There is a lot of controversy surrounding this game, mostly due to some dubious alterations to canon and the loot-box system which seem likes a staple MOBA/MMO mechanic awkwardly shoe-horned into a single-player game to gouge the players. Some of this might put people off even trying this game.
If you are one of those people, I urge you to reconsider. Despite the above, Shadow of War is fundamentally an excellent game, a rare experience where the playing is more fun than the winning.
The Uruks are the stars of this show: the Captains are randomly generated yet feel expertly crafted. They have unique dialogue for almost every combination of events that can happen to them, they remember if you ran away or beat them before, they can become obsessed with you and hunt you down for revenge, and more besides. With a huge variety of personalities, traits and appearance, every encounter with a new Captain brings something different to the table.
Combat is similar to the Arkham games, and is just as fun as those games were. You can also take a stealthy approach, use poison, beasts or fire to find the best way to take down a Captain. The various strengths and weaknesses of each foe make facing them a challenge in planning ahead and knowing when to retreat.
Over time, you'll develop a sort-of relationship with your enemies; you'll fondly remember that Uruk that made you laugh, the one you fear to face and the one that just won't stay dead. With even the Mooks having individual names and personalities (which are revealed when they are promoted) this makes every enemy encounter a memorable one.
If your looking for a deep story or satisfying conclusion, this is not the game for you. But as something you can just pick up and play and have a whale of a time, then get stuck in and face those Captains!
Ignore the controversy and just play this great game.
There is a lot of controversy surrounding this game, mostly due to some dubious alterations to canon and the loot-box system which seem likes a staple MOBA/MMO mechanic awkwardly shoe-horned into a single-player game to gouge the players. Some of this might put people off even trying this game.
If you are one of those people, I urge you to reconsider. Despite the above, Shadow of War is fundamentally an excellent game, a rare experience where the playing is more fun than the winning.
The Uruks are the stars of this show: the Captains are randomly generated yet feel expertly crafted. They have unique dialogue for almost every combination of events that can happen to them, they remember if you ran away or beat them before, they can become obsessed with you and hunt you down for revenge, and more besides. With a huge variety of personalities, traits and appearance, every encounter with a new Captain brings something different to the table.
Combat is similar to the Arkham games, and is just as fun as those games were. You can also take a stealthy approach, use poison, beasts or fire to find the best way to take down a Captain. The various strengths and weaknesses of each foe make facing them a challenge in planning ahead and knowing when to retreat.
Over time, you'll develop a sort-of relationship with your enemies; you'll fondly remember that Uruk that made you laugh, the one you fear to face and the one that just won't stay dead. With even the Mooks having individual names and personalities (which are revealed when they are promoted) this makes every enemy encounter a memorable one.
If your looking for a deep story or satisfying conclusion, this is not the game for you. But as something you can just pick up and play and have a whale of a time, then get stuck in and face those Captains!