Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor Announced, Takes Us Back to Tolkien's World

This story from late 2013 looks at the announcement of Monolith's Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor.


Published: November 12, 2013 8:28 PM /

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Talion surrounded by Orcs in artwork for Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor

Announced by publisher Warner Bros. today, we're being taken back to the world of Middle-earth, as created by J.R.R. Tolkien, in a new game titled Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor.

Currently in production by developer Monolith Productions, the game has no current release date, but boasts some interesting features.

As indicated in the press release below, you take on the role of a ranger by the name of Talion. Talion, who perished with his family at the hands of the evil Sauron himself, has been resurrected by a vengeful spirit, granting him "wraith" abilities.

Talion dominating an Orc in Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor

A third-person action game, Shadow of Mordor will apparently have a game world that will both remember and adapt to your every choice as well allow for creation of battles, enemies and rewards. The title is set to be released on Xbox 360, Playstation 3, Xbox One, Playstation 4, and PC. Check out the press release below:

WARNER BROS. INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT TO DELIVER AN ORIGINAL, DARK STORY OF RETRIBUTION IN THIRD-PERSON ACTION GAME

MIDDLE-EARTH: SHADOW OF MORDOR

Burbank, Calif. – Nov. 12, 2013 – Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment today announced Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor, a next-generation, third-person action game set in Middle-earth that explores an original story of vengeance and redemption. Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor is in development for PlayStation®4 and PlayStation®3 computer entertainment systems, Xbox One, the all-in-one games and entertainment system from Microsoft, the Xbox 360 games and entertainment system from Microsoft and Windows PC.

In Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor, gamers take on the role of Talion, a valiant ranger whose family is slain in front of him 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 his personal vendetta, Talion uncovers the truth of the Spirit that compels him, learns the origins of the Rings of Power and ultimately confronts his true nemesis.

"In Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor, players will explore the dark and very personal theme of vengeance in a world where decisions have a consequence, and those consequences persist even after death," said Samantha Ryan, Senior Vice President, Production and Development, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. "The game introduces new gameplay mechanics to the action genre, creating opportunities for emergent and customized gameplay that will be rewarding for players."

Every enemy that players face is a unique individual, differentiated by their personality, strengths and weaknesses. Through the Nemesis System, enemy relationships and characteristics are shaped by player actions and decisions to create personal archenemies that remember and adapt to the player and are distinct to every gameplay session. Gamers are able to craft their own battles, enemies and rewards within the dynamic world that remembers and adapts to their choices, delivering a unique experience to every player.

Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor is under development by Monolith Productions. The team has collaborated with Middle-earth Enterprises, Peter Jackson and the artists at Weta Workshop to ensure that the settings, characters and story align authentically within canon. For more information, visit www.ShadowofMordor.com, Facebook.com/ShadowofMordor and Twitter.com/Middleearthgame.

What do you think? Are you excited to return to the Lord of the Rings universe?

Have a tip, or want to point out something we missed? Leave a Comment or e-mail us at tips@techraptor.net


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Rutledge Daugette is the Guides Editor & Founder of TechRaptor. Rutledge's degree in Game Programming ultimately led him to found the site in 2013, with… More about Rutledge

More Info About This Game
Learn more about Middle-Earth: Shadow of Mordor
Release Date
September 30, 2014 (Calendar)
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