Info about Middle-earth™: Shadow of Mordor™:

Official game description:
Note: certain features for the Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor videogame will no longer be available beginning Dec. 31, 2020.  
Affected Features:  
• The Nemesis Forge feature will no longer be available. Therefore, players will no longer be able to transfer their in-game Nemeses from Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor to Middle-earth: Shadow of War.  
• Vendetta missions and Leaderboards will no longer be available.  
• WBPlay will no longer be available, but the epic runes "Orc Hunter" and "Gravewalker" will automatically be awarded to all players.  
Winner of over 50 “Best of 2014” Awards including Game of the Year, Best Action Game and Most Innovative Game.

Release date: Sep 30, 2014

Categories: Action-Adventure, Open-World Exploration, Combat, Character Progression, Stealth Gameplay, Parkour, Nemesis System

Feature scans:
- MTX: score 70; verdict: Aggressive Monetization; summary: The game has faced significant criticism for its monetization practices, particularly regarding overpriced and incomplete DLCs, as well as a predatory season pass. However, post-launch updates have addressed some of these issues, providing a more balanced and complete experience.
- Steam Deck: score 40; verdict: Tinkering Required; summary: The analysis of user feedback for the Steam Deck experience with the game reveals several key themes. The game generally performs well on the Steam Deck, with high FPS and smooth gameplay reported by many users. However, there are notable issues with controller responsiveness and complexity, text readability, and frequent crashes. Despite these issues, many users express high satisfaction with the game's fun factor, story, and overall enjoyment.

- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price: No data
- Playtime Metrics: No data
- Time-to-fun: No data
- Player Archetypes: No data


Below are summaries of things people say about the game per category.
Each point is assigned a weight that represents how often it is mentioned across all reviews.
What players like:
- Highly praised combat mechanics (weight 0.97): The combat system is frequently described as fluid, satisfying, and engaging. Players appreciate the smooth animations, responsive controls, and the overall enjoyable experience of the combat mechanics.
- Innovative Nemesis System (weight 0.77): The Nemesis System is highlighted as a groundbreaking feature that makes enemies memorable and creates personal rivalries. It adds depth and unpredictability to the gameplay.
- Engaging and fun gameplay (weight 0.76): The gameplay is described as highly engaging, fun, and addictive. Players enjoy the combination of combat and the Nemesis System, which keeps the experience fresh and exciting.
- High replayability (weight 0.7): The combination of the Nemesis System and engaging gameplay mechanics provides a high level of replayability. Players find themselves drawn back to the game for extended periods.
- Compelling story and lore (weight 0.61): The story is appreciated for being engaging, well-crafted, and fitting well within the Lord of the Rings universe. It keeps players intrigued without being overly complicated.
- Visually impressive graphics (weight 0.52): The game's graphics are frequently mentioned as visually impressive, beautiful, and detailed. The visuals contribute significantly to the overall atmosphere and immersion.
- Immersive open world (weight 0.46): The open world is praised for its detailed design, immersive atmosphere, and the variety of interesting locations. Players enjoy exploring the well-crafted environment.
- Good soundtrack and audio (weight 0.35): The soundtrack and audio design are highlighted as excellent and enjoyable. They contribute to the immersive atmosphere and overall enjoyment of the game.

Common complaints:
- Poor final boss fights (weight 0.28): The final boss fights are criticized for being terrible, anticlimactic, and poorly designed. Players found them disappointing after the long build-up of the game.
- Repetitive map design (weight 0.21): The map design is criticized for being repetitive and monotonous. Some areas feel too similar, leading to a lack of visual variety.
- Buggy and unpleasant controls (weight 0.16): The controls are criticized for being buggy, unpleasant, and difficult to understand. This includes complaints about strange and conflicting control schemes.
- Excessive enemy swarming (weight 0.13): Players report being swarmed by excessive numbers of enemies, which can be frustrating and overwhelming. This includes complaints about endless enemy spawning.
- Short main campaign (weight 0.1): The main campaign is criticized for being too short. Players found the overall length of the game to be insufficient.
- Various bugs and glitches (weight 0.08): The game is criticized for having various bugs and glitches. This includes complaints about the overall stability and polish of the game.

Gameplay feedback:
- Nemesis System for enemy interactions (weight 0.64): The Nemesis System is a standout feature where enemies remember past encounters, adapt, and can rise in ranks. This creates a dynamic and personalized experience, making each enemy memorable and interactions unique.
- Combat inspired by Arkham and Assassin's Creed (weight 0.62): The game combines combat mechanics similar to the Batman Arkham series with movement and parkour systems reminiscent of Assassin's Creed. This blend creates a free-flow combat system that is both fluid and responsive.
- Open-world exploration (weight 0.26): The game features an open-world environment with extensive traversal and climbing mechanics. The world is richly detailed and offers various activities and missions for players to explore.
- Orc-related mechanics (weight 0.18): The game features mechanics where orcs can be commanded, mind-controlled, and recruited. This includes an Orc captain and nemesis system, adding depth to enemy interactions.
- Skill tree and character progression (weight 0.17): The game includes a skill tree for character progression, allowing players to unlock new abilities as they level up. This system provides a diverse range of skills and upgrades.
- Set in Middle-earth universe (weight 0.17): The game is set in the Lord of the Rings universe, bridging the storyline between The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. This setting appeals to fans of Tolkien's lore and provides a richly detailed world.
- Variety in gameplay styles (weight 0.14): The game offers different play styles and encourages creativity in gameplay. This variety includes action-based, RPG, and action-adventure elements.

Performance notes:
- Great optimization and performance (weight 0.37): The game is highly praised for its optimization, running smoothly even on low-end and older hardware. Players report excellent performance across various devices, including Steam Deck and Macbook M2.
- Impressive graphics quality (weight 0.32): The game's graphics are frequently commended for being visually appealing and holding up well over time. Players appreciate the visual quality, even on lower settings.
- Mouse and control issues (weight 0.16): There are reports of mouse sensitivity and acceleration issues, as well as general buggy and inconsistent controls. Keyboard controls are also criticized.
- Frame rate and resolution problems (weight 0.14): Players encounter issues with FPS limitations, screen tearing, and resolution problems. Some suggest using borderless window mode or triple buffering as solutions.
- Specific bugs and glitches (weight 0.1): There are various specific bugs reported, such as issues with the climbing system, teleportation attacks, and a bug near the tower boss fight.
- Black screens and crashes (weight 0.09): Some players experience black screens, freezes, and crashes. These issues disrupt gameplay and need attention.
- Cutscenes not fluid (weight 0.08): The game's cutscenes are criticized for being non-fluid and of low quality, with issues like low resolution and low frame rates.
- High VRAM usage (weight 0.03): The game can consume a significant amount of VRAM, especially at higher resolutions, which might be a concern for some players.

Recommendations:
- Highly recommended action game (weight 0.37): Reviewers highly recommend the game for its action-packed gameplay and engaging story. It is praised for its cinematic experience and innovative systems.
- Worth playing and buying (weight 0.33): Many reviewers mention that the game is worth playing and buying, especially when on sale. It offers good value for money and is considered a worthwhile experience.
- Highly recommended for LOTR fans (weight 0.31): The game is frequently recommended for fans of The Lord of the Rings and the Tolkien universe. Reviewers suggest it is a must-play for those who enjoy Middle-earth and its lore.
- Play before Shadow of War (weight 0.14): Several reviews suggest playing Shadow of Mordor before its sequel, Shadow of War. This is to fully appreciate the story and gameplay improvements in the sequel.
- Recommended editions and DLC (weight 0.1): Reviewers recommend getting the Game of the Year edition with all DLC for the best experience. Additional missions and content are also suggested.
- Recommended for stealth and parkour fans (weight 0.06): The game is recommended for fans of stealth, parkour, and atmospheric locations. It offers a unique blend of these elements in a dark, immersive setting.

Other player notes:
No miscpoints

Emotions:
- Excitement (weight 0.24): The excitement primarily stems from the game's innovative Nemesis System, which creates unique and personal stories with enemies, making each encounter memorable. Additionally, the fluid and satisfying combat mechanics, along with the thrilling exploration and power progression, contribute significantly to the overall excitement.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.14): Players enjoy the dynamic combat and the Nemesis System, which makes each enemy unique and memorable. The overall gameplay experience, including the story, combat abilities, and the feeling of power within the game's universe, adds to the enjoyment.
- Frustration (weight 0.11): Frustration arises from repetitive combat and missions, as well as various technical issues and bugs. Difficult controls, unbalanced combat, and the lack of difficulty settings also contribute to player frustration.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.1): Satisfaction comes from the smooth combat mechanics, engaging story, and the Nemesis System. Players also appreciate the variety of enemy elimination methods and the overall value of the purchase.
- Nostalgia (weight 0.06): Nostalgia is driven by players revisiting the game after several years and recalling past experiences with it. The connection to 'The Lord of the Rings' universe and the game's enduring quality also evoke nostalgic feelings.
- Disappointment (weight 0.06): Disappointment is caused by the game's repetitive mechanics, lack of innovation, and weak storyline. Players also express dissatisfaction with the mission design and the overall quality of the game.
- Joy (weight 0.03): Joy is derived from the dynamic and intuitive combat system, as well as the engaging story and high replay value. The enjoyable gameplay mechanics and positive gaming experience contribute to the overall joy.
- Engagement (weight 0.02): Engagement is fostered by the immersive LotR setting and storyline, along with the unpredictable Nemesis System and fluid combat. The engaging lore and character progression also keep players invested.
- Surprise (weight 0.02): Surprise comes from the unexpected quality of the game and the unique Nemesis System. Players are also surprised by certain gameplay elements and the game's connection to 'The Lord of the Rings' universe.
- Interest (weight 0.02): Interest is piqued by the Nemesis System and character progression, as well as the varied and fun story missions. The intriguing story and gameplay mechanics also maintain player interest.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.02): La satisfacción proviene de la capacidad de matar orcos de manera satisfactoria y de la calidad duradera del juego. Los jugadores también aprecian lo bien que ha envejecido el juego y lo bueno que sigue siendo en años posteriores.
- Admiration (weight 0.02): Admiration is driven by the game's revolutionary Nemesis System and its ability to capture the spirit of 'The Lord of the Rings' saga. Players also admire the game's visuals, voice acting, and unique mechanics.
- Enthusiasm (weight 0.02): Enthusiasm is generated by the unique and interactive Nemesis System, as well as the enjoyable combat mechanics and progression. The engaging plot and overall gameplay experience also contribute to player enthusiasm.
- Excited (weight 0.01): Players are excited by the combat system and the overall gameplay experience. The prospect of playing the sequel after achieving all the game's accomplishments also adds to the excitement.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.01): La soddisfazione deriva da un'esperienza di gioco positiva, con un gameplay coinvolgente e un lore ricco. Il sistema Nemesis e il valore complessivo del gioco contribuiscono significativamente alla soddisfazione dei giocatori.
- Surprise (weight 0.01): La sorpresa viene dal scoprire il gioco e trovare che è meglio di quanto ci si aspettava. I giocatori sono piacevolmente sorpresi dalla qualità e dalle caratteristiche uniche del gioco.
- Admiration (weight 0.01): A admiração vem da combinação de uma história envolvente, um mundo vivo e um sistema de combate único. O sistema Nemesis e a experiência de jogo única também são muito admirados pelos jogadores.
- Love (weight 0.01): L'amore per il gioco deriva dalla storia emotiva di Talion e dal sistema di combattimento coinvolgente. I giocatori apprezzano le meccaniche di gioco e la profondità della trama.
- Furious (weight 0): Players feel furious when they encounter difficult enemies, especially Captains or random grunts who get promoted after killing the player. The frustration of losing to these enemies and seeing them rise in rank can be infuriating.}