By: Max Cannon
In 2014, Monolith Studios (known for creating the horror shooters F.E.A.R. and Condemned) released Middle-Earth: Shadow of Mordor a game set in the world of Lord of the Rings. It's critical reception was divided between those who found the game to be a little unoriginal with a disappointing ending while others liked the gameplay highlighted by the impressive Nemesis System. The game was very popular and it seemed like a sequel was inevitable. Well if you've been wishing for a sequel I have some good news for you.
Shadow of War's Gold Edition, which presumably contains any DLC.Courtesy of Target
A Return to Middle-Earth
Details are a little scarce but a leak from Target showed off a pair of covers for the new game on both Xbox One and PlayStation 4. Here's what the game's official description from Target says.
"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.
In Middle-Earth: Shadow of War, nothing will be forgotten."
Shadow of War's standard edition case on Xbox One.Courtesy of Target
The original Middle-Earth: Shadow of Mordor was about a Raider, Talion, seeking revenge after Lord Sauron killed him and his family. Finding himself reincarnated and unable to die, Talion's soul is tethered to the wraith Celebrimbor. Gameplay took use of both abilities; Talion's skills as an athletic archer, climber, and fighter paired off well with Celebrimbor's wraith powers of teleportation, speed, and vision. The game wraps up with a battle against Sauron and ends with the path to revenge opened wide in front of our protagonists.
Fighting Against Your Nemesis
The most innovative part of Middle-Earth: Shadow of Mordor was the game's Nemesis System, which is going to return in the sequel. The Nemesis System is a network of enemies that remember every encounter with the player whether they win or lose. Following a hierarchy of enemy orcs, you can begin to attack and interrogate smaller units to plan your assault against stronger soldiers. Whenever one of those smaller soldiers beats you in battle, they'll ascend up the ranks and they'll be surprised to see you return, as they thought they'd beaten you once and for all.
The original game's Nemesis System, showing off the hierarchy of enemy soldiers.Courtesy of Games Pressure
The Nemesis System was impressively fluid and I'm surprised more games haven't stolen this idea. The depth of this system enhanced the experience of a game that would've otherwise been a little mediocre. Monolith Games have always been one of my favorite developers so it's exciting to see them return with a potential game, and so soon!
Though all this information is just part of a leak the release date is rumored for August 22nd, 2017. With E3 2017 so close, I would expect to see some more news on the game very soon.
Talion and Celebrimbor chatting with Gollum in the original game.Courtesy of Monolith Games
Have Your Say!
Have you played the first Middle-Earth game? Which Lord of the Rings games are your favorite? Are you going to be looking out for Middle-Earth: Shadow of War? Share your thoughts below!
