Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor.

Available from September 30th, 2014.

In Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor, you take on the role of Talion, a valiant ranger whose family is slain the night Sauron and his army return to Mordor, moments before his own life is taken. Resurrected by a spirit of vengeance and empowered with Wraith abilities, Talion ventures into Mordor and vows to destroy those who have wronged him. Through the course of Talion's personal vendetta, you will uncover the truth of the spirit that compels you, learn the origins of the Rings of Power and ultimately confront your true nemesis.

Mordor is the region of Middle-earth in which Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor takes place. It is the home kingdom of Sauron, situated in southeastern Middle-earth and east of Gondor, Ithilien and the great river. Mordor was chosen to be Sauron's fortress because of the mountain ranges surrounding it on three sides, creating a natural fortress against his enemies. Much of the land was a volcanic waste due to the activity of Mount Doom, but some could be cultivated and the Dark Lord's slaves raised food for his armies here as well. Mordor is protected by three mountain ranges on all sides. The Ash Mountains lie in the north and the Mountains of Shadow in the west and south. The only viable large entryway into Mordor lies in the north-west corner of Mordor: the deep valley of Ud?n protected by the Black Gate of Mordor. Sauron's Dark Tower, the fortress of Barad-d?r, was located at the foothill of the Ash Mountains.

Review scores:

Joystiq 100

Polygon 95

IGN 93

Pre-order:

The Dark Ranger (Includes exclusive playable character skin and 'Test of Power' Challenge mode with online leaderboards).

It looks interesting. Reviews liken it to assassins creed, and go so far as to say it does assassinations better than Assassins Creed, but anybody who has played those games knows they are about the story and about movement rather than assassination. As such, I find it hard to judge how hooked I will get on the game, as the story seems somewhat less than epic, and I worry it will just be a case of 'go here, kill this guy, go to another place and do the same'. They're adding in some interesting mind control mechanics, but I get the feeling this might wear a bit thin after a white. I'm still going to buy it, though, so time will tell.

I'm moderately interested. I don't like the setting, but separate from that, it has some interesting ideas. I was pretty much ignoring, but I found out that Monolith is behind it, and they've made some of the best games I've played (No One Lives Forever, F.E.A.R.), so if anyone can deliver the goods, it's them.

It's quite unique that the orcs will remember killing you, and will go up in rank and become stronger as well. It's a new special system called Nemesis.

Also you don't have to follow the main story .. you can walk around on your own and crack down on whoever you want, your own style. I think there is much joy in that.

This really looks like an action game immersing you into it all, and I know I will try my very best not to ever die. Want to be the best I can be, and that seems like a good challenge.

I've bought it, looking forward to Tuesday to play it and try the nemesis system out

Where did you buy it?

Steam, it's pre loaded

I wonder if this game requires Steam if I buy this game in retail store.

Very excited about this one, particularly the emergent gameplay system.

I'll wait until I get a new PC to buy it, as I don't think my current machine can handle it well (rather high recommended specs).