Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor (Xbox One) Review – No Loot Cave, No Problem

Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor doesn't exactly redefine the open world action combat game genre. Its less than memorable story line, repetitive gameplay and the lack of a co-operative mode won't have Shadow of Mordor on many folk's game of the year lists.

Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor review

I'm not exactly what you would call a "Lord of the Rings" enthusiast. I enjoyed the Peter Jackson trilogy and maintain that I read "The Silmarillion" in college -- even if I only understood about 4 percent of it. I am well aware that J.R.R.

Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor is great action game with brilliant enemy design and a smart "nemesis system" that dynamically impacts your play; There's tons to explore and do outside of the main campaign, sure to provide most players with over 20 hours of gameplay

Its controls can occasionally feel wonky and a few camera issues pop up from time to time

Middle-Earth: Shadow of Mordor Review

Dying in Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor isn't the end, apparently. Upon death, time marches on unabated until your return. You are Talion, and you're already dead. In fact you're "banished from death", and that which is dead cannot die, right Game of Thrones fans?

Middle-Earth: Shadow of Mordor review

Despite a myriad of sources to draw from, few games have brought Tolkien's Middle-earth to life. There have been many attempts, from the ZX Spectrum text adventure The Hobbit to endless film tie-ins, but none have quite recreated the spectacle of steel sparking steel, nor the smell of blood and dirt...