Talion quickly takes out an orc on the outside, but one of the others spots him. A horn sounds, and the encampment is quickly overrun with reinforcements.
“Middle Earth: Shadow of Mordor,” a video game by Monolith Productions, is filled with tense moments, forcing players to strategize in order to survive.
“Shadow of Mordor” is a prequel to the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy, set 80 years before “The Fellowship of the Ring.” Players are cast as Talion, a ranger, who’s killed with his family and brought back to life. As Talion, players use numerous supernatural abilities and combat skills to strike back against foes.
While the story missions are underwhelming, most of the game’s best moments come from what the developer has dubbed the Nemesis System. Orcs are struggling to move up their own ranks to become captains or war chiefs. If an orc kills the player, it becomes more powerful. Each enemy is randomized in appearance and has different weaknesses and strengths.
The Nemesis System leads to further immersion in the game. Players feel like these creatures are active, thinking individuals outside of the story missions.Sometimes orcs who players have already killed come back with scars and grudges of their own.
Halfway through the game players acquire is the ability to brand orcs and make them do one’s bidding. This allows players to build a brainwashed army. Making a war chief fight against one of its brethren to start an all out war can be reminiscent of something out of one of the movies.
“Shadow of Mordor” does many things right, even if it’s lacking somewhat in story. In many ways, players can create their own stories among the realm of Middle Earth.
