Middle-earth: Shadow of War rests comfortably atop the list of fall/holiday 2017 releases that we’re most looking forward to, continuing a story and franchise we were absolutely head over heels for when it debuted in 2014. A short video from IGN and Monolith Productions outlines a several improvements we’ll encounter when Middle-earth: Shadow of War hits stores in August.
If you missed the first game in the series, Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor, there are a handful of things you need to know before we continue. Nemesis is a series of overlapping systems that stitch together cutscenes and dialogue directly influenced by the player’s interactions with a specific character. The idea was to create running narratives and unique encounters, both of which would bolster the main story and give fans a reason to revisit Shadow of Mordor after finishing the game. It was mostly limited to bad puns and one-liners about whoever died last. Occasionally, there’d be visual changes to represent a cleft limb or other major wounds. But some encounters would also generate new strengths (or weaknesses) for Talion’s latest target.
According to Monolith Productions VP of Creative Michael de Plater, the Nemesis system will expand significantly when Middle-earth: Shadow of War debuts later this year. Sauron’s armies will take refuge in forts scattered across the map, fortifying the structures and putting the skills of their tribesmen to use in whatever ways necessary. Mystic orcs will use necromancy to raise an army of the dead. Machinists will build smokestacks and all manner of weaponry. Ferals will cultivate the local wildlife. They also keep plenty of dragon bait on-hand.
Nemesis forts will have their own levels, bolstered by the orcs present within and the defensive enhancements built by Sauron’s forces. Armies allowed to really dig in and fortify will also have an impact on the surrounding areas. They’ll also be tougher to evict when Talion and Celebrimbor come calling. Players can take down captains and warchiefs, or attack specific structures (like necromancy totems) to weaken the fort and the commander who calls it home. But you’ll have to invade the keep alongside the rest of Talion’s army, and go toe-to-toe with the toughest orc in the fort, to dethrone the warlord who resides within.
Once you’ve taken control of the fortress, Talion can install a friendly ruler -- and you can even swap them as needed/desired -- who will begin to have their own influence on the environment. Presumably, players will have to decide which tribe’s bonuses will be most useful at the time. But that choice probably gets a bit easier as the number of forts and outposts under Talion and Celebrimbor’s control begins to grow.
For an early look at the Nemesis system improvements we’ll see in Middle-earth: Shadow of War, check out the alpha gameplay footage published by IGN. Then hit the comments section and let us know what changes you’re hoping to see when Shadow of War hits PC and consoles.
Middle-earth: Shadow of War is currently in development for PS4, Xbox One and PC. The game debuts Aug. 22.
Be sure to check back with iDigitalTimes and follow Scott on Twitter for additional Middle-earth: Shadow of War news in 2017 and however long Monolith supports Shadow of War after launch.
- Nemesis system does an even better job of letting players witness and tell unique, action-driven stories
- Most of the narrative content is just plain boring
