What We Love about the Lord of the Rings Video Games
With the scale J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth in mind, it is understandable that other creators would want to take tours of their own in such a rich world. Thanks to Tolkien’s astonishing efforts to create a world that felt so real and expansive, newer entries into the history of Middle-earth are not only welcome for many, but feel like an almost natural addition.
The story of Talion, the ill-fated ranger from Gondor featured in the games Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor and Middle-earth: Shadow of War, takes players deep into the folds of Mordor, allowing them to meet new and even revisit familiar characters and creatures along the way. Some of the best parts of the games are noncanonical, or canonical aspects with a twist.
Here are the three best additions and alterations that Talion’s story in the games has to offer:
3. The Nemesis System
One of the most entertaining and intricate parts of both games is the complicated hierarchy in the armies of Mordor. Some foes are truly formidable and forces to be reckoned with, and others seem to be there more for amusement than anything else. Every enemy, whether they be Uruk-hai or Olog-hai, have their own complexities.
Their combined rank in the armies, special abilities, alliances, and personal strengths and weaknesses often play a large part in the player’s choices and affect what kind of attacks stand the best chance of taking each particular enemy down. While Tolkien provided background and personality to many of the Orcs, Uruk-hai, and trolls, they take on a whole new level of intricacy as they serve a vital part of the gameplay in Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor and Middle-earth: Shadow or War.
There is also a certain degree of unpredictability with the Nemesis system that adds an edge to the game; enemies that have been dominated under Talion’s control can break free of his mental grip and betray him, and enemies assumed dead can return seeking vengeance. The ability to ally oneself with them through the domination ability is new to these two games, and allows fans of Middle-earth a closer look and at times even friendly rapport with Sauron’s forces.
With a seemingly endless combination of names, titles, and powers, hunting down Mordor’s ranks to either overthrow or dominate them is never dull. No two enemies seem too alike either, as those involved with the games clearly went to great lengths to differentiate the seemingly endless stream of characters for Talion to challenge. Whether they are fearsome or foolish, the Uruks and Olog-hai of Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor and Middle-earth: Shadow of War never fail to entertain.
2. The Creatures
Even with a world already filled with creatures, both foul and fair, Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor and Middle-earth: Shadow of War introduce additional creatures to Middle-earth, and even alter some of the ones that fans of Tolkien’s work would already be familiar with beyond just the Uruks.
One of the first enemy creature that players encounter is the Caragor. Although admittedly similar in appearance to Wargs, the large, deadly animals are unique to the two games. They can often be found facing down the Orcs and trolls of Mordor, and as Talion levels up, he gains the ability to dominate and ride them as well. The games also introduce Caragaths, which are similar to but stronger than a typical Caragor.
Another creature found roaming in the games is the mighty Graug. Although they are troll-like in appearance, they are another creature entirely and also cannot be found in any of Tolkien’s works. They are very challenging to fight, and the different subspecies that Talion confronts come armed with their own unique attacks and abilities that players have to consider when they challenge them.
Shadow of War specifically sheds new and unprecedented light on a well-known creature from The Lord of the Rings. Shelob, the deadly giant spider ultimately bested by Samwise Gamgee as she attempts to make a meal out of Frodo, is given a new history. In the sequel game, Shelob has the ability to morph into a woman, and is able to interact with Talion and Celebrimbor.
Both due to her nature in the game and her well-known history outside of it, it is not surprising that she was challenging to trust at times. Although this change had mixed reception from players, it was another bold move that helped the games take further root in the well-established and beloved canon of Tolkien’s Middle-earth.
1. Celebrimbor the Wraith
Many avid fans of Middle-earth were quick to recognize the name of Celebrimbor when it was first spoken in Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor. Celebrimbor was a character created by Tolkien himself, and played a vital role as a character in setting up the conditions that would lead to Tolkien’s most famous work, The Lord of the Rings. Celebrimbor was a highly regarded elf, and was responsible for the forging of the three Rings of Power that were given to the elves. Recognizing the threat Sauron presented, Celebrimbor gave the Rings to trusted allies; these Rings would eventually end up being borne by Galadriel of Lothlórien, Elrond of Rivendell, and the great wizard Gandalf.
The games breathe new life-after-death into the legendary character. In the games’ lore, Celebrimbor attempts to overthrow Sauron, losing both his family and his own life in the process. Fueled by his rage and despair, Celebrimbor becomes a Wraith, binding himself to Talion in hopes of challenging Sauron once more to avenge all he had lost.
With Celebrimbor’s Wraith abilities, Talion becomes a formidable opponent for the forces of Mordor. He can attack at lightning speed, teleport, and perhaps most notably, claim the minds of the forces of Mordor. Caragors, Graugs, and even Uruk captains fall prey to Celebrimbor’s Domination ability through Talion.
These skills are part of what sets the game apart, making the combat and strategy involved a delight for players. Choosing to have Talion’s Wraith companion be a fairly recognizable, but perhaps not well-known, canonical character helps this new story further ground itself in the lore of Middle-earth.
When it comes to worldbuilding, few writers and creators can count themselves among the ranks of J.R.R. Tolkien. The breadth and depth of culture, language, landscapes, and history that he provided for Middle-earth over the course of his writing career is virtually unparalleled in any other work of fiction.
Whether visiting Middle-earth through reading a book, viewing the movies, or playing a video game, Tolkien fans almost immediately feel like they are taking a step into a world that existed long before their entrance into it, and one that will exist long after they leave. Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor and Middle-earth: Shadow of War are both welcome opportunities for fans of Middle-earth to explore and expand upon the world that they already know so well and love so much.
Have you ever played the Middle-earth games? Let Your Geek Sideshow and tell us in the comments!
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