9 Most Controversial Video Game Moments Of 2017

There's an important distinction to make between microtransactions that offer randomly-generated content and those that provide exactly what you pay for. The line is thin, but it's there.

For instance, Assassin's Creed Origins offers 'time-saving' boosters that allow the player to circumvent certain activities - like discovering hidden items on the map - by revealing them all for a small price. Ridiculous? Absolutely, but hey, there's at least no lack of transparency.

Shadow of War, on the other hand, opts to go down the Loot Box route. Like its predecessor, the selling point of Monolith's Tolkein-skinned sequel is the Nemesis System, only now, Talion can recruit those he's subjugated to fight for him in the war against Sauron.

It's a wonderful system deserving of praise, but also a time sink that requires investment to get the best of the best recruits. So, do you spend countless hours hunting for legendary Orcs and Uruks, or cut corners and spend a few bob for better odds?

Bear in mind that, if any of your box-born commanders die in battle, they're gone for good, meaning you've just spent cash on absolutely nothing. Nada. Zilch.

For any game, this sort of practice is frowned upon, for one that demands full retail price? It's a bad joke.