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 Enjoyable preparation element
Bosses in this game have different immunities and weaknesses to in-game skills. For example, a boss can be immune to takedowns, but can also be vulnurable to fire, so it's best to have a flame-infused weapon ready to fight him effectively.
This makes preparation very important to succeed, sometimes even requiring you to mix up your playstyle and fighting methods. Because every enemy requires a different approach, it can help the gameplay stay fresh for a longer time.
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 raw Ryse-style combat, there are also additional wraith skills to make this one of the best melee combat experiences in gaming. You can tame beasts for mounted combat.
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.
Cons
Con Unskippable cutscenes interrupt gameplay
Every time an orc leader enters the screen, there is an unskippable cutscene where he rambles a bit, focusing the camera on him and halting combat until the cutscene ends. This usually happens as you're fighting another enemy, potentially disrupting your rhythm, which can be really frustrating, especially if mess up your combo or take an unnecessary hit after the cutscene.