Info about Middle-earth™: Shadow of War™ Story Expansion Pass:

Official game description:
The Middle-earth™: Shadow of War™ Story Expansion Pass includes:  
• The Blade of Galadriel Story Expansion  
• The Desolation of Mordor Story Expansion  
Play as Eltariel in The Blade of Galadriel Story Expansion as she hunts the Ringwraiths across Mordor. Her epic story parallels the events of Middle-earth™: Shadow of War™ with new boss fights against the Nazgûl, and intersects with epic moments from the story of the Bright Lord.  
In The Desolation of Mordor Story Expansion, play as Baranor, the Captain of the Tower from Minas Ithil. Travel deep behind enemy lines in the Eastern Deserts of Mordor and raise an Easterling Army to open a new front in the Shadow War. Rendezvous with Torvin, the epic Dwarven Hunter who traveled deep into the Desolation of Mordor pursuing the legendary Were-wyrms.

Release date: Feb 6, 2018

Categories: Action Adventure, Open-World Exploration, Story-driven Gameplay, Character Progression, Combat, Boss Fights, Exploration, Narrative-driven Gameplay

Feature scans:
- MTX: score 20; verdict: Mixed Reception on DLC Pricing; summary: The user reviews indicate a mixed reception regarding the DLC pricing and value. While some users find the DLCs worth the price, others feel they are overpriced unless purchased in a bundle. The overall quality of the DLCs is rated positively, with users appreciating the additional story and gameplay elements. Bundles are seen as a more economical and worthwhile purchase.

- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price:
  - Community fair range: $5.00 - $20.00
  - Reasoning: The evidence suggests that users find the game worth purchasing when it is on sale, typically around $5 to $20. The mentions of waiting for sales and specific price points indicate that the community considers these prices to be fair for the base game.
- Playtime Metrics:
  - Game completion: 10.0h
  - Story completion: 6.0h
  - Session length: N/A
  - Endgame: N/A
  - Reasoning: The evidence provides direct statements about the playtime for the DLCs included in the Story Expansion Pass. The quotes mention specific hours for completing the DLCs, which helps in deriving the playtime metrics. The evidence suggests that the total playtime for both DLCs combined is around 9-10 hours, with individual DLCs taking around 3-6 hours to complete. This information is used to estimate the game completion and story completion times. Session length and endgame metrics are not explicitly mentioned, so they are marked as null.
- Time-to-fun:
  - Summary: The game offers immediate fun with its new story and unique gameplay styles, but some players experience a drop in fun due to repetitive or lacking elements.
  - Stance: Fun then drops
  - Anchor: Experiencing the new story and gameplay styles
  - Time to anchor: 0h 0m
  - Friction: Repetitive gameplay elements; Lack of certain features like the grapple hook and parachute
  - Unlock drivers: New story and characters; Unique gameplay and progression systems
  - Conditions: Engagement with new content; Appreciation for unique gameplay styles
- Player Archetypes:
  - Gameplay Connoisseur (sale)
    - Motivation: Enjoyment of challenging and varied gameplay.
    - Playstyle: Seeks out fresh and interesting gameplay mechanics, critical of repetitive tasks.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: sale
    - Labels: gamer; veteran player
    - Reference games: Shadow of Mordor; other action-adventure games
  - Franchise Fan (buy)
    - Motivation: Enjoyment of the main game and its expansions.
    - Playstyle: Enjoys expansions that provide more of the same or enhanced experiences.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: fan; franchise follower
    - Reference games: Shadow of Mordor; other games with expansions
  - Value-Conscious Critic (deep sale)
    - Motivation: Getting the best value for their money.
    - Playstyle: Critical of monetization practices, prefers complete experiences.
    - Experience: mixed
    - Purchase stance: deep sale
    - Labels: critical player; value seeker
    - Reference games: games with microtransactions; games with multiple editions


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:
- Desolation of Mordor praised (weight 0.67): The Desolation of Mordor expansion is frequently highlighted for its significant changes to gameplay, new elements, and overall quality. Players find it enjoyable and worth the investment.
- Unique characters and gameplay (weight 0.51): Characters like Eltariel and Baranor bring unique gameplay elements and dynamics. Players enjoy the variety and different playstyles offered by these characters.
- Engaging story and cinematics (weight 0.47): Many players enjoyed the story and cinematics, finding them engaging and fun to play along with. The narrative is a strong point that enhances the overall experience.
- Positive overall reception (weight 0.37): The game and its expansions are generally well-received, with players describing them as good content and a great bundle for story DLC.
- New battles and enemies (weight 0.3): The introduction of new fights against the Nazgûl and other unique enemies adds excitement and variety to the gameplay.
- Additional content and lore (weight 0.3): Players appreciate the additional content, including unique equipment, skills, powerful new allies, and game lore. The expansions offer new stories and characters.
- New storylines and adventures (weight 0.27): The introduction of new storylines like 'Desert of Mordor' and 'Blade of Galadriel' adds excitement and variety.
- Improvements over Shadow of Mordor (weight 0.25): The game is noted for continuing and surpassing the story and gameplay of Shadow of Mordor. Players appreciate the technical and gameplay advancements.
- Deep exploration of Middle-earth (weight 0.24): The game offers a deep exploration and artistic recreation of Tolkien's Middle-earth, which is exciting and satisfying for fans.
- Varied gameplay styles (weight 0.23): The game offers completely different gameplay styles, which players find enjoyable and refreshing.
- Pleasant and enjoyable gameplay (weight 0.22): Players find the gameplay pleasant and enjoyable, with different characters offering unique abilities and strategies.
- Interesting side stories (weight 0.21): The game features solid side stories and cliffhangers that keep players engaged and interested.
- Enjoyable expansions (weight 0.21): The expansions, particularly Desolation of Mordor, are enjoyed by players for their unique content and gameplay changes.
- Different progression systems (weight 0.17): The game features different progression systems from the base game, providing a fresh experience for players.
- Enjoyable interactions and cutscenes (weight 0.17): The interactions with orc characters and cutscenes are enjoyable and have memorable moments, adding to the overall experience.
- High-quality music and atmosphere (weight 0.16): The high-quality music enhances the atmosphere, contributing to an unmatched Middle-earth experience.
- Rich and colorful supplement (weight 0.1): The game is seen as a rich and colorful supplement to the original, enhancing the overall experience.
- Memorable boss fights (weight 0.09): The boss fights are enjoyable and memorable, adding to the overall excitement of the game.
- Enhanced Nemesis System (weight 0.09): The Nemesis System has been improved, adding depth and replayability to the game.
- Unique character experiences (weight 0.09): Characters like the 'zenci dayı' offer unique gameplay differences, adding variety to the experience.

Common complaints:
- DLCs are overpriced and lackluster (weight 0.81): Many players feel that the DLCs are too expensive for the amount of content provided. They also believe that the DLCs do not enhance the main game experience and are too short.
- Blade of Galadriel criticized (weight 0.56): The Blade of Galadriel DLC is widely criticized for feeling rushed, lackluster, and not offering much new content. It is also seen as not complementing the main story well.
- Gameplay and technical issues (weight 0.47): Players report various technical issues such as game crashes, long loading times, and installation problems with the DLCs.
- Story and character criticisms (weight 0.4): The story elements and characters in the DLCs are criticized for being weak, cringy, or not well-integrated with the main game. Some characters are seen as unlikable or wooden.
- Game mechanics and design flaws (weight 0.34): Several gameplay mechanics and design choices are criticized, such as the lack of certain tools, dependency on specific armor sets, and insufficient skills against certain enemies.
- Content length and value (weight 0.34): The overall length of the DLCs and the main game is criticized for being too short, providing less value for the price paid.
- Repetitive and grindy gameplay (weight 0.24): Some stages and boss fights are criticized for being repetitive and grindy, which detracts from the overall enjoyment of the game.
- Localization and language issues (weight 0.16): Players have noted the lack of certain language options and localized versions, which can be a significant drawback for non-English speaking players.

Gameplay feedback:
- Expansion content with new characters (weight 0.31): The expansions introduce new characters, missions, and abilities, adding fresh gameplay elements and storylines.
- Baranor's mortality and abilities (weight 0.3): Baranor is a mortal character who can die permanently, ending his story. He lacks special powers like a ring but has an instant heal ability and health potions.
- New mechanics in expansions (weight 0.3): Expansions introduce new mechanics such as grapple hooks, parachutes, and crossbows, enhancing gameplay variety.
- Gameplay changes in Desolation of Mordor (weight 0.22): The Desolation of Mordor expansion introduces different gameplay styles and mechanics, offering a fresh playstyle.
- Fortress Assaults (weight 0.14): Gameplay includes fortress assaults, providing large-scale battles and strategic challenges.
- No revival after death (weight 0.14): The game features a hardcore mode where there is no revival after death, increasing the challenge.
- Nemesis System (weight 0.1): The Nemesis System is a key feature, allowing for dynamic and personalized enemy relationships.
- Main gameplay involves capturing beasts (weight 0.09): The main gameplay mechanic involves capturing beasts, which is a central activity.
- Unique equipment and skills (weight 0.09): Expansions introduce unique equipment and skills, enhancing character customization and abilities.
- Assassin's Creed style gameplay (weight 0.09): The Baranor expansion features gameplay mechanics similar to Assassin's Creed, offering a different experience.
- More content and achievements (weight 0.09): The combined pack offers more content and achievements, adding value and replayability.
- Parallel storylines in expansions (weight 0.08): Expansions feature parallel storylines, adding depth to the narrative experience.
- New map included in expansions (weight 0.08): Expansions include new maps, providing fresh environments to explore.
- New allies and environmental interactions (weight 0.08): Expansions feature new allies and environmental interactions, adding depth to gameplay.
- Boss fights (weight 0.08): The game includes challenging boss fights, offering significant combat encounters.
- Recruiting orcs in the wild (weight 0.08): Players can help orcs in the wild to make them join their cause, adding a recruitment mechanic.
- Roguelike elements in DLC (weight 0.08): The Ethiopian DLC includes roguelike elements, offering a different gameplay experience.
- Useful talents (weight 0.08): The game features useful talents that enhance character abilities and gameplay strategies.
- Searching bodies for gear (weight 0.08): Baranor needs to search bodies for coin and gear addons, adding a scavenging mechanic to the gameplay.
- Alternative Shelob (weight 0.08): The game features an alternative version of Shelob, providing a unique narrative twist.
- Different gameplay style with 'zenci dayı' (weight 0.08): The game features a different gameplay style with 'zenci dayı', providing variety in gameplay mechanics.
- Flying mechanics (weight 0.08): The game includes flying mechanics, allowing for new ways to traverse and explore the environment.
- Hiring warriors (weight 0.08): Players can hire warriors, adding a strategic element to building their forces.

Performance notes:
- Frequent game crashes (weight 0.18): The game experiences crashing issues, particularly near the end. This significantly disrupts the gameplay experience.
- Long loading times (weight 0.1): Players report extended loading times, which affects the overall gaming experience and flow.

Recommendations:
- Wait for sale prices (weight 0.81): Many reviews suggest that the game is only worth purchasing when it is significantly discounted. Full price is often considered too high for the content provided.
- Definitive Edition preferred (weight 0.36): The Definitive Edition is frequently recommended as the better choice for purchase. It offers more value and content compared to the standard edition.
- Consider bundle purchases (weight 0.35): Buying bundles that include multiple games or all DLCs is often seen as a better deal. These bundles provide more content and better value for money.
- Recommended for fans (weight 0.3): The game is highly recommended for fans of specific series or genres, such as 'Lord of the Rings' or action-adventure RPGs. These players are likely to enjoy the game more.
- Specific DLC recommendations (weight 0.17): Certain DLCs like 'A Desolação de Mordor' and 'Blade of Galadriel' are highlighted for their story and new mechanics, making them worth considering.
- Research before buying (weight 0.1): It is suggested to research the DLCs and watch reviews on platforms like YouTube before making a purchase to ensure it meets your expectations.
- Complete edition pricing (weight 0.1): The Complete Edition is considered a good purchase up to a certain price point, around 30€, offering a comprehensive package.
- Avoid due to technical issues (weight 0.09): Some reviews advise against purchasing due to issues like crashing and poor overall quality, which detract from the gaming experience.

Other player notes:
No miscpoints

Emotions:
- Disappointment (weight 0.3): The Blade of Galadriel DLC is widely criticized for feeling rushed, lacking enjoyable gameplay, and not complementing the main story. Players also express disappointment with the short length of the DLCs, repetitive gameplay, and the high price for the little content offered.
- Excitement (weight 0.2): Players are excited about the new abilities, unique gameplay elements, and engaging storylines introduced in the expansions. The different gameplay mechanics, new characters, and well-designed missions contribute to this enthusiasm.
- Frustration (weight 0.15): Technical issues such as game crashes, long loading times, and installation problems cause significant frustration. Additionally, the dependency on new armor sets and repetitive boss fights add to the players' irritation.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.1): Players are satisfied with the unique characters, different abilities, and new mechanics introduced in the expansions. The Desolation of Mordor expansion, in particular, is praised for its decent quality and new large location.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.08): The varied gameplay, fun characters like Eltariel, and new elements in the expansions contribute to the players' enjoyment. The expansions are found to be interesting and fun to experience.
- Confusion (weight 0.05): Players are confused due to technical issues such as expansion packs not downloading and games not showing up in their library. The lack of localized versions also adds to this confusion.
- Anger (weight 0.03): Corporate greed, particularly with season passes and DLC bundle pricing, is a significant source of anger. Game crashes, especially near the end of the game, further exacerbate this frustration.
- Amusement (weight 0.03): Players find amusement in the humorous elements of the game, such as Dwarven devices and jokes in dialogues. The mention of Chinese characters in Middle-earth also adds to the entertainment.
- Appreciation (weight 0.02): Players appreciate the high-quality music and additional content provided in the game. These elements enhance their overall gaming experience.
- Surprise (weight 0.02): Unexpected events, such as beast attacks in the grass, surprise players. These moments add an element of unpredictability to the gameplay.
- Anticipation (weight 0.02): Players are eagerly anticipating the release of the next game. This excitement is driven by their enjoyment of the current game and its expansions.}