WB Interactive and Monolith return to the tribe introduction trailers that began last month with a new video focused on the Mystic tribe: magically-gifted orcs who can be recruited in Shadow of War. And, so far, they’re unlike anything else we’ve seen in Monolith’s Middle-earth games.
“Magically-gifted” is probably the nicest way you could describe the Mystic tribe. The latest residents of Mordor to get their own trailer “specialize in dark magic, rituals and incantations that date back thousands of years.” And any keeps under their control reflect the nature of their objectives. They’re also proof that the knowledge-obsessed orcs aren’t any less capable than their peers. The Mystic tribe is every bit as ruthless as Terror orcs, with the former replacing the latter’s mindless executions with ritual sacrifices. They use the bones of their enemies to construct dark altars and Mystic orcs aren’t afraid to summon terrible monstrosities to finish the jobs they can’t.
I actually had a chance to see some of the Mystic captains during an hour-long demonstration at PAX West and their garb, demeanor and decor were all so radically different from anything else I’d seen in Shadow of War I initially assumed they weren’t part of the Nemesis system. I don’t want to spoil the mission I saw (there are a few moments best experienced without knowing what you’re in for) but it was only after speaking with a Shadow of War developer that I learned the Mystic tribe would be part of the Nemesis system.
For more on the various orc tribes we’ll meet in Middle-earth: Shadow of War, take a few minutes to watch the Mystic Tribe trailer (embedded up top) and/or review the previous tribe trailers released in recent weeks (down below). Then head down to the comments and let us know which faction(s) you plan to align Talion with when Shadow of War hits PC and consoles next month.
Middle-earth: Shadow of War is in development for PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC. The game debuts Oct. 17.
Be sure to check back with Player.One and follow Scott on Twitter for more Middle-earth: Shadow of War news in 2017 and however long Monolith supports Shadow of War news 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
