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Why shadow of mordor surpasses war in every way

Shadow of Mordor vs. Shadow of War | Fans Say First Game Triumphs

By

Tomรกs Ribeiro

Apr 30, 2025, 07:20 AM

Snappy read

Talion, a character from Shadow of Mordor, stands against a dark backdrop, ready for battle with a sword in hand, embodying determination and strength.

A surge of opinion in the gaming community claims that Shadow of Mordor outshines its sequel, Shadow of War, significantly. Many players voice their frustrations over the sequel's perceived lack of depth and engaging storytelling as compared to the original, raising questions about game design choices and outcomes.

Context of the Controversy

Fans reflect on the motivations behind characters, with one user expressing dissatisfaction over Talion's arc: "Everything you do in the second game is completely pointless and ultimately futile." The narrative's direction, marked by repetitive gameplay mechanics and a perceived lack of significance, raises eyebrows. Additionally, players are disillusioned by altered character fates and altered atmospheres.

Key Themes Emerging from User Feedback

  1. Narrative Weakness in Sequel

    Players have noted that much of what Talion achieves in Shadow of War feels undone.

    "You donโ€™t really kill anyone in the higher ranks of Sauron that really matter."

  2. Gameplay Mechanics Concerns

    The introduction of rapid travel methods has drawn criticism for making Shadow of War maps feel cramped:

"The second game is a sandbox. Itโ€™s fucking Garryโ€™s mod."

  1. Character Development and Impact

    Fans appreciate the impactful deaths in Shadow of Mordor, contrasting them with the sequelโ€™s less meaningful outcomes.

"Characters actually die in that game."

Fan Sentiment

Overall, sentiments within the community trend negative towards Shadow of War, as many gamers feel it lacks the emotional resonance and challenge presented in the earlier title.

"The right way they couldโ€™ve approached this is to explain some things that wasnโ€™t explained by Tolkien."

Key Takeaways

  • โ–ณ Shadow of Mordor seen as having a strong narrative and atmosphere.

  • โ–ฝ Shadow of War criticized for making gameplay feel trivial and chaotic.

  • โ€ป "The story pacing is perfect in the first game."

With the gaming world constantly evolving, will developers take note of this discontent? Fans are vocal about their preferences, hoping for a more compelling future release.