If you’ve been waiting for the sleeper hit of 2014, here it is. Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor has exploded onto the scene to extinguish recent gaming trends with its growing influence. It has gained the attention of gamers, many of which were unknowing of its existence prior to release.
Related: Everything You Need to Know About Shadow of Mordor
Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor isn’t a perfect game, but it does a few things right that the big guns of the industry could learn from. So what are they? Check out the gallery below to find out.
6 Things Developers Can Learn from Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor's Success
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Bigger isn't always better
Although you've probably heard that Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor is awesome, you might not know that its open world is one of the smallest of recent RPGs. Set in Mordor, the scope of the map pales in comparison to the size of some of the games it competes with (especially The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt).
However, it makes use of its playing field well. The map is dense with optional content, ranging from challenges to collectibles. Also, revisiting locations is made far less repetitive than in many other games by use of gameplay variety. One time you might employ stealth to take out targets, while another time you may choose to tame a Caragor and let it feast on your enemies. The playground becomes a haven of freedom.
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Hyping a game leads to unnecessary pressure, and many times disappointment
Even with some buzz created before launch after some extremely positive press, Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor had very little hype heading into release. So, when it came out and got good marks from media, as well as positive reception from gamers, it came as a bit of surprise.
The industry has evolved to become a marketing machine. Big games backed by wealthy publishers, such as Activision with Destiny, are being sold as unmissable games that you can't miss even before they release. Unfortunately, virtually every hyped game so far this generation has been regarded as disappointing by the overwhelming majority.
Instead of spending millions trying to make your game look like the must-have of Fall, let it speak for itself. If it's good, gamers will talk about it, YouTube and Twitch stream/video will sell the game, and it'll be talked about in a positive light for the years to come instead of being brought up time and time again in threads talking about overrated games.
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Immersion through vendetta
Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor's Nemesis system is one of the best we've seen from any RPG in recent years. Essentially, it creates an environment where there are many dynamic bosses that evolve with time. These Orcs battle for power, fighting each other and evolving as they kill either you or other leaders. They also each have weaknesses, making acquisition of intel interesting and beneficial.
Other games, even non-RPGs, can benefit from a system such as this. It adds replay value, and makes conquering foes so much more satisfying.
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Gameplay triumphs all
Truth is, Shadow of Mordor isn't a particularly deep game. Its story is enough to substantiate the world, but not much more. That said it gets it right when it comes to gameplay.
Borrowing from Batman Arkham, combat is fluid and exciting. Complexity is born through the addition of enemies with different weaknesses. You'll need to learn how to counter and stun in order to tackle the more veteraned basic enemies.
Bow attacks are similarly precise, as is the stealth gameplay which satisfies Metal Gear fans such as myself. Ultimately, Shadow of Mordor makes the minute-to-minute gameplay experience cohesive and fun.
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Violence is awesome if your enemies aren't human
If you haven't seen a GIF of an Orc being assassinated in Shadow of Mordor, you're missing out. Shadow of Mordor makes slaying foes an absolute joy. Sure, it's probably morally detestable, but there's just something about shoving a sword through an Orcs face that never gets old.
You can see 10 awesome GIFs of Orcs being killed here.
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Options for tackling situations
Sure, sword combat is likely to take up most of your gameplay time in Shadow of Mordor, but there are many other options. The bow, for example, is highly potent, allowing you to one shot enemies if used precisely. The dagger paired with deliberate stealth attacks help clear out the battlefield before things get hectic.
Made better, each of these weapons and play styles have different mechanics. You can unlock an ability that allows you to immobilize enemies with the bow, or strike fear into nearby enemies after death from above attacks with the dagger. Instead of spending a whole bunch of time on branching dialog and running through seemingly endless chapters, Shadow of Mordor focuses on giving you options for killing foes, and that's all it needs to be satisfying.
Tying this all together are enemy weaknesses. Each boss has things you exploit, such as a particular vulnerability to stealth attacks. Knowing how to utilize each of your assets is key to great moments, and easier boss kills.
