Middle-Earth Shadow of Mordor is an open world video game. It is based on J. R. Tolkien’s novel, The Lord of the Rings. Sauron, an immortal spirit, created by supreme being Eru enters a physical world along with other beings. He defeats Talion, who guards the Black Gate of Mordor.

Talion becomes banished from death, although he himself is unsure what happened to when he is killed by Sauron. Sauron curses Talion to remain adrift between life and death. He continues as two beings, one is the shadow, who at times separates from the body of Talion. He can advise the physical Tallion on how to proceed.

There are elements of fast travel and it is possible to level up through various fights. There are also various story lines.

To lift the curse, Talion needs to find out everything about Sauron. As he learns about Sauron, he completes missions. He first needs to find a Slaver, who bought Sauron as a slave. There are various options available through his journey, such as maintaining health through herbs. His missions involve killing all guards, who keep control of the slaves. There are also various elements that can be researched. After killing the Slaver, Talion chases Gollum who has been watching him, but Gollum speaks in riddles. The player is also provided with various abilities in the game.

The combat system reminds Assassins’ Creed as Talion travels. Talion’s journey through Middle-Earth involves fighting characters, with interactions that can be modified. His enemies can also change in the course of these interactions. The Nemesis System used in the game enables these modifications and changes.

Middle-Earth Shadow of Mordor has been awarded a game of the year, also because of its innovative Nemesis system.