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Dalton.Rees's Shadow of Mordor (XBONE)
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| [January 18, 2018 04:41:00 AM]
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Shadow of Mordor #3
This session I finally allowed myself sufficient time to really mouth-breathe and become absorbed by the game. It is evident that the developers really wanted to embrace and emphasize the open-world structure; while a linear story does exist, primary quests that forward the narrative are spread all over the place and are never compulsory. It seems that two parallel narratives emerge as one progresses through Shadow of Mordor: 1) the protagonist's onslaught for vengeance and exposition and 2) the hierarchical power dynamics amongst Uruk tribes.
It is obvious that Assassin's Creed was a huge influence here, as the map is illuminated by climbable, spire beacons, stealth and parkour maneuvering is central, and the combat system is super similar.
I haven't been able to derive much about the history and sociopolitical geography of this world. It appears that all that is left of humanity are slaves and disperate resistance groups, and the Ork/Uruks rule the land entirely. While they don't seem to be at war with anyone but one another, they are constantly militarized and on patrol.
I overheard a conversation between two of these creatures about the protagonist, discussing as to why he persists upon killing them when they can recall actually finishing him off previously. They ultimately conclude that he is a ghost; though, really, aren't all beings in this game recurring, deathless ghosts and entirely aware of it?? Whether through reviving souls or constant rematerialization, all of the fallen captains return after death, just as the player does, and they always mention having been killed before — one even got a scar from our last encounter, and mentioned it!
Could this world be hell, or purgatory?
This entry has been edited 1 time. It was last edited on Jan 18th, 2018 at 04:43:03.
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| [January 18, 2018 12:45:22 AM]
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Shadow of Mordor #2:
The gameplay has begun to assume a different feel as I grow more accustomed to the pacing and controls. What initial felt like a weighty combat system —
similar, but not nearly as unforgiving, to Dark Souls — now is becoming progressively easier. This game, like many others, is revealing itself to be somewhat of a power fantasy, as one can vicariously feel impenetrable and boundlessly powerful.
The dynamic of Uruk sentience is still on my mind. They, like the player, are aware of the game's ontology of deathlessness, as each time they are reencountered one is greeted with a familiar message along the lines of "Ah! Think you'll do better this time, maggot face?" or something similar. Just how meta is this game, really?
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| [January 17, 2018 01:31:55 AM]
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Shadow of Mordor #1: Initial thoughts
While I am not entirely too knowledgeable about the Lord of the Rings canon or mythos, the narrative of this game seems to mirror that of the original texts in a really abstract, superficial way. Singular red eye set on domination and malice, Saruman has come to Mordor (either returning or just arriving?), but this time with Uruks rather than Orks!
Although the primary combat mechanics consist ostensibly of reactive button-mashing, the gameplay is very stimulating. With the active hierarchical ranking system, Uruks are ascribed a very surprising degree of personhood, which upon further reflection raises some concerns. Given that these bipedal semi-hominid creatures use standardized language and have aspirations, desires, and notions of personal identity, they are clearly sentient.
Is the protagonist's role ruthlessly mowing down these conscious creatures
morally justified? He fights to avenge his family, no doubt, but why target the autonomous Uruks far lower on the hierarchy — rather than the real antagonist directly? Is the player justified in complicit participation in this murderous power fantasy? That remains to be seen, but man I sure am enjoying this.
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Dalton.Rees's Shadow of Mordor (XBONE)
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Current Status: Playing
GameLog started on: Tuesday 16 January, 2018
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