perspectives on potential areas for improvement, which could limit the depth of the analysis. Overall, the consensus among the critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the Sound Design and Music of Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor. The praise for the voice acting, immersive sound design, and memorable soundtrack is consistent across multiple reviews, indicating a strong appreciation for these elements in enhancing the overall gameplay experience. Critics like PlayStation LifeStyle, SpazioGames, and Game Revolution emphasize the superb voice acting and sound design that contribute to the immersive nature of the game. The positive reception from critics such as Softpedia, USgamer, and Vandal towards the music and sound elements further solidifies the game's success in creating a rich audiovisual experience for players. In conclusion, Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor's Sound Design and Music have been widely acclaimed by critics, with the majority highlighting these aspects as key strengths of the game.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics unanimously praise Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor for its outstanding sound design and music. The game's immersive soundscapes, top-notch voice acting, and memorable soundtrack have garnered widespread acclaim. While some minor critiques exist, the overall consensus highlights these elements as key strengths that enhance the gameplay experience.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

71%

Mixed (50-79)

29%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from the critics. Gameplanet commends the unique and distinct personalities given to each orc and uruk captain, which elevates the storytelling experience. Official Xbox Magazine UK praises the voice acting, highlighting how players may be drawn to specific characters based on their voice actors. Softpedia and PlayStation LifeStyle both specifically mention the standout performances of Troy Baker and Nolan North, who bring life to the protagonist and the villain, respectively. The inclusion of renowned voice actors like Liam O'Brien and Alastair Duncan also adds to the overall quality of the performances, as noted by Game Revolution and TheSixthAxis. On the negative side, there seems to be a lack of specific criticism towards the voice acting in Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor. While some critics do not delve deeply into the nuances of individual performances, such as Guardian noting that the voice actors do not sound actively appalled by the dialogue, this can be seen as a minor observation rather than a significant flaw. Overall, the lack of substantial negative feedback regarding the voice acting suggests that it was generally well-received by the critics. In conclusion, the consensus among the critics is that the voice acting in Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor is a standout aspect of the game. The performances by talented voice actors such as Troy Baker, Nolan North, Liam O'Brien, and others have been highlighted for their ability to bring depth and authenticity to the characters. The attention to detail in character animations and the overall delivery of dialogue have been praised by multiple critics, including PlaySense and Game Informer. The positive reception towards the voice acting, coupled with the lack of significant negative feedback, indicates that the voice performances in the game significantly contribute to the immersive and engaging nature of the overall experience, making it a standout feature of Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics rave about the exceptional voice acting in Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor, with standout performances by Troy Baker and Nolan North. The unique personalities given to orc and uruk captains elevate the storytelling, drawing players in. While some minor critiques exist, the overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive, highlighting how the voice acting brings depth and authenticity to the characters. This aspect of the game significantly enhances the immersive and engaging experience, making it a standout feature.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

11%

Mixed (50-79)

89%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of positives for the gaming platforms, the PC version of Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor, as noted by Gameplanet, offers solid performance on systems with adequate VRAM, showcasing the game's visual fidelity effectively. On the Xbox One, Softpedia praises the solid framerate, while SpazioGames highlights the detailed graphics and smooth animations on the PS4. Additionally, USgamer mentions the locked 30 fps frame rate on the PS4, providing a stable gaming experience. However, there are some negatives pointed out by the critics for each platform. Pure Xbox notes occasional clumsiness and unpredictability issues with climbing and jumping on the Xbox One version. On the PS4, Gameblog.fr mentions camera issues and AI inconsistencies, Metro GameCentral criticizes unreliable parkour controls and poor controls for riding a caragor, and PlaySense brings up minor technical issues. Digital Chumps also flags minor issues with cutscenes on the PS4 version. Overall, while there are some technical issues across platforms, the consensus among the critics leans towards a positive experience with Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor. The game seems to deliver a visually appealing and immersive gameplay experience, with solid performance on the PC, stable framerates on consoles like Xbox One and PS4, and detailed graphics that enhance the overall experience. Despite some minor glitches and inconsistencies, the majority of critics found the technical performance of the game to be satisfactory, highlighting its enjoyable gameplay and engaging mechanics.

TL;DR

technical performance

Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor impresses with solid performance and visuals on PC, smooth framerates on Xbox One, and detailed graphics on PS4. Critics note minor issues like climbing and camera problems, but overall, the consensus is positive for its immersive gameplay experience with engaging mechanics.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

62%

Mixed (50-79)

38%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The Replay Value of Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor has been widely praised by critics for its various positive aspects. Gameplanet highlights the constantly evolving conflict within the Nemesis system and the abundance of side quests that can significantly extend the playtime. Official Xbox Magazine UK and Cheat Code Central both emphasize the unique and dynamic nature of the Nemesis system, which creates memorable interactions with enemies and provides tons of replayability. DarkStation appreciates the unlimited exploration potential offered by the Nemesis system, while GameFront and Gaming Nexus commend the addictive gameplay, variety in missions, and encouragement of exploration. On the downside, some critics point out certain negatives regarding the game's Replay Value. Gameblog.fr criticizes the lack of variety in activities, while PlaySense mentions that the game can become repetitive over time due to the similarity of side missions and challenges. Toronto Sun notes the lack of diversity in optional objectives, which may not be compelling enough for repeated playthroughs. Impulsegamer also criticizes the execution of the Nemesis system, stating that it becomes less challenging as players gain more control, potentially diminishing the replay value for some. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the Replay Value of Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor. The Nemesis system is widely praised for its innovation and ability to create unique and personalized experiences for players, as noted by Official Xbox Magazine UK and Cheat Code Central. The game's open world, side quests, character upgrades, and addictive gameplay contribute to its lasting appeal, as highlighted by USgamer and Vandal. Despite some criticisms about repetition and lack of variety in activities, the majority of critics appreciate the game's replayability, emergent gameplay, and strategic elements, making it a highly recommended title for those seeking an engaging and dynamic gaming experience.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics praise Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor's high Replay Value, with its innovative Nemesis system creating dynamic conflicts and memorable interactions. The game's abundance of side quests, addictive gameplay, and exploration potential are lauded, although some criticize its lack of activity variety and potential repetitiveness. Overall, the game's unique features and engaging gameplay make it a highly recommended choice for players looking for a dynamic and immersive gaming experience.

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

88%

Mixed (50-79)

12%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

In analyzing the opinions of multiple critics on Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor, it is evident that the game received high praise for several aspects. Critics such as Pure Xbox and Gameblog.fr commended the game for its top-tier adventure, meaningful layers, and innovative gameplay mechanics, likening it to successful franchises like Assassin's Creed. The Nemesis system was a standout feature that many critics, including Official Xbox Magazine UK and Cheat Code Central, highlighted as a unique and engaging aspect that set the game apart from its peers. The fluid combat, impressive graphics, delightful soundtrack, and top-notch voice acting were also lauded by Softpedia, emphasizing the overall enjoyable experience the game provided. On the flip side, some critics pointed out certain shortcomings of Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor. DarkStation mentioned that while the game offered innovation with its Nemesis system, combat, and stealth mechanics, the story fell short of the source material, and the difficulty balance was criticized. Impulsegamer noted that the game fell short in terms of story execution and the Nemesis system, indicating that there were areas for improvement in these aspects. Toronto Sun expressed that while the game was slick and fun with solid production values, it lacked that extra spark to make it truly exceptional. Overall, the consensus among the majority of critics is overwhelmingly positive towards Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor. Critics like Guardian and USgamer hailed it as a must-play title and a contender for game of the year, respectively. The game was praised for its innovative gameplay mechanics, engaging story, enjoyable combat, and high replayability. Despite some minor flaws and areas for improvement, the general sentiment is that Shadow of Mordor succeeded in delivering a compelling and immersive gaming experience that stood out in the genre. The game's ability to forge its own path within the Tolkien universe, as noted by The Escapist, and its status as one of the best Lord of the Rings games, according to Metro GameCentral, further solidify its position as a highly recommended title among critics.

TL;DR

Critics praise Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor for its top-tier adventure, innovative gameplay mechanics, and standout Nemesis system, likening it to successful franchises like Assassin's Creed. While some criticize its story execution and difficulty balance, the majority laud its engaging gameplay, enjoyable combat, and high replayability. Overall, the game is hailed as a must-play title and a contender for game of the year, offering a compelling and immersive gaming experience that stands out in the genre.

MONSTER

Reviews

161 reviews found

100

Giant Bomb

PlayStation 4

Sep 30, 2014