Zero Punctuation Season 11 Episode 42 Middle Earth: Shadow of War

Zero Punctuation is a video game review series hosted by the incredibly fast-talking and snarky "Yahtzee" Croshaw. In season 11 episode 42, Yahtzee turns his attention to Middle Earth: Shadow of War, the hit action-adventure game from Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment.

The episode starts with Yahtzee giving a brief overview of the game's plot, which takes place in J.R.R. Tolkien's legendary Middle Earth universe. Players control Talion, a ranger who has been imbued with the power of a wraith and seeks to take revenge on the armies of Sauron. Along the way, Talion must recruit allies and build his own army to take on the forces of darkness.

Yahtzee notes that the game's combat is similar to that of the Batman: Arkham series, with a focus on timing and combos. He praises the game's fluid combat animations, which he describes as "dance-like". However, he also points out that the game's difficulty can be frustrating at times, particularly when enemies suddenly appear seemingly out of nowhere.

One of the game's most highly-touted features is the Nemesis System, which allows players to tangle with enemy bosses and forge rivalries with them. Yahtzee is impressed by the system, noting that it provides a sense of "personality" to the game's villainous characters. He also praises the game's graphics, which he feels are superior to those of the previous game in the series, Shadow of Mordor.

However, Yahtzee also takes issue with several aspects of the game. He notes that the game's open-world environment can be overwhelming, with a plethora of side quests and collectibles to distract the player from the main story. He also feels that the game's storyline is weaker than that of Shadow of Mordor, and that the game leans too heavily on fan service to keep players invested.

Throughout the episode, Yahtzee peppers his review with his trademark wit and sarcasm. He pokes fun at the game's use of loot boxes, comparing them to a "virtual casino". He also notes that the game's lore can be intimidating to newcomers, quipping, "It's like trying to jump into a Sunday sermon halfway through."

Ultimately, Yahtzee feels that Middle Earth: Shadow of War is a solid follow-up to Shadow of Mordor, but not a major improvement. He recommends the game to fans of the first game, but cautions that it may not be the best choice for players who are new to the franchise.