Middle-earth: Shadow of War reviews round-up, all the scores

Middle-earth: Shadow of War was pitched as a much bigger, and deeper sequel to Shadow of Mordor. Is it actually a better game?

We’re about to find out, partially at any rate. The Middle-earth: Shadow of War review embargo officially lifts in a few minutes, and a lot of impressions and early reviews are about to pour in.

Shadow of War continues the story set in the first game, with Talion and Celebrimbor returning. This time, the goal is to forge a new Ring of Power and join the fight against Sauron and his forces. One of the biggest features of the first game, the Nemesis System, is being expanded in Shadow of War.

In the sequel, you’ll be able to amass and control an army of Orcs and together raid Orc forts to reclaim and control them. Gameplay footage showed a multi-layered, expansive system of attacking enemy forts in stages, whittling down defences until you reach the boss for a climactic battle.

One of the more controversial new additions is Shadow of War’s loot boxes, which can be bought with real-world money as well as earned while playing the game.

Scores are out of ten unless otherwise noted.

• Game Informer – 9.5
• COGconnected – 94/100
• Shack News – 9/10
• PC Games N – 8/10
• Polygon – 7.5
• PC Gamer – 73
• Eurogamer – no score

Shadow of War is out October 10 on PC, PS4, and Xbox One.