Search for games

Type three or more characters to search...

Links

Amazon

Twitch

MONSTER

Middle-earth: Shadow of War

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

2017

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

AvailableOct 9, 2017

PlatformPC, Xbox One, PlayStation 4

DeveloperMonolith Productions

Overview

Go behind enemy lines to forge your army, conquer Fortresses and dominate Mordor from within. Experience how the award winning Nemesis System creates unique personal stories with every enemy and follower, and confront the full power of the Dark Lord Sauron and his Ringwraiths in this epic new story of Middle-earth.

Elsewhere

8.2

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

44%

Mixed (50-79)

56%

Negative (0-49)

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

The opinions on the story of Middle-earth: Shadow of War are quite diverse among critics. Positive aspects highlighted by reviewers include engaging storytelling, character development, and twists in the narrative. Critics like COGconnected, Critical Hit, and Cubed3 appreciated the engaging and thought-out story, filled with memorable moments of conquest, betrayal, and personal connections with characters. They found the narrative to be immersive, with a sense of being part of a massive war, showcasing improvements over the previous game. GameCritics, on the other hand, felt that the story was weak and disconnected, with outlandish events and iconic Lord of the Rings moments that didn't feel properly connected. On the negative side, some critics expressed concerns about the story deviating from Tolkien's lore, leading to inconsistencies and questionable decisions. Destructoid criticized the story for being far-reaching and truncated, losing tension due to knowledge of events between The Hobbit and The Fellowship of the Ring, becoming nonsensical and over-the-top. Easy Allies found the story to be thin and lacking emotional depth, with repetitive characters and dialogue. The Sydney Morning Herald mentioned that the narrative played fast and loose with Tolkien's lore, resulting in an incomprehensible and boring storyline, despite the player's own engaging struggle against powerful orcs. Overall, the consensus among critics seems to be mixed regarding the story of Middle-earth: Shadow of War. While some appreciated the engaging narrative, character dynamics, and immersive world-building, others criticized the deviations from Tolkien's lore, lack of emotional impact, and inconsistent storytelling. Positive feedback from reviewers like XboxAddict, who described the story as one of the best experienced in a long time, contrasts with the concerns raised by critics like Game Informer, who mentioned that the storyline launches in its own over-the-top direction. Ultimately, the reception of the story appears to vary based on individual preferences for narrative depth, adherence to source material, and overall engagement with the world of Middle-earth.

TL;DR

story and narrative

In a nutshell, critics are divided on the story of Middle-earth: Shadow of War. Some praise its engaging storytelling and character development, while others criticize its deviations from Tolkien's lore and lack of emotional depth. The narrative's immersive world-building and memorable moments are appreciated by some, but others find it weak and disconnected. Overall, opinions vary based on individual preferences for narrative depth and adherence to the source material.

Gameplay Mechanics

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

86%

Mixed (50-79)

14%

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 War, highlighting several positive aspects. COGconnected commended the fluid and satisfying combat system, with a wide range of abilities to unlock, as well as the addition of riding dragons and the depth brought by the loot and level system. Critical Hit appreciated the improvements in combat, exploration, and character progression, emphasizing the freedom of choice in approaching targets and the strategic depth in conquering fortresses. Game Informer found the combat rich and rewarding, offering numerous ways to engage with the denizens of Mordor, while also acknowledging the tremendous variety of adversaries presented by the nemesis enemy system. On the other hand, some critics pointed out certain negatives in the gameplay of Shadow of War. Easy Allies mentioned that the gameplay could become repetitive, especially for those who played the previous game. AusGamers criticized the movement, combat, and camera controls on the Xbox One version of the game, highlighting areas that could have been improved for a smoother experience. However, despite these criticisms, the overall sentiment from the critics leans heavily towards the positive aspects of the gameplay. Overall, the consensus among the critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the gameplay of Middle-earth: Shadow of War. The engaging combat system, strategic depth offered by the Nemesis System, diverse skill trees, and the ability to dominate orcs were highlighted as standout features by various critics like GameCritics and Impulsegamer. The game's addictive nature, satisfying combat mechanics, and the dynamic battles facilitated by the Nemesis System were widely appreciated. Despite minor criticisms such as occasional repetitiveness and control issues, the majority of critics found the gameplay experience to be very good, making Middle-earth: Shadow of War a highly recommended title for fans of action-adventure games with deep gameplay mechanics.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Middle-earth: Shadow of War's gameplay impresses critics with its engaging combat, strategic depth, and diverse features like riding dragons and dominating orcs. While some note minor issues like repetitiveness and control problems, the overwhelming sentiment is positive. Critics highlight the addictive nature, satisfying combat, and dynamic battles, making it a highly recommended title for action-adventure fans.

Graphics and Visual Design

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

44%

Mixed (50-79)

52%

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 War are varied but generally positive. Critics like Game Informer, USgamer, and GameGrin praise the game for its visually appealing environments, diverse landscapes, and detailed character designs. Game Informer specifically mentions the "visual treat" of the game's five regions, while USgamer appreciates the beautiful visuals and character designs that enhance the sense of place in each region. GameGrin highlights the gorgeous art style, beautiful environments, and immersive visuals, especially during sieges. On the other hand, some critics pointed out certain negatives in the game's graphics and visual design. Critics like Cubed3 and Hardcore Gamer mentioned occasional texture popping, graphical issues such as texture pop-in and animation glitches, and low-res textures on certain platforms. Cubed3 also noted that while the game is visually impressive overall, there are areas where the visuals could be improved. Hardcore Gamer highlighted the breathtaking artistic direction but pointed out the technical issues that hinder the overall experience. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Middle-earth: Shadow of War offers a visually stunning experience with attention to detail in its environments and character designs. While there are occasional technical issues and inconsistencies in graphical quality across different platforms, the game's vast and varied world, diverse landscapes, and immersive visuals have been appreciated by many critics. Critics like Game Informer, USgamer, and GameGrin emphasize the game's strengths in delivering visually appealing environments and character designs, despite some minor shortcomings mentioned by other critics. The game's ability to create a visually arresting world with attention to detail and diverse environments seems to have left a positive impression on most reviewers.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics have mixed opinions on Middle-earth: Shadow of War's graphics and visual design. Some praise its visually appealing environments and character designs, while others point out occasional technical issues like texture popping and low-res textures. Overall, most critics appreciate the game's stunning visuals and immersive world, despite minor flaws.

Music and Sound Design

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

78%

Mixed (50-79)

22%

Negative (0-49)

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

The majority of the critics praised the Sound Design and Music of Middle-earth: Shadow of War, highlighting various positive aspects. Cubed3 commended the game for its immersive sound effects and voice acting, stating that they added to the overall experience. DarkStation was impressed by the exciting symphonic score, describing it as worthy of stand-alone listening. GameGrin noted that the audio was superb, with a standout score that felt like it was taken straight from The Lord of the Rings, contributing to immersion and creating a sense of being in the world. Impulsegamer specifically mentioned the pleasing use of pianos and violins in the score, further emphasizing the positive reception towards the music in the game. On the other hand, some critics did point out a few negatives regarding the Sound Design and Music of Middle-earth: Shadow of War. PlayStation Country mentioned that while the amount of recorded dialogue for orcs was impressive, some lines and voice actors were repeated, which could potentially detract from the overall experience. Windows Central highlighted that some elements felt repetitive from the previous game, indicating a lack of innovation or freshness in certain aspects of the audio design. These criticisms suggest that while the overall quality of the sound design and music was highly regarded, there were some areas where improvements could have been made to enhance the experience further. Overall, the consensus among the critics is overwhelmingly positive towards the Sound Design and Music of Middle-earth: Shadow of War. XboxAddict praised the game for setting a high standard rarely seen in other media, with tribal drums for Orcs, horns of men during war, and a symphonic score that enhanced the unique levels. TheXboxHub and GameSpew also highlighted the well-done voice acting and sound effects that brought the characters to life and added to the combat experience, respectively. Despite some minor criticisms regarding repetition and reused assets, the general sentiment is that the sound design and music greatly contributed to the immersive and engaging nature of the game, resonating well with fans of the Middle-earth universe and fantasy gaming in general.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics lauded Middle-earth: Shadow of War for its immersive sound design and captivating music, with praise for the symphonic score, voice acting, and use of pianos and violins. While some noted repetition in dialogue and lack of innovation, the overall reception was positive. The game's audio enhanced the experience, immersing players in the world of Middle-earth and receiving high praise for bringing characters to life. Despite minor flaws, the consensus is overwhelmingly positive among critics, resonating well with fans of the fantasy gaming genre.

Voice Acting

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

64%

Mixed (50-79)

36%

Negative (0-49)

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

The voice acting in Middle-earth: Shadow of War has received high praise from multiple critics. Cubed3, DarkStation, GameSpew, Hardcore Gamer, PlayStation Country, Push Square, TheXboxHub, GameGrin, VideoGamer, and Windows Central all commend the voice acting for enhancing the immersive experience of the game. Critics like DarkStation and TheXboxHub specifically highlight the incredible job done by the voice cast in bringing the diverse range of characters, including Orc Captains and Warchiefs, to life. GameSpew and Push Square appreciate how the excellently performed voice acting adds depth to characterisation, making the cutscenes more enjoyable. The regional accents given to orcs, as noted by VideoGamer, also contribute to adding personality and uniqueness to the game. On the flip side, there are some criticisms regarding the voice acting in Middle-earth: Shadow of War. NZGamer points out issues with understanding some characters, recommending the use of subtitles for clarity, especially during encounters with Carnan in Act 2. Hardcore Gamer expresses disappointment in the lack of personality in secondary characters, suggesting that most of the charm comes from the random orcs encountered during gameplay. PlayStation Country mentions that some voice lines and actors are repeated, which can lean towards the zany side, potentially impacting the overall immersion for some players. Overall, the consensus among the critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the voice acting in Middle-earth: Shadow of War. The majority of reviewers appreciate the efforts put into the voice performances, noting that it enhances the characterisation, immersiveness, and believability of the game world. While there are minor issues highlighted by some critics, such as clarity and repetition, the general sentiment is that the voice acting significantly contributes to the overall enjoyment and engagement of the gaming experience. The diverse range of accents, the depth of characterisation, and the ability of the voice cast to breathe life into the various characters are widely praised, making the voice acting a standout aspect of the game according to the critics' opinions.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics widely praise the voice acting in Middle-earth: Shadow of War for enhancing immersion and bringing characters to life, especially Orcs. Some note issues with clarity and repetition, but overall, the consensus is overwhelmingly positive. The diverse accents, depth of characterisation, and believability of performances make the voice acting a standout feature that significantly enhances the gaming experience.

Technical Performance

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

38%

Mixed (50-79)

46%

Negative (0-49)

15%

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

In terms of technical performance on the PS4, multiple critics highlighted positive aspects. Cubed3 found the performance to be solid and impressive overall, while PlayStation Country mentioned that the game runs well with no major issues. Push Square also noted solid framerates and no major technical issues, indicating a smooth experience for players on this platform. However, DarkStation pointed out potential stuttering on certain hardware, which could impact the gameplay experience. Despite some minor issues like loading screens and performance hiccups, the general sentiment among PS4 reviewers leans towards a satisfactory technical performance. On the other hand, when it comes to the Xbox One platform, there were mixed opinions regarding technical performance. CGMagazine praised the absence of stuttering or framerate drops during combat, essential for precision gameplay. Windows Central highlighted the game's well-polished state, with no crashes or performance issues even during intense battles. However, Stevivor encountered glitchy Nemesis System and other bugs, while Trusted Reviews mentioned struggles with auto-targeting issues and navigation challenges. TheXboxHub also noted some minor issues with mechanics, though they did not significantly impact the overall enjoyment of the game. Despite the positive feedback on performance stability, the Xbox One reviews indicate a more varied experience in terms of technical issues. Overall, the consensus among the critics regarding the technical performance of Middle-earth: Shadow of War is somewhat mixed. While some reviewers like Cubed3 and Push Square praised the smooth performance on the PS4, others such as DarkStation and Hardcore Gamer pointed out specific issues like stuttering and graphical glitches. Similarly, on the Xbox One, opinions varied from CGMagazine's positive feedback to Stevivor's encounter with bugs. Despite these differing experiences, most critics acknowledged that the game generally runs smoothly with only minor technical hiccups, with efforts like day one patches planned to address any rare issues, as mentioned by PlayStation LifeStyle. The overall sentiment suggests that while there are some technical imperfections, they do not significantly detract from the overall gaming experience.

TL;DR

technical performance

Critics had mixed opinions on technical performance in Middle-earth: Shadow of War. PS4 reviewers praised solid performance with minor hiccups, while Xbox One feedback varied from stable gameplay to encountered bugs and glitches. Despite some issues, overall, the game runs smoothly with efforts to address rare technical problems.

Replay Value

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

38%

Mixed (50-79)

59%

Negative (0-49)

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

The Replay Value of Middle-earth: Shadow of War has been widely praised by critics for its various elements that contribute to extended gameplay experiences. Critics like COGconnected, Critical Hit, and The Sydney Morning Herald highlight the game's diverse content, including collectibles, story missions, side quests, and the Nemesis System, which offer players multiple avenues to engage with the game world. The Nemesis System, in particular, as noted by DarkStation and CGMagazine, adds depth and unpredictability, creating unique player experiences and emotional attachments to the randomly generated Orc Captains. The presence of activities like fortress attacks/defenses, online modes, and the ability to build an army of orcs, as mentioned by PlayStation Country and GameGrin, further enhances the replay value by providing players with a variety of gameplay options to explore. On the flip side, some critics express concerns about certain aspects of Middle-earth: Shadow of War that may impact its replayability. Cubed3 and PlayStation LifeStyle mention that while the game offers a variety of missions and activities, there is a risk of repetitiveness in later hours, potentially limiting long-term engagement. Additionally, GameCritics and Video Chums point out that engaging with endgame modes like 'Shadow Wars' may require grinding and can feel like a slog, which could deter some players from fully exploring all the content the game has to offer. The presence of loot boxes and microtransactions, as highlighted by various critics like The Sydney Morning Herald and PCGamesN, also raises concerns about their impact on the overall experience and potential hindrance to replay value for certain players. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Middle-earth: Shadow of War offers a substantial amount of replay value through its diverse content, particularly the Nemesis System, which provides players with unique and personalized experiences. Critics like Game Rant and Trusted Reviews appreciate the game's blend of action-adventure and RPG elements, offering dozens of hours of entertainment for players. While some critics acknowledge the potential for repetitiveness and the controversial inclusion of loot boxes, the majority recognize the game's strengths in providing engaging gameplay experiences that cater to both fans of the series and newcomers. Ultimately, Middle-earth: Shadow of War's Replay Value seems to be a standout feature that keeps players invested in the rich and dynamic world of Mordor.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics praise Middle-earth: Shadow of War for its extensive replay value, thanks to diverse content like collectibles, missions, and the innovative Nemesis System that creates unique player experiences. However, concerns are raised about potential repetitiveness in later gameplay hours, grind-heavy endgame modes, and the controversial presence of loot boxes. Despite these drawbacks, the game's blend of action-adventure and RPG elements offers hours of entertainment and keeps players engaged in the rich world of Mordor.

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

69%

Mixed (50-79)

31%

Negative (0-49)

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

The critics generally praised Middle-earth: Shadow of War for its improvements over its predecessor, with many highlighting its engaging storytelling, enhanced gameplay mechanics, and expansive world. COGconnected commended the game for its compelling story and improved mechanics, calling it the best game set in Tolkien's universe. Critical Hit also lauded the game for its strategic depth, massive amount of content, and engaging storytelling, despite the controversy surrounding microtransactions. Game Informer appreciated how Shadow of War fulfilled the promise of its predecessor, capturing the thrill of power within the world of The Lord of the Rings. The Nemesis System was a standout feature, with GameGrin even considering it a game of the year contender. On the downside, some critics pointed out issues with Shadow of War that detracted from the overall experience. The presence of microtransactions was a common concern, with NZGamer mentioning how the endgame became grind-heavy and pushed for additional spending, impacting the overall score. PlayStation Country highlighted repetitive missions and a stretched gameplay experience, while The Digital Fix criticized the inclusion of microtransactions and weak story missions. Hardcore Gamer found the story directionless and noted technical issues and repetitive gameplay elements, although they still found the game fun but dragged out. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Middle-earth: Shadow of War is a significant improvement over its predecessor, offering a vast world, engaging gameplay, and a compelling Nemesis System. While there are criticisms regarding microtransactions, repetitive elements, and narrative flaws, the majority of reviewers found the game enjoyable and worth experiencing. IGN Italia praised the gameplay and character customization, while Cheat Code Central appreciated the depth and replay value added by the Nemesis System. Despite its flaws, the game was generally well-received for its immersive experience in the world of Middle-earth, making it a recommended title for fans of open-world games and The Lord of the Rings universe.

TL;DR

Critics laud Middle-earth: Shadow of War for its improved gameplay, captivating story, and expansive world, with the Nemesis System standing out as a game-changer. However, concerns over microtransactions, repetitive missions, and weak storytelling were noted. Despite its flaws, the game offers an immersive experience in Tolkien's universe and is recommended for fans of open-world games and The Lord of the Rings.

MONSTER

Reviews

203 reviews found

100

TheXboxHub

Xbox One

Oct 27, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Middle-earth: Shadow of War builds upon the addictive nature of its predecessor, offering a vast world to explore, engaging gameplay, and a variety of activities to enjoy, making it a joy to be back in Middle-earth.

Read full review

100

Gaming Age

Xbox One

Oct 23, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game delivers on hunting orcs and does not require additional spending.

Game Informer

PlayStation 4

Oct 5, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Shadow of War fulfills the promise of its predecessor, completing a dark and violent lost tale set within the world of The Lord of the Rings. Monolith captures the thrill of power with aplomb.

Read full review

PlayStation LifeStyle

PlayStation 4

Oct 5, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Lore purists may have issues with the game's deviation from Tolkien's canon, but those willing to enjoy the game will find it to be the best Lord of the Rings game to date, offering a staggering amount of player freedom.

Read full review

COGconnected

PlayStation 4

Oct 5, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Middle-Earth: Shadow of War improves upon its predecessor in nearly every way. It has a compelling story, improved mechanics, and a bigger, more beautiful world. It is the best game set in Tolkien's universe.

Read full review

Gamers' Temple

Xbox One

Oct 10, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game is highly enjoyable with a strong story, engaging gameplay, and good replay value. The addition of microtransactions is unnecessary but does not impact the overall experience.

XboxAddict

Xbox One

Oct 30, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Middle-Earth: Shadow of War is described as a masterpiece of craftsmanship, improving and expanding on the first game with quality gameplay mechanics, beautiful visuals, stellar sound, and a story that holds its own in the lore of The Lord of the Rings.

Read full review

GameGrin

Xbox One

Nov 1, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Middle-earth: Shadow of War is a huge improvement over the original, with the nemesis system and additions like sieges making it a game of the year contender. Recommended for fans of open-world games and The Lord of the Rings.

Read full review

DarkStation

PlayStation 4

Oct 18, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

A rare sequel that improves on just about every aspect of the original, despite odious micro-transactions and a pace focused on constant action

GameSpew

PlayStation 4

Oct 16, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Great expansion on the original concept, fun to play

Read full review