Middle Earth: Shadow of War: PS4 Review

Middle Earth: Shadow of War: PS4 Review

Released by Ubisoft
Platform: PS4

Middle Earth: Shadow of Mordor back in 2014 was a gaming revelation to those wanting to deep dive into a RPG.

With a combat system that built on memory and revenge, the game had a personal touch that was compelling as the campaign progressed.

So it is with Middle Earth: Shadow of War, a game that takes the best elements of the first one and continues them on a better path in the latest.

This time around, the Nemesis system helps create a more personal touch to the marauding Orcs you face - whether it's giving them personality or a connection to your path, it's fascinating and deepening as the game progresses.

Already Tolkein fans have taken exception to the storyline, but what emerges from Middle Earth: Shadow of War is a war campaign that's as good on the system as any others. In this latest, the undying human ranger Talion and his ghostly elf companion Celebrimbor have forged a “New Ring,” a powerful weapon to help them fight back against the dark lord Sauron and his endless army of orcs.

It's up to you to recruit commanders, tackle orcs and generally fight the good fight.

The sonic background created in Middle Earth: Shadow of War is a strong one, with the controller coming to life with ghostly voices as you either enter the Wraith world or probe the mind of an Orc for information you need. Also, it can provide immature giggles when you pop their head like a grape.

Gear helps you build up your army and inventory, and the dreaded Loot crates appear too which is a game choice shame that continues to blight most AAA releases these days.

Ultimately, Middle Earth: Shadow of War, complete with its Nemesis system, sense of scale and depth make for an engaging and enriching way to spend your gaming nights - it's not all perfect and while the cut scenes can prove to be a pain, there's nothing more exciting in a RPG like this than planning and executing the ideal campaign.

It's a stronger sequel to the Shadow of Mordor, and its open world ambitions make Shadow of War something worth playing for hours on end.