How does Shadow of Mordor hold up in 2024? Game Review
Updated: 2 days ago
Although Shadow of Mordor takes some liberties with Lord of the Rings lore and isn't considered canon, it skillfully weaves its own narrative into the existing mythology. The rich storytelling and high quality earned it Game of the Year in 2014, and playing in 2024, I can see that they earned it.
The game introduces new characters, storylines, and elements—like the spirit of Celebrimbor and Sauron’s Nemesis system—that don’t appear in the original texts. These additions feel thoughtfully crafted and respectful of Tolkien’s world, both with its themes and tone in a way that complements the established lore.
The developer grounds the storyline within Middle-earth, and offers a fresh perspective on familiar events and characters. This balance makes Shadow of Mordor feel like an authentic new addition in the Lord of the Rings universe, putting you, the player, in the struggle against Sauron that we see throughout the movies. Monolith could have played it safe and went with the existing narratives, but I am glad they didn't. Because it created a thrilling experience where you did not know exactly what would happen next, and where your character will go.
It was very welcoming to play in an Open World that offers you multiple different ways to tackle your enemies. The stealth gameplay and fighting huge groups of Orc's reminds you of the Batman games, which are both made by Monolith Studios. The progression paths and trees are satisfying and give you a ton of customization to the build you are going for. Shadow of Mordor didn't win game of the year for no reason. If you love Lord of the Rings like I do, this game is a must play!
Main Story | Main + Sides | Completionist | All Styles |
15½ Hours | 24 Hours | 32½ Hours | 24 Hours |
Gameplay: 8.5/10
Story: 8.5/10
Graphics: 7/10
Enjoyment: 9/10
Music: 8.5/10
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