Support NeoGAF

[Rizzi]

So the world is as boring as the first one? Yeah that's a hard pass.

 

[semiconscious]

my copy's on the way. looking pretty good, hopefully, it will be ...

 

[mjc]

The somewhat bland environments of the first game were a turnoff for me too, I was hoping they'd introduce some variance this time around. We'll see I suppose.

 

[Conor_Fool]

Yeah I gotta say riding dragons doesn't mean much if the world you're riding them through is bleak and bland

Yep. Very unfortunate. I wanted to love the first but it was so damn bland and repetitive. Guess I'll have to pass on this one.

 

[Yui's Empire]

I'm glad the game seems to be good, definitely picking it up on sale eventually, though I yet have to finish the first game so I'm not in a hurry. I am also puzzled by the hate this game got. The criticism for loot boxes was understandable but when basically all games do it, it was odd to see this game absolutely slaughtered for it while other games get a free-ish pass. I'm familiar enough with the LOTR universe but not invested enough to be bothered by the liberty they took with the sexy spider and shit, so I'm in for some orc smashing in Middle-Earth.

 

[razgriz417]

Although the random loot drops only include Epic tier rewards instead of the paid currency's Legendaries, the difference in quality between the two, in practice, isn't substantially different. And after finishing the game, even with buying a dozen or so 1,200 Miran loot crates over the course of my adventure, I was still left with over 70,000 Mirian in reserve. Like so many of the other game's systems, the storefront feels less predatory and more like a cluelessly unnecessary addition.

Not liking that the highest tier orc is exclusive to the loot boxes but at least it seems they aren't completely OP in comparison to the next level down

 

[mocoworm]

Eurogamer

A greatly expanded and improved action game let down by a dreadful story.

http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2017-10-05-middle-earth-shadow-of-war-review

 

[Shari]

Did you miss the outrage a couple of weeks back about NBA2K18? It lead to nothing because consumers/general public are not bothered by it as was the case with DLC.

This is completely different to NBA2K18. In NBA 2k18 you are competitively hindered if you dont spend on microtransactions. Mordor having no online component makes lootboxes harmless, as it would only make you progress in your own game, not giving you a competitive advantage of any sort compared to other players.

 

[Mifec]

This is completely different to NBA2K18. In NBA 2k18 you are competitively hindered if you dont spend on microtransactions. Mordor having no online component makes lootboxes harmless, as it would only make you progress in your own game, not giving you a competitive advantage of any sort compared to other players.

There are online fortress invasions.

 

[Kill3r7]

This is completely different to NBA2K18. In NBA 2k18 you are competitively hindered if you dont spend on microtransactions. Mordor having no online component makes lootboxes harmless, as it would only make you progress in your own game, not giving you a competitive advantage of any sort compared to other players.

It does not matter because people hate the thought of loot boxes and mtxs. It is a whole or nothing thing. If a game has them then it is bad. FWIW, sales of NBA2K18 in the UK were up 26% compared to last year.

 

[Berzerkiymc]

Any OT for this?

 

[Tovarisc]

They seem to be a hot topic for this game in particular with people slandering it as the pinnacle of anti-consumerism while turning a blind eye to the many other companies and developers doing similar things.

I would ask where all outrage and worry on e.g. GAF were when gambling boxes appeared and started to creep into games widely? Writing on the wall about them evolving into this (SoW, FM7, NBA...) was there moment they appeared.

Back then majority hand waved them away with some arguments that could be boiled down to "It's just cosmetics, brah. Who cares?"

And now chickens have come home to roost.

 

[Mifec]

Any OT for this?

The game isn't out for 5 more days.

 

[Memento]

Very nice reviews

 

[Markitron]

This is completely different to NBA2K18. In NBA 2k18 you are competitively hindered if you dont spend on microtransactions. Mordor having no online component makes lootboxes harmless, as it would only make you progress in your own game, not giving you a competitive advantage of any sort compared to other players.

People are worried that if they are a success in this game, it will lead to more SP games featuring them, some of which will certainly not be as harmless. Can you really not see where people with this point of view are coming from? I like to think this is one of a few games recently where people are begining to call shenanigans on the practice. Even if some games have gotten a free pass previously, from now on they probably won't.

I think the whole 'well you were OK with it in X game' argument is missing the point. People are noticing it now and saying that they are not OK with it.

 

[Contica]

Reviewers ain't our friends. They forget about those loot boxes the moment their free press kits arrive.

Lol. Right. Last time I saw a press kit containing more than fact sheets and screenshots was over ten years ago. It's nice to live in Neverland, but don't make the mistake of thinking it's actually real.

 

[Artdayne]

Eurogamer

A greatly expanded and improved action game let down by a dreadful story.

http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2017-10-05-middle-earth-shadow-of-war-review

Hmm, sounds like a Neogaf darling to me.

 

[family_guy]

It does not matter because people hate the thought of loot boxes and mtxs. It is a whole or nothing thing. If a game has them then it is bad. FWIW, sales of NBA2K18 in the UK were up 26% compared to last year.

Overwatch is doing great.

 

[BoxManLocke]

I didn't much care for the Nemesis System in the first one and that's basically the only thing they've put work into.

Well, might download when it hits PS+ in 2019.

 

[zeemumu]

The last negative sounds far more impactful than the 3 positives.

The last game had that problem too but it wasn't bad enough to ruin the game.


The first negative sounds like they're upset it isn't canon enough

 

[Andodalf]

Sounds solid! probably gonna pick it up!

 

[Bill R Boggess]

Nah, it's happened in all the Forza 7 threads about the same issue too.

Fair enough.

There just seems to be a more concerted attempt to shit all over this game anytime a new thread emerges, but that could just be my perception and not the reality of the situation.

 

[NullPointer]

I am curious why so many in here have selected this particular game as the hill they want to die on as it pertains to micro-transactions and loot boxes, especially considering how prevalent these forms of monetization have become.

Because its a single player game with RNG loot boxes.

And its not a hill to die upon to discuss it - lootboxes are showing up in several places and causing some consternation - look at Forza for another big example and at how far these ideas can be nestled into the core user experience. Or NBA2K18's next level monetization.

 

[Markitron]

Fair enough.

There just seems to be a more concerted attempt to shit all over this game anytime a new thread emerges, but that could just be my perception and not the reality of the situation.

You are not wrong, this game is getting shit on a bit more than the last one, but it's gonna be even worse for the next one.

 

[Kill3r7]

Overwatch is doing great.

Absolutely as are FIFA, Madden, COD and many other titles. There is overwhelming evidence to suggest that the mass market is not bothered by them. As was the case with DLC.

 

[Shari]

There are online fortress invasions.

Meh, I hardly see that as competitive sorry. Moot point for me.

People are worried that if they are a success in this game, it will lead to more SP games featuring them, some of which will certainly not be as harmless. Can you really not see where people with this point of view are coming from? I like to think this is one of a few games recently where people are begining to call shenanigans on the practice. Even if some games have gotten a free pass previously, from now on they probably won't.

I think the whole 'well you were OK with it in X game' argument is missing the point.

I can see where they coming from but bashing a game for what could potentially happen in the future feels beyond stupid for me, scaremongering of the first order. Especially when this game doesnt impose, doesn't give you an online advantage and gives you money to spare to open loot boxes without spending real money.

FWIW I see NBA2k18 microtransaction as a BIG problem that pretty much wastes the game for and I won't buy another 2k at launch until they go back on that decision (if they ever do). But I can't for the life of me relate that to how lootboxes work in mordor. Also feel that is bad for Battlefront 2, but again, same model, different implementations.

 

[BigDug13]

I'm really torn because Monolith is making some fun games and their publisher overlords at WB keep coming in to shit up their games with things like loot boxes or stipulations on streamers to be overwhelmingly positive about the game. I want to support Monolith and I hate supporting WB at the same time. I really want to play this game too so I'm sure I'm going to buy it anyway.

 

[Lashley]

Nice to see good reviews since took a gamble buying a key from cdkeys at half price basically

I dont get the hate for lootboxes in a single player game as long as you can do fine and complete it without buying them. I actually hate using things like over powered (when they become available in the game) bonus weapons in games that come with preorders or deluxe editions since I want to play with the original challenge the developers put in.

It does sound annoying that they push them in the game so hard though such as in the pause menu.

This is why

https://twitter.com/Totalbiscuit/status/915958093984489477

 

[KooopaKid]

The game world being bleak and bland is my biggest turnoff about this series.

 

[thumb]

So much hyperbole about those microtransactions by people who haven't even played the game.

It was my biggest fear before I started: that the game would heavily rely on loot boxes and 'punish' players who didn't invest in them. But after hours of play, I haven't opened a loot box since I just checked them out once in the beginning. They are absolutely tacked on and unnecaisarry, an don't detract from the experience at all. Reviewers don't mention it's optional because they are 'afraid to piss off publishers', but because it's a simple truth: you don't need those lootboxes to enjoy SoW, and you can easily ignore them alltogether.

If a game balances it's experience with loot boxes in mind, it's worthy of blasting them to kingdom come. But when, like here, it's just a totally optional and ignorable extra possible form of income that doesn't hurt the gameplay at all, there is no need to dunk some points from the score (Shadow of War has other problems to warrant that imo)

If you read Polygon's review, you'll note that the issues with loot boxes don't become evident until the post-game missions that exist to extend the game indefinitely. Then you have exhausted most in-game means to earn credits, and thus if you want to succeed in a reasonable amount of time, you'll need to pay.

 

[JMY86]

The reviews are looking very solid. I will definitely be jumping in on this day one. The loot boxes do not bother me in the least as I will not be purchasing any of them so it does not affect me. I think this will be my last non exclusive PS4 Pro purchase. I have an Xbox One X preordered but I don't want to wait a month to play this game.

 

[Markitron]

I can see where they coming but bashing a game for what could potentially happen in the future feels beyond stupid for me, scaremongering of the first order. Especially when this game doesnt impose, doesn't give you an online advantage and gives you money to spare to open loot boxes without spending money.

People have to express their opinions somehow. Bitching about it online and not buying day one are their only options so what else can they do to show their opposition to this practice?

Even if this game doesn't impose, or giving you an advantage online, people are worried that this is the start of a slippery slope. Also it seems strange to me that you would make a single player game and charge people to skip portions of it, but that's a whole other argument.

Also feel that is bad for Battlefront 2, but again, same model, different implementations.

AFAIK the maps for Battlefront 2 will all be free. Seeing as how it's going to feature packed on day 1, I'm ok with the MT system in that as it pays for continued development of the game, as opposed to something like a season pass which just splits the player base. Again, that's a whole different situation. Although who knows how that one will go.

 

[LordBaztion]

looks great, I like the added variety. Sadly, I'm stuffed with games right now. I will try it when it's on sale, probably next year.

 

[Shari]

This is why

https://twitter.com/Totalbiscuit/status/915958093984489477

I really like TBs content but to be fair he's pretty biased with WB. Even in that thread the just assumes a negative information is right, he hasn't even checked himself.

We've seen reports of that last part of the game and feels like padded grind, whether you have spent on lootboxes or not.

People have to express their opinions somehow. Bitching about it online and not buying day one are their only options so what else can they do to show their opposition to this practice?

Even if this game doesn't impose, or giving you an advantage online, people are worried that this is the start of a slippery slope. Also it seems strange to me that you would make a single player game and charge people to skip portions of it, but that's a whole other argument.

They can complain when and where it matters and its disturbing to the game experience. Mindlessly complaining without a point behind that complaint just makes it look like noise. Again, I've given two examples where lootboxes are detrimental to the game experience, don't think, based on the reviews, that this mordor is the case. But we'll figure it out soon enough.

 

[Kaelan]

Feels like a wait for sale IMO.

 

[shimon]

Any info on PC performance? The PC Gamer review doesn't mention it even once...

IGN video has some pc footage so you can at least see something.

 

[NullPointer]

This is why

https://twitter.com/Totalbiscuit/status/915958093984489477

From the Polygon review:

The bigger and more pressing problem with Shadow Wars is that it’s the main home of one of Shadow of War’s more controversial additions to the first game’s formula: microtransactions. Technically, you can jump into the marketplace and purchase loot chests earlier in the game, but there’s really no pull to do so during the main campaign. You can find plenty of nice armor and weapons and all the orcs you need by playing regularly.

In Shadow Wars, however, things get more complicated. With all other side content drained, the only thing left to do is to play fortress defense missions (and collect more orcs to help with more fortress defense missions). Finding powerful orcs becomes the be-all, end-all focus of the game, and the easiest way to find powerful orcs is, cynically, to purchase them. The cheapest chest on the marketplace (which offers the barest guarantees on the quality of allies you unlock) can be purchased using the in-game money Talion picks up. That money also buys upgrades to your fortresses, though, and between the two I spent all 60,000 or 70,000 coins I had gathered over the course of the campaign in a few hours.

When you run out of in-game money, you have two choices: Make a huge time investment by hunting down orcs in your game world and earning chests via vendetta missions, or spend some real money to get the more powerful orcs you need now. Does the game ever force you to spend money? No. I’m sure you can get to the end of Shadow Wars without spending a dime, as long as you’re patient and persistent. But locking progress through this mode (and, again, toward the game’s true ending) behind either spending more money or doing tons of tedious busywork feels at least greedy if not predatory.

 

[Triggerhappytel]

Fool me once...

Lol. I liked the first game, but this is kind of how I feel too. Outside of the Nemesis system I really don't have many positive things to say about it, and it sounds like the Nemesis system is the only improvement that interests me in the sequel too.

Plus if the game world is still bland and boring that's a massive red mark against it for me. That was the main problem with the first game, and the first thing they should have addressed in this one.

 

[ScaryShark]

So the world is as boring as the first one? Yeah that's a hard pass.

The somewhat bland environments of the first game were a turnoff for me too, I was hoping they'd introduce some variance this time around. We'll see I suppose.

The game world being bleak and bland is my biggest turnoff about this series.

Game world is still bland. Pass, huge turnoff for me

Plus if the game world is still bland and boring that's a massive red mark against it for me. That was the main problem with the first game, and the first thing they should have addressed in this one.

One image's bulletpoint >>>>> Other reviews to the contrary apparently on GAF. I know people usually just look at scores and use them to justify their own preconceptions but this thread is reaching some new territory.

However, this time, instead of two regions to explore, there are five. From the icy mountains of Sergost to the lush forests of Nurnen, each area has its own distinct look and feel. The backdrops for the different areas were particularly impressive, resulting in some gorgeous vistas.

http://cogconnected.com/review/middle-earth-shadow-of-war-review/

From the hellscape of Gorgoroth to the sickly green of Minas Morgul, the five regions are a visual treat. Twisting caverns, deep pits, and towering mountains lend a needed geometry that Shadow of Mordor lacked, while the ruined walls, and outposts are perfect sites for stealth hunts and throwdown clashes.

http://www.gameinformer.com/games/m...al&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer

So ‘big' is a good word to describe Shadow of War, with as many expletives in front as you see fit, to get across just how fucking huge this is. It might not quite have the polished craft of things like The Witcher 3, or the variety of an Elder Scrolls, but overall the bar for quality is high, and with so much to do it's both immensely easy, and satisfying, to get lost in.

http://www.gamesradar.com/middle-earth-shadow-of-war-review/

http://www.usgamer.net/articles/shadow-of-war-review

I was in awe of the visuals, as every region looked glorious no matter where you were. Heading into a siege or just admiring the skyline in the momentarily peaceful seconds of entering a new region is stunning.

http://www.godisageek.com/reviews/middle-earth-shadow-of-war-review/

I've talked about the locations in Shadow of War in passing a handful of times, but the different landscapes that you traverse within Mordor are much more diverse than that of the first game. From snow-topped mountains, to lava-filled pits, to even the vast Gondorian city of Minas Ithil, Shadow of War fixes one of my largest issues with the first game which was its lack of different locations. While each area is still filled with roughly the same missions and collectibles, it's nice to mix up the scenery more often.

https://www.dualshockers.com/middle-earth-shadow-of-war-review/

A little effort should be expected of people beyond using one review as a consensus to validate your opinion. It's fine if you feel that way still, but it's not an accurate portrayal of how this game is actually being reviewed.

 

[Markitron]

They can complain when and where it matters and its disturbing to the game experience. Mindlessly complaining without a point behind that complaint just makes it look like noise.

We will have to wait until it's in players hands and see on this one. I hardly think SoW is out of the woods on it's lootbox implementation yet.

 

[Zombie James]

This is why

https://twitter.com/Totalbiscuit/status/915958093984489477

Any other review mentioning this? Not only would this be a huge "fuck you" to players - on top of loot boxes existing in general - it would be pathetic if only one outlet actually got this far into the game.

 

[Heckler456]

The score seems really solid. Day one, probably.

One image's bulletpoint >>>>> Other reviews to the contrary apparently on GAF. I know people usually just look at scores and use them to justify their own preconceptions but this thread is reaching some new territory.


http://cogconnected.com/review/middle-earth-shadow-of-war-review/

http://www.gameinformer.com/games/m...al&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer

http://www.gamesradar.com/middle-earth-shadow-of-war-review/

http://www.usgamer.net/articles/shadow-of-war-review

http://www.godisageek.com/reviews/middle-earth-shadow-of-war-review/

https://www.dualshockers.com/middle-earth-shadow-of-war-review/

A little effort should be expected of people beyond using one review as a consensus to validate your opinion. It's fine if you feel that way still, but it's not an accurate portrayal of how this game is actually being reviewed.

People over here have been ready to take a giant dump on this game since they announced those lootboxes, regardless of what the game actually is based on its own merits.

 

[Andodalf]

Lol, If Grinding is predatory then the entire JRPG market is evil. If you enjoy the gameplay, grinding can be good. If you don't, it's bad. If you don't like the gameplay, don't buy the game.

 

[TheBowen]

Seems just more of what I wanted. The bland environments are still and issue but I can overcome it.

Can't wait to pick this up day one

 

[timberger]

So they didn't pull a Forza and hold off on activating the microtransaction shit until after the reviews were through?

Brave move.

 

[BigEmil]

From the Polygon review:

F2P mobile tactics in a $60 retail game by WB sheesh

 

[inky]

Sounds boring and bloated. And disgustingly greedy, but that's no surprise either.

 

[Shari]

We will have to wait until it's in players hands and see on this one. I hardly think SoW is out of the woods on it's lootbox implementation yet.

Agreed. But reviews reassure me rather than worry me more, but to be fair I was never really worried in the first place, lootboxes in a singleplayer game can't be bad. If they force you to buy them because of the grind then it's just another open world game with stretched playtime that it's gameplay mechanics can't hold. I dont feel inclined to buy lootboxes when a game has poor pace, I just drop the game altogether and move on onto the next one.

 

[Lashley]

Any info on PC performance? The PC Gamer review doesn't mention it even once...

Yep, really weird and annoying of them not to mention it tbh

 

[Theorry]

One image's bulletpoint >>>>> Other reviews to the contrary apparently on GAF. I know people usually just look at scores and use them to justify their own preconceptions but this thread is reaching some new territory.


http://cogconnected.com/review/middle-earth-shadow-of-war-review/

http://www.gameinformer.com/games/m...al&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer

http://www.gamesradar.com/middle-earth-shadow-of-war-review/

http://www.usgamer.net/articles/shadow-of-war-review

http://www.godisageek.com/reviews/middle-earth-shadow-of-war-review/

https://www.dualshockers.com/middle-earth-shadow-of-war-review/

A little effort should be expected of people beyond using one review as a consensus to validate your opinion. It's fine if you feel that way still, but it's not an accurate portrayal of how this game is actually being reviewed.

People like to read to confirm their mindset they have already. Its a shame.
Nice round up.