Middle-earth™: Shadow of War™
Action
Adventure
RPG
Single-player
Steam Achievements
Full controller support
Steam Trading Cards
In-App Purchases
Steam Cloud
Family Sharing

Experience an epic open-world brought to life by the award-winning Nemesis System. Forge a new Ring of Power, conquer Fortresses in massive battles and dominate Mordor with your personal orc army in Middle-earth™: Shadow of War™.

Developers: Monolith Productions
Publishers: WB Games
Release Date: Oct 9, 2017
Price (USD): $49.99
Current Players: 3k

Links:  Steam Store  SteamDB

Very Positive(88%)
Nemesis system
dynamic combat
visuals
orc personalities
fun gameplay
story
DLCs
lore deviations
repetitive missions
control issues
lore inaccuracies
technical problems
bloated content
The general sentiment towards Middle-earth: Shadow of War is largely positive, highlighting the Nemesis system as a unique and engaging feature that enhances the gameplay. Players enjoy the combat for its dynamic and fluid mechanics, and many praise the visuals which have aged well. However, there are criticisms about the repetitiveness of certain elements and control issues. The story brings mixed reactions due to lore deviations. Despite some technical problems and frustrations, the game's engaging systems and the satisfaction of commanding an orc army make it a compelling experience for many.

Positive Points

  • The Nemesis system is praised for its originality and adds depth to the gameplay, making interactions feel personal and unique.
  • Combat is described as fun, fluid, and dynamic, with an engaging system that's akin to the Batman Arkham series but with a more brutal, LOTR-style twist.
  • The game offers a vast open world with variety in the environments, keeping exploration interesting.
  • Many players appreciate the game's storytelling and character development, particularly praising the orcs' personalities and interactions.
  • The game is complimented for its visuals, even years after its release, with graphics that hold up well.
  • Negative Points

  • Numerous complaints about the repetitiveness in missions and gameplay, particularly in fortress sieges and endgame content.
  • Players have expressed frustration with the game's controls, including issues with responsiveness and targeting.
  • Criticism of the lore deviations and inaccuracies, which may upset fans of Tolkien's original works.
  • The game's story and missions can feel bloated, with too much filler content adding unnecessary length.
  • Some technical issues such as bugs, performance problems, and crashes have been reported.
  • Mixed Points

  • The game's story receives mixed feedback: while some find it engaging, others feel it deviates too far from LOTR lore.
  • Reviews of the DLCs are mixed, with some players enjoying the additional content and others finding it unnecessary or less engaging.
  • Common Themes

  • The Nemesis system is a standout feature that many wish to see in other games.
  • Despite its flaws, the game continues to be appreciated for its rich gameplay mechanics and unique experiences it offers.
  • The battle against orcs and the building of an orc army provide a distinct, immersive experience that many players find addictive.
  • There is a general sentiment of disappointment regarding Warner Bros. patenting the Nemesis system and not utilizing it further.
  • Updated 10/18/2025, 12:02:29 AM UTC