Tolkien’s whole Middle-earth thing? Not my cup of tea. Never finished Narnia, Elder Scrolls make me doze off, and the whole “heavily inspired by Tolkien” fantasy trope puts me to sleep faster than a hobbit after elevenses. My one foray into fantasy literature was Spiderwick Chronicles, and even that felt like a chore.

Why the fuck am I here talking about Middle-earth: Shadow of War then? Because this game transcends the typical fantasy trappings. Forget epic lore dumps and forgettable side quests. Shadow of War is all about the gameplay.

Here’s the thing: hack-and-slash combat? Fun. Skill-based puzzles? Even better. But the true star of the game is the nemesis system. This ingenious mechanic creates a dynamic web of relationships between you and the Uruk enemies you encounter. Each Uruk’s captain you fight has strengths, weaknesses, and even personalities. You can choose to dominate them, kill them, or even pit them against each other. These choices have real consequences, shaping the world around you and creating a unique story for every player.

That’s where Shadow of War truly breaks the mold. Unlike telltale games where just dialogue choices matter, Shadow of War weaves its narrative through every action. Every button mash, every strategic domination, adds another layer to your personal story. It’s like playing chess with an army of Uruks, the thrill of combat intertwined with the weight of your decisions.

Sure, dominating Uruks to fight for you, sending them to weaken your enemies—it all seems simple on the surface. But then you realize the moral implications. You’re teetering on the edge of darkness, wielding power in a way that’s… well, not exactly hero material. You might even find yourself becoming a Nazgûl, the very embodiment of the evil you swore to fight.

Shadow of War takes familiar mechanics—hack-and-slash combat, army building—and injects them with a shot of consequence. Every choice you make, from the way you fight to the fate of your Uruk pawns, carries weight. It’s a surprisingly deep and engaging experience, even for someone who wouldn’t know a Balrog from a barrow-wight.

Shadow of War also boasts amazing subplots that feel ripped from the headlines of Mordor’s daily news. We’re talking betrayals, environmental issues colliding with necromancy, and unlikely alliances—all the hallmarks of a great war story, with the fantastical twist of necromancy thrown in for good measure.

Speaking of necromancy, the story of Carnán, the embodiment of Nature, battling Tar Goroth, a nature-defying creature, is an allegory masterpiece. It tackles themes of fatalism, environmental rights, and the struggle for existence, all woven into a story where you get to ride giant wooden Graugs and fire-breathing Drakes. Now, that’s what you called fucking epic!

So, if you’re looking for a game that goes beyond button mashing and offers a unique, player-driven narrative, then step into Mordor. Watch out for those Uruks—they might become your new best (or worst) acquaintances.

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Name	: Middle-earth™: Shadow of War
Year	: 2017
Publisher	: Warner Bros. Games
Verdict	: Highly Recommended