Originality: In many ways, this game feels like the Arkham games, but it adds some unique features that I’ve not really experienced in games before (the ability to take control of squads of orcs and use them to overthrow ones you don’t control). That may not sound very exciting in words, but it is a TON of fun to play. Also, the use of an orc to be his ‘buddy’ for half the game (as well as the comic relief) only for him to be killed rather quickly halfway through was rather unique and entertaining. Not many have tried to give a personality to the orcs before and that was a breath of fresh air in this game. Still, this formula has become quite popular lately (rightly so) making this game not as unique of an experience.
17/20
Graphics: Played it on pc and it was a beaut! Loved the lighting during the rain scenes btw!!!
10/10
Art Style: The art style has been established for some time in the movies and games (except for the mmo), and this game sticks to it; an art style that needed to be stuck with. A perfect art style for this setting!
15/15
Story: What a beautiful story! It starts out with a typical unoriginal feel to it, but then you’re a ghost (or rather a corpse that isn’t dead and still has a mind) being bound to another ghost which you SLOWLY discover is a lot more than he seems (was he truly regaining memories the whole time, or intentionally tricking the player into thinking that just so he could grow stronger?). The progression of figuring out what is going on, the introduction of Ratbag and the dwarf (both hilarious, and a little touching with the 2nd one), the wonderfully unique dialogue from random uruks, and the cinematic scenes with the Queen, the hands of Sauron, the flashbacks to Sauron, and the references to Sauromon made this games story just amazing! And then they had to end it with a massive “second ring” reference which made me go to the forums only to discover this has everyone confused and excited for a sequel! I’ve ranted a lot, sorry! Great story!
30/30
Game Interface: Good.
5/5
Controls easy and fluid or difficult and rigid? It could have given the player a little more time for some of the slow motion fight scenes. Now now, I’m not just one of those complainers; It sometimes took me while to figure out where the slow motion click point was and read what thing I was supposed to push.
3/5
Is it fun? “Fun is for friends that do stuff together, u is for u and me, n is for nywhere nytime at all down here in the deep blue sea!” This game is fun!
15/15
Total Score: 95/100 +5 charm = 100/100
Batman: Arkham City Armored Edition – 100 + 5 = 105
Shadow of Mordor = 95 + 5 = 100
Zelda Skyward Sword-98
Hyrule Warriors – 93 + 5 = 98
Assassin’s Creed 4 Wii U – 86 +5 = 96
Zelda Minish Cap – 92
Portal – 87 + 5 = 92/100
Bayonetta (Wii U) - 91
Zelda Oracle of Ages – 91
Metroid Fusion – 91
Mario and Luigi: Bowsers Inside Story – 86 + 5 = 91
Zelda Twilight Princess – 90
Luigi’s Mansion Dark Moon - 90
Guildwars 2 – 89
Mario and Luigi: Dream Team – 89
Animal Crossing New Leaf – 84 + 5 = 89
Pokemon X – 88
Zelda: A Link to the Past – 78 + 10 = 88
Kid Icarus Uprising – 88
Darksiders 2 - 88
Fire Emblem Awakening – 88
Transformers: Rise of the Dark Spark - 84
Paper Mario Sticker Star – 83
Zelda: A Link Between Worlds-83
Super Mario 3d land – 72 + 10 = 82
Batman: Arkham Origins - 81
Trine – 80
Donkey Kong Tropical Freeze* - 68 + 10 = 78
Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D – 74
Rome: Total War-74
Red Alert 3 - 70
New Super Mario Bros. U - 66
New Super Mario Bros.Wii – 57 *
Assassins Creed 3 - 57
Zelda: Four Swords Anniversary Edition – 53*
Kirby Squeak Squad – 43
Donkey Kong Country Returns 3d – 42
* Means it was more fun than the score indicates. Scores judge the overall quality of the game (how fun it is only counts for 15% in my reviews)
