I'm having crazy fun with Shadow of Mordor. As Talion, ranger of Gondor, you embark on a quest for vengeance and slay a whole load of orcs along the way. The combat system really does make you feel like Aragorn (a less merciful and more bitter version, that is), while the Nemesis system...
Let's talk about the Nemesis system. The game randomly generates enemies, or Nemeses, who grow and change as they fight among themselves (or with you). With every victory, they rise through the ranks of orc society, while the losers are crushed. Everyone has their own personality and colourful name.
Every orc in Mordor fancies himself a captain and it's all very hilarious (unless you're the loser, I guess, then it's not so hilarious) since they're constantly bumpng each other off. You wonder how there are any orcs left at all to form an army.
I wish I could give myself a name like Bagabug Skull Splitter. I mean, look at this guy:
His name just oozes personality, and look at that helmet. He's put some thought into this "being a despicable monster" business. Bagabug is at the height of orc fashion. Pretty good for a guy with a Power of 9.
I'm trying to interfere in a duel between him and a less powerful orc, whom he dispatches in minutes anyway. He then turns his sights on me, delcaring how much he'll enjoy making me suffer. With a helmet like that, I believe you Bagabug.
Nazu Beast Slayer wanders in on our little event. His whole gang is here. Before long, he declares he's going to flay the flesh off my bones and feast on it. Orcs love making these bold statements, it's one of the little things that elevates this game above the rest.
Oh my goodness. Nazu, you're killing me. I thought Bagabug's helmet was impeccable. Soon, there are orcs everywhere and I'm in the middle of it all.
We're interrupted by Ugakuga Blood Licker. Good effort on the name but your attire is sadly lacking. Also, check out the guy's description.
Anxious about enemies finding out about his weakness? You have self esteem issues. Perhaps a makeover will help.
Unfortunately, I had to run. No really, I had to run. 30 orcs isn't something I can handle on my own. Besides, even if I kill these three guys they might come back. You actually have to decapitate an orc or he could show up again. A quirk of the Nemesis system.
In case anyone's wondering, none of this was scripted. It's an open game world, so these three groups just bumped into each other, like some really weird West Side story.
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