:Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor

File:Shadow of Mordor screenshot.jpg's wraith-like abilities to defeat an enemy boss.]]

Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor is a third-person open world action-adventure video game, where the player controls a ranger by the name of Talion who seeks revenge on the forces of Sauron after his family, consisting of his wife and son, are killed by those that lead them.{{cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2014/10/1/6881161/middle-earth-shadow-of-mordor-torture-terrorism|title='Shadow of Mordor' is morally repulsive and I can't stop playing it|first=Chris|last=Plante|website=The Verge|date=October 1, 2014|access-date=July 29, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150808062339/http://www.theverge.com/2014/10/1/6881161/middle-earth-shadow-of-mordor-torture-terrorism|archive-date=August 8, 2015|url-status=live}} Players can travel across locations in the game through parkour, riding monsters, or accessing Forge Towers, which serve as fast travel points.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.gameinformer.com/games/middle-earth_shadow_of_mordor/b/playstation4/archive/2014/06/13/the-many-awesome-things-we-did-in-shadow-of-mordor.aspx|title=Awesome Things We Did In Shadow Of Mordor|first=Matt|last=Miller|magazine=Game Informer|date=June 13, 2014|access-date=February 11, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161013115344/http://www.gameinformer.com/games/middle-earth_shadow_of_mordor/b/playstation4/archive/2014/06/13/the-many-awesome-things-we-did-in-shadow-of-mordor.aspx|archive-date=October 13, 2016|url-status=dead}} Though Talion is mortally felled in the game's introduction, the wraith of the Elven Lord Celebrimbor is able to use his power to keep Talion alive, along with gifting him wraith-like abilities.{{cite web |url=http://www.vg247.com/2013/11/12/middle-earth-shadow-of-mordor-from-monolith-is-latest-lord-of-the-rings-title/ |title=Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor from Monolith is latest Lord of the Rings title |publisher=VG247 |date=November 12, 2013 |access-date=November 20, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131117080321/http://www.vg247.com/2013/11/12/middle-earth-shadow-of-mordor-from-monolith-is-latest-lord-of-the-rings-title/ |archive-date=November 17, 2013 |url-status=live }} Missions in the game feature main story missions that follow Talion's quest for revenge, side missions that involve following Gollum to find artifacts that are tied to Celebrimbor's past, missions to free the human slaves that have been captured by the Uruk armies and forced to work for Sauron, and additional quests to help forge new abilities for Talion's sword, bow, and dagger.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/games/middle-earth_shadow_of_mordor/b/playstation4/archive/2014/08/13/gollum-will-play-a-key-role-in-middle-earth-shadow-of-mordor-new-trailer.aspx|title=Gollum Will Play A Key Role In Middle-earth: Shadow Of Mordor [New Trailer]|first=Bryan|last=Vore|magazine=Game Informer|date=August 13, 2014|access-date=February 11, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160410060306/http://www.gameinformer.com/games/middle-earth_shadow_of_mordor/b/playstation4/archive/2014/08/13/gollum-will-play-a-key-role-in-middle-earth-shadow-of-mordor-new-trailer.aspx|archive-date=April 10, 2016|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.gamezone.com/reviews/middle-earth-shadow-of-mordor-review-the-precious|title=Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor review: The Precious|first=Lance|last=Liebl|website=GameZone|date=October 4, 2014|access-date=July 29, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925002923/http://www.gamezone.com/reviews/middle-earth-shadow-of-mordor-review-the-precious|archive-date=September 25, 2015|url-status=live}} The player also has the freedom to pursue side quests and roam around Mordor, with special activities to collect specific flora or to hunt certain creatures, or to find old artifacts or Elvish seals.{{cite web|url=http://blog.us.playstation.com/2014/09/25/10-things-you-need-to-know-on-middle-earth-shadow-of-mordor/|title=10 Things You Need to Know on Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor|first=Ryan|last=Clements|website=PlayStation Blog|date=September 25, 2014|access-date=February 11, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160314153330/http://blog.us.playstation.com/2014/09/25/10-things-you-need-to-know-on-middle-earth-shadow-of-mordor/|archive-date=March 14, 2016|url-status=live}}

In completing missions, the player can have Talion engage in melee with freeflow combat, ranged combat, and stealth approaches similar to the Batman: Arkham series, with some missions rewarding the player more for completing the mission in a specific manner.{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/05/19/discover-middle-earth-shadow-of-mordors-weapons-and-runes|title=Discover Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor's Weapons and Runes|first=Luke|last=Karmali|website=IGN|date=May 19, 2014|access-date=July 29, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150801045615/http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/05/19/discover-middle-earth-shadow-of-mordors-weapons-and-runes|archive-date=August 1, 2015|url-status=live}} Talion's ranger abilities are enhanced through Celebrimbor, allowing the player to mix combat with special focus-based attacks; these latter attacks can be used to slow time down while aiming with the bow, drain focus out of an enemy foe, or, later in the game, brand the foe to become an ally of Talion.{{cite web|url=http://www.gamesradar.com/8-things-do-middle-earth-shadow-mordor-you-die/|title=8 things to do in Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor before you die|first=Lucas|last=Sullivan|date=October 1, 2014|access-date=July 29, 2015|website=GamesRadar|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150508015019/http://www.gamesradar.com/8-things-do-middle-earth-shadow-mordor-you-die/|archive-date=May 8, 2015|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.polygon.com/2014/7/31/5954979/middle-earth-shadow-of-mordor-wraith-power-trailer|title=Here's how to make Uruks cry in Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor|first=Alexa|last=Ray Corriea|website=Polygon|date=July 31, 2014|access-date=July 29, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150514202413/http://www.polygon.com/2014/7/31/5954979/middle-earth-shadow-of-mordor-wraith-power-trailer|archive-date=May 14, 2015|url-status=live}} The combat system uses an attack-chain system that enables the player to perform special moves after building the chain to a large enough value, such as instantly draining a foe of focus or performing an area focus attack. With the combat system, they can also counter and dodge attacks.{{cite web|url=https://www.vg247.com/2014/10/08/i-just-dont-get-middle-earth-shadow-of-mordor/|title=I just don't get Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor|first=Brenna|last=Hillier|website=VG247|date=October 8, 2014|access-date=January 11, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151022072754/http://www.vg247.com/2014/10/08/i-just-dont-get-middle-earth-shadow-of-mordor/|archive-date=October 22, 2015|url-status=live}} Stealth is a critical element in some missions; several areas are considered Strongholds and should Talion's presence be discovered, an alarm will sound and more Uruks will arrive to try to kill him.{{cite web|url=http://www.ew.com/article/2014/09/26/middle-earth-shadow-of-mordor-review|title=EW discusses the derivative-yet-original brilliance of 'Shadow of Mordor'|first=Johnathon|last=Dornbush|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|date=September 26, 2014|access-date=February 11, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151109005532/http://www.ew.com/article/2014/09/26/middle-earth-shadow-of-mordor-review|archive-date=November 9, 2015|url-status=live}} Completing quests earns the player a number of rewards: experience points that are used to unlock new abilities for both Talion's ranger and Celebrimbor's wraith skills, a Power value that allows the player to access more powerful abilities to unlock, and an in-game currency called "Mirian" that the player can use to improve Talion's health, wraith skill capacity, or forge new slots on his weapons to add additional runes.{{cite web|url=http://kotaku.com/tips-for-playing-middle-earth-shadow-of-mordor-1640847458|title=Tips For Playing Middle-Earth: Shadow Of Mordor|first=Yannick|last=LeJacq|website=Kotaku|date=September 30, 2014|access-date=February 11, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160217161211/http://kotaku.com/tips-for-playing-middle-earth-shadow-of-mordor-1640847458|archive-date=February 17, 2016|url-status=live}}

A core feature of Shadow of Mordor is the Nemesis system. The game can track any Uruk (a nastier orc, the general antagonists of the game) that the player comes into contact with. While there are "generic" Uruk for the player to fight en masse, and will be as cannon fodder as part of Sauron's armies, the game will begin tracking Uruk that perform any notable talents within the game, such as killing the player or surviving an encounter with the player. These Uruk will be promoted to captains. Defeating these leaders will help to weaken Sauron's army, and these leaders will drop a rune which the player can install on Talion's weapons to provide additional buffs in battle. Alternatively, being killed by a leader will cause the current mission to be cancelled and the player to return to a safe point to continue exploring, and the leader will gain additional power, making him more difficult to defeat in the next encounter.{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-05-22-middle-earth-shadow-of-mordor-promises-plenty-of-strategising-and-accidental-chaos|title=Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor promises plenty of strategising – and accidental chaos|first=Christian|last=Donlan|website=Eurogamer|date=May 22, 2014|access-date=July 29, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150910144438/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-05-22-middle-earth-shadow-of-mordor-promises-plenty-of-strategising-and-accidental-chaos|archive-date=September 10, 2015|url-status=live}} If the procedurally generated Orcs{{cite web|url=https://www.engadget.com/2014/01/23/research-is-a-vehicle-for-revenge-in-middle-earth-shadow-of-mor/|title=Research is a vehicle for revenge in Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor|first=David|last=Hinkle|website=Engadget|date=January 23, 2014|access-date=February 11, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160410022446/http://www.engadget.com/2014/01/23/research-is-a-vehicle-for-revenge-in-middle-earth-shadow-of-mor/|archive-date=April 10, 2016|url-status=live}} survive an encounter with Talion, they will also be promoted. Further, such deaths are tracked through online servers, and the player's friends on the various network services will be notified of this death and be offered the chance to accept a Vendetta mission and exact revenge on the Uruk. If the mission is successful, the game will give rewards to both the original player and the victorious friend.

The leader Uruk will have a range of strengths and weaknesses, the latter that can be exploited in combat to quickly weaken and defeat the leader.{{cite web|url=http://www.gamesradar.com/shadow-mordor-nemesis-system-amazing-how-works/|title=Shadow of Mordor's Nemesis system is amazing—here's how it works|first=Ryan|last=Taljonick|date=August 29, 2014|access-date=July 29, 2015|website=GamesRadar|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150908072958/http://www.gamesradar.com/shadow-mordor-nemesis-system-amazing-how-works/|archive-date=September 8, 2015|url-status=live}} The player can gain knowledge of these through finding intelligence mostly by draining and interrogating specially marked Uruks.{{cite web|url=http://www.usgamer.net/articles/shadow-of-mordor-strategy-guide|title=Middle-Earth Shadow of Mordor Strategy Guide: Executing Captains, Combat Tactics, Best Interrogation Techniques|first=Mike|last=Williams|website=USgamer|date=October 1, 2014|access-date=February 11, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160219221323/http://www.usgamer.net/articles/shadow-of-mordor-strategy-guide|archive-date=February 19, 2016|url-status=live}} Being able to exploit such weaknesses will result in the player acquiring more experience points and better runes.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2014/09/30/shadow-of-mordor-10-beginners-tips.aspx|title=10 Beginner's Tips For Shadow Of Mordor|first=Joe|last=Juba|magazine=Game Informer|date=September 30, 2014|access-date=July 29, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150820092907/http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2014/09/30/shadow-of-mordor-10-beginners-tips.aspx|archive-date=August 20, 2015|url-status=live}} Once the player gains the ability to brand Uruks, they can brand these leaders and convert portions of Sauron's army to their side.{{cite news|url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2014/10/06/shadow-of-mordor-pc-review/|title=Wot I Think Now I've Finished Shadow Of Mordor|first=John|last=Walker|website=Rock Paper Shotgun|date=October 6, 2014|access-date=February 11, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160120003713/https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2014/10/06/shadow-of-mordor-pc-review/|archive-date=January 20, 2016|url-status=live}} At this point, the player can use the Nemesis system to trigger infighting within the Uruk forces which they can then directly participate in, helping to weaken the army further.{{cite web|url=https://venturebeat.com/2014/05/22/a-beautiful-and-brutal-shadow-of-mordor-lets-your-turn-orc-chiefs-against-each-other-hands-on-preview/|title=A beautiful and brutal Shadow of Mordor lets you turn orc chiefs against each other (hands-on preview)|first=Dean|last=Takahashi|date=May 22, 2014|website=VentureBeat|access-date=July 29, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402194336/http://venturebeat.com/2014/05/22/a-beautiful-and-brutal-shadow-of-mordor-lets-your-turn-orc-chiefs-against-each-other-hands-on-preview/|archive-date=April 2, 2015|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Kuchera|first=Ben|date=October 13, 2014|url=http://www.polygon.com/2014/10/13/6970533/shadow-of-mordors-nemesis-system-is-simpler-than-you-think-and-should|title=Shadow of Mordor's Nemesis system is simpler than you think, and should be stolen|website=Polygon|access-date=July 3, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150622104856/http://www.polygon.com/2014/10/13/6970533/shadow-of-mordors-nemesis-system-is-simpler-than-you-think-and-should|archive-date=June 22, 2015|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Stuart|first=Keith|date=February 5, 2015|url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2015/feb/05/shadow-of-mordor-nemesis-system|title=In Shadow of Mordor revenge gets personal|newspaper=The Guardian|access-date=July 3, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150707043812/http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2015/feb/05/shadow-of-mordor-nemesis-system|archive-date=July 7, 2015|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=LeJacq|first=Yannick|date=January 22, 2015|url=http://kotaku.com/shadow-of-mordors-nemesis-system-couldve-been-way-more-1681120649|title=Shadow of Mordor's Nemesis System Could've Been Way More Complex|website=Kotaku|access-date=July 3, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150628080529/http://kotaku.com/shadow-of-mordors-nemesis-system-couldve-been-way-more-1681120649|archive-date=June 28, 2015|url-status=live}} Uruks that survive their encounter with Talion will remember this when Talion combats them again; for example, an Uruk who was thrown into a fire by Talion might want revenge on him for being disfigured.{{cite web|url=http://www.ew.com/article/2014/09/16/middle-earth-shadow-of-mordor-preview|title=Burning questions about 'Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor,' answered|first=Johnathon|last=Dornbush|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|date=September 26, 2014|access-date=February 11, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151109003243/http://www.ew.com/article/2014/09/16/middle-earth-shadow-of-mordor-preview|archive-date=November 9, 2015|url-status=live}}

Shadow of Mordor is based on Tolkien's Middle-earth legendarium and Peter Jackson's movie franchise. The game takes place in the 60-year gap between the events of Tolkien's The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. The family of Talion (voiced and motion captured by Troy Baker), a ranger of Gondor responsible for guarding the Black Gate of Mordor, is killed by the armies of Sauron, but Talion is revived with "wraith-like abilities" and heads into Mordor to exact his revenge. Mordor is not yet a barren wasteland in this story.{{cite web |url=http://games.on.net/2013/11/middle-earth-shadows-of-mordor-is-the-new-lotr-rpg-from-monolith/ |title=Middle-Earth: Shadows of Mordor is the new LotR RPG from Monolith |publisher=games.on.net |access-date=November 20, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140214030311/http://games.on.net/2013/11/middle-earth-shadows-of-mordor-is-the-new-lotr-rpg-from-monolith/ |archive-date=February 14, 2014 |url-status=live }} The player will encounter Gollum (voiced by Liam O'Brien). Talion discovers that the wraith who revived him is Celebrimbor (voiced by Alastair Duncan), the greatest Elven smith master of the Second Age, who also seeks revenge against Sauron.

File:Troy Baker SDCC 2019 (48378614692) (cropped).jpg provided the voice for Talion, the game's protagonist.]]

Talion is a captain of Gondor at the Black Gate of Mordor. His garrison is attacked by Sauron's Uruk forces led by three Black Númenórean captains; the Hammer of Sauron (John DiMaggio), the Tower of Sauron (JB Blanc), and their leader, the Black Hand of Sauron (Nolan North). Talion, his wife Ioreth, and his son, Dirhael, are captured and ritually sacrificed by the Black Hand in an attempt to summon the wraith of the Elf Lord Celebrimbor. However, Celebrimbor (who suffers from amnesia due to his status as a wraith) instead merges with Talion, preventing him from dying alongside his family. Talion and Celebrimbor then depart to uncover Celebrimbor's identity and avenge the death of Talion's family.

Over the course of their travels, Talion and Celebrimbor encounter Gollum multiple times. Gollum possesses the ability to see and speak with Celebrimbor due to his prior contact with the One Ring. Hoping that Celebrimbor might lead him to the One Ring, Gollum leads Celebrimbor to relics of his past, each of which restores parts of his lost memories. Celebrimbor gradually recalls how Sauron, disguised as Annatar, the Lord of Gifts, deceived him into forging the Rings of Power. Celebrimbor ultimately assisted Sauron in forging the One Ring but was able to steal it from him. Celebrimbor proclaimed himself the Bright Lord of Mordor and raised an army of Orcs against Sauron. However, the Ring ultimately betrayed Celebrimbor and returned to Sauron. Sauron then punished Celebrimbor by executing his wife, daughter, and finally, him.

In his search for the Black Hand, Talion allies himself with Hirgon, a ranger deserter who leads a community of Gondorian outcasts choosing to settle in Mordor, and Ratbag the Coward, an Orc who offers to bring Talion closer to the Black Hand in exchange for his assistance in the military hierarchy. Talion helps Ratbag ascend the ranks to the level of warchief by killing each of his immediate superiors, and aids Hirgon in destroying a statue of Sauron. These actions draw out the Hammer of Sauron. After the Hammer decides to execute Ratbag for not killing Talion, Talion confronts and kills the Hammer in combat.

Talion is then sought out by the warrior Lithariel, the daughter of Queen Marwen, who claims to be able to assist Celebrimbor with his mission. Marwen is the ruler of Núrn, a kingdom of sea raiders located in the south of Mordor. She uses prophetic powers to guide Talion and Celebrimbor to another of Celebrimbor's relics. Later, she advises them to use Celebrimbor's powers to take control of an army of Orcs and use them to lead an assault against Sauron. Talion eventually realizes that the wizard Saruman is possessing Marwen, and assists Lithariel in freeing her from his control. Talion, however, still carries out Saruman's plan, leading an army of mind-controlled orcs in an assault against the Black Hand's stronghold at Ered Glamhoth. However, rather than the Black Hand, Talion finds the Tower of Sauron waiting for him. The two battle and Talion emerges victorious after viciously stabbing the Tower to death with his son's sword.

Talion now travels to the Black Gate for a final confrontation with the Black Hand. The Black Hand quickly incapacitates him with a spell that also restores the last of Celebrimbor's memories. He then kills himself as part of a ritual that forces Celebrimbor to depart from Talion and merge with himself. This allows Sauron to possess the Black Hand's body and incarnate in physical form. However, Celebrimbor is able to briefly paralyze Sauron from within, allowing Talion to destroy Sauron's physical form. With the Black Hand dead, Celebrimbor wishes to depart for Valinor. Talion instead convinces him to stay and attempt to overthrow Sauron. Gazing at Mount Doom, Talion declares his intention to forge a new Ring of Power.

Development of Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor, which took about three years, began in late 2011.{{cite web|title=Shadow of Mordor Dev Made "Some Pretty Big And Painful Cuts"|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/shadow-of-mordor-dev-made-some-pretty-big-and-pain/1100-6424827/|first=Eddie|last=Makuch|website=GameSpot|date=January 22, 2015|access-date=July 30, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150708043447/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/shadow-of-mordor-dev-made-some-pretty-big-and-pain/1100-6424827/|archive-date=July 8, 2015|url-status=live}} The game's lead developer was Monolith Productions, who had experience on a Middle-earth game with Guardians of Middle-earth (a multiplayer online battle arena game released in 2012). According to design director Michael de Plater, Shadow of Mordor was developed in parallel with Guardians of Middle-earth but handled by a separate team. It was published by Warner Bros., who had published the Batman: Arkham game series.{{cite web |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/11/12/middle-earth-shadow-of-mordor-announced |title=Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor Announced |publisher=IGN |date=November 12, 2013 |access-date=November 20, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131118215713/http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/11/12/middle-earth-shadow-of-mordor-announced |archive-date=November 18, 2013 |url-status=live }}{{cite web|url=http://uk.ign.com/articles/2014/02/20/why-lord-of-the-rings-fans-should-be-excited-for-shadow-of-mordor|title=Why Lord of the Rings Fans Should Be Excited for Shadow of Mordor|date=February 20, 2014|access-date=July 25, 2015}} The game was designed by de Plater, who had worked with Creative Assembly on Rome: Total War and Ubisoft on Tom Clancy's EndWar and Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon: Future Soldier.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2013/11/18/freedom-in-mordor-middle-earth-39-s-next-level-sandbox.aspx|title=Freedom In Mordor: Middle-earth's Next-Level Sandbox|first=Ben|last=Hanson|magazine=Game Informer|date=November 18, 2013|access-date=July 25, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151219035522/http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2013/11/18/freedom-in-mordor-middle-earth-39-s-next-level-sandbox.aspx|archive-date=December 19, 2015|url-status=live}}

File:Middle-Earth Shadow of Mordor Nemesis System.jpg

Shadow of Mordor was Monolith's first third-person open-world video game, and de Plater considered its development an educational experience for the studio.{{cite web|url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/audio/postmortem-monolith-productions-i-middle-earth-shadow-of-mordor-i-|title=Postmortem: Monolith Productions' Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor|first=Michael|last=de Plater|website=Gamasutra|date=January 20, 2015|access-date=July 25, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150805173750/http://gamasutra.com/view/news/234421/Postmortem_Monolith_Productions_Middleearth_Shadow_of_Mordor.php|archive-date=August 5, 2015|url-status=live}} In Monolith's introduction to the genre, many core mechanics were built from scratch and the studio were inspired by successful video games such as the Batman: Arkham series created by Rocksteady Studios; those games inspired Shadow of Mordor{{'s}} stealth and free-flow combat mechanics.{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/shadow-of-mordor-director-discusses-assassin-s-creed-copycat-claims/1100-6419812/|title=Shadow of Mordor director discusses Assassin's Creed copycat claims|first=Martin|last=Gaston|website=GameSpot|date=May 22, 2014|access-date=July 25, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150731042806/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/shadow-of-mordor-director-discusses-assassin-s-creed-copycat-claims/1100-6419812/|archive-date=July 31, 2015|url-status=live}} The studio considered Rocksteady's games good examples of how to handle a licensed title. In 2019, it was revealed that Monolith had worked on a standalone Batman video game based on the Dark Knight trilogy of films made by Christopher Nolan.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/gamer-culture/2019/07/28/shadow-of-mordor-was-once-a-batman-game|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190729000838/https://www.gameinformer.com/gamer-culture/2019/07/28/shadow-of-mordor-was-once-a-batman-game|url-status=live|archive-date=July 29, 2019|title=Shadow Of Mordor Was Once A Batman Game|first=Elise|last=Favis|magazine=Game Informer|date=July 28, 2019|access-date=April 6, 2024}} The studio had to cancel the project, codenamed Apollo, after one-and-a-half year of development, though elements from that game, such as the nemesis system, were reused in Shadow of Mordor.{{cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/more-footage-for-batman-game-that-became-shadow-of-mordor-surfaces-online/1100-6522392/|title=More(dor) Batman Footage For Game That Became Shadow Of Mordor Surfaces Online|first=Darryn|last=Bonthuys|date=April 4, 2024|accessdate=April 6, 2024|work=GameSpot}}

The game's signature feature is its Nemesis system. Its origins came from management in WB Games in the early 2010s, seeing that past single-player games like Batman: Arkham Asylum had great initial first sales, but which failed to capture revenue from second-hand sales. WB Games tried other experiments across its studios, such as with downloadable content that could only be activated only once in Batman: Arkham City. For Monolith, their goal was to make a gameplay element that would lead players to keep the game disc within their library rather than seek second-hand sales.{{cite web | url = https://www.pcgamer.com/gaming-industry/shadow-of-mordors-beloved-nemesis-system-exists-because-the-publisher-threw-a-tantrum-about-second-hand-sales/ | title = Shadow of Mordor's beloved nemesis system exists because the publisher threw a tantrum about second-hand sales | first = Jody | last = Macgregor | date = March 23, 2025 | accessdate = March 23, 2025 | work = PC Gamer }} The team wanted to create a system which allows non-playable characters to respond to player's actions, creating personal stories for each player and making otherwise nameless Orcs in the game memorable and unique, such that players would not want to part with the game. The system's idea was frameworked three months after development began. It was made more complex during the game's early development, incorporating personal relationships among Orcs, but was later pared down when the studio considered it too complicated. The Nemesis system was also inspired by pen-and-paper role-playing games. Although most Orcs are similar, some were designed with distinctive behavior patterns. These Orcs have dialogue written by Dan Abnett.{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/shadow-of-mordor-s-nemesis-system-was-inspired-by-/1100-6423740/|title=Shadow of Mordor's Nemesis System Was Inspired by Batman and Sports Games|first=Alexa|last=Ray Corriea|website=GameSpot|date=November 22, 2014|access-date=July 25, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150705050649/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/shadow-of-mordor-s-nemesis-system-was-inspired-by-/1100-6423740/|archive-date=July 5, 2015|url-status=live}} The team also hoped that the system would provide tension and competition, similar to a multiplayer game. The studio was inspired by sports games, where the narrative continues even when players lose a match.{{cite web|url=http://www.pcgamer.com/shadow-of-mordors-nemesis-system-inspired-by-multiplayer-sports/|title=Shadow of Mordor's Nemesis system inspired by multiplayer, sports|first=Christopher|last=Livington|website=PC Gamer|date=February 5, 2015|access-date=July 25, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150711204148/http://www.pcgamer.com/shadow-of-mordors-nemesis-system-inspired-by-multiplayer-sports/|archive-date=July 11, 2015|url-status=live}} This can prevent immersion and narrative from breaking when the player characters die in the game. The system is designed so players can emotionally attach to the protagonist through gameplay drama,{{cite web|url=http://www.polygon.com/2014/8/29/6080255/middle-earth-shadow-of-mordor-revenge|title=How Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor turned me into a vengeful psychopath|first=Megan|last=Farokhmanesh|website=Polygon|date=August 29, 2014|access-date=July 25, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141224032342/http://www.polygon.com/2014/8/29/6080255/middle-earth-shadow-of-mordor-revenge|archive-date=December 24, 2014|url-status=live}} while enabling players to create their own villain, leading to a more organic story.{{cite web|url=http://www.polygon.com/a/e3-2014/middle-earth-shadow-of-mordor|title=In Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor, villains take center stage|first=Colin|last=Campbell|website=Polygon|date=June 14, 2014|access-date=March 28, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160318050825/http://www.polygon.com/a/e3-2014/middle-earth-shadow-of-mordor|archive-date=March 18, 2016|url-status=live}}

The game has a standalone plot. Early in development, the team consulted Peter Jackson, director of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit film trilogies, who advised them against a film tie-in. To prevent inaccuracies, Monolith consulted several Tolkien scholars from Warner Bros. and collaborated with Wētā Workshop (Jackson's design company) on the game's special effects and scenery.{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/lord-of-the-rings-prequel-shadow-of-mordor-is-not-a-movie-game/1100-6417287/|title=Lord of the Rings prequel Shadow of Mordor is "not a movie game"|first=Eddie|last=Makuch|website=GameSpot|date=January 23, 2014|access-date=August 1, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150718050040/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/lord-of-the-rings-prequel-shadow-of-mordor-is-not-a-movie-game/1100-6417287/|archive-date=July 18, 2015|url-status=live}} To depict well-known characters the company partnered with Middle-earth Enterprises, the franchise-rights holder, to prevent misuse and contradiction between the game's story and Tolkien's.{{cite web|url=https://venturebeat.com/2014/09/19/how-middle-earth-shadow-of-mordor-stays-true-to-tolkiens-fantasy-universe/|title=How Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor stays true to Tolkien's fantasy universe|first=Giancarlo|last=Valdes|website=VentureBeat|date=September 19, 2014|access-date=July 25, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150618064055/http://venturebeat.com/2014/09/19/how-middle-earth-shadow-of-mordor-stays-true-to-tolkiens-fantasy-universe/|archive-date=June 18, 2015|url-status=live}} The game was written by Christian Cantamessa, who was lead writer and lead designer for Red Dead Redemption.{{cite web |last=Purchese |first=Robert |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2013-11-13-shadow-of-mordor-sounds-like-arkham-batman-games |title=Shadow of Mordor sounds like Arkham Batman games |website=Eurogamer |date=November 13, 2013 |access-date=November 20, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131116131615/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2013-11-13-shadow-of-mordor-sounds-like-arkham-batman-games |archive-date=November 16, 2013 |url-status=live }} According to the team, the story was designed to be accessible for all players regardless of their familiarity with the franchise. Its protagonist is Talion, a half-human, half-wraith inspired by Boromir.{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/shadow-of-mordor-has-only-scratched-the-surface-of/1100-6424332/|title=Shadow of Mordor Has 'Only Scratched the Surface' of Monolith's Middle-earth|first=Alexa|last=Ray Corriea|website=GameSpot|date=December 20, 2014|access-date=July 25, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150728013227/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/shadow-of-mordor-has-only-scratched-the-surface-of/1100-6424332/|archive-date=July 28, 2015|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2014/10/real-human-beings-shadow-of-mordor-watch-dogs-and.html|title=Real Human Beings: Shadow of Mordor, Watch Dogs|first=Austin|last=Walker|website=Paste Magazine|date=October 10, 2014|access-date=July 25, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150804122616/http://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2014/10/real-human-beings-shadow-of-mordor-watch-dogs-and.html|archive-date=August 4, 2015|url-status=live}} Although Torvin was originally proposed as a playable character, the idea was scrapped.{{cite web|url=http://www.polygon.com/2014/10/30/7098625/shadow-of-mordor-story-dlc-lord-of-the-hunt|title=Shadow of Mordor's Dwarven hunter was inspired by Wolverine and 'Jaws'|first=Alexa|last=Ray Corriea|website=Polygon|date=October 30, 2014|access-date=July 25, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150627134839/http://www.polygon.com/2014/10/30/7098625/shadow-of-mordor-story-dlc-lord-of-the-hunt|archive-date=June 27, 2015|url-status=live}} The development team picked Celebrimbor as the wraith because they considered his backstory sufficiently interesting to expand the canon's authenticity, allowing the team to write a story around power (a major theme of the game).{{cite web|url=http://www.polygon.com/2014/7/25/5937095/shadow-of-mordors-wraith-is-the-ring-forger-himself-celebrimbor|title=Shadow of Mordor's Wraith is the ring forger himself, Celebrimbor|first=Tracey|last=Lien|website=Polygon|date=July 25, 2014|access-date=July 25, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150716215713/http://www.polygon.com/2014/7/25/5937095/shadow-of-mordors-wraith-is-the-ring-forger-himself-celebrimbor|archive-date=July 16, 2015|url-status=live}} The team hired David Salo, a linguist who worked on Tolkien's languages for the Lord of the Rings film trilogy, to develop the Orcs' Black Speech. The game's narrative was also inspired by BioShock, which according to de Plater, has successfully incorporated systemic stories with players' choices.

Shadow of Mordor bridges the gap between The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, with the team wanting to show iconic elements of the universe in an original way. The team had to draw notes on Tolkien's notes and appendices to ensure that their vision for the game would not change the franchise's timeline. Although the game's environment is inspired by the books and films, several places (such as Udûn and the Sea of Nurnen) were re-imagined. Art director Phil Straub considered consistency with the lore and presenting "something visually new" and realistic the most important elements of creating the game. To depict volcanic activity, the studio sent a team to Eastern Washington and the Columbia River plateau to photograph a volcano;{{cite magazine|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2013/11/27/crafting-the-black-lands-the-art-of-shadow-of-mordor.aspx|title=Crafting The Black Lands: The Art Of Shadow Of Mordor|first=Tim|last=Turi|magazine=Game Informer|date=November 27, 2013|access-date=July 25, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150118034720/http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2013/11/27/crafting-the-black-lands-the-art-of-shadow-of-mordor.aspx|archive-date=January 18, 2015|url-status=live}} and studied photos of Iceland and New Zealand and yellow stone found worldwide.{{cite web|url=http://www.pcgamer.com/shadow-of-mordor-interview/|title=Shadow of Mordor interview: lore, exploration and keeping up appearances|first=Shaun|last=Prescott|date=September 19, 2015|access-date=July 25, 2015|website=PC Gamer|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150711195609/http://www.pcgamer.com/shadow-of-mordor-interview/|archive-date=July 11, 2015|url-status=live}} Since Shadow of Mordor is set before The Lord of the Rings, its landscape is less post-apocalyptic; environments also vary by weather, lighting and atmosphere.

The music for Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor was composed by Garry Schyman and Nathan Grigg, and a soundtrack album was released digitally by WaterTower Music on September 30, 2014.{{cite web |url=http://www.watertower-music.com/releases_spotlight.php?search=WTM39612_shadow |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141009185913/http://www.watertower-music.com/releases_spotlight.php?search=WTM39612_shadow |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 9, 2014 |title=Middle Earth: Shadow of Mordor – Official Video Game Score |publisher=WaterTower Music |access-date=September 30, 2014 }} In designing the game's music, the team used a number of sonic tools which synchronize with other aspects of the game (such as player actions and enemy movements); combat music included waterphones and spring drums.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2013/11/29/the-secret-behind-shadow-of-mordor-39-s-rhythmic-combat.aspx|title=The Secret Behind Shadow Of Mordor's Rhythmic Combat|first=Ben|last=Hanson|date=November 29, 2013|access-date=July 25, 2015|magazine=Game Informer|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150119043729/http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2013/11/29/the-secret-behind-shadow-of-mordor-39-s-rhythmic-combat.aspx|archive-date=January 19, 2015|url-status=live}}

In August 2013 an artist mentioned that Monolith Productions was working on a AAA title separate from Guardians of Middle-earth. The game was officially unveiled on November 12.{{cite web |url=http://www.vg247.com/2013/08/15/lord-of-the-rings-hints-suggests-new-triple-a-game-in-development/ |title=Lord of the Rings: hints suggests new triple-A game in development |publisher=VG247 |date=August 15, 2013 |access-date=November 20, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131117075924/http://www.vg247.com/2013/08/15/lord-of-the-rings-hints-suggests-new-triple-a-game-in-development/ |archive-date=November 17, 2013 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last=Koch |first=Cameron |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2013/11/12/december-2013-shadow-of-mordor-67498.aspx |title=December Cover – Middle-earth: Shadow Of Mordor – News |publisher=Game Informer |date=November 12, 2013 |access-date=November 20, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131121075952/http://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2013/11/12/december-2013-shadow-of-mordor-67498.aspx |archive-date=November 21, 2013 |url-status=live }} Although the game was originally scheduled for release on October 7, 2014, according to Warner Bros. its release was moved up to September 30 in North America and October 3 in the United Kingdom due to "fans' excitement".{{cite web|url=http://www.destructoid.com/middle-earth-shadow-of-mordor-set-for-release-on-october-7-272770.phtml|title=Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor set for release on October 7|first=Alessandro|last=Fillari42|website=Destructoid|date=April 2, 2015|access-date=July 25, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305150845/http://www.destructoid.com/middle-earth-shadow-of-mordor-set-for-release-on-october-7-272770.phtml|archive-date=March 5, 2016|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.engadget.com/2014/07/25/middle-earth-shadow-of-mordor-releasing-early/|title=One does not simply move up the Shadow of Mordor release date (but WB did)|first=Sinan|last=Kubba|website=Joystiq|date=July 25, 2014|access-date=July 25, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200123132701/https://www.engadget.com/2014/07/25/middle-earth-shadow-of-mordor-releasing-early/|archive-date=January 23, 2020|url-status=live}} The PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions were released on November 18 in North America and November 21 in Europe.{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-09-09-ps3-and-xbox-360-middle-earth-shadow-of-mordor-delayed|title=PS3 and Xbox 360 Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor delayed|first=Wesley|last=Yin-Poole|website=Eurogamer|date=September 9, 2014|access-date=July 25, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150911225523/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-09-09-ps3-and-xbox-360-middle-earth-shadow-of-mordor-delayed|archive-date=September 11, 2015|url-status=live}} Monolith focused on developing the game's PlayStation 4 and Xbox One versions, with development of the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions outsourced to Behaviour Interactive.{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/02/20/middle-earth-shadow-of-mordor-focused-on-ps4-and-xbox-one|title=Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor 'Focused On PlayStation 4 And Xbox One|first=Luke|last=Karmali|website=IGN|date=February 20, 2014|access-date=July 25, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150106052210/http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/02/20/middle-earth-shadow-of-mordor-focused-on-ps4-and-xbox-one|archive-date=January 6, 2015|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.videogamer.com/xbox360/middleearth_shadow_of_mordor/news/behaviour_interactive_developing_360_ps3_middle-earth_shadow_of_mordor.html|title=Behaviour Interactive developing 360/PS3 Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor|first=David|last=Scammell|date=June 16, 2015|access-date=July 25, 2015|website=VideoGamer.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924141213/http://www.videogamer.com/xbox360/middleearth_shadow_of_mordor/news/behaviour_interactive_developing_360_ps3_middle-earth_shadow_of_mordor.html|archive-date=September 24, 2015|url-status=live}} Although the gameplay and story are unchanged in the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 ports, some features (such as the Nemesis system) are less complex than the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One versions. According to the game's developer, the Nemesis system was too large for older consoles.{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/one-of-shadow-of-mordor-s-most-ambitious-features-scaled-back-for-xbox-360-ps3/1100-6417861/|title=One of Shadow of Mordor's most ambitious features scaled back for Xbox 360/PS3|first=Eddie|last=Makuch|date=February 20, 2014|publisher=GameSpot|access-date=July 3, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150625043831/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/one-of-shadow-of-mordor-s-most-ambitious-features-scaled-back-for-xbox-360-ps3/1100-6417861/|archive-date=June 25, 2015|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=LeJacq|first=Yannick|date=November 18, 2014|url=http://kotaku.com/shadow-of-mordor-is-way-less-fun-on-old-consoles-1660387779|title=Shadow of Mordor Is Way Less Fun On Old Consoles|website=Kotaku|access-date=July 3, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150712084046/http://kotaku.com/shadow-of-mordor-is-way-less-fun-on-old-consoles-1660387779|archive-date=July 12, 2015|url-status=live}}

On December 16, 2014, the downloadable content (DLC) Lord of the Hunt was released. Its storyline revolved around Torvin, and it included new runes, skins and bosses.{{cite web|url=http://www.pcgamer.com/shadow-of-mordor-lord-of-the-hunt-dlc-pack-adds-new-warchiefs-and-mounts/|title=Shadow of Mordor 'Lord of the Hunt' DLC pack adds new warchiefs and mounts|first=Shaun|last=Prescott|website=PC Gamer|date=December 17, 2014|access-date=January 13, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150104095818/http://www.pcgamer.com/shadow-of-mordor-lord-of-the-hunt-dlc-pack-adds-new-warchiefs-and-mounts/|archive-date=January 4, 2015|url-status=live}} Lord of the Hunt received mixed reviews from critics.{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/middle-earth-shadow-of-mordor-lord-of-the-hunt/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-4|title=Middle-Earth: Shadow of Mordor – Lord of the Hunt for PC reviews|website=Metacritic|publisher=CBS Interactive|date=January 13, 2015|access-date=January 13, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141227224124/http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-4/middle-earth-shadow-of-mordor---lord-of-the-hunt|archive-date=December 27, 2014|url-status=live}} The final DLC for Shadow of Mordor, titled The Bright Lord, is set 3,000 years before the main campaign and allows players to control Talion's companion, Celebrimbor.{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2015/02/19/fight-the-dark-lord-sauron-in-middle-earth-shadow-of-mordor-the-bright-lord-dlc|title=Fight the Dark Lord Sauron in Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor The Bright Lord DLC|first=Cassidee|last=Moser|website=IGN|date=February 19, 2015|access-date=February 20, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150220015809/http://www.ign.com/articles/2015/02/19/fight-the-dark-lord-sauron-in-middle-earth-shadow-of-mordor-the-bright-lord-dlc|archive-date=February 20, 2015|url-status=live}} It adds a chapter to Shadow of Mordor in which players can complete ten more missions and fight Sauron.{{cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2015/2/24/8099943/middle-earth-shadow-of-mordor-sauron-dlc|title=You can finally fight Sauron in Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor|date=February 24, 2015|website=The Verge|access-date=November 16, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170109204308/http://www.theverge.com/2015/2/24/8099943/middle-earth-shadow-of-mordor-sauron-dlc|archive-date=January 9, 2017|url-status=live}} The content was released on February 24, 2015, for PlayStation 4, Windows, and Xbox One.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2015/02/24/middle-earth-shadow-of-mordor-bright-lord-dlc-available-today-for-current-gen-pc.aspx|title=Middle-earth: Shadow Of Mordor Bright Lord DLC Available Today For Current-Gen, PC|first=Mike|last=Futter|magazine=Game Informer|date=February 24, 2015|access-date=February 24, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150226163928/http://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2015/02/24/middle-earth-shadow-of-mordor-bright-lord-dlc-available-today-for-current-gen-pc.aspx|archive-date=February 26, 2015|url-status=live}} A Game of the Year edition with DLC was announced on April 29, 2015, and released on May 5 for PlayStation 4, Windows, and Xbox One.{{cite web|url=http://www.gamezone.com/news/middle-earth-shadow-of-mordor-game-of-the-year-edition-announced-3416010|title=Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor Game of the Year Edition announced|first=Matt|last=Liebi|website=GameZone|date=April 29, 2015|access-date=July 28, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925002517/http://www.gamezone.com/news/middle-earth-shadow-of-mordor-game-of-the-year-edition-announced-3416010|archive-date=September 25, 2015|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.hardcoregamer.com/2015/05/05/middle-earth-shadow-of-mordor-game-of-the-year-edition-available-now/147241/|title=Middle-Earth: Shadow of Mordor Game of the Year Edition Available Now|first=Kevin|last=Dunsmore|date=May 5, 2015|access-date=July 28, 2015|website=Hardcore Gamer|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150506124322/http://www.hardcoregamer.com/2015/05/05/middle-earth-shadow-of-mordor-game-of-the-year-edition-available-now/147241/|archive-date=May 6, 2015|url-status=live}} A special edition, with in-game items and a steelbook, was introduced on August 1.{{cite web|url=http://www.videogamer.com/ps4/middleearth_shadow_of_mordor/news/middle-earth_shadow_of_mordor_special_edition_revealed.html|title=Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor Special Edition revealed|first=David|last=Scammell|date=August 1, 2015|access-date=July 28, 2015|website=VideoGamer.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923202027/http://www.videogamer.com/ps4/middleearth_shadow_of_mordor/news/middle-earth_shadow_of_mordor_special_edition_revealed.html|archive-date=September 23, 2015|url-status=live}}

Shadow of Mordor{{'s}} online servers were shuttered on January 12, 2021, and a final update for the game removed some features that were tied to this, including the game's Vendetta system and leaderboards. However, in-game achievements tied to these elements were modified to still be achievable or were awarded automatically to players after starting the game following the update.{{cite web | url = https://www.pcgamesn.com/middle-earth-shadow-of-mordor/servers-shut-down | title = Shadow of Mordor's servers have shut down, but the final update means you can keep playing | first = Ian | last = Bourdeau | date = January 13, 2021 | access-date = January 13, 2021 | work = PCGamesN | archive-date = January 13, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210113212002/https://www.pcgamesn.com/middle-earth-shadow-of-mordor/servers-shut-down | url-status = live }}

Warner Bros. patented the Nemesis system with the United States Patent & Trademark Office granting the patent in February 2021.{{cite web | url = https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2021-01-30-warner-bros-is-trying-to-patent-middle-earth-shadow-of-mordors-nemesis-system | title = Warner Bros is trying to patent Middle-Earth: Shadow of Mordor's Nemesis system | first = Wesley | last = Yin-Poole | date = September 30, 2021 | access-date = January 20, 2021 | work = Eurogamer | archive-date = January 30, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210130185320/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2021-01-30-warner-bros-is-trying-to-patent-middle-earth-shadow-of-mordors-nemesis-system | url-status = live }}{{cite web | url = https://www.ign.com/articles/wb-games-nemesis-system-patent-was-approved-this-week-after-multiple-attempts | title = WB Games' Nemesis System Patent Was Approved This Week After Multiple Attempts | first = Jon | last = Ryan | date = February 5, 2021 | access-date = February 5, 2021 | work = IGN | archive-date = October 27, 2022 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20221027142853/https://www.ign.com/articles/wb-games-nemesis-system-patent-was-approved-this-week-after-multiple-attempts | url-status = live }}{{cite patent | country = US | number = 2016279522 | status = application | title = Nemesis characters, nemesis forts, social vendettas and followers in computer games | assign1 = Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment | pubdate = September 29, 2016 }}

{{Video game reviews

| MC = XONE: 87/100{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/middle-earth-shadow-of-mordor/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-one |title=Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor for Xbox One Reviews |website=Metacritic |publisher=CBS Interactive |access-date=September 25, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140916024617/http://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-one/middle-earth-shadow-of-mordor |archive-date=September 16, 2014 |url-status=live}}
PC: 84/100{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/middle-earth-shadow-of-mordor/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |title=Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor for PC Reviews |website=Metacritic |publisher=CBS Interactive |access-date=September 25, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140916041412/http://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/middle-earth-shadow-of-mordor |archive-date=September 16, 2014 |url-status=live}}
PS4: 84/100{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/middle-earth-shadow-of-mordor/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-4 |title=Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor for PlayStation 4 Reviews |website=Metacritic |publisher=CBS Interactive |access-date=September 25, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140927063225/http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-4/middle-earth-shadow-of-mordor |archive-date=September 27, 2014 |url-status=live}}

| Destruct = 6/10{{cite web |last=Carter |first=Chris |date=September 25, 2014 |url=http://www.destructoid.com/review-middle-earth-shadow-of-mordor-281235.phtml |title=Review: Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor |publisher=Destructoid |access-date=September 25, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140926215725/http://www.destructoid.com/review-middle-earth-shadow-of-mordor-281235.phtml |archive-date=September 26, 2014 |url-status=live }}

| EuroG = 8/10{{cite web |last=Wilson |first=Aoife |date=September 26, 2014 |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-09-26-middle-earth-shadow-of-mordor-review |title=Middle-Earth: Shadow of Mordor review |publisher=Eurogamer |access-date=September 26, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140926104239/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-09-26-middle-earth-shadow-of-mordor-review |archive-date=September 26, 2014 |url-status=live }}

| GI = 8.25/10{{cite web |last=Miller |first=Matt |date=September 25, 2014 |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/games/middle-earth_shadow_of_mordor/b/playstation4/archive/2014/09/25/middle-earth-shadow-of-mordor-game-informer-review.aspx |title=Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor: Emergent Action Evolves |publisher=Game Informer |access-date=September 25, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140926205128/http://www.gameinformer.com/games/middle-earth_shadow_of_mordor/b/playstation4/archive/2014/09/25/middle-earth-shadow-of-mordor-game-informer-review.aspx |archive-date=September 26, 2014 |url-status=live }}

| GRadar = {{Rating|4.5|5}}{{cite web |last=Sullivan |first=Lucas |date=September 25, 2014 |url=http://www.gamesradar.com/middle-earth-shadow-mordor-review/ |title=Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor review |publisher=GamesRadar |access-date=September 25, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140927044846/http://www.gamesradar.com/middle-earth-shadow-mordor-review/ |archive-date=September 27, 2014 |df=mdy-all }}

| GSpot = 8/10{{cite web |last=VanOrd |first=Kevin |date=September 25, 2014 |url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/middle-earth-shadow-of-mordor-review/1900-6415884/ |title=Middle-Earth: Shadow of Mordor review |publisher=GameSpot |access-date=September 25, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140926204248/http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/middle-earth-shadow-of-mordor-review/1900-6415884/ |archive-date=September 26, 2014 |url-status=live }}

| GT = 8.7/10{{cite web |last=Jones |first=Brandon |date=September 26, 2014 |url=http://www.gametrailers.com/reviews/7g7edx/middle-earth--shadow-of-mordor-review |title=Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor – Review |publisher=GameTrailers |access-date=September 26, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140929050440/http://www.gametrailers.com/reviews/7g7edx/middle-earth--shadow-of-mordor-review |archive-date=September 29, 2014 |url-status=live }}

| GB = {{Rating|5|5}}{{cite web |last=Shoemaker |first=Brad |date=September 30, 2014 |url=http://www.giantbomb.com/reviews/middle-earth-shadow-of-mordor-review/1900-673/ |title=Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor Review |publisher=Giant Bomb |access-date=September 30, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141002155028/http://www.giantbomb.com/reviews/middle-earth-shadow-of-mordor-review/1900-673/ |archive-date=October 2, 2014 |url-status=live }}

| IGN = 9.3/10{{cite web |last=Stapleton |first=Dan |date=September 25, 2014 |url=http://uk.ign.com/articles/2014/09/26/middle-earth-shadow-of-mordor-review |title=Shadow of Mordor review: Kicking ass and Tolkien Names |work=IGN |access-date=September 25, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129083359/http://uk.ign.com/articles/2014/09/26/middle-earth-shadow-of-mordor-review |archive-date=November 29, 2014 |url-status=live }}

| Joystiq = {{Rating|5|5}}{{cite web |last=Sliwinski |first=Alexander |date=September 26, 2014 |url=http://www.joystiq.com/2014/09/26/middle-earth-shadow-of-mordor-review-my-precioussss/ |title=Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor review: My precioussss |publisher=Joystiq |access-date=September 26, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140926072608/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/09/26/middle-earth-shadow-of-mordor-review-my-precioussss/ |archive-date=September 26, 2014 |url-status=live }}

| PCGUS = 85/100{{cite web |last=Johnson |first=Leif |date=September 29, 2014 |url=http://www.pcgamer.com/middleearth-shadow-of-mordor-review/ |title=Middle-Earth: Shadow of Mordor review |publisher=PC Gamer |access-date=September 29, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141003020951/http://www.pcgamer.com/middleearth-shadow-of-mordor-review/ |archive-date=October 3, 2014 |url-status=live }}

| Poly = 9.5/10{{cite web |last=Kollar |first=Philip |date=September 26, 2014 |url=http://www.polygon.com/2014/9/26/6254177/middle-earth-shadow-of-mordor-review-lord-of-the-rings-ps4-xbox-one |title=Middle-Earth: Shadow of Mordor review: All Those Who Wander |publisher=Polygon |access-date=September 26, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140926085551/http://www.polygon.com/2014/9/26/6254177/middle-earth-shadow-of-mordor-review-lord-of-the-rings-ps4-xbox-one |archive-date=September 26, 2014 |url-status=live }}

| award1Pub = Game Developers Choice Awards

| award1 = Game of the Year

| award2Pub = GameSpot

| award2 = Game of the Year

| award3Pub = Giant Bomb

| award3 = Game of the Year

| award4Pub = Joystiq

| award4 = Game of the Year

}}

Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor received "generally favorable" reviews, according to review aggregator Metacritic.

The Nemesis system was praised by critics. According to Lucas Sullivan of GamesRadar, the system elevated Shadow of Mordor to excellence by making its villains memorable and adding personality to its protagonist. Brad Shoemaker of Giant Bomb wrote that the system created many distinctive characters and its side content extended the game's longevity. Joystiq's Alexander Sliwinski said that the system made each playthrough unique and made the game stand out from other action games. Chris Carter of Destructoid found the system gimmicky, since it failed to create unique villains; it added different appearances and weaknesses to villains without adding personality.

Shadow of Mordor{{'s}} combat was considered excellent by most critics. Shoemaker and Sliwinski compared it to the rhythm-based combat system of the Batman: Arkham game series; both found it engaging and fluid. Shoemaker praised the game's combat variety; the combination of the combat and nemesis systems created "a specific kind of chaotic, emergent nonsense" desirable in an open world game. According to Sliwinski and Shoemaker, even without the Nemesis system the combat system would make the game compelling. Although Matt Miller of Game Informer found the game's focus on killing made it repetitive, failing to capture the charm of its inspirations Assassin's Creed and Batman: Arkham, Kevin VanOrd of GameSpot called Shadow of Mordor{{'s}} combat an improvement of the Assassin's Creed formula.

The reception of the game's storyline was mixed. Although Shoemaker and Sliwinski praised its "dark" tone, Shoemaker found some story elements (such as Gollum's introduction) forced and designed to appeal to a particular audience. According to Game Informer{{'s}} Matt Miller, Shadow of Mordor fails to successfully tie together all of its various plot threads in the game's conclusion. Kevin VanOrd of GameSpot also found the storyline erratic, dragged down by anticlimactic fights and scenes. Dan Stapleton of IGN wrote that the story introduced memorable characters but would not make sense to fans of the series, and his interest in the game waned towards its end. Destructoid{{'s}} Chris Carter was disappointed in a plot he considered generic ("Go here, kill this, draw out this big bad, then kill him for your family"); the game failed to add anything new to the universe, and its side missions were more interesting than the main campaign.

Other aspects of Shadow of Mordor were praised. Sullivan enjoyed its Lord of the Rings{{'}} lore, and found the number of collectables in the game "staggering". Miller also admired Monolith's extensive use of lore in the game, and praised its soundtrack and voice-acting; Elements of the game were criticized. Sullivan found some side missions repetitive, and Sliwinski was disappointed with some of the boss battles. Miller wrote that some Shadow of Mordor features are too complex and inaccessible for new players or those unwilling to use strategy. Critics disagreed about the Nemesis system. Miller wrote that the system fell flat in the game's final hours; according to VanOrd, the system was unappealing until the game's second half. Carter found the unskippable cutscenes after a player died annoying.

Unlike Shadow of Mordor{{'s}} current-generation versions, the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions received mixed-to-negative reviews, and many technical problems were noted. According to Thomas Morgan of Eurogamer its frame rate was substandard, and Yannick LeJacq of Kotaku cited "many technical hiccups and glitches". Morgan believed that the game developers spent little effort on the port, and LeJacq questioned the need to release the game for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/digitalfoundry-2014-shadow-of-mordor-last-gen-revisited|title=Last-gen revisited: Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor at Eurogamer.net|publisher=Eurogamer|first=Thomas|last=Morgan|date=December 17, 2014|access-date=July 31, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150730175851/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/digitalfoundry-2014-shadow-of-mordor-last-gen-revisited|archive-date=July 30, 2015|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://kotaku.com/shadow-of-mordor-is-way-less-fun-on-old-consoles-1660387779|title=Shadow of Mordor Is Way Less Fun On Old Consoles|first=Yannick|last=LeJacq|publisher=Kotaku|date=November 18, 2014|access-date=July 31, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150812054247/http://kotaku.com/shadow-of-mordor-is-way-less-fun-on-old-consoles-1660387779|archive-date=August 12, 2015|url-status=live}}

Shadow of Mordor was well received by BioShock series creator Ken Levine, who called it the first open-world game with a non-linear story and narrative and said he would bring some of its elements to his upcoming science-fiction project, Judas.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2015/01/27/ken-levine-on-next-game-shadow-of-mordor-validated-interest-in-narrative-replayability.aspx|title=Ken Levine On Next Game: Shadow Of Mordor Validated Interest In 'Narrative Replayability'|first=Mike|last=Futter|magazine=Game Informer|date=January 27, 2015|access-date=August 1, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150627024630/http://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2015/01/27/ken-levine-on-next-game-shadow-of-mordor-validated-interest-in-narrative-replayability.aspx|archive-date=June 27, 2015|url-status=live}}

Shadow of Mordor{{'s}} release was the most successful for a Lord of the Rings-based game. The game debuted at number two in the UK retail software sales chart in its first week (behind FIFA 15), and was the ninth-bestselling game in the United States in October 2014.{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-10-06-uk-chart-shadow-of-mordor-biggest-launch-for-a-game-based-on-lord-of-the-rings|title=UK chart: Shadow of Mordor biggest launch for a game based on Lord of the Rings|first=Wesley|last=Yin-Poole|website=Eurogamer|date=October 6, 2014|access-date=August 1, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150803164949/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-10-06-uk-chart-shadow-of-mordor-biggest-launch-for-a-game-based-on-lord-of-the-rings|archive-date=August 3, 2015|url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=https://venturebeat.com/2014/11/13/october-2014-npd-the-evil-within-sets-records-ps4-xbox-one-still-selling-strong/ |title=October 2014 NPD: The Evil Within sets survival-horror record; PS4, Xbox One still on fire |first=Jeff |last=Grubb |website=VentureBeat |date=November 13, 2014 |access-date=August 1, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150915073445/http://venturebeat.com/2014/11/13/october-2014-npd-the-evil-within-sets-records-ps4-xbox-one-still-selling-strong/ |archive-date=September 15, 2015 |url-status=live }}

When Shadow of Mordor was introduced, Monolith was accused by former Ubisoft employee Charles Randall of using assets (such as the protagonist-animation code) from Assassin's Creed II.{{cite web|url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/131604-Shadow-of-Mordor-Accused-of-Actually-Using-Assassins-Creed-Assets|title=Shadow of Mordor Accused of Actually Using Assassin's Creed Assets|first=Brett|last=Slabaugh|magazine=The Escapist|date=January 24, 2014|access-date=August 1, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140903002349/http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/131604-Shadow-of-Mordor-Accused-of-Actually-Using-Assassins-Creed-Assets|archive-date=September 3, 2014|url-status=live}} Monolith responded that all their project's assets were developed from scratch; they had confidence in their originality.{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/10/01/shadow-of-mordor-dev-was-never-worried-by-assassins-creed-comparisons|title=Shadow of Mordor Dev Was Never Worried By Assassin's Creed Comparisons|date=October 1, 2014|access-date=August 1, 2015|website=IGN|first=Luke|last=Karmali|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150120160939/http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/10/01/shadow-of-mordor-dev-was-never-worried-by-assassins-creed-comparisons|archive-date=January 20, 2015|url-status=live}}

In October 2014, after the usual video game review outlets were unable to obtain early access to Shadow of Mordor, John Bain (known as TotalBiscuit) said that YouTube video creators had been offered early access in exchange for agreeing to a contract requiring them to describe it positively. James Stephanie Sterling of The Escapist obtained a copy of one of the contracts and analyzed it in detail.{{cite web|url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/videos/view/jimquisition/9782-Shadow-of-Mordors-Promotion-Deals-with-Plaid-Social|title=Shadiness of Mordor|last=Sterling|first=Jim|date=October 6, 2014|access-date=October 19, 2014|magazine=The Escapist|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141018051705/http://www.escapistmagazine.com/videos/view/jimquisition/9782-Shadow-of-Mordors-Promotion-Deals-with-Plaid-Social|archive-date=October 18, 2014|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://kotaku.com/the-messy-story-behind-youtubers-taking-money-for-game-1644092214|title=The Messy Story Behind YouTubers Taking Money For Game Coverage|last=Grayson|first=Nathan|date=October 8, 2014|access-date=October 19, 2014|website=Kotaku|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141018170237/http://kotaku.com/the-messy-story-behind-youtubers-taking-money-for-game-1644092214|archive-date=October 18, 2014|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/youtubers-required-to-persuade-viewers-to-purchase-in-return-for-shadow-of-mordor-review-code-report-claims/0139469|title=YouTubers required to be positive in return for Shadow of Mordor review code, report claims|last=Parfitt|first=Ben|date=October 7, 2014|access-date=October 19, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141018035856/http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/youtubers-required-to-persuade-viewers-to-purchase-in-return-for-shadow-of-mordor-review-code-report-claims/0139469|archive-date=October 18, 2014|url-status=live}} The Federal Trade Commission began an investigation and announced in July 2016 that Warner Brothers Home Entertainment had violated the Federal Trade Commission Act, and that the company must declare sponsored advertising in the future.{{cite web|url=http://www.polygon.com/2016/7/11/12149350/warner-bros-shadow-of-mordor-youtube-ftc-settlement|title=Warner Bros. settles with FTC over undisclosed Shadow of Mordor endorsement charges|first=Allegra|last=Frank|website=Polygon|date=July 11, 2016|access-date=July 12, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160711190137/http://www.polygon.com/2016/7/11/12149350/warner-bros-shadow-of-mordor-youtube-ftc-settlement|archive-date=July 11, 2016|url-status=live}}

In addition to winning several awards at major events and ceremonies, the game was selected by GameSpot,{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/game-of-the-year/|title=Game of the Year 2014|website=GameSpot|date=December 5, 2014|access-date=July 30, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150430002533/http://www.gamespot.com/game-of-the-year/|archive-date=April 30, 2015|url-status=live}} Joystiq,{{cite web|url=https://www.engadget.com/2015/01/03/joystiq-top-10-of-2014-middle-earth-shadow-of-mordor-yo/|title=Joystiq Top 10 of 2014: Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor|first=Jessica|last=Conditt|website=Joystiq|date=January 3, 2015|access-date=July 30, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150810085737/http://www.engadget.com/2015/01/03/joystiq-top-10-of-2014-middle-earth-shadow-of-mordor-yo/|archive-date=August 10, 2015|url-status=live}} and Giant Bomb{{cite web|url=http://www.giantbomb.com/articles/giant-bomb-s-2014-game-of-the-year-awards-day-five/1100-5126/|title=Giant Bomb's 2014 Game of the Year Awards: Day Five Text Recap|date=December 30, 2014|access-date=July 30, 2015|website=Giant Bomb|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141231183918/http://www.giantbomb.com/articles/giant-bomb-s-2014-game-of-the-year-awards-day-five/1100-5126/|archive-date=December 31, 2014|url-status=live}} as their Game of the Year for 2014.

{{main|Middle-earth: Shadow of War}}

The game's sequel, Middle-earth: Shadow of War, was announced in February 2017. The sequel was developed by Monolith Productions and published by Warner Bros. It was released worldwide on October 10, 2017.{{cite web|url=https://www.videogamer.com/news/middle-earth-shadow-of-war-confirmed-for-project-scorpio|title=Middle-earth: Shadow of War confirmed for Project Scorpio|last=Orry|first=James|work=videogamer.com|date=February 28, 2017|access-date=March 8, 2017|archive-date=March 1, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170301071249/https://www.videogamer.com/news/middle-earth-shadow-of-war-confirmed-for-project-scorpio|url-status=live}}

{{reflist}}

• {{Official website|https://www.shadowofmordor.com/}}

{{Monolith games}}

{{Middle-earth video games}}

{{The Lord of the Rings & The Hobbit film series}}

{{GDCA GOTY}}

{{Authority control}}

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