10 Most Underrated Video Games Of 2017

6. Middle-Earth: Shadow Of War

Middle Earth Shadow Of War
Monolith

When it released in August, Middle-Earth: Shadow of War became more known for its controversial implementation of microtransactions than being a superbly solid open-world adventure.

Throwing even more toys into the Lord of the Rings sandbox, players were encouraged to go wild with the newly-improved Nemesis system to strike up rivalries, lay siege to enemy encampments and create an army of orcs to aid them in battle.

Fortunately, the gameplay itself brilliantly complimented these addictive mechanics, with the new movement system in particular allowing you to get the drop on enemies in a more efficient - and stylish - way than ever before.

The campaign was admittedly pretty naff, but WB's series has never been about the main story: the real fun lies in the anarchy you can create and the memories you make by being hounded by a familiar set of mutilated faces.

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Josh has over 11 years of experience as a published writer, having worked nine of those years as a full-time content producer at WhatCulture. In that period he has created hundreds of articles, videos and podcast episodes for multiple WhatCulture channels, specialising in gaming, horror and film & TV. He now primarily works as a senior content producer and presenter on WhatCulture Gaming where he co-hosts the WhatCulture Gaming Podcast, a top 3 UK most listened to gaming podcast that he co-created in 2018. Over the years he has reviewed several high-profile gaming releases, covered industry events with on-site reporting, opined on breaking news, and even kicked off his interviewing career by chatting to childhood hero, Tommy Wiseau.