Why, m I testing an old game like this ? Because E3 reminded me that, I still had not finished the first episode !
With the Steam sales, it's a good opportinity to buy the game, Happy reading :)
~~~~~~~~~Story~~~~~~~~~
The hero, Talion, is a Ranger from Gondor who has had a really bad day. It is easy to understand that the game takes place between the years 2951 and 3018 of the Third Age. Dates that correspond to the return of Sauron in Mordor, and the beginning of the War of the Ring. At that time, the Black Gate was no longer officially guarded for at least 1,000 years, especially because of a terrible epidemic of plague.
~~~~~~~~~Gameplay~~~~~~~~~
The Shadow of Mordor is an open world game, so expect to have to perform many tasks, not just assassinations, to progress and improve your character. But the beginnings are difficult for our hero, who will be killed regularly. The game looks like a fairly appreciable die-and-retry. The difficulty is high (sometimes a little too much) and the game can be punitive. As a living dead, Talion can not technically die. Technically. When an orc kills you, you will reappear a little further, without losing anything. And your enemies will soon realize that you are a man not very mortal and they will prepare accordingly for your hypothetical return. It's a lot of fun, and you get to play fast. Expect, in the first hour of play, to die a bunch of times, because you're going to want to try different approaches!
~~~~~~~~~~Nemesis System~~~~~~~~~~
You will have to kill many orcs, but the most important are Orc captains, as well as Orc warlords. Each captain is unique, and can evolve, take rank as you meet him. A defeat will be of course profitable to them, be careful, even if you are immortal. It is frankly well done, and the game is quite stunning. These captains are carefully staged, with warrior shouts and little slowdowns. We soon end up hunting only when it is necessary to unlock the next mission that will benefit the scenario of the game, and it is a pity.
~~~~~~~~~~Fighting system~~~~~~~~~~
One of the highlights of the game is certainly its combat system. Remembering the Batman Arkham trilogy, it is even more enjoyable, thanks to its sounds. Just wait for the letter to appear and counter attack. Unlike an Assassin's Creed, where enemies have an unfortunate tendency to wait their turn, the orcs of the Shadow of Mordor are vile and aggressive, and will not hesitate to attack you as a group.
~~~~~~~~~Graphism~~~~~~~~~
The Shadow of Mordor is a nice game. Everything is modeled with great care, and although it never really dazzles, the title benefits from very neat graphics. Animations are fluid, the effects of light on the muddy water are remarkable, even for a 3 years old game. I recommand the GAME OF THE YEAR EDITION.
~~~~~~~~~Conclusion~~~~~~~~~
The game is based on a strong license. The game is pretty complete, rather long, enjoys a terribly addictive fighting system and neat graphics. The lack of inspiration for the sets, the average AI and repeatability of the adventure, could tire you after 5-10 hours. The title should nevertheless please the fans of Tolkien, who will take pleasure in learning more about Talion, his teammate elf and the return of Sauron in Mordor. The others will find an open world action-adventure game well done and quite demanding, which should put their talent to strain, while awaiting a Shadow of Mordor 2.