Whoa, where did this game come from..

User Rating: 9 | Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor PC

Shadow of Mordor was a game that I entered in with a 'bargain bin' mentality. I wasn't really expecting anything that fantastic; more so, I was driven primarily by responses that the game was getting from others. I did like LOTR lore, but not necessarily to the point where I would call myself a fan.

Immediately after starting, I saw myself slowly getting addicted to the experience. The formula is rather ingenious actually, and for me personally, it was extremely satisfying. It worked so well, that I actually continued playing well into side quests just so that I could get more powerful. The way the game works is you're thrown into a sandbox where you start out incredibly weak. Getting bullied by orcs is a staple of the first hour, and you're just lusting for vengeance.

The game does a great job delivering just that. Eventually, you'll find yourself grasping for experience points that really do make a difference. By the end game, you're a master manipulator of the world, strong enough to basically do anything you want. Games that allow you to acquire a growing main character, especially one that executes the concept well, are a personal favorite of mine.

Having an interesting main character that didn't make you want to claw your eyes out helped. The voice acting was great, the graphics were strong, and the story made you curious. Altogether, I really did not expect this game to turn out as great as it did, but its effects on me were undeniable.