Rock Paper Shotgun Middle-earth: Shadow of War Feed

enThu, 25 Apr 2024 15:00:00 +0000The Electronic Wireless Show podcast S3 Episode 16: the new hobbit life sim and our favourite The Lord Of The Rings gameshttps://www.rockpapershotgun.com/the-electronic-wireless-show-podcast-s3-episode-16-the-new-hobbit-life-sim-and-our-favourite-the-lord-of-the-rings-gamesAlice BellThu, 25 Apr 2024 15:00:00 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/the-electronic-wireless-show-podcast-s3-episode-16-the-new-hobbit-life-sim-and-our-favourite-the-lord-of-the-rings-gamesPCAction AdventureRPGSingle PlayerXbox OneThe RPS Electronic Wireless showPS5Middle-earth: Shadow of MordorPodcastThe Lord of the Rings: GollumNaconAndroidThird personWarner Bros.Daedalic EntertainmentPS4Private DivisionHack & SlashPS3Nintendo SwitchMiddle-earth: Shadow of WarXbox Series X/SiOSXbox 360Monolith ProductionsTales of the ShireWarner Bros. Games

This week saw the first (small) look at the new and upcoming Hobbit-themed cosy life sim Tales Of The Shire, plus the news that Embracer group is splitting into three, including a Middle-earth And Friends group. We thus use this as an excuse to spend some time talking about The Lord Of The Rings games we'd like to see, plus our favourite Rings games from days gone by (and also Gollum, and also we do impressions of Gollum).

Nate has been playing an impressive number of games, including one that did not allow him to invent the stick and therefore hampered his progress. We also talk about AI NPCs again, because one of them tried to get James drunk. Plus: some lovely recommendations to round off your weekly pod (one of them is a long life meat product).

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This Skyrim mod adds a Shadow Of Mordor-inspired Nemesis systemhttps://www.rockpapershotgun.com/this-skyrim-mod-adds-a-shadow-of-mordor-inspired-nemesis-systemAlice O'ConnorTue, 09 Aug 2022 10:12:44 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/this-skyrim-mod-adds-a-shadow-of-mordor-inspired-nemesis-systemPCAction AdventureRPGSingle PlayerXbox OneFirst personBethesda SoftworksMiddle-earth: Shadow of MordorModsThird personAndroidWarner Bros.PS4Hack & SlashBethesda Game StudiosPS3Middle-earth: Shadow of WariOSXbox 360Monolith ProductionsWarner Bros. GamesThe Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

A new mod for The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim draws inspiration from the Middle-earth: Shadow Of Mordor series by turning regular enemies into powerful Nemesis versions if they kill you. Rather than simply die and reload a save, you'll respawn elsewhere in the world, ready to hunt down your new named Nemesis. They might even loot your gear and use it against you.

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Shadow Of Mordor's nemesis system is patented, which suckshttps://www.rockpapershotgun.com/shadow-of-mordors-nemesis-system-is-patented-which-sucksLauren MortonFri, 29 Jan 2021 22:31:08 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/shadow-of-mordors-nemesis-system-is-patented-which-sucksWarner Bros.Middle-earth: Shadow of MordorMiddle-earth: Shadow of WarMonolith

Monolith's Lord Of The Rings games Middle-Earth: Shadow Of Mordor and Shadow Of War are fun action stealth 'em ups that deserve praise just for their combat. What really makes both worth mention though is the nemesis system that turns procedurally generated baddies into your own personal antagonists the more you encounter them. Why haven't more developers tried their own take on the nemesis system in the last six years? Because Warner Bros. patented it, turns out. That sucks.

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Have you played… Middle-earth: Shadow Of War?https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/have-you-played-middle-earth-shadow-of-warOllie TomsMon, 06 Apr 2020 06:30:05 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/have-you-played-middle-earth-shadow-of-warAction AdventureRPGMiddle-earth: Shadow of WarHave You PlayedFeatureBlockbusterWarner Bros. GamesMonolith

With Middle-earth: Shadow Of Mordor, I thought, "This is it. They've perfected Arkham-style combat. It can't get better than this." With Middle-earth: Shadow Of War, I realised how mistaken I'd been.

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17 reasons to be thankful in gameshttps://www.rockpapershotgun.com/17-reasons-to-be-thankful-in-gamesBrendan CaldwellFri, 29 Nov 2019 11:00:00 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/17-reasons-to-be-thankful-in-gamesYakuza 0Action AdventureRPGThe Witcher 3: Wild HuntTom Clancy's The Division 2XCOM 2: War of the ChosenApex LegendsThe Surge 2StrategyLife Is Strange 2Story RichOne Off The ListElite DangerousMiddle-earth: Shadow of WarShooterSessionDetroit: Become HumanFeatureIndieMetro Exodus

Gather round, descendants of unwelcome occupiers. It is time to celebrate turkeys again. Now, I don’t have any comically large birds to slaughter, but I do recognise the emotional benefit of reflection, which is what this questionable holiday is all about. Being thankful. There are many small things we videosgamers take for granted, the stuff you don’t even think about. But tiny “quality of life” things still deserve a grateful thumbs-up. Here are 17 things to be thankful for in games.

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Steam Charts: Schteam Schmarts Editionhttps://www.rockpapershotgun.com/steam-charts-schteam-schmarts-editionJohn WalkerMon, 11 Nov 2019 16:43:52 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/steam-charts-schteam-schmarts-editionFootball Manager 2020Destiny 2: ShadowkeepSteamStar Wars Jedi: Fallen OrderAction AdventureDisco ElysiumPlanet ZooMiddle-earth: Shadow of WarFeatureGrand Theft Auto VPUBG: BattlegroundsDestiny 2VR

The results are in! The links between the longevity of Steam Charts and the decreases in violent crime, the improvement of sanitary water supplies, and sudden global drops in serious health issues, are no coincidence at all!

To quote from the paper recently published in Nature, "Causal links have been shown connecting Rock Paper Shotgun's Steam Charts articles to a remarkably number of positive worldwide trends, with strong suggestion that a global dependence on the column has been established, such that its weekly appearance is vital to humanity."

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What graphics card do I need for HDR and what PC games support it?https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/what-graphics-card-hdr-pc-games-3Katharine CastleWed, 30 Oct 2019 10:20:20 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/what-graphics-card-hdr-pc-games-3Battlefield VResident Evil 7: BiohazardNvidiaBattlefield 1Gears 5Halo Wars 2PES 2020Far Cry: New DawnTom Clancy's Ghost Recon: BreakpointForza Motorsport 7AMDF1 2018Dark and LightSea of ThievesFinal Fantasy XVCall of Duty: Modern WarfareArk: Survival EvolvedTom Clancy's The Division 2Sword Art Online: Fatal BulletStrange BrigadeAssassin's Creed IIIHitman 2Injustice 2Assassin's Creed OriginsThe Elder Scrolls OnlineHDRMadden NFL 19Senua's Saga: Hellblade IIThe Dark Pictures Anthology - Man Of MedanAgents of MayhemGraphics CardsNi No Kuni II: Revenant KingdomParagonSekiro: Shadows Die TwiceDestiny 2Nvidia G-Sync HDRF1 2019TerraTechRed Dead Redemption 2Mutant Year Zero: Road To EdenCrackdown 3Plants vs. Zombies: Battle For NeighborvilleF1 2017Forza Horizon 4Blair WitchShadow of the Tomb RaiderForza Horizon 3Mass Effect AndromedaMiddle-earth: Shadow of WarPES 2019GridFar Cry 5Devil May Cry 5Star Wars: Battlefront IIHitmanJump ForceDivinity: Original Sin 2HardwareTetris EffectAnthemShadow Warrior 2Call of Duty: WWIIAMD FreeSync 2Madden NFL 20FeatureMortal Kombat 11Call of Duty: Black Ops IIIIMonster Hunter: WorldObductionMetro ExodusResident Evil 2Heroes of HammerwatchBorderlands 3Divinity: Original Sin 2 Definitive Edition

HDR on PC hasn't improved much in 2019. Despite there being more HDR gaming monitors than ever before, the very best gaming monitors for HDR continue to be quite expensive compared to non-HDR monitors, and the situation around Windows 10 support for it is still a bit of a mess. However, provided you're willing to fight through all that, then the next step on your path to high dynamic range glory is to get an HDR compatible graphics card.

Below, you'll find a complete list of all the Nvidia and AMD graphics cards that have built-in support for HDR, as well as everything you need to know about getting one that also supports Nvidia and AMD's own HDR standards, G-Sync Ultimate and FreeSync 2. I've also put together a list of all the PC games that support HDR as well, so you know exactly which PC games you can start playing in high dynamic range.

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Steam Charts: Devil May Die Twicehttps://www.rockpapershotgun.com/steam-charts-devil-mid-march-2019Alice O'ConnorMon, 18 Mar 2019 19:26:06 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/steam-charts-devil-mid-march-2019Sid Meier's Civilization 6SteamFactory TownPUBG: BattlegroundsConan ExilesTom Clancy's Rainbow Six SiegeMiddle-earth: Shadow of WarGrand Theft Auto VBlockbusterSekiro: Shadows Die TwiceDevil May Cry 5Total War: Warhammer IISid Meier's Civilization VI: Gathering Storm

Oh hello! John is away in San Francisco gobbling up gum left on the underside of chairs at the Game Developers Conference, so I'm filling in for our regular rundown of last week's top-selling games on Steam. As is customary for weeks where I need to take over, the charts are full of the surprises he grumbles they never have. What can I say, John - video games must make more of an effort for me. And for goodness' sake, leave that gum. I don't care if Sid Meier himself stuck it there.

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Steam Charts: Prematurely Spooky Editionhttps://www.rockpapershotgun.com/steam-charts-prematurely-spooky-editionFraser BrownMon, 01 Oct 2018 12:44:24 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/steam-charts-prematurely-spooky-editionBattlerite RoyaleSteamShadow of the Tomb RaiderMiddle-earth: Shadow of WarFeatureMonster Hunter: WorldNieR: AutomataPathfinder: KingmakerPUBG: BattlegroundsCounter-Strike: Global OffensiveAssassin's Creed Odyssey

It’s Halloween (month)! I don’t know about you lovely lot, but there’s nothing I find more spooky or chilling than charts detailing what the most popular video games are in a given week. That's me, Fraser, filling in for John who is on holiday. A terrifying holiday, I bet.

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Nvidia RTX 2080Ti vs GTX 1080Ti: Clash of the 4K graphics cardshttps://www.rockpapershotgun.com/nvidia-rtx-2080ti-vs-gtx-1080ti-performanceKatharine CastleThu, 27 Sep 2018 15:00:12 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/nvidia-rtx-2080ti-vs-gtx-1080ti-performanceNvidiaTotal War: Warhammer IIRise of the Tomb RaiderAssassin's Creed Originsframes frames framesMiddle-earth: Shadow of WarTotal War: Warhammer II - Rise of the Tomb KingsFeatureGraphics CardsNvidia RTXFinal Fantasy XVhow much graphics does it haveHardware

Last week, after much hype and excitement, Nvidia's GeForce RTX 2080 graphics card was finally unleashed on the world. Today, it's the turn of its beefed-up big brother, the RTX 2080Ti, whose release was delayed by a week for reasons lost to the bowels of Nvidia's marketing department. As you can see from my Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080Ti review, this is hands down the best graphics card for 4K I've ever seen, and that's all down to the monstrous power of Nvidia's new Turing GPU. But how much of a leap does it represent over its immediate predecessor, Nvidia's GeForce GTX 1080Ti? To the graphs!

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Nvidia RTX 2080 vs GTX 1080: How much faster is Nvidia's new graphics card?https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/nvidia-turing-rtx-2080-vs-gtx-1080-performance-2Katharine CastleMon, 24 Sep 2018 16:30:31 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/nvidia-turing-rtx-2080-vs-gtx-1080-performance-2NvidiaAssassin's Creed OriginsShadow of the Tomb Raiderframes frames framesMiddle-earth: Shadow of WarFeatureGraphics CardsMonster Hunter: WorldNvidia RTXFinal Fantasy XVHardware

In my Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 review last week, we discovered that Nvidia's super duper new graphics card was about as fast as their GTX 1080Ti when paired with Intel's Core i5-8600K CPU, representing only the teensiest bit of improvement to your overall frames per second output if you were to bung one in your PC today. That may well change once we start seeing more games take advantage of the Nvidia's clever speed-boosting AI-driven Turing tech, but until developers get their act together and start patching in support for all of the best RTX features, the only thing we've got to go on right now is raw performance data.

With this in mind, I thought I'd take a closer look at how the RTX 2080 compares to its direct predecessor, the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1080. The former might not represent much of a leap past the GTX 1080's souped up Ti cousin, but regular 1080 owners should see much better results compared to what they can do now, particularly when it comes to gaming at 4K. Let's take a look.

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Middle-earth: Shadow Of War gets a demo and a discounthttps://www.rockpapershotgun.com/middle-earth-shadow-of-war-gets-a-demo-and-a-discountMatt CoxMon, 23 Jul 2018 11:27:41 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/middle-earth-shadow-of-war-gets-a-demo-and-a-discountFree gamesAction AdventureDemosMiddle-earth: Shadow of WarWarner Bros.Monolith

Walking into Mordor used to be fairly simple, but the way in was guarded by the dragon of commercial necessity. Now that Middle-earth: Shadow Of War finally has a demo--nine months after launch--that dragon will turn a blind eye if you want to slip into Núrn for free. He's probably hoping you'll come back and pay £15/$20 to stroll around the rest of Mordor before the 66%-off sale ends this evening, but that's up to you.

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Middle Earth: Shadow of War's loot boxes are no morehttps://www.rockpapershotgun.com/middle-earth-shadow-of-war-boxes-goneDominic TarasonTue, 17 Jul 2018 15:38:11 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/middle-earth-shadow-of-war-boxes-goneAction AdventureRPGMiddle-earth: Shadow of WarBlockbusterloot boxesMonolith

Middle-Earth: Shadow of War's much-maligned loot boxes are gone for good, thanks to a major patch today. The blood-splattered Assassin's Creed/Batman/Pokemon hybrid no longer crams orcs into chests to be sold for cash. If you want them to join your army now, you'll have to do it the old-fashioned way; beating them up and forcing them to. The massive patch notes also include some game-changing tweaks. Below, my thoughts on some of the bigger changes.

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The 100 best-selling games on Steam in 2018 so farhttps://www.rockpapershotgun.com/biggest-games-on-steam-2018Alec MeerFri, 06 Jul 2018 14:42:07 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/biggest-games-on-steam-2018statsGarry's ModA Total War Saga: Thrones of BritanniaRimWorldArk: Survival EvolvedSquadTotal War: WarhammerPUBG: BattlegroundsRustElite DangerousDark Souls IIISniper Elite 4The ForestTotal War: Warhammer IIFor HonorWatch Dogs 2EcoSlay the SpireNieR: AutomataCounter-Strike: Global OffensiveFootball Manager 2018Stardew ValleySales figuresFinal Fantasy XVSword Art Online: Fatal BulletThe Elder Scrolls OnlineDarkest DungeonWarhammer: Vermintide 2Ni No Kuni II: Revenant KingdomHuman: Fall FlatThey Are BillionsXCOM 2Dying LightSid Meier's Civilization VRaftMiddle-earth: Shadow of WarNBA 2k18Don't Starve TogetherSteamTom Clancy's The DivisionFinal Fantasy XIICall of Duty: WWIIWarhammer 40,000: Inquisitor - MartyrTerrariaFinal Fantasy XIV: A Realm RebornDeep Rock GalacticSubnauticaCrusader Kings IIPillars of Eternity II: DeadfireThe Witcher 3: Wild HuntH1Z1Planet CoasterHouse FlipperNioh: Complete EditionAssassin's Creed OriginsTom Clancy's Ghost Recon: WildlandsAge of Empires 2: Definitive EditionSmiteWarframeDragon Ball FighterZPath of ExileStellarisFar Cry 5Dota 2Divinity: Original Sin 2BattleTechShadowverse CCGPayday 2Arma 3War ThunderEuropa Universalis IVFrostpunkJurassic World EvolutionFactorioBlack Desert OnlineConan ExilesKingdom Come: DeliveranceRocket LeagueTom Clancy's Rainbow Six SiegeEuro Truck Simulator 2Dead by DaylighttheHunter: Call of the WildSimulationJust Cause 3Fallout 4Team Fortress 2Grand Theft Auto VCupheadHunt: ShowdownRise of the Tomb RaiderThe Sims 3PaladinsCities: SkylinesDark Souls: RemasteredNorthgardBorderlands 2Hearts of Iron IVThe Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim VRThe Elder Scrolls V: SkyrimSurviving Mars

We've just passed the half-way point of 2018, so Ian Gatekeeper and all his fabulously wealthy chums over at Valve have revealed which hundred games have sold best on Steam over the past six months. It's a list dominated by pre-2018 names, to be frank, a great many of which you'll be expected, but there are a few surprises in there.

2018 releases Jurassic World Evolution, Far Cry 5 Kingdom Come: Deliverance and Warhammer: Vermintide II are wearing some spectacular money-hats, for example, while the relatively lesser-known likes of Raft, Eco and Deep Rock Galactic have made themselves heard above the din of triple-A marketing budgets.

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Shadow of War's captain Baranor stands out by fitting inhttps://www.rockpapershotgun.com/shadow-of-wars-captain-baranor-stands-out-by-fitting-inXalavier Nelson Jr.Thu, 31 May 2018 18:00:52 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/shadow-of-wars-captain-baranor-stands-out-by-fitting-inAction AdventureMiddle-earth: Shadow of WarWarner Bros.FeatureMonolith

Warad, a child from the southern lands of Middle-Earth, is taken from his family and sent north as a hostage of peace. Adopted by one of the principal families of the country, he takes on a new name — Baranor — and rises through the ranks of the Gondorian army to become second-in-command of one of its principal fortresses. One of the few men capable of keeping the forces of darkness at bay. With that background, you’d be forgiven for believing that Baranor is the main character of Middle-Earth: Shadow of War. He isn’t, initially. He’s a prominent NPC in the campaign (even fighting alongside you in some missions), a player skin, and finally, in DLC campaign Desolation of Mordor, he's the starring character.

This growth is impressive, not just because he’s a cool character, but because Baranor is a playable black man. Someone who, in many other fantasy games, wouldn’t exist.

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Shadow of War expansion Desolation of Mordor out nowhttps://www.rockpapershotgun.com/shadow-of-war-expansion-desolation-of-mordor-out-nowBrendan CaldwellWed, 09 May 2018 15:01:55 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/shadow-of-war-expansion-desolation-of-mordor-out-nowAction AdventureMiddle-earth: Shadow of WarWarner Bros.loot boxesMonolith

Middle-earth: Shadow of War Desolation of Mordor is the most nonsensical sequence of words I have typed in some time. Yes, this is the second expansion for the popular orc dating simulator set in the land of Lord of the Rings, featuring two brothers who love to fight sand and all the animals that live in the sand. It’s out now, and a free update alongside the expansion also brings the first of those loot box rollbacks promised by Monolith.

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Meet the boys of Shadow Of War's Desolation Of Mordorhttps://www.rockpapershotgun.com/middle-earth-shadow-of-war-desolation-of-mordor-trailerAlice O'ConnorThu, 03 May 2018 16:36:52 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/middle-earth-shadow-of-war-desolation-of-mordor-trailerAction AdventureWarner Bros.Middle-earth: Shadow of WarMonolith

A new cinematic trailer for the second (and final?) story expansion for Middle-earth: Shadow Of War introduces the brothers who'll stab orcs into a sandy new land. They're off to the land of Lithlad, which sounds like the name of an electro-powered superhero's sidekick. Here, watch the new Desolation Of Mordor trailer.

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Middle-earth: Shadow Of War removing loot boxeshttps://www.rockpapershotgun.com/middle-earth-shadow-of-war-removing-loot-boxesAlice O'ConnorTue, 03 Apr 2018 11:07:53 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/middle-earth-shadow-of-war-removing-loot-boxesAction AdventureMiddle-earth: Shadow of WarWarner Bros.loot boxesMonolith

Monolith have announced plans to remove loot boxes from Middle-earth: Shadow Of War in July, eight months after the open-world enslave-o-stabber launched. They've realised that they make the game worse, they say. The 'War Chest' loot boxes in Shadow Of War contain random items, orc slaves, and bits, and are sold for either the virtuacash earned in-game or for a microtransaction currency bought with real money. Monolith say the loot boxes cause people who buy them to miss out on the experience of the game's Nemesis system - and even if you don't buy them, their presence detracts from the game. Neither realisation is remotely surprising.

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Loot Crate debate escalates, Hawaiian lawmakers speakhttps://www.rockpapershotgun.com/loot-crate-debate-escalatesDominic TarasonTue, 13 Feb 2018 17:57:29 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/loot-crate-debate-escalatesDead Space 3Middle-earth: Shadow of WarBlockbusterloot boxesStar Wars: Battlefront II

Last year's explosion of negative press regarding loot crates in games (especially regarding their impact on Star Wars: Battlefront 2) is still being heard around the world. Now, the issue has reached the ears of a growing number of lawmakers.

As covered by the Hawaii Tribune Herald, the latest force to get involved is the Hawaiian state government, members of which have proposed two new laws that could have massive repercussions on the industry if they were to become nationwide law.

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Shadow Of War's Blade Of Galadriel expansion out today, along with free nemesis system updatehttps://www.rockpapershotgun.com/shadow-of-wars-blade-of-galadriel-expansion-out-today-along-with-free-nemesis-system-updateMatt CoxTue, 06 Feb 2018 17:30:46 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/shadow-of-wars-blade-of-galadriel-expansion-out-today-along-with-free-nemesis-system-updateDLCAction AdventureMiddle-earth: Shadow of WarWarner Bros.Monolith

My favourite Middle-earth: Shadow Of War nemesis story isn't my own, but one I found on Reddit. It was about a musician Orc who the player mercilessly humiliated time and time again, until his mind had broken and all he could do was murmur about how he'd "lost his song". It's tragic stuff, and while the new behaviours added in today's patch might not generate the same heart-wrenching tales, they should mix things up if you've found those encounters have grown stale.

The Blade Of Galadriel expansion is also out today, and lets you step into the Elven shoes of Eltariel, one of Talion's sidekicks from the main game. She's better known as the Blade Of Galadriel, so expect to run around stabbing Nazguls in the name of freedom, justice, or whatever it is that Galadriel actually stands for. Bright white lights, maybe.

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2017 Steam Award winners include PUBG, Cuphead & Witcherhttps://www.rockpapershotgun.com/best-steam-games-2017Alec MeerThu, 04 Jan 2018 13:47:55 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/best-steam-games-2017Garry's ModResident Evil 7: BiohazardFactorioGothic II: Gold EditionLife is Strange Before the StormRed Faction GuerrillaThe Walking Dead: A New FrontierHotline Miami 2: Wrong NumberSaints Row 4Crusader Kings IIRocket LeagueStardew ValleyAlien: IsolationThe Stanley ParableThe Witcher 3: Wild HuntTo the MoonTransistorThe Witcher: Enhanced EditionBroforceGoat SimulatorJust Cause 3Assassin's Creed OriginsSenua's Saga: Hellblade IITeam Fortress 2South Park: The Fractured but WholeThe Steam AwardsPUBG: BattlegroundsRustAntichamberSonic ManiaCupheadSid Meier's Civilization 6WarframeI Am BreadPath of ExileRise of the Tomb RaiderSlime RancherBayonettaMiddle-earth: Shadow of WarWolfenstein II: The New ColossusBlockbusterDark Souls IIIOutlast 2Dota 2Divinity: Original Sin 2Cities: SkylinesPony IslandTotal War: Warhammer IIAbzuSteamCrypt of the NecroDancerCall of Duty: WWIITitan Quest Anniversary EditionHollow KnightDoki Doki Literature ClubNieR: AutomataMount & Blade: WarbandIndieUndertaleCounter-Strike: Global OffensiveDishonored 2The Evil Within 2

We've already seen which games sold best on Steam last year, but a perhaps more meaningful insight into movin' and a-shakin' in PC-land is the games that people feel warmest and snuggliest about. To that end, Valve have announced the winners of the 2017 Steam Awards, a fully community-voted affair which names the most-loved games across categories including best post-launch support, most player agency, exceeding pre-release expectations and most head-messing-with. Vintage cartoon-themed reflex-tester Cuphead leads the charge with two gongs, but ol' Plunkbat and The Witcher series also do rather well - as do a host of other games from 2017's great and good.

Full winners and runners-up below, with links to our previous coverage of each game if you're so-minded. Plus: I reveal which game I'd have gone for in each category.

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These are the top 100 Steam games of 2017https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/biggest-steam-games-2017Alec MeerTue, 02 Jan 2018 19:00:01 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/biggest-steam-games-2017Garry's ModDragon Ball Xenoverse 2RimWorldChartsArk: Survival EvolvedOxygen Not IncludedTotal War: WarhammerLeft 4 Dead 2PUBG: BattlegroundsRustElite DangerousDark Souls IIISniper Elite 4The ForestHitmanEndless Space 2Total War: Warhammer IIFor HonorWatch Dogs 2FeatureNieR: AutomataAstroneerCounter-Strike: Global OffensiveResident Evil 7: BiohazardFootball Manager 2018Stardew ValleyThe Elder Scrolls OnlineDarkest DungeonFarming Simulator 17The Binding of Isaac: RebirthWallpaper EngineXCOM 2DoomDying LightFriday the 13th: The GameSid Meier's Civilization VMiddle-earth: Shadow of WarWarhammer 40,000: Dawn of War IIINBA 2k18Don't Starve TogetherSteamTom Clancy's The DivisionCall of Duty: Black Ops 2Call of Duty: WWII7 Days To DieHollow KnightTerrariaFinal Fantasy XIV: A Realm RebornDishonored 2SubnauticaCrusader Kings IIThe Witcher 3: Wild HuntNBA 2K17H1Z1Planet CoasterGrim DawnAssassin's Creed OriginsThe Elder Scrolls Online: Tamriel UnlimitedTom Clancy's Ghost Recon: WildlandsAge of Empires 2: Definitive EditionSmiteWarframePath of ExileStellarisFootball Manager 2017Dota 2Divinity: Original Sin 2Shadowverse CCGPayday 2Arma 3War ThunderEuropa Universalis IVFactorioBlack Desert OnlineRising Storm 2: VietnamConan ExilesRocket LeagueTom Clancy's Rainbow Six SiegeKilling Floor 2Euro Truck Simulator 2Dead by DaylighttheHunter: Call of the WildPreyMiddle-earth: Shadow of MordorJust Cause 3Fallout 4Senua's Saga: Hellblade IITeam Fortress 2Grand Theft Auto VSouth Park: The Fractured but WholeCupheadSid Meier's Civilization 6Rise of the Tomb RaiderThe Sims 3Wolfenstein II: The New ColossusPaladinsCities: SkylinesTekken 7NorthgardBorderlands 2Tales of BerseriaHearts of Iron IVThe Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

Another year over, a new one just begun, which means, impossibly, even more games. But what about last year? Which were the games that most people were buying and, more importantly, playing? As is now something of a tradition, Valve have let slip a big ol' breakdown of the most successful titles released on Steam over the past twelve months.

Below is the full, hundred-strong roster, complete with links to our coverage if you want to find out more about any of the games, or simply to marvel at how much seemed to happen in the space of 52 short weeks.

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Podcast: Into The Breach, Playerunknown's Battlegrounds and "running away"https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/podcast-into-the-breach-playerunknowns-battlegrounds-and-running-awayBrendan CaldwellThu, 23 Nov 2017 17:00:43 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/podcast-into-the-breach-playerunknowns-battlegrounds-and-running-awayAssassin's CreedPodcastS.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of ChernobylZach BarthZachtronicsInto the BreachMiddle-earth: Shadow of WarFeatureAlien: IsolationMetal Gear Solid V: The Phantom PainArma 3Mirror's EdgeOpus MagnumThe RPS Electronic Wireless showPUBG: BattlegroundsFTL: Faster Than Light

Cowardice is a virtue. So says the team on this week's RPS podcast, the Electronic Wireless Show. That's because our theme is "running away" - games that encourage you to flee from danger, or that give you a choice between fight and flight. Adam will run from the soldiers of Arma or the post-apocalyptic antagonists of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Brendan will scarper from poor odds in For Honor or Overwatch, while Alice only pretends to run away in Playerunknown's Battlegrounds, tricking her foes into giving chase before ambushing them like some kind of velociraptor.

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Middle-earth: Shadow of War unveils its DLC planshttps://www.rockpapershotgun.com/middle-earth-shadow-of-war-unveils-its-dlc-plansFraser BrownThu, 26 Oct 2017 09:10:50 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/middle-earth-shadow-of-war-unveils-its-dlc-plansAction AdventureWarner Bros.Middle-earth: Shadow of WarMonolith

Middle-earth: Shadow of War is a very big game, full of very big Orcs. It’s probably big enough. Regardless, it’s getting a slew of DLC, introducing two new Orc tribes and some story expansions that let you play as the tale's secondary characters. The tribal addition is due next month, and you can get a brief taste of all the upcoming DLC in the trailer below.

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When are you done with a game?https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/when-are-you-done-with-a-gameMatt CoxMon, 23 Oct 2017 18:00:47 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/when-are-you-done-with-a-gameCaveblazersMiddle-earth: Shadow of WarFeatureDungeon of the EndlessSpelunky

Some games can be finished, completed, defeated or beaten. They have an end-point, even though they might be replayable. Others have the potential to go on forever. Whatever the case, there always comes a point when you're done with a game, and it might be long before the credits roll, or it might be after that one update that breaks a habit that has lasted for years. Why do we stop playing?

Let’s get one potential answer out of the way: ‘when we stop having fun’. While there’s definitely something to that idea, it doesn’t take into account temporary frustration caused by difficulty spikes, or the satisfaction - a related cousin of ‘fun’ - from seeing a narrative through to its end. It’s a sentiment that might work for multiplayer games, but I’m not convinced it can be applied more broadly than that. With a look at Shadow of War, Spelunky and Caveblazers among others, here are some thoughts on the end of play.

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Steam Charts: New Entries Edition!https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/october-charts-steamJohn WalkerMon, 23 Oct 2017 11:38:54 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/october-charts-steamCupheadELEXSteamMiddle-earth: Shadow of WarThe Witcher 3: Wild HuntFeatureBlockbusterSouth Park: The Fractured but WholeSteam LinkPUBG: BattlegroundsIceyDivinity: Original Sin 2

People, people of Earth, for the second week in a row GTA V isn't in the Steam Charts! And for the first time in human history, this week nor is Counter-Strike: Global Offensive! What's happened? I'll tell you what's happened. Everyone's got a copy now. Phew.

So instead, here are eight other games and Plunkbat, and one plastic box, in ascending order of dollar-eyes.

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Podcast: Middle-earth: Shadow of War, The Evil Within 2 and our nemeseshttps://www.rockpapershotgun.com/podcast-20-middle-earth-shadow-of-warBrendan CaldwellThu, 19 Oct 2017 16:00:46 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/podcast-20-middle-earth-shadow-of-warBethesda SoftworksTekken 7PodcastMiddle-earth: Shadow of WarWarner Bros.FeatureVisceral GamesADOM (Ancient Domains Of Mystery)The RPS Electronic Wireless showThe Evil Within 2Dota 2Namco BandaiMonolithFinal Fantasy VII

Who's your worst nemesis? This week the RPS podcast, the Electronic Wireless Show, is talking about our most reviled enemies, against whom we hold deep, lasting grudges. Matt harbours a lasting bitterness for Silencer, the magic-cancelling war jerk of Dota 2. Adam is fuelled by a dark hatred for the final boss of Ancient Domains of Mystery, a giant '@' symbol called Andor Drakon. And I still maintain a grievance against an entire electricity company in Final Fantasy VII. They killed my friends.

And speaking of nemeses, we've had plenty of time to play Middle-earth: Shadow of War, the icon-hoovering game of anti-establishment orcs, which has us divided. The Evil Within 2 also gets some attention, as Adam runs from spectres and fails to stealth-kill hideous monsters, and I am publicly shamed in Tekken 7 by a robot who takes off her head and throws it at me.

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Middle-earth: Shadow of War due endless Shadow Warshttps://www.rockpapershotgun.com/middle-earth-shadow-of-war-endless-shadow-warsAlice O'ConnorWed, 18 Oct 2017 12:15:34 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/middle-earth-shadow-of-war-endless-shadow-warsAction AdventureWarner Bros.Middle-earth: Shadow of WarMonolith

War, I'm told, war never changes - and nor need it end. Middle-earth: Shadow of War [official site] will add the option to endlessly play Shadow Wars, the fortress-assaulting mode that's the focus of the game's fourth act. Leif Johnson told us he grew bored of Shadow Wars before the end of the chapter but hey, if you want to endlessly attack and defend, you will get that option.

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UK government responds to loot box questions (vaguely)https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/uk-government-responds-to-loot-box-questions-vaguelyBrendan CaldwellTue, 17 Oct 2017 15:13:01 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/uk-government-responds-to-loot-box-questions-vaguelyskin gamblingMiddle-earth: Shadow of Warloot boxesHorrorGambling

The UK government has responded to two questions posed by a Cambridge MP about loot boxes and gambling laws. It is a very very very very boring answer, and says basically nothing apart from highlighting current regulations about gambling. That’s not much of a surprise, although the speed at which the government has “answered” suggests an awareness that the issue of loot crates is smoldering upon the floor of the industry, like a flaming paper bag with a poo in it. Something might have to be done about it, sure, but nobody wants to volunteer their boot.

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Steam charts: it's the end of the worldhttps://www.rockpapershotgun.com/october-2017-steam-charts-2Alice O'ConnorMon, 16 Oct 2017 16:30:54 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/october-2017-steam-charts-2CupheadChartsSteamTotal War: Warhammer IIMiddle-earth: Shadow of WarFeatureBlockbusterIndieTom Clancy's Ghost Recon: WildlandsCounter-Strike: Global OffensiveGrim DawnDivinity: Original Sin 2The Evil Within 2

Wotcha gang. Your old chum Alice here for this week's charts, as everyone else has been fired. Out of a cannon. Blown into a jillion little pieces. Hence the Apocalyptic yellow tone to the skies today. Hold your breath when outside, and hold your breath while we count down last week's top ten of the top-selling games on Steam.

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Loot box questions brought up in UK parliamenthttps://www.rockpapershotgun.com/loot-box-questions-in-uk-parliamentBrendan CaldwellMon, 16 Oct 2017 12:16:31 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/loot-box-questions-in-uk-parliamentPoliticsMiddle-earth: Shadow of Warloot boxesOverwatchStar Wars: Battlefront IIStory Rich

“Loot” used to be such a nice word. It brought to mind coffers piled with doubloons. Today it is often followed by the word “crate” and an expression of disgust. After recent controversies over the inclusion of loot boxes in games like Middle-earth: Shadow of War and Star Wars: Battlefront 2, the issue of this psychologically iffy practice has been brought up in the UK parliament in the form of two written questions submitted by a Cambridge MP. In short, they ask the government: what do you plan to do about “in-game gambling”?

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There's a free HD texture DLC for Shadow Of War (but you probably don't need it)https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/shadow-of-war-hd-texture-packAlec MeerThu, 12 Oct 2017 20:30:08 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/shadow-of-war-hd-texture-packMiddle-earth: Shadow of WarMonolithFeature

You may well already know this, but going on the basis that most of the RPS team weren't aware of it, let's put the word out anew. As if 65 gigabytes of PC Middle-earth: Shadow Of War weren't enough, there's also an optional extra, free 10Gb download, comprising what's officially called a 'High Resolution Texture Pack.' In other words, it in theory makes the grime, squalor and butchered viscera of Mordor that little bit more grimy, squalid and visceral butchered viscera-y.

It's not that simple. It's never that simple. Join me as I investigate whether installing ten gig of 'Ultra' textures really makes a difference to your nemesising.

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Middle-Earth: Shadow Of War shows that revenge is a dish best served re-heatedhttps://www.rockpapershotgun.com/middle-earth-shadow-of-war-revengeJohn WalkerThu, 12 Oct 2017 18:00:12 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/middle-earth-shadow-of-war-revengeMiddle-earth: Shadow of MordorAction AdventureMiddle-earth: Shadow of WarWarner Bros.FeatureMonolith

Nothing does revenge quite like Middle-Earth: Shadow Of War [official site]. But more games really really should.

When Shadow Of Mordor came out in 2014, no one was really expecting it to be good. But it was great. And the greatest thing about it was its Nemesis system. Because your character is already dead, and possessed by a grey, grey ghost, getting killed by an enemy was not your end. Instead you woke up at a respawn tower, with vengeance on your mind. The orc that killed you would automatically be given a promotion, a ranking among the orc leadership in the area, and greater abilities. He'd also be given a personality, strengths and weaknesses, and most of all, a name.

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Podcast: Destiny 2, Steamworld Dig 2 and binge gaminghttps://www.rockpapershotgun.com/podcast-destiny-2-steamworldBrendan CaldwellThu, 12 Oct 2017 16:00:35 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/podcast-destiny-2-steamworldSteamWorld Dig 2PodcastMiddle-earth: Shadow of WarFeatureImage & FormThe RPS Electronic Wireless showDestiny 2BungieMonolith

Oh heavens look at you, you've been bingeing on videogames again. Pumping platformers into your veins and shoving shooters into your piehole. That's fine, so have we. This week's edition of the RPS podcast, the Electronic Wireless Show, is all about binge gaming. Alec joins us to talk about chomping down on numbers-go-up alien-zapper Destiny 2, which Adam has also been gorging on. Meanwhile, I've been happily dig-dugging my way through robotic metroidvania Steamworld Dig 2, which as far as I'm concerned is far healthier and wiser.

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Middle-earth: Shadow of War darkens our doorhttps://www.rockpapershotgun.com/middle-earth-shadow-of-war-releasedAlice O'ConnorTue, 10 Oct 2017 09:40:04 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/middle-earth-shadow-of-war-releasedAction AdventureWarner Bros.Middle-earth: Shadow of WarMonolith

Tootle on your warhorn and coax your ghostpal back into body, as Middle-earth: Shadow of War [official site] launched overnight. Monolith's sequel to 2014's Shadow of Mordor brings more open-world action with orcs to antagonise, fortresses to capture, limbs to hack off, baddies to enslave (ikr?), faces to fill with arrows, spooky ghostpowers to learn, and a sexy spider to puzzle over. The sequel also expands the 'Nemesis' system which builds relationships with NPCs and changes how they react to you. This is great, Leif Johnson said in his Middle-earth: Shadow of War review:

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Do you need loot boxes to complete Shadow of War's final act?https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/do-you-need-loot-boxes-to-complete-shadow-of-wars-final-actLeif JohnsonMon, 09 Oct 2017 19:45:00 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/do-you-need-loot-boxes-to-complete-shadow-of-wars-final-actWarner Bros.Middle-earth: Shadow of WarMonolithFeature

I hate defending fortresses in Middle-earth: Shadow of War. I hate it so much, in fact, that when an army of orcs from the Machine tribe showed up at the gates of my fortress in Núrnen in Mordor’s sunny southeast, I just went to the menu, clicked “Leave Mission,” and let them have it.

And so it often went with Shadow of War’s controversial fourth act - called The Shadow Wars - which involves a 10-stage series of battles over different fortresses before you can reach the “real” ending. Some say it’s essentially impossible to complete without using purchasable loot boxes stuffed with legendary quality gear and orcs for your army if you run out of money, with Polygon going so far as to say that the system is “predatory.” I, on the other hand, said in my own Shadow of War review that I didn’t get the point of the loot boxes. I never felt the need to use them. After playing a lot more of Shadow Wars, I feel the same way, and although I mainly came to that conclusion by pulling stunts like the one above, that "stunt" made the game more fun. I sincerely believe developer Monolith Productions could remove the boxes right now and it’d make little tangible difference to the game.

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Steam Charts: High Difficulty Editionhttps://www.rockpapershotgun.com/october-2017-steam-chartsJohn WalkerMon, 09 Oct 2017 12:09:29 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/october-2017-steam-chartsCupheadSteamTotal War: Warhammer IIDying LightMiddle-earth: Shadow of WarFeatureGrand Theft Auto VBattle Chasers: NightwarPUBG: BattlegroundsPlatformerCounter-Strike: Global OffensiveDivinity: Original Sin 2

Are you strong enough to read the Steam Charts? Do you have what it takes to read all the way to the end? Can you defeat the Plunkbat final boss? NO! NO YOU ARE TOO WEAK!

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Wot I Think - Middle-earth: Shadow of Warhttps://www.rockpapershotgun.com/middle-earth-shadow-of-war-reviewLeif JohnsonThu, 05 Oct 2017 15:02:57 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/middle-earth-shadow-of-war-reviewAction AdventureRPGReviewsMiddle-earth: Shadow of WarWarner Bros.FeatureWot I ThinkMonolith

I never thought I’d be playing Pokémon with Tolkienian orcs, but here I am in Middle-earth: Shadow of War, standing with my army before the fortress of Khargukôr amid the snowy peaks of Seregost.

The orc in charge is a dainty fellow who calls himself Krímp the Rhymer, and I can’t help but admire his fashion sense in this grubby world. That immaculately crafted leather jerkin. That bycocket with the two red feathers that match the shafts in his quiver. Such style. I almost want to let him be. Fortunately he shatters that thought when we meet in person and he blurts the cringy battlecry “Your fate has gone from bad to worse / You face an orc who speaks in verse!” Some crimes can’t go unpunished.

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Middle-earth: Shadow of War's memorial DLC goes freehttps://www.rockpapershotgun.com/middle-earth-shadow-of-war-forthog-slayer-memorial-dlcAlice O'ConnorWed, 27 Sep 2017 12:26:11 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/middle-earth-shadow-of-war-forthog-slayer-memorial-dlcfundraisingAction AdventureMiddle-earth: Shadow of WarWarner Bros.Monolith

A Middle-earth: Shadow of War [official site] DLC character created to memorialise and fundraise for a deceased member of the development team will now be given free to all players, Warner Bros. have decided after it raised a stink. Styled after executive producer Michael Forgey, who passed away in 2016, the Forthog Orcslayer is a friendly NPC who was initially sold to benefit Forgey's family. But a communication mistake suggested WB would only donate money from purchases in the US, keeping money from elsewhere for themselves (WB later clarified that wasn't the case). After the memorial became a mess, WB will make the Forthog Orcslayer free and themselves donate money direct to the family.

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Humble Very Positive Bundle 2 available now, featuring Oxenfree, Shadow of War, and morehttps://www.rockpapershotgun.com/humble-bundle-very-positive-2Jamie WallaceWed, 20 Sep 2017 15:52:56 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/humble-bundle-very-positive-2OxenfreeHumble BundleMiddle-earth: Shadow of MordorAction AdventureDeath Road to CanadaBeat CopMiddle-earth: Shadow of WarIndieNeon Chrome

Have you heard the one about Humble making a new Bundle? It's a good one. Rather, it's a Very Positive one.

Following on from the original 'Very Positive' Bundle back in May this year, Humble has brought the idea back for another go - in the Humble Very Positive Bundle 2, funnily enough. The collection of games brought together here all feature Steam ratings of 'Very Positive' or above and while we can't always rely on those ratings as proof of a game's intrinsic qualities, as recent happenings have taught us, rest assured these games are quite good.

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Middle-earth: Shadow of War details microtransactionshttps://www.rockpapershotgun.com/middle-earth-shadow-of-war-details-microtransactionsAlice O'ConnorMon, 07 Aug 2017 13:15:57 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/middle-earth-shadow-of-war-details-microtransactionsAction AdventureWarner Bros.Middle-earth: Shadow of WarMonolith

As exciting as an expanded Nemesis system and an itsy busty spider might sound for Middle-earth: Shadow of War [official site], Warner Bros. had been sitting on a hot, juicy, and thrilling marketing blast. Now they have finally let rip: heck yes Shadow of War will have optional microtransactions to hasten powering-up in this singleplayer game. Come on gang, give me a "Hell yeah!"

I said give me a "Hell yeah!"

No? I thought one of you Willennials would at least do it 'ironically'.

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Middle-earth: Shadow of War turns spider Shelob all sexyhttps://www.rockpapershotgun.com/middle-earth-shadow-of-war-sexy-shelobAlice O'ConnorMon, 24 Jul 2017 09:45:31 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/middle-earth-shadow-of-war-sexy-shelobAction AdventureWarner Bros.Middle-earth: Shadow of WarMonolith

If you're anything like me, you've likely often wished that spiders were hot babes. "This giant spider is okay," you thought while watching the biggun in Peter Jackson's And Then And Then, "but I wouldn't kiss her. That's far too many eyes for me to stare lustily into. I wouldn't stroke her spinnerets. And she's not even wearing a dress for thigh to cheekily peek though." Mate, we're in luck, you and I: Shelob is back in Middle-earth: Shadow of War [official site], and this time she is hot. Here, watch Shelob take human form to be all magic and cryptic:

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The Joy of Shadow Of Mordor's combathttps://www.rockpapershotgun.com/middle-earth-shadow-of-mordor-combatSamuel HortiWed, 12 Jul 2017 16:00:34 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/middle-earth-shadow-of-mordor-combatMiddle-earth: Shadow of MordorThe Joy OfAction AdventureRPGMiddle-earth: Shadow of WarWarner Bros.FeatureMonolith

Shadow of Mordor [official site] has one of the most satisfying combat moves in gaming. It’s a simple double counter, performed by tapping the counter button twice when separate enemies attack you at the same time. You, the ranger Talion, block one attack. To deal with the other you summon an undead elvish Lord called Celebrimbor, who springs out of your body in wraith form to parry the shocked orc’s sword and pummels them into the ground. Every time it happens part of me wants to jump from my seat and whoop.

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Middle-Earth: Shadow of War & the Truman Show Effecthttps://www.rockpapershotgun.com/middle-earth-shadow-of-war-nemesis-systemAdam SmithMon, 10 Jul 2017 18:00:35 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/middle-earth-shadow-of-war-nemesis-systemMiddle-earth: Shadow of MordorAction AdventureRPGMiddle-earth: Shadow of WarWarner Bros.FeatureBlockbusterMonolith

Middle-Earth: Shadow of War [official site] expands on its predecessor's innovative Nemesis System and its believable NPCs take us one step further away from the static worlds of most open world games. I've been thinking about how that works, and why so many games make me think of The Truman Show.

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Bring your Shadow of Mordor nemesis to Shadow of Warhttps://www.rockpapershotgun.com/middle-earth-shadow-of-war-import-nemesisAlice O'ConnorThu, 06 Jul 2017 17:47:16 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/middle-earth-shadow-of-war-import-nemesisAction AdventureMiddle-earth: Shadow of MordorMiddle-earth: Shadow of War

When Middle-earth: Shadow of War [official site] arrives in October, players will be fight alongside their worst enemy from the first game with their dearest friend. Warner Bros. today added the 'Nemesis Forge' to Shadow of Mordor, which can transfer your top Nemesis and most loyal follower over to the sequel. The Nemesis system was the most exciting idea of Mordor -- and one that far too few games have copied, both Adam and John will tell you -- as random foes became unique recurring loathed enemies, changing and growing after each fight.

Oh, but if you haven't played Shadow of Mordor, good news: it's free to play in full this weekend, and on sale with a big discount too.

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Podcast: The Electronic Wireless Show talks Frostpunk, Destiny 2 and Middle Earth: Shadow of Warhttps://www.rockpapershotgun.com/podcast-the-electronic-wireless-show-5Brendan CaldwellThu, 22 Jun 2017 16:00:13 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/podcast-the-electronic-wireless-show-5FrostpunkE3 2017PodcastGrand Theft Auto IVDarkest DungeonMiddle-earth: Shadow of WarFeatureGrand Theft Auto VWarner Bros.Darkest Dungeon: The Crimson CourtKenshiTake-Two InteractiveThe RPS Electronic Wireless showModdingDestiny 2RockstarStory Richlo-fi games

It's warm! Luckily the RPS podcast, the Electronic Wireless Show, have come together to talk cold games, like chilly survivalist city-builder Frostpunk. That's because Adam is back from E3 and can tell us (Brendan and Pip) all about it. He's also played Destiny 2 and Middle Earth: Shadow of War, the lucky sod. Spill the beans, Adam! No wait, don't. We need those.

This week's back-to-normal-length episode also sees us talking about Darkest Dungeon's latest expansion, The Crimson Court, esoteric desert survival RPG Kenshi, and some news about GTA V and the sad fate of its modders. Also: the return of our patch notes quiz, Patch Adam, this time featuring Dwarf Fortress.

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Every PC game announced or trailered at E3 2017https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/e3-2017-pc-gamesJohn WalkerTue, 13 Jun 2017 20:00:40 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/e3-2017-pc-gamesLimbic EntertainmentTantalus MediaOri and the Will of the WispsDoom VFRXbox OneBandai Namco EntertainmentWargroovePandemic StudiosBethesda SoftworksEA SportsQuake ChampionsThird personDishonored: Death of the OutsiderChucklefish Gamesid SoftwarePS4Bethesda Game StudiosPSPTango GameworksSquare EnixDICEUbisoft MontrealTurn 10 StudiosCapcomiOSBoss Key ProductionsTotal War: Warhammer IIHazelight StudiosFeatureMonster Hunter: WorldMetro ExodusMultiplayer CompetitiveThe Evil Within 2MMORPGPCMacAge of Empires: Definitive EditionMultiplayer CooperativeDouble Fine ProductionsTropico 6Kalypso MediaUbisoft San FranciscoXbox Game StudiosThe Last NightIvory TowerRacingPuzzleSavage EntertainmentUbisoft MontpellierUbisoft SingaporeArkane StudiosUbisoftUbisoft EntertainmentNeed for Speed PaybackGhost GamesCrackdown 3Nintendo SwitchA Way OutBioWare EdmontonMiddle-earth: Shadow of WarMount & Blade II: BannerlordShooterXbox Series X/SUndead LabsMetanet SoftwareStar Wars: Battlefront IIXbox 360AnthemStrategy: Turn-Based StrategyCall of Duty: WWIIBANDAI NAMCO Studios2K GamesEA DICEElectronic ArtsBattlefield 1Side viewState of Decay 2Action AdventureLawBreakersCard GamesXboxCode VeinPS5Sea of ThievesTacomaDeep SilverKonamiPlatformerFinjiFirst personSportsSkull and BonesAssassin's Creed OriginsXCOM 2: War of the ChosenActivision BlizzardShiftFightingStrategyDestiny 2PS3OobletsE3 2017Dragon Ball FighterZTransferenceSegaKlei EntertainmentFar Cry 5Monolith ProductionsSumo DigitalThe Elder Scrolls: LegendsIndieRaw FuryRareLife is Strange Before the StormThe Fullbright CompanyRPGForza Motorsport 7Single PlayerPS2Virtual RealityPrime Matter4A GamesMicrosoft StudiosArc System WorksSimulationFiraxis GamesThe Crew 2AndroidBird view / IsometricBiowareSouth Park: The Fractured but WholeActivisionGriftlandsFallout 4 VRMachineGamesSledgehammer GamesThe Creative AssemblyBeyond Good and Evil 2Wolfenstein II: The New ColossusBlockbusterbandaiEA CanadaLucasArtsTaleWorlds EntertainmentBungieTunicNexonFIFA 18Warner Bros. GamesStrategy: Real-Time Strategy

Each year E3 rolls around like a giant evil worm, crushing all that's good and pure. BUT that worm also announces lots of exciting gaming news as it wreaks its carnage upon the Earth. Here we have gathered every announcement, reveal, and exciting new trailer that emerged from the barrage of screamed press conferences over the last few days. And lots of it looks rather spiffy.

A rather enormous 47 PC games were either announced, revealed, or updated upon, with new trailers, information, and released dates that will all be missed by at least three months. We've collected the lot, with trailers, in alphabetical order, into one neat place, just for you.

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Mordor casts a shadow over the open world genrehttps://www.rockpapershotgun.com/mordor-casts-a-shadow-over-the-open-world-genreAdam SmithMon, 12 Jun 2017 21:45:31 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/mordor-casts-a-shadow-over-the-open-world-genreE3 2017Middle-earth: Shadow of MordorAction AdventureMiddle-earth: Shadow of WarFeature

Open worlds are dynamic. Sometimes they live and breathe. Occasionally they are systemic. Their stories and incidents are emergent.

That's what the voices say, from stages and in trailers, but the pictures tell a different tale. Anthem's big reveal felt like a series of echoes rather than a glimpse of the future, Assassin's Creed: Origins is sprinkling loot and stats across Egypt, and even Metro has sandbox ambitions now that it's making an Exodus to the surface. But what we've seen is more scripted than the teleprompted speakers at one of these E3 press conferences.

Putting the witty, system-led smarts of a Middle-earth: Shadow of War video on the same stage as the rest almost seemed cruel.

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Middle-Earth: Shadow of War delayed 'til Octoberhttps://www.rockpapershotgun.com/middle-earth-shadow-of-war-delayPhilippa WarrThu, 01 Jun 2017 16:43:08 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/middle-earth-shadow-of-war-delayAction AdventureWarner Bros.Middle-earth: Shadow of WarMonolith

"A wizard is never late," said Merlin in that documentary about New Zealand. "Nor is he early. He arrives precisely when he means to." I forget what happens after that - probably not much - BUT the quote felt applicable to this entirely separate bit of news where the open world combat of Middle-earth: Shadow of War [official site] is being delayed for release until 10 October 2017. Unless you're Merlin in New Zealand because they have a different release date anyway.

Let's unpick this!

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Middle-earth: Shadow Of War trailer shows the new Nemesis systemhttps://www.rockpapershotgun.com/middle-earth-shadow-of-war-trailer-shows-the-new-nemesis-systemGraham SmithWed, 08 Mar 2017 15:36:49 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/middle-earth-shadow-of-war-trailer-shows-the-new-nemesis-systemAction AdventureWarner Bros.Middle-earth: Shadow of WarMonolith

There's a moment in the 16 minutes of footage of Middle-earth: Shadow of War [official site] below where the clipped voice-over refers to the "RPG systems" as player finds some new armour. It seems odd to me to think of that as the RPG system though when the rest of the game greatly expands the original's Nemesis system and is about relationships forming dynamically between procedurally created characters. That sounds more like roleplay, to me. Watch it below, it's cool.

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Middle-earth: Shadow of War announced [update]https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/middle-earth-shadow-of-war-leakAlice O'ConnorMon, 27 Feb 2017 10:15:43 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/middle-earth-shadow-of-war-leakMiddle-earth: Shadow of MordorAction AdventureLeaksMiddle-earth: Shadow of WarWarner Bros.rumoursMonolith

Update: Following a little leak, Middle-earth: Shadow of War [official site] is now officially announced. It's coming on August 22nd and yup, it sounds like more of the same but with an expanded Nemesis system. Check out the announcement trailer:

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