New Middle-earth: Shadow of War Gameplay Is All About the Kill

Let's get stabby

by Robert Ramsey Sat 22nd Apr 2017

Middle-earth: Shadow of War is only a few months away from release, which means that we're starting to see gameplay footage drop on a regular basis. This latest video from IGN puts a load of different kills on display, with combat looking just as brutal as it did in Shadow of Mordor.

We're looking forward to seeing how this sequel pans out, but as we said in our previous article, the project is currently looking pretty rough. Obviously we're digesting an alpha build here, but with launch day not too far away, we're hoping to see something a bit more impressive in the near future. Janky animations and lifeless environments be damned.

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How do you think Shadow of War is looking? Slay some orcs in the comments section below.

Robert (or Rob if you're lazy) is an assistant editor of Push Square, and has been a fan of PlayStation since the 90s, when Tekken 2 introduced him to the incredible world of video games. He still takes his fighting games seriously, but RPGs are his true passion. The Witcher, Persona, Dragon Quest, Mass Effect, Final Fantasy, Trails, Tales — he's played 'em all. A little too much, some might say.

1
Rudy_Manchego
Sat 22nd Apr 2017

I love the first as a big Tolkien fan and the nemesis system was a good twist. The only thing I am worried about is whether this can survive another outing and still feel fresh. I think the first did well because at time of release there wasn't much else out there. Compare this to Horizon Zero Dawn, well this is going to look shabbily unless they can really nail it. I hope they do because want it to be ace but I will be waiting for reviews. Shame as I got excited with the launch trailer but less interested the more I have seen.

2
finalstan
Sat 22nd Apr 2017

@Rudy_Manchego I feel exactly the same way, the more I see of it the less interested I become, but will hold judgment until it's released and reviewed, that will be interesting.

3
Elodin
Sat 22nd Apr 2017

As long as the game play is tight and story is fluid the not so crisp graphics won't bother me

4
Rudy_Manchego
Sat 22nd Apr 2017

@finalstan Yep - I'm interested in the reviews. I think they'll be ok but not anyone's game of the year

5
ellsworth004
Sun 23rd Apr 2017

I liked the first game, but it got very repetitive for me. Still was fun though. If this game is better than the first it will be a really good game.

6
ztpayne7
Sun 23rd Apr 2017

I liked the first less than I expected. The nemesis system was cool but flawed (an enemy who I chopped his head off kept coming back as my nemesis - and I played it several months after release) and I just felt the world was kind of flat compared to other open worlds. So I'm not sure I'll try this one.

7
ApostateMage
Sun 23rd Apr 2017

I really liked the first game and got a platinum for it. I did only pay £6 for it, though. Super bargain.

8
andreoni79
Sun 23rd Apr 2017

I'd love a Zelda-like adventure set in the Tolkien's realm, not another gory fighting game with realistic graphics. Such a shame considering the source...