You'll notice that Shadow of Mordor is the only relatively recent AAA game on this list. Considering it came out in 2014, this is unfortunately a reflection of AAA publishers' lack of support for the Mac. Not that anyone can really complain about it, because unless Apple makes an explicit effort to present itself as a gaming platform (which isn't looking likely), then delayed releases of the occasional yesteryear hit is the best you can hope for. But enough of the self-pitying, because Shadow of Mordor is rightly heralded as one of the best games of 2014. From the developers of FEAR, and with that super-stylish, timing-based gameplay of the Batman: Arkham series, Shadow of Mordor takes place in the fully-licensed universe of the Lord of the Rings movies. Thankfully, the game doesn't milk the license too much, offering a story independent of the movies, excellent visuals, and some of the most satisfying combat around. For a game that's so story-light, Mordor has an incredible amount of personality thanks mainly to the randomly-generated orc captains and warlords who you will - in a weird way - grow pretty close to throughout the game. Each of them is filled with cockney-sounding insults (because all orcs are really just deformed gangsters from 1960s London), and has their own strengths and weaknesses that you'll need to adapt to. Eventually, you can even possess your favourite orc captains, and use them and their followers to help you in battle against other orc warbands, making for some fantastic skirmishes. Also, hats off to the option to pause the game at any moment and hop into a photo mode. There really is no better way to appreciate current-gen graphics than by pausing and zooming in on the bewildered orc head flying off its body. More of that please, AAA games...
Gamer, Researcher of strange things.
I'm a writer-editor hybrid whose writings on video games, technology and movies can be found across the internet. I've even ventured into the realm of current affairs on occasion but, unable to face reality, have retreated into expatiating on things on screens instead.
