Is Shadow of Mordor or War First?
The Lord of the Rings series is a beloved franchise that has captivated audiences for generations. The video game series, Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor and Middle-earth: Shadow of War, are two action-packed games that take place in the same universe. In this article, we’ll explore the order in which these games take place, and what you need to know before playing.
Direct Answer: Shadow of Mordor is the First
Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor is the first game in the series, released in 2014. Shadow of War, released in 2017, is a direct sequel to Shadow of Mordor. This means that Shadow of Mordor sets the stage for the events that unfold in Shadow of War.
Story Connection
Both games follow the story of Talion, a human Gondorian Ranger who has been bonded with the spirit of the Elf Lord, Celebrimbor. This bond gives Talion immense power and allows him to wield the power of the Rings of Power. Throughout the games, Talion and Celebrimbor embark on a quest to destroy Sauron’s power and save Middle-earth.
Key Differences
While both games share a similar story, there are some key differences between the two. Shadow of Mordor focuses on Talion’s quest to avenge the death of his family, while Shadow of War takes a more global approach, focusing on the War of the Ring. Shadow of Mordor also has a more personal narrative, while Shadow of War is more epic in scope.
Gameplay Changes
Another significant difference between the two games is the gameplay mechanics. Shadow of Mordor introduced the concept of "Nemesis," which allowed players to capture and recruit orcs, while Shadow of War added a new system called "Warchest," which allowed players to build and manage their own armies.
Canonicity
It’s worth noting that both games are considered part of the Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor canon, but they are not considered part of the official Tolkien canon. While the games take creative liberties with the story and characters, they are still rooted in the world and mythology created by J.R.R. Tolkien.
When to Play
So, when should you play Shadow of Mordor? If you’re new to the series, it’s recommended to start with Shadow of Mordor first. This will give you a better understanding of the story and characters, as well as the gameplay mechanics. Shadow of War is designed to be played as a sequel, so some knowledge of the first game is assumed.
Timeline
Here’s a rough timeline of the events in the games:
| Game | Events |
|---|---|
| Shadow of Mordor | The events of Shadow of Mordor take place approximately 60 years after the events of The Hobbit and 30 years before the events of The Lord of the Rings. |
| Shadow of War | The events of Shadow of War take place during the War of the Ring, which is the central event of The Lord of the Rings. |
Conclusion
In conclusion, Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor is the first game in the series, and it sets the stage for the events that unfold in Shadow of War. While both games share a similar story, there are some key differences between the two. If you’re new to the series, it’s recommended to start with Shadow of Mordor first, and then move on to Shadow of War.