When comparing .hack//G.U. Last Recode vs Middle-earth: Shadow of War, the Slant community recommends .hack//G.U. Last Recode for most people. In the question“What are the best Action RPG games on Steam?” .hack//G.U. Last Recode is ranked 16th while Middle-earth: Shadow of War is ranked 32nd.
Specs
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
Pro xz
Pro Lots of different approaches to combat
The hack-and-slash gameplay of the overworld combat evolves over time, with only a handful of abilities available at the start, with many more opening up organically as the game progresses. Haseo gains access to different weapon types over time, like dual blades, broadswords and scythes. He also learns many abilities that give him a degree of control over his enemies, where the correct timing with button presses allows him to stop an opponent's attack altogether.
In battle, as Haseo and his party deal special attacks, a gauge fills up over time, giving the option for powerful, flashy Awakening attacks that decimate the enemies on the field. These attacks can be used to quickly deal damage in a pinch or finish off a group of foes.
Pro Character interactions are true-to-life
Haseo's initial revenge story gains more layers as he meets the various characters throughout the game and interacts with them both through cutscenes and with the game's MMO-like social tools. There's a mail feature that offers ways for Haseo to interact with party members outside of battle, such as with characters sharing rumors of tidbits they read about online. There are also marriage events where Haseo can marry certain characters after showing enough interest in them. Getting to learn more about the characters this way is an intriguing addition to the game, mirroring the many different ways you might interact with people in real life.
Pro A compelling story played out in an MMORPG setting
The .hack// series is renowned for its plot that pits the player inside of an MMORPG called The World, going after nefarious foes who kill other player avatars, causing terrible side effects for the real people controlling them. Last Recode tells the revenge story of Haseo who hunts these player killers within The World, as well as how he grows along the way from a cold, uncaring warrior into a much more reliable protagonist over time. The added fourth volume also goes a long way to build upon the established plot within the MMO and its characters, concluding the story on a strong note that feels complete.
Pro Character connections make for a compelling experience
Shadow of War uses the Nemesis system to create a more immersive and alive-feeling world. Thanks to it, orc leaders have names, ranks, titles, tribes they belong to, and most importantly, connections to other orc leaders.
For example, an orc leader might be at war with another orc leader. This conflict won't end until one of them dies. There are also orcs that are considered blood brothers, having unwavering loyalty to each other. Because of this, don't be too surprised if you ever get betrayed by one of your followers that's trying to do right by his blood brother.
Additionally, the leaders you fight will also develop connections with you. Orcs that you've killed or spared, may come back with scars, recalling your previous encounter and vowing to exact vengeance. Orcs that you've escaped from will mock you for being a chicken, and so forth. The gradual creation of this web of connections is very enjoyable and sometimes even more compelling than the game's main story.
Pro Addictive gear collection fuels your thirst for orc blood
As you kill orc leaders, they'll drop random quality gear items, ranging from common rarity every-orc weapons/armor to legendary rarity artifacts with unique names. Each item serves to improve your character, providing various stat increases and damage bonuses. You can also upgrade gear with gems or via challenges that usually involve killing orcs, bolstering your strength even further. On top of that, there are set bonuses for legendary items, giving you special abilities such as your hits applying explosive poison on regular enemies. It's very exciting seeing what gear piece an orc leader will drop once you lob his head off, causing you to constantly seek out new victims.
Pro Satisfying combat
Shadow of War gives one of the better feeling combat systems in recent times, allowing you to be either stealthy or go for direct confrontations.
If you choose to be stealthy, you can skewer unsuspecting orcs from behind with your dagger, drop onto them from a building while impaling them with your sword, or just pierce them from afar with your bow.
If you choose a direct confrontation, it's a really quick-paced and brutal showdown against your enemies with your chosen melee weapon. You weave combos against enemies, dodging, parrying, and countering enemy attacks, which ends in a devastating finishing move, resulting in a mutilated or decapitated orc.
Whichever method you choose, the combat flows really well and you always feel like a force to be reckoned with.
Pro You can lead an orc army and expand your own dominion
As part of the Nemesis system, you can recruit orc leaders after you've bested them in combat. Each one has his own unique strengths and weaknesses, so making the best possible army for conquering enemy territories might take a while.
For example, an orc leader can be completely immune to ranged attacks, but can take increased damage from explosions. You should take such an orc leader on assaults against fortresses filled with archers but be wary of the slightest hints of any bombs.
Once you've finished building a sizeable force, you can assault a fortresses. If you succeed in the assault, you'll take over a territory, allowing you to install your own orc leader as the ruler. With enough effort you'll gradually take over Mordor and its surrounding lands.
Shadow of War makes you feel like a recruiter, general, and a ruler, which is very empowering and a lot of fun.
Cons
Con HD textures feel last-gen
The updated textures are a nice upgrade from the PlayStation 2 graphics, but some instances of visible polygons and rough edges overall can be distracting. This HD remaster wouldn't have looked out of place on the PlayStation 3.
Con Combat can get repetitive
With four games in one, the battle gameplay in Last Records doesn't change as the player progresses through each entry. There's some dissonance where the story progresses and grows over time, and yet the battles remain the same. Depending on the player, fights can either remain fun and engaging or they can become a slog throughout the 60+ hour campaign.
Con Can get repetitive
The overall gameplay formula doesn't change much over the course of the game. You fight orcs, take over strongholds, upgrade your character, and collect blips on the world map. After a while it can start feeling like a grind, especially during long play sessions. This is made worse in the final stretch of the game where you have to fight through 20 consecutive stronghold battles without any story segments or exposition.
Con Unskippable cutscenes disrupt the flow of the 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.