For a die-hard fan of Tolkien’s world Shadow of War is everything one would desire and more! It’s an open world action role playing game sequel to 2014’s magnum opus Shadow of Mordor. Shadow of War continues the expansive open world environment replete with Orcs and other denizens right out of LOTR lore. The nemesis system which was the unique selling point of the previous game has been revamped and tweaked to make it more efficient.
Plot
The players would once again step in the shoes of protagonist Talion whose body is infused with the spirit of long dead elf lord Celebrimbor. Together the duo travel to mount doom to forge another ring of power minus Sauron’s influence. And here’s where my contention with the plot line begins! Another ring? As if the previous one didn’t create enough turmoil and havoc? Anyways as the ring is completed, Celebrimbor’s spirit is abducted and held hostage by Shelob (yes the giant spider whose lair is on the way to Mordor). Shelob then assigns different tasks which Talion must carry out. Revealing any more of the plot line here would amount to spoiling the game and so on with the other stuff!
New features
The most interesting new feature is the double jump ability which lets player leap across long distances. Players can also change directions midair. This makes life a lot easier while traversing the open world of the game. The encounters with Uruks are most memorable due to the proclivity and quirkiness of each individual Uruk. Its astonishing how no two Uruk leaders look similar or even sound similar! Each one adorns a different armor and sports a different kind of weapon of choice.
Apart from these attributes, each of these leaders come complete with their abilities, strengths and weaknesses which Talion must exploit to his own advantage. As mentioned earlier the nemesis system has been tweaked which allows for incredible amount of new content even after being in game for a week or so. So, its about time that we delve deeper into the Nemesis system itself:
1. The Nemesis System 2.0:
The beating heart of "Shadow of War" is undoubtedly the Nemesis System, an innovative game mechanism that dynamically shapes the world and its inhabitants based on your actions. In the sequel, the Nemesis System has been expanded and refined, offering even greater depth and complexity.
Improved Orc AI: We briefly touched how unique the orcs or the Uruk are but that’s only the tip of the proverbial iceberg. Uruk in this installment are more intelligent and adaptive than ever before, with a wide range of behaviors and personalities. They remember past encounters with the player and react accordingly, forming rivalries, alliances, and vendettas that evolve over time.
For example during a skirmish a minor Uruk chieftain got away but not before incurring grievous wounds that left him disfigured. Further down the line when the same Uruk was encountered again, not only his physical appearance reflected the disfigurement, but he remembered who caused it and held a grudge because of it! Truly amazing to behold such phenomena.
Nemesis Fortresses: One of the most significant additions to the Nemesis System is the introduction of Nemesis Fortresses. These massive strongholds are controlled by powerful Orc overlords and serve as the focal points of the game's fortress assault mechanics.
Conquering Fortresses: Players must build their armies, siege enemy fortresses, and overthrow the ruling overlords to claim dominion over Mordor. Each fortress assault is a strategic endeavor, requiring careful planning, preparation, and execution to emerge victorious.
It wouldn’t be logical if the game mechanics receive such a massive buff but the protagonists in game attributes weren’t given the same treatment. In this department also the Shadow of War doesn’t disappoint and does justice to the high expectations gamers have come to associate with it. Presenting the enhanced skill tree!
2. The Expanded Skill Tree:
"Shadow of War" introduces an expanded skill tree that offers players greater customization and flexibility in shaping their playstyle. With a wide array of new abilities and upgrades to unlock, players can tailor their character to suit their preferred approach to combat and stealth.
Combat Skills: Enhance Talion's combat prowess with new skills and abilities that allow for devastating combos, powerful finishers, and improved defensive maneuvers. From swordplay to archery to mounted combat, there are countless ways to become a master of the battlefield.
Stealth Skills: Embrace the shadows and become a silent predator with a variety of stealth-oriented abilities. Unlock new techniques for infiltration, assassination, and evasion, allowing you to strike from the shadows with deadly precision.
Dominance Skills: Harness the power of the One Ring to dominate and control enemy Orcs, bending them to your will and turning them against their former allies. Use domination abilities to recruit followers, gather intelligence, and sow chaos within enemy ranks.
3. The Ring of Power:
Central to the story of "Shadow of War" is the iconic Ring of Power, which grants Talion new abilities and unlocks unique gameplay mechanics.
Ring Upgrades: As Talion progresses through the game, he can unlock and upgrade various aspects of the Ring of Power, enhancing its potency and unlocking new abilities. These upgrades provide significant bonuses to combat, stealth, and domination, empowering Talion to overcome even the most formidable foes.
Wraith Abilities: Harness the power of the wraith within to unleash devastating attacks and manipulate the world around you. From spectral arrows to shadow strike teleportation, the wraith's abilities are key to navigating the treacherous terrain of Mordor and overcoming its many challenges.
Ring Corruption: However, wielding the power of the Ring comes with a cost. The more Talion relies on its dark power, the greater the risk of corruption, which can have dire consequences for both him and those around him. Players must carefully manage their use of the Ring to avoid succumbing to its corrupting influence.
Army Building and Recruitment:
In "Shadow of War," players have the opportunity to build their own army of Orc followers, each with their own strengths, weaknesses, and personalities.
Recruitment: Using domination abilities, players can recruit enemy Orcs to their cause, turning them into loyal followers who will fight alongside them in battle. Choose wisely, as each Orc has unique traits and abilities that can complement your playstyle and bolster your forces.
Training and Upgrading: Invest in your followers by training them in the art of war and upgrading their abilities. As they gain experience and prove themselves in battle, they will become stronger, more resilient, and more effective in combat.
Command and Conquer: Deploy your army strategically, assigning followers to various missions and tasks throughout Mordor.
Whether it's defending your fortresses from enemy assaults, launching raids on enemy strongholds, or gathering intel on enemy movements, your followers are key to achieving victory on the battlefield.
Game Ambiance:
It’s about time that we discuss another revolutionary aspect of the game which is not only groundbreaking but adds immersion and realism to the in game world.
Dynamic Environments and Weather Systems
Day-Night Cycle: Experience the ever-changing rhythms of day and night as you explore the vast landscapes of Mordor. The passage of time affects enemy behavior, patrol patterns, and the overall atmosphere of the game world, providing new challenges and opportunities with each passing hour. The inclusion of the day and night cycle really breaks the shackles of repetitiveness and monotony that was a mainstay in the games of this genre.
Weather Effects: From swirling sandstorms to torrential downpours, weather effects can have a significant impact on gameplay. Weather can obscure visibility, affect movement speed, and even damage or buff certain abilities, forcing players to adapt their strategies on the fly.
Environmental Hazards: Beware of the dangers that lurk within the environment itself, from treacherous cliffs and ravines to deadly wildlife and natural disasters. Use the terrain to your advantage, leveraging environmental hazards to gain the upper hand in combat and outmaneuver your foes.
Verdict
From the expanded Nemesis System to the dynamic environments and weather systems, every aspect of the game has been meticulously crafted to deliver an unparalleled experience in the land of Mordor. If Shadow of Mordor was awesome, its sequel shadow of war raises the bar even higher for games in this genre. It’s an absolute must play for all fans of Tolkien’s work and works even if you are not a fan!