Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor

About

Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor is an open-world action game set in J.R.R. Tolkien's famous universe. Players control Talion, a ranger seeking revenge in Mordor, where they'll encounter memorable enemies and utilizes the innovative Nemesis System to create unique personal stories. The game offers a blend of exploration, combat, and stealth, resulting in a rich and immersive experience for fans of the Lord of the Rings franchise. The game is known for its engaging nemesis system, which generates unique personal stories through its dynamic enemy hierarchy.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo

Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor screenshot

93%

Audience ScoreBased on 59,658 reviews

story9k positive mentions

grinding734 negative mentions

story
28,895 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
31%
62%
7%
The story of *Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor* is generally viewed as a straightforward revenge narrative centered on Talion, a ranger seeking vengeance for his family's murder, aided by the wraith Celebrimbor. While some players appreciate the lore and character development, many criticize the plot for being predictable, shallow, and lacking depth, with repetitive missions that detract from the overall experience. Despite its shortcomings, the engaging gameplay and innovative nemesis system often overshadow the story, making it a fun experience for players, especially those who enjoy action and combat over narrative complexity.
- “Great story, dark and gritty feel, hack and slashing orcs to the point it splashes on your screen!”
- “Rich lore: Shadow of Mordor offers a compelling original story that expands the lore of Middle-earth.”
- “The story is really good, and I quite enjoyed the dynamic between Celebrimbor and Talion.”
- “The story is the weakest part of the game for me.”
- “The story is simple and boss fights are not as expected but the overall package is a good experience.”
- “The story is lacking, it doesn't really make sense if you know the lore of middle earth, but if you turn off your brain and just want to slaughter some orcs, this game is for you.”
gameplay
12,882 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
45%
50%
5%
The gameplay of "Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor" is widely praised for its engaging mechanics, particularly the innovative nemesis system that adds depth and replayability by allowing players to build rivalries with orc captains. Many reviewers note that the combat system is reminiscent of the Batman: Arkham series, offering fluid and satisfying action, while the stealth mechanics draw comparisons to the Assassin's Creed franchise. However, some players find the gameplay can become repetitive over time, with a lack of variety in missions and enemy encounters, leading to a grindy experience despite the initial excitement and enjoyment.
- “The game's unique nemesis system adds a dynamic and unpredictable element to the gameplay, as players build rivalries and forge alliances with the orc captains that roam Mordor.”
- “Its innovative gameplay, stunning visuals, and compelling story make it a standout title in the genre.”
- “I really enjoy the fight mechanics and progression as you grasp more of the game's lore and level up Talion to be something kind of overpowered, which makes a lot of sense in the story and introduces enjoyable skills that keep the gameplay dynamic.”
- “Controls and movement are a bit clunky, and the aiming mechanic with the bow is sometimes difficult to control.”
- “The gameplay is incredibly easy and grindy.”
- “The gameplay can be very clunky and unresponsive.”
graphics
6,207 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
68%
31%
2%
The graphics of *Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor* have received widespread acclaim for their stunning visuals and attention to detail, particularly for a game released in 2014. Many players note that the graphics still hold up well today, with impressive character models and environments that effectively capture the dark and immersive atmosphere of Mordor. While some reviews mention minor graphical issues and a somewhat repetitive landscape, the overall consensus is that the game offers a visually captivating experience that enhances its engaging gameplay and storytelling.
- “Stunning visuals: the game's graphics beautifully capture the dark and desolate landscapes of Mordor.”
- “With stunning visuals and captivating storytelling, Shadow of Mordor delivers an immersive experience from start to finish.”
- “The graphics are beautiful, even on my slower computer.”
- “However, upon playing the game, I found out that I kind of don't like it because of its graphics.”
- “I'd say that it feels like a PS2 level game world with better graphics.”
- “The graphics are mediocre at best (just look at them facial expressions..), the quests are extremely repetitive, the combat system is either too easy, or way too hard (go screw yourselves, caragors), and the most unforgivable thing in this game, for me, is how terribly non-canon the story is, compared to the lore given in the novels, or even the films.”
music
1,104 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
51%
45%
4%
The music in "Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor" receives mixed reviews, with many praising its orchestral score for enhancing the game's atmosphere and emotional impact, particularly during combat and key story moments. However, some players find the soundtrack repetitive and not as memorable as the iconic music from the "Lord of the Rings" films, leading to a sense of disappointment. Overall, while the music is generally well-executed and fitting for the game's setting, it lacks the standout quality that fans might expect from a franchise of this caliber.
- “The soundtrack, composed by the brilliant Garry Schyman, further immerses players in the somber and epic tones of Middle-earth, enhancing the emotional impact of every encounter.”
- “The music is truly astounding and incredibly immersive.”
- “The music, voice acting, and visuals are done very well, and the characters are unique, interesting, and have depth.”
- “Music is alright (kind of a letdown since LOTR has legendary music).”
- “The only negative thing I can really think of about this game is that I think the OST is really forgettable most of the time.”
- “The music in itself fades in the background and doesn’t give you enough of a thrill when it comes down to heroic action or perhaps movie-like experience.”
grinding
830 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
2%
9%
88%
The grinding aspect of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players finding it excessively tedious and repetitive, particularly in the later stages. While some appreciate the grind for its potential to enhance gameplay and character progression, others feel it detracts from the overall experience, making missions feel like monotonous tasks rather than engaging challenges. Overall, the game is described as having a grindy nature that may appeal to completionists but can frustrate those seeking a more streamlined experience.
- “Missions aren't too tedious or too numerous; they kept gameplay flowing well.”
- “I 100% the game and it was not grindy at all (apart from the hostage rescue missions).”
- “It might appear to be a rather limited playtime, which is true, but there is also (almost) no grinding or repetitive content as there is in many other RPG (or related) games, which I highly appreciate.”
- “This makes the overwhelming majority of gameplay slow and tedious.”
- “Shadow of Mordor, a game that promised an exciting and immersive experience in the world of Middle-earth, quickly reveals itself to be a tedious and uninspired grindfest.”
- “The gameplay is boring and repetitive/very grindy.”
replayability
820 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
32%
59%
9%
The game's replayability is largely driven by its innovative nemesis system, which creates unique and varied encounters with orc captains, ensuring that no two playthroughs are the same. While many players find the combat and open-world elements engaging enough to warrant multiple runs, some express that once the main story is completed, the lack of long-term goals and repetitive missions can diminish the overall replay value. Overall, opinions on replayability vary, with some rating it highly due to the nemesis system, while others feel it lacks depth after the initial experience.
- “The nemesis system is a game-changer, providing endless replayability.”
- “The nemesis system adds depth and replay value by making each playthrough unique and personalized.”
- “This game is jam-packed with content, and although it can be repetitive, the combat and customization mechanics give this game endless replayability.”
- “The biggest problem is once you've completed all the missions and achievements there isn't really any long-term replayability as the orcs aren't very unique in this game and there's no long-term goal past the end of the story.”
- “The replayability of this game is about 2-3 runs without feeling like you've seen it all.”
- “Unfortunately, the game does not have a lot of replayability.”
optimization
764 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
60%
34%
5%
Overall, the optimization of "Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor" has received largely positive feedback, with many players noting that it runs smoothly even on lower-end systems and offers good performance across various hardware configurations. While some users experienced minor issues, such as screen tearing or inconsistent frame rates, the game is generally praised for its solid performance, impressive graphics, and effective scaling on different settings. However, a few players reported that it is not well-optimized for certain setups, particularly with AMD graphics cards, indicating that performance can vary based on specific hardware combinations.
- “The game is well optimized, also offers fun gameplay that is easy to play.”
- “This game is very optimized and runs very well.”
- “The graphics are great for the year it came out and the game is well optimized so you don't need a beast of a computer to run it on higher settings.”
- “Game is just not optimized for PC.”
- “Poorly optimized, bad save system, and controls barely altered for PC.”
- “This game should have never been produced, poorly optimized even for the highest end gaming PCs.”
humor
604 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The humor in "Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor" is largely driven by the orc characters, whose quirky dialogue and interactions provide a comedic backdrop to the game's darker themes. Players frequently highlight the hilarious banter among orcs, the absurdity of the nemesis system, and memorable characters like Ratbag and Torvin, which contribute to a uniquely entertaining experience. While some find the humor repetitive over time, many agree that the game's blend of dark humor and engaging combat creates memorable and often laugh-out-loud moments.
- “The orcs are pretty funny enemies with lots of humorous interactions to be found, and the unique nemesis system featured in this game makes hunting down and fighting orc captains strategic and exhilarating.”
- “I've been playing Middle-earth™: Shadow of Mordor™ for a while now and I have to say, it's one of the most hilarious games I've ever played.”
- “The warchiefs and their lieutenants all have their own personalities and say genuinely funny (or creepy) lines whenever they come into contact with you, making it feel like you're fighting genuine individuals and not just random NPCs.”
- “That's just for the base game; the DLCs, however, are a joke (and a very unfunny one at that).”
stability
521 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
24%
2%
74%
The stability of "Shadow of Mordor" has received mixed reviews, with many players reporting a range of bugs and glitches, particularly related to character movement and mission progression. While some users experienced minimal issues and praised the game's overall performance, others faced significant frustrations due to frequent crashes and game-breaking glitches. Overall, the game is described as having a solid foundation but is marred by inconsistencies that can detract from the experience.
- “The game runs great, averaging 100fps.”
- “The game is virtually bug free, and the graphics hold up today especially in the 2nd open world zone you reach, which is where I spend most of my time.”
- “Overall, the game runs great; during the benchmark, the minimum was 123fps.”
- “This game is so buggy that I literally raged within the first hour of playing it and now I can't stand the thought of going back on.”
- “The game freezes constantly, especially at important story areas, the world turns to rainbows whenever lightning strikes, your character is a fucking idiot and getting down from ledges which seems simple even in real life is impossible.”
- “Garbage - stopped working about 8 hours in - tech support gave me the run around sending me generic troubleshooting steps copied off the 'net - typos and all - after trying as many hours to fix it as I spent playing it uninstalled and will never buy from these dopes again.”
atmosphere
452 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
53%
44%
3%
The atmosphere of the game is predominantly dark and immersive, effectively capturing the grim essence of Mordor and the lore of Middle-earth. While many players appreciate the detailed environments and atmospheric sound design, some find the constant bleakness overwhelming or lacking in connection to the broader Tolkien universe. Overall, the game's atmosphere is praised for its depth and ability to enhance the gameplay experience, though opinions vary on its execution and appeal.
- “From the towering spires of Barad-dûr to the sprawling plains of Mordor, every corner of the game world is beautifully crafted and brimming with atmosphere.”
- “The desolate landscapes, teeming with the eerie glow of Mount Doom, are meticulously crafted, creating an atmosphere that's both hauntingly beautiful and oppressively bleak.”
- “The atmosphere is outstanding and something that has been done well.”
- “The thing that maybe killed the game the most for me is the lack of immersion and atmosphere; if I wasn't slaying orcs, I wouldn't have known I was playing a LOTR game.”
- “I admit I bought the game late, and I bought it on an extreme sale, but I cannot help but wonder after only 3 hours of playtime, how this game ever managed to draw a 'Game of the Year' title to itself with such a sterile atmosphere and numbingly repetitive gameplay mechanics.”
- “Sadly, I don't think the atmosphere in any way captures the Tolkien universe.”
emotional
302 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
82%
1%
17%
The emotional aspect of the game elicits mixed responses from players. While some find the nemesis system creates deep, unscripted emotional connections with orc captains, others criticize the main storyline and character development as lacking depth and engagement. The soundtrack and certain key moments are praised for enhancing the emotional experience, but many players feel that the overall narrative fails to deliver a consistently impactful emotional journey.
- “The soundtrack, composed by the brilliant Garry Schyman, further immerses players in the somber and epic tones of Middle-earth, enhancing the emotional impact of every encounter.”
- “The story itself is beautiful, emotional, touching, very well developed and truly will captivate you for hours to come.”
- “The nemesis system, in particular, makes for a surprisingly emotional engagement with the game!”
- “A game with interesting ideas crippled by a boring story, repetitive gameplay, and a lack of diversity in its enemy design.”
- “Overall, a 8/10 due to the pretty boring story and the last boss being a bloody quicktime event, again.”
- “Though the boring story and repetitive/easy gameplay made me quickly lose interest.”
character development
154 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
26%
62%
12%
Character development in the game is a mixed bag, with some players appreciating the growth of main characters like Talion and Celebrimbor, while others criticize the overall lack of depth and linearity in character arcs. Many reviews highlight the ability to upgrade skills and weapons, which enhances gameplay but does not necessarily translate to meaningful character progression. Overall, while there are moments of strong character development and engaging storytelling, many players feel that it falls short, leaving them disconnected from the characters and their motivations.
- “Talion and Celebrimbor have some amazing voice acting with some pretty good character development and the most satisfying ending you could have gotten for the story.”
- “The character development is excellent, as you feel yourself increase in power, but the orcs never feel like something you can take lightly, especially not the captains and warchiefs.”
- “It gave me about 12 hours of really, really enjoyable gameplay with fantastic character development and a great ending.”
- “There was so little prologue and story setting/character development that I do not even know the main character's name after 11 hours of play... nor do I care to know.”
- “The weakness of the game is in the limited character development.”
- “The main character is a generic, brooding, undead ranger with nothing of interest or character development.”
monetization
114 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
4%
54%
42%
The monetization aspect of the game is generally viewed positively, as it is noted for having no microtransactions or lootboxes, distinguishing it from its sequel, which introduced such features. However, some users express frustration over misleading DLC packaging and in-game advertisements, which detract from the overall experience. Overall, players appreciate the absence of aggressive monetization tactics in this title compared to its successor.
- “Best of all, no lootboxes or any gambling or microtransactions.”
- “No microtransactions in a single-player game.”
- “I prefer this one over the sequel especially because of no microtransactions.”
- “I want to love this game, but it didn't disclose at all that there would be expensive microtransactions for every piece of content.”
- “Don't give money to a publisher that decided to shovel microtransactions and lootboxes into a $80 single-player title.”
- “I was really looking forward to getting the sequel (Shadow of War), but sadly Warner Bros have decided to be greedy and stick in microtransactions... even though it pains me to miss such a good game, I will probably not be buying it.”