I like!
I think it will last a long time. I certainly enjoy the mix. The difference between this and Bloodbourne, is simply options. It not being on rails, allows me to pick and choose my battles. The battles are no easier than Bloodborne, but I can choose when and how I approach them, without the forced repetition.
It also drags you in, with fantastic characters that verbally bait you before proceeding to smash your face in with an axe! This added scripting prevents the narrated lore from becoming overly pretentious. I say overly, because it of course needs to sound a little so. But what better way to compliment a Patrick Stewart style narrative, than being chased by a hollering, one eyed, Wilfrid Bramble?
The only negatives I can think of are :
1. I haven't got a clue what is happening with the captains at times. You kill one, and then he can pop up again a bit later saying "You thought you'd finished me off didn't ya?" and then gets promoted!
2. I wish there was a manual save function.
3. The climbing controls can be a bit counter intuitive at times, not aided by the game seemingly trying to predict where you are going, but it's not unique in that regard, in this type of game.
The piece de resistance for me though, is the "counter" function whilst in combat. Timing the pressing of the "Y" button, really drags you into the melee and focuses the approach to your attacks. Get it right and you feel like Burt Lancaster in one of those really old pirate movies; taking on everybody on deck at the same time, leaping over their heads and clambering up the scenery whilst they bay for your blood below!
Get it wrong and it's more akin to a Norman Wisdom romp, but still just as much fun!
Will I get right to the end? I hope so. I only get two weeks off a year. One to go away in the summer, and one at Christmas, the latter being the only one each year that I can afford to throw endless hours at a game. It's not perfect, but in that respect, Shadow of Mordor doesn't feel at all like a waste of them!
A solid 9/10 for me.
Edited by mrnelster (Mon 28-Dec-15 09:18:53)