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What did critics think of Shadow of War?
Metacritic’s PlayStation 4 critic page displayed an 80 Metascore, labeled “Generally Favorable,” with 53 positive, 16 mixed, and zero negative reviews among 73 shown. This is a historical critic aggregate for the PS4 version, not a score covering every platform or a measure of player satisfaction. The page was accessed October 8, 2026. Metacritic’s PS4 critic reviews
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Middle Earth: Shadow of War Definitive Edition (PS4) | $11.99 | Buy on Amazon |
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Middle-earth: Shadow of War (PS4) | $15.97 | Buy on Amazon |
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Middle-Earth: Shadow of War (PS4) | $19.99 | Buy on Amazon |
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Whv Games PS4 WAR 58378 Middle Earth Shadow of War for Play Station 4 | $12.39 | Buy on Amazon |
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Middle Earth: Shadow of War Definitive Edition (PS4) | $18.44 | Buy on Amazon |
The pattern behind that favorable reception is clear: reviewers praised the systems that let the game generate its own rivalries and battles, while taking issue with how much activity surrounds them. The result is a game with strong action and memorable moments that can also feel drawn out.
What reviewers praised
The Nemesis system and Uruk captains
The expanded Nemesis system creates enemy captains with distinct traits and histories, giving encounters the potential to become personal rather than interchangeable. IGN reviewer Dan Stapleton praised the greater variety and the use of generated characters, noting that battles with memorable Uruk captains remain challenging through the campaign and into asynchronous multiplayer. IGN’s October 5, 2017 review
#1 Best Overall
- PLAY THE DEFINITIVE EDITION OF MIDDLE-EARTH: SHADOW OF WAR FROM THE AWARD-WINNING MONOLITH STUDIOS
- Winner of over 60 awards and nominations, conquer Mordor for the Bright Lord and enjoy 50+ hours of story content, 3 playable characters and the expansive Nemesis System.
- The Definitive Edition includes all DLC Slaughter Tribe Nemesis Expansion Outlaw Tribe Nemesis Expansion Blade of Galadriel Story Expansion Desolation of Mordor Story Expansion
Fortress sieges and combat
Sieges give the captain system a larger stage: players build forces and attack or defend strongholds, turning the broader power struggle into set-piece battles. Reviewers also highlighted the combat and the scope of the action. These strengths matter most if you enjoy adapting to changing enemies and taking on large, system-driven encounters.
What critics found frustrating
Open-world activity can become busywork
The game’s scale does not always translate into meaningful variety. GameSpot’s October 11, 2017 review roundup collected complaints about fatigue, repetitive tasks, grind, menus, and an overlong experience. PC Gamer’s Andy Kelly summarized the tension this way: “Shadow of War is a great action game that feels like it’s yearning to break free from a prison of open world busywork.” GameSpot’s review roundup
Rank #2
- A MONUMENTAL STORY: Immerse yourself in the epic scale of Middle-earth as you forge a new ring and siege epic fortresses to face the Dark Lord and Nazgul.
- NEMESIS SYSTEM EVOLVED: Experience a richer and more personal world full of new enemy types, stronger personalities and deeper stories – anyone you face can now evolve from a lowly Soldier to a mighty Overlord. Personal Nemesis or Ally.
- TURN MORDOR AGAINST SAURON: Go behind enemy lines and use strategy, cunning or brute force to conquer Sauron’s fortresses and turn them against him.
- IN MIDDLE-EARTH: SHADOW OF WAR, NOTHING WILL BE FORGOTTEN.
Story and launch-era monetization drew criticism
Reviewers differed on the story, including its emphasis and liberties with Tolkien’s world; some found it overbearing or unsatisfying. GameSpot’s roundup also records contemporary criticism of loot and storefront elements, including microtransactions. Those are launch-era review concerns, not a guarantee that every detail describes the current version. Check current game and storefront information if monetization is decisive for you.
Is Shadow of War worth playing?
It is a strong fit if you want a combat-focused open-world game in which enemy captains, rivalries, and sieges can produce unexpected encounters. You should be comfortable with substantial side activity and a campaign that may feel longer than its central story requires.
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- A MONUMENTAL STORY: Immerse yourself in the epic scale of Middle-earth as you forge a new ring and siege epic fortresses to face the Dark Lord and Nazgul
- NEMESIS SYSTEM EVOLVED: Experience a richer and more personal world full of new enemy types, stronger personalities and deeper stories - anyone you face can now evolve from a lowly Soldier to a mighty Overlord. Personal Nemesis or Ally
- TURN MORDOR AGAINST SAURON: Go behind enemy lines and use strategy, cunning or brute force to conquer Sauron's fortresses and turn them against him
- IN MIDDLE-EARTH: SHADOW OF WAR, NOTHING WILL BE FORGOTTEN.
If you prefer concise campaigns, a restrained interpretation of Tolkien, or a story that stays consistently in the foreground, the criticisms about pacing and busywork deserve more weight. The Metacritic aggregate is favorable, but whether the game works for you depends on how much you enjoy its systems-driven scale.
How does it compare with Shadow of Mordor?
Shadow of War expands on the earlier game’s Nemesis concept with greater variety and fortress sieges, giving generated captains a broader role in the action. That expansion is the key trade-off: the sequel offers more systems and larger battles, but its broader open-world structure is also where critics found more grind and busywork. Choose based on whether you want that added scale, not simply on the fact that it is the follow-up.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Platforms, release dates, and editions
GameSpot’s 2017 roundup listed PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One, with an October 10, 2017 release date. Steam’s store entry lists October 9, 2017. These are platform/store date presentations; check the relevant store for current availability and compatibility rather than assuming support for newer hardware. Steam store page
Steam’s indexed Definitive Edition description lists the base game and these expansions:
Best Value
- PLAY THE DEFINITIVE EDITION OF MIDDLE-EARTH: SHADOW OF WAR FROM THE AWARD-WINNING MONOLITH STUDIOS. Winner of over 60 awards and nominations, conquer Mordor for the Bright Lord and enjoy 50+ hours of story content, 3 playable characters and the expansive Nemesis System. The Definitive Edition includes all DLC Slaughter Tribe Nemesis Expansion Outlaw Tribe Nemesis Expansion Blade of Galadriel Story Expansion Desolation of Mordor Story Expansion
- Story Expansion Pass
- Outlaw Tribe Nemesis Expansion
- Slaughter Tribe Nemesis Expansion
- The Blade of Galadriel Story Expansion
- The Desolation of Mordor Story Expansion
Store listings and edition contents can change. Confirm the live listing for the platform and edition you intend to buy before purchasing.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
