Home Gollum reveals precious things in Shadow of Mordor

Gollum reveals precious things in Shadow of Mordor

3 min read
31

GC Shadow of Mordor

Shadow of Mordor is shaping up to be one of my most anticipated RPGs of the year. During a new reveal at Gamescom, developers revealed new details on the story of the game, specifically the role of Gollum in advancing the plot.

For those who aren’t aware, Shadow of Mordor takes place after The Hobbit. The entire story is set in Mordor and the power of the rings that we saw in the Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings are bestowed upon Talion by Celebrimbor. Gollum is also searching Mordor, only he is more interested in finding his lost precious that was stolen.

By following Gollum, the player can find lost relics and artifacts that unlock memories. Each of these memories give us greater insight into Celebrimbor’s character, as well as Sauron. Remember, even Sauron didn’t start out as evil. Unlocking memories also unlocks more of his powers, making Talion more powerful.

This is necessary as areas are awakening and becoming more evil in the same way that Celebrimbor’s memories are awakening. Could Celebrimbor actually be the root of evil in this game? I’m basing this on complete and utter conjecture, but it could be so. When Gollum realizes who Talion is possessed by, he becomes convinced that Celebrimbor could help him recover his precious. As a result, he promises to help Celebrimbor find more relics, merging their goals together.

This session showed off a more specific mission and cave. While the game features a fantastic open-world to explore, one that changes depending on the day/night cycle and reveals hidden landmarks when in Wraith mode, there is also a rich story and more traditional dungeons to explore.

I already raved to you all about the Nemesis System after I got my hands on it at E3. However, what I found particularly interesting about it here was that we learn that there is no such thing as cannon fodder in the game. While it’s probably a bit of a lie (c’mon, not every orc can really matter), I like the idea that the lowly pleb who escaped your rampage in a fort could go on to level up, get promoted and become a boss himself.

It’s an interesting and excellent take on a game mechanic, especially as they will remember previous encounters with the player, and you can learn more about their strengths and weaknesses over time. Should you die, time doesn’t stop and simply reset. While you’re dead, orc hierarchy continues to change as they challenge each other to duels, level up, go on raids and other activities. This helps to add continuity to the game, as well as make your nemeses more meaningful.

Finally, the developers drew some interesting parallels between the characters. Much like Saruman, seeking to build an army to compete with Sauron’s, Celebrimbor also wants to bend the more repulsive creatures to his will. Branding your enemies will help you as your progress through the game, as well as give you the reinforcements that you need to take on Sauron’s forces. Similarly, Celebrimbor is compared to Frodo from Lord of the Rings – tempted by evil but also determined to destroy it.

Talion is much like Sam – wishing he was never involved in this whole matter to begin with.

Last Updated: August 14, 2014

31 Comments

  1. Admiral Chief Beta Tester

    August 14, 2014 at 12:35

    Most interesting

    Reply

  2. Admiral Chief Beta Tester

    August 14, 2014 at 12:45

    A lot of people are Tolkien about this game

    Reply

    • Kensei Seraph

      August 14, 2014 at 12:48

      *Slaps Admiral with a baracuda*
      It was a good pun but if I let it go someone else will go overboard with bad puns.

      Reply

      • Admiral Chief Beta Tester

        August 14, 2014 at 12:56

        Ach, it is a filthy Hobbit of mine, zese puns

        Reply

      • Alien Emperor Trevor

        August 14, 2014 at 12:58

        It’s too late for a baracuda, he’s already jumped the shark. #iforgotaboutpuntuesday!

        Reply

        • Admiral Chief Beta Tester

          August 14, 2014 at 13:00

          I’m Galadriel you could join us!

          Reply

        • Kensei Seraph

          August 14, 2014 at 13:01

          At least try keep things on topic.

          Reply

      • Rinceable

        August 14, 2014 at 12:59

        Like @disqus_DoEH3TsffU:disqus oh shit…

        Reply

        • Alien Emperor Trevor

          August 14, 2014 at 13:03

          It’s true, I’ve never met a pun I don’t like.

          Reply

          • Admiral Chief Beta Tester

            August 14, 2014 at 13:03

            C’mon, stop with all the Smaug and mirrors!

    • Hammersteyn

      August 14, 2014 at 12:50

      You’re pulling my Legolas aren’t you.

      Reply

      • Admiral Chief Beta Tester

        August 14, 2014 at 12:58

        One can’t simply orc to Mordor

        Reply

    • Ultimo_Cleric N7

      August 14, 2014 at 13:19

      Yes I remember, the whole thing has a familiar ring to it.

      Reply

  3. Hammersteyn

    August 14, 2014 at 12:49

    • Admiral Chief Beta Tester

      August 14, 2014 at 12:56

      KILL IT WITH FIIIIIIIRE!

      Reply

      • Kensei Seraph

        August 14, 2014 at 13:02

        KILL IT WITH MOLTEN LEAD!

        Reply

        • Admiral Chief Beta Tester

          August 14, 2014 at 13:03

          KILL IT WITH MOLTEN FIRE-LEAD!

          Reply

  4. Rinceable

    August 14, 2014 at 12:59

    All orks matter! FREEDOM FOR THE ORCS!

    Reply

    • Alien Emperor Trevor

      August 14, 2014 at 13:04

      NO. NONONONONONONONONONONONONONO! You do NOT mix orc/ork spelling. Mixing LOTR & Warhammer? Are you mad? Warhammer is far better.

      Reply

      • Rinceable

        August 14, 2014 at 13:06

        Where is the pun in that?!

        Reply

        • Admiral Chief Beta Tester

          August 14, 2014 at 13:06

          Well, now this is orcward…

          Reply

        • Alien Emperor Trevor

          August 14, 2014 at 13:12

          Some things are not a laughing matter.

          Reply

      • Norm

        August 14, 2014 at 14:54

        ORK ORK ORK DAKK DAKKA!

        Reply

        • Alien Emperor Trevor

          August 14, 2014 at 15:09

          Reply

  5. Admiral Chief Beta Tester

    August 14, 2014 at 13:06

    I heard that Talion is wanted for first degree Mordor

    Reply

    • Alien Emperor Trevor

      August 14, 2014 at 13:10

      There aren’t any witnesses, no one Sauron do it.

      Reply

      • Ultimo_Cleric N7

        August 14, 2014 at 13:21

        True, but if you actually just asked him he would Bilbo into great detail about the whole fiasco.

        Reply

        • Alien Emperor Trevor

          August 14, 2014 at 13:23

          In that case they should throw the book at him.

          Reply

  6. Kensei Seraph

    August 14, 2014 at 13:09

    I kinda expect LG to host a competition for Shadow of Mordor and you have to enter using a Tolkien themed pun.

    Reply

    • Admiral Chief Beta Tester

      August 14, 2014 at 13:13

      Shire-ly you are correct sir!

      Reply

  7. Nikola

    August 14, 2014 at 13:29

    Really excited for this game:)

    Reply

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