I know there was some news I missed yesterday because it was my birthday. But I'm back and ready to rock. So let's start with some of the best news of the day.
Middle-Earth: Shadow of Mordor was one of the best games to come out of 2014. It's been a few years and fans have been eagerly awaiting a sequel that, honestly, many of us never thought we'd get. Despite Shadow of Mordor being both a critical and commercial success, Monolith Productions and Warner Bros have been rather silent on the subject. Well, a sequel may be closer than we thought.
Recently (a few days ago, as of writing) there was an information leak, via a sale listing at Target.com, that all but confirmed a sequel for Shadow of Mordor, titled Middle-Earth: Shadow of War. Yesterday, Warner Bros have officially unveiled Shadow of War, as well as a new website and trailer. The website, and the end of the trailer, both tease a worldwide gameplay reveal, coming March 8.
Shadow of Mordor was widely popular because of its Nemesis system, which gave larger enemies the ability to remember the player, especially if Talion fell to their blade. This made each players' experience feel more unique. The Nemesis system was an innovative marvel, and still remains un-imitated. According to the press release, via Polygon, the nemesis system will be applied to more than just enemies, but the entire world. Now enemies, environments, and other characters will all be affected by the players actions and choices.
The Nemesis System also affects Nemesis Fortresses, which allows players to conquer strongholds and Orc bases however they want, which will help in shaping their own Orc army.
Oh, that's another thing. In Shadow of War, protagonist Talion will be venturing deeper into Orc territory to turn the Dark Lord's men, and indeed all or Mordor, against him. Of course these will introduce new story elements of "loyalty, betrayal and revenge."
Thus far, there are four editions announced for Shadow of War:
Standard - Assumedly, the base game with Champions War Part and Sword of Dominion for pre-ordering.
Silver - Includes the Slaughter Tribe Nemesis Expansion, Outlaw Tribe Nemesis Expansion and a Silver War Chest. Those Nemesis expansions include a new Orc Tribe featuring new enemies, followers, missions, abilities, weapons, Fortress and wilderness updates, and a Mythic Gear Set.
Gold - Builds on the Silver with The Blade of Galadriel Story Expansion, The Desolation of Mordor Story Expansion and a Gold War Chest instead of a silver one. The story expansions introduce a new campaign, playable character and abilities, side missions, enemies, allies and more.
Mithril - Includes the Silver and Gold but Mithril gets physical with a 15-inch Tar-Goroth Balrog vs. Carnan Drake statue, collection of exclusive lithographs, premium case with magnetic Ring of Power, exclusive steelcase, official game music soundtrack, cloth Map of Mordor, Tribes sticker pack and both gold and mithril war chests.
No official pricing yet, but Warner Bros Interactive values the standard at ~$60, the Silver at ~$90, Gold at $125, and the Mithril at a whopping ~$350.
This may have been one of the boldest reveals in recent memory, as Monolith have not only revealed the game but also given a solid release date. Expect to see Shadow of War hit shelves Aug 22, 2017.
