GameSided Top 10 Game of the Year 2014

5 – Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor (34 points)

It has been so long since we’ve seen a great Lord of the Rings game. While not strictly following the storyline from any of the events of the main three J.R.R. Tolkien books, Talion’s story as a ranger from Gondor on a mission to avenge his lost beloved is still worth checking out.

Whether it be a tree-based skill system, a perfect blend of open-world exploration and action-RPG gameplay or a Nemesis system that brings something new to the table, Middle-earth has never felt so fully realized in a game before.

In his review of the game, Keith wrote: “Monolith was extremely ambitious in their game design, and they were able to pull it all together in a way that exceeded my already-high expectations. I think it is safe to say that Middle Earth: Shadow of Mordor is going to be the first entry in a great new gaming franchise.”

Next: #4 For The Fourth Entry In An Incredible Series