MIDDLE-EARTH: SHADOW OF WAR

How to make friends and influence Orcs

The Nemesis system: truly the crowning achievement of the first PS4 Tolkien tie-in, Shadow Of Mordor. It’s back in the clever action-RPG’s sequel – and somehow more impressive than ever. Sitting through a 16-minute slice of gameplay gives us a glimpse of Shadow of War’s upgraded Nemesis system in action.

In the heat of battle, Talion is confronted by Orcs who, thanks to the system, hold a grudge. Like WWE wrestlers, they bellow about just why Talion deserves a good kicking. The monologuing is heaps of fun, adding personality to the slaughter.

Next up, we see two of Talion’s allies join forces: a Marauder Beast Mount and the ‘Demolisher’ form a devastating battering ram. Nemesis allies will work with each other as well as our hero, and there are now more moral grey areas to splash about in. Rather than simply ‘hire’ or ‘kill’ you can, for instance, choose the more devilish ‘humiliate’ option.

While Nemesis was the best aspect of Shadow Of Mordor, its limitations were felt in the last third of the game as enlisting orcs became routine – Nemesis lost its influence. By contrast, we can’t wait to return to Mordor and toy with the emotions of some new enemies.

“YOU CAN, FOR INSTANCE, CHOOSE THE MORE DEVILISH ‘HUMILIATE’ OPTION.”

At least two Nemesis expansions – Slaughter Tribe and Outlaw Tribe – are planned post-release. Above Enemies will remember what you put them through and react accordingly the next time you meet.