LogFAQs > #923755465

#15: Middle-Earth: Shadow of Mordor

I've played Shadow of Mordor twice. Both times, I almost literally did not put the controller down until I had beaten it- I spent two weekends of my life doing this.

In the best games, the character feels like an extension of your body. This is one of those games.

The orc leadership system is kinda neat and adds fuel, but it's the core gameplay that makes things awesome. Knocking down hornets' nests, unleashing giant wolves, blowing up explosive barrels, poisoning food (oh what am I kidding i never did that), abusing individual generals' fears... and there's always the one that is strong against everything you're good at and weak against what feels like nothing.

The moments of flow when you kill a hundred low-level orcs in a row interrupted by the horns announcing the arrival of the most annoying boss in the game interrupted by a segment of stealth... it's just good. They made a spinoff of a truly beloved property, changed the genre entirely, and actually nailed it.

I could also write a thesis on the ways the protagonist aligns with various real-life fears and the feelings of the average 20-to-30-something player. Feeling more at home slaying orcs than moving on to the next stage of life with a family, wanting to stop the villains but also not wanting the adventure to end.

I'm just never going to get that one achievement/trophy of freeing 40 slaves in 60 seconds. I know it's possible, but I just can't fuckin do it. And try not to think too hard about the fact that the game is bookended by two quick-time events.
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You did indeed stab me in the back. However, you are only level one, whilst I am level 50. That means I should remain uninjured.