You probably won't enjoy the first few hours of Shadow of Mordor. In fact I'd guarantee, it because I didn't.

Beautifully crafted world; Enjoyable combat; Densely populated environments

Average story and conclusion; Mimics Assassin's Creed too much

Coming into Shadow of Mordor as someone who isn't into the Middle Earth saga at all, felt a bit odd initially. Other games based around Middle Earth, such as the various Lord of the Rings titles have come across like they are for fans only, with the only exception being the LEGO games.

I've been a fan of J.R.R. Tolkien since I was a boy. The fantastical world he created never disappointed, regardless of the entertainment medium it was presented in. His books kept me awake long into the night and Peter Jackson's film adaptations often left me breathless.

The closest we've come to a proper crack at the Middle-earth license in recent years was 2011's War In The North. Though serviceable enough and chock full of content, Snowblind's action RPG fell short in too many areas despite its apparent ambition.

Fluid combat mechanics; The Nemesis system; Smart stealth gameplay; Great sound work and visuals; Collectibles and side mission integration

Occasional pacing issues

Within the first 30 minutes of playing Shadow of Mordor, its core DNA is clearly apparent. This is a game that doesn't hide its roots; it's not embarrassed about where it has borrowed mechanics from other games that have inspired it.

Setting a new standard for the open-world action game, Shadow of Mordor provides gamers with a thoroughly enjoyable and rewarding experience. The Nemesis system is a satisfying innovation that essentially allows players to create their own boss battles, and player choice has rarely been as...

+ The Nemesis system; + Combat; + Taking control of enemy minds

- The main story campaigns can be a little jarring

The Lord of the Rings trilogy may have come to an end, though the lore of Middle-earth has been revived with the recent Hobbit movies. Games have also been faithfully recreating the fantasy setting, and Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor is the latest one to do so.

Large open world to explore; Responsive battle system

Short single player campaign; Minor slowdown in some parts

With stealth, platforming and similar assets and animations, Monolith's Lord of the Rings title Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor has more than a little Assassin's Creed flavour to it. Its counter and combo focused fighting also echoes the free flowing combat of the Batman: Arkham games.

Reserved on line easy to do and easy to pick up the games great plus it's a good price my boyfriend loves the game

When Talion, one of the last Gondorian Rangers keeping watch at the Black Gate, and his family are brutally executed the night of Sauron's return to Mordor, he awakens to find himself inhabited by an Elvish Wraith, "banished from death" – trapped between the worlds of light and dark – and bound to...