Recs.
Updated
SpecsUpdate
Pros
Pro Different enemies require different tactics
Bosses in this game have different immunities and different weaknesses. This is why it's important to get intel from defeated orcs: they will reveal a chieftain's vulnerabilities (for instance: takedowns, finishers, ranged attacks, fire,...).
Pro Stealth & stealth combat
Shadows of Mordor features a climbing mechanic similar to Assassin's Creed games combined with stealth takedowns in the style of Far Cry 3. It all ties together very neatly and the gameplay is very smooth. Movement in this game overall is smoother than in Assassin's Creed titles. Takedowns are not your only option. You can also choose to brand enemies, which means that they will not attack you, but rather fight for you if you call upon them.
Pro Entertaining combat
Shadow of Mordor has very fast-paced combat, allowing you to have exciting fights with groups of orcs. You parry, you counter, you roll, and you slash away at the orcs with your sword. You even have supernatural abilities that give you an edge in a bad situation.
For example, after stunning an enemy with Wraith Stun, you can perform a devastating combo that kills the enemy. The same ability can be upgraded to affect every enemy in an area, so it can also be used to escape losing battles or exact justice on all of them.
Regardless of your methods, you always feel like the dominant force, which makes it all the more satisfying to ruthlessly skewer helpless orcs.
Pro Great out-of-stealth combat
Stealth and takedowns are only the beginning. Once you're out of stealth is when the party starts. This game provides you with an out-of-stealth combat system that is very similar to Ryse: Son of Rome. That means that essentially, enemies take turns to attack you, but they can join in on the fight at any given moment. That is why you can perform parries with counters as well as combat rolls for evasion. Besides the freeflow combat, there are also additional wraith skills to make this one of the best melee combat experiences in gaming. You can also tame beasts for mounted combat.
Cons
Con Extremely repetitive
The game can begin to feel like a chore after 3 hours. Every area has the same missions, requiring you to unlock towers, kill/dominate that orc, or defend/attack a base. There isn't much change over the course of the game, so it can feel pretty disappointing if you're expecting more variety.