Shadow Of War: 10 Brutally Honest Impressions You Need To Know

10. The Story Is Dreadful

Just like the first game, the story of Shadow of War plays second fiddle to the actual gameplay.

Already starting on the wrong foot after establishing that main characters Talion and Celebrimbor have created a second ring of power, the sequel only becomes more nonsensical from there on out, following a predictable and self-serious plot that's devoid of the fun and levity found elsewhere in the title.

The way the story's actually told doesn't do it any favours either, with unpolished cut-scenes that constantly take away agency cropping up far too frequently. When narrative beats happen they feel more intrusive than anything else, and you just want the cinematics to end so you can jump back into the excellent combat.

Likewise, while the way the sequel played fast and loose with the Lord of the Rings mythos didn't bother me personally, if you're heavily invested in the lore of this universe then some of the decisions will no doubt rub you the wrong way. Believe me: stupid sexy Shelob is just the tip of the iceberg.