I've enjoyed my play of the game tremendously. Some say the game is too big, but I was disappointed to learn their are only 4 maps. What is incredible about this game, however, is that a DLC that merely adds another map or two, like the Black Gate or Barad-Dur, with content specific to Shadow Wars, could have enormous impact on the story and develop it.
I've never used the loot boxes, and Shadow Wars have been fine. Just invest the hour or so in getting seven captains (legendary or not) to the highest level you can in the training grounds. If you lose a seige, the experience you get retaking the Fort (killing warlords plus victory) moves you up 2-3 levels, so you'll be able handle the next one. As a post-game mechanic, it's WAY more fun than Riddler trophies, and the time investment actually allows for many more opportunities to play with and see the procedural-genius of the Nemesis system.
The story is way better than the original: way better boss fights at the end of the story, the story itself was way more interesting (the plot twist and setup for Shadow Wars is kind of brilliant in my opinion, and is setup by all sorts of things in the supporting stories). The villains all make a lot of sense from a Narrative perspective: you're a wraith, so the lord of the wraiths tries to assimilate you (fighting them isn't just a bunch of quick time events, but like fighting a character with all your own powers--the fact that they move at lightning speed even when you try to slow down time, that they live on the same "plain" as you is fascinating) you're undead, so someone who protects life or tries to bring back the dead fights you; you control Orcs, so of course some of the, resent that and rebel. Shelob was a really interesting character in my opinion.
Ultimately, this game goes in an ambitious direction, and I hope other games try to use their approach to enemies and landscapes and try to expand on them.
I gave it a 9 because I'm holding out for the DLC, but this is a thoroughly enjoyable game.
I've never used the loot boxes, and Shadow Wars have been fine. Just invest the hour or so in getting seven captains (legendary or not) to the highest level you can in the training grounds. If you lose a seige, the experience you get retaking the Fort (killing warlords plus victory) moves you up 2-3 levels, so you'll be able handle the next one. As a post-game mechanic, it's WAY more fun than Riddler trophies, and the time investment actually allows for many more opportunities to play with and see the procedural-genius of the Nemesis system.
The story is way better than the original: way better boss fights at the end of the story, the story itself was way more interesting (the plot twist and setup for Shadow Wars is kind of brilliant in my opinion, and is setup by all sorts of things in the supporting stories). The villains all make a lot of sense from a Narrative perspective: you're a wraith, so the lord of the wraiths tries to assimilate you (fighting them isn't just a bunch of quick time events, but like fighting a character with all your own powers--the fact that they move at lightning speed even when you try to slow down time, that they live on the same "plain" as you is fascinating) you're undead, so someone who protects life or tries to bring back the dead fights you; you control Orcs, so of course some of the, resent that and rebel. Shelob was a really interesting character in my opinion.
Ultimately, this game goes in an ambitious direction, and I hope other games try to use their approach to enemies and landscapes and try to expand on them.
I gave it a 9 because I'm holding out for the DLC, but this is a thoroughly enjoyable game.