So many games are sequels or reboots. We love to complain about the lack of originality in games, but it can also be really difficult for a studio to get attention for a new IP. When they do it well, they do it really well, and we had a clear winner this year.
And the winner is… Shadow of Mordor!
While Tolkien’s universe isn’t new, no game developer has managed to make a Lord of the Rings game that was worth playing. Until now. Shadow of Mordor combines the best of the lore with some incredible gameplay and stunning visuals. The nemesis system set an all new standard for games – not merely an innovation, it has fundamentally changed the way we expect to engage with enemies.
Over and above gameplay innovation, Shadow of Mordor crafted a stunning universe with incredible characters. Thanks to varied environments and a unique aesthetic, this IP launched to unanimous critical praise. Here’s hoping that if they bring out sequels they are able to keep them to same level as the original game – this is one powerful new IP.
Honourable mentions:
Watch Dogs, Sunset Overdrive, Destiny, Hearthstone, Titanfall
Last Updated: December 19, 2014
ReaperOfSquirrels
December 19, 2014 at 15:02
I thought it might be Batman: Assassin of Mordor
Captain JJ the engaged
December 19, 2014 at 15:06
At least we know that the only similarities are
most of the engine
the way the thugs/orcs move
the detective/wraith mode
At least the map was big…no…but at least the story was great….wait….
It sure did look pretty. And there was lots of blood. ;P
Admiral Chief on leave
December 19, 2014 at 15:08
lol
Admiral Chief on leave
December 19, 2014 at 15:08
HONOUR DAMMIT HONOUR!!!
Captain JJ the engaged
December 19, 2014 at 15:09
Yes yes. We’ll honour you. Now shush.
Admiral Chief on leave
December 19, 2014 at 15:09
Of course you do 😛
Captain JJ the engaged
December 19, 2014 at 15:10
I think the initiation into Lagz did it. I didn’t even stress that much when I was writing my finals at Uni.
Admiral Chief on leave
December 19, 2014 at 15:10
I thought you stressed when applying make-up when the fiance ain’t looking?
Captain JJ the engaged
December 19, 2014 at 15:12
http://www.reactiongifs.com/r/2013/06/twitching-sheldon.gif
Alien Emperor Trevor
December 19, 2014 at 17:50
*DAMN IT. You’re missing a comma or a full stop too. :/
Hammersteyn
December 19, 2014 at 15:09
Lobbing heads of orcs filled me with so much glee. Was “honored” to play this game
Admiral Chief on leave
December 19, 2014 at 15:11
[twitches]
Captain JJ the engaged
December 19, 2014 at 15:11
I must say, there is a certain satisfaction in doing those kill moves.
There is also great “honor” in fighting for a cause against the evil orcs.
Hammersteyn
December 19, 2014 at 15:17
Tee hee
Admiral Chief on leave
December 19, 2014 at 15:10
And with that, friends, I bid thee adieu! All the best, enjoy your Christmas, remember, it is NOT about the gifts! Drive save, party good, and as they say in the best language on earth: “Gaan geweldig, maar gaan sonder geweld”
Chat to you all next year!
Hammersteyn
December 19, 2014 at 15:13
You’re kinda right about the gifts. That’s why I buy my own.
Captain JJ the engaged
December 19, 2014 at 15:13
I drive save all the time. It’s the only way to ensure you don’t lose data 😉
But goodbye my friend. Enjoy them holidays.
Hammersteyn
December 19, 2014 at 15:14
Cheers bud. Praat weer volgende jaar.
Dutch Matrix
December 19, 2014 at 15:16
Cheers Admiraal.
Gaan vry nou die rook uit Liara uit en geniet die games!!!! (Boksburg Gamer)
Dutch Matrix
December 19, 2014 at 15:12
What else does the nemesis system do? Am I not going to stab the snot out of some orc in anycase, no matter what his rank?
Hammersteyn
December 19, 2014 at 15:17
Well you need to learn the weakness and his location of the warchiefs. The only way to do this is by taking out the lower echelons
Captain JJ the engaged
December 19, 2014 at 15:18
Which is tons of fun.
Dutch Matrix
December 19, 2014 at 15:19
But does that change the game and how it plays??
Hammersteyn
December 19, 2014 at 15:31
Kinda, I mean you could run around the map blindly and if you don’t know the warchiefs weakness you could accidentally activate one of his strengths that enrages him. Then you’re in for a fight.
Captain JJ the engaged
December 19, 2014 at 15:34
That has happened to me more often than I would like to admit 🙂
Hammersteyn
December 19, 2014 at 15:40
I tend to round a corner and a captain be like “How you doin?”
Captain JJ the engaged
December 19, 2014 at 15:41
Haha. So many times. Or I just quickly ambush a little patrol and then I’m suddenly crossing blades with a captain.
Spy Master Tokashi
December 19, 2014 at 15:47
huh, I thought the new CoD was new IP ? Trolololol 😉
Eric
December 19, 2014 at 16:06
I remember when this game was still in development and people were going on that it’s an Assassin’s Creed clone. I hope those people are eating some good vrot humble pie
Jonah Cash
December 20, 2014 at 06:39
Uhmmmmm yeah you all know that I can’t go with this!! Mine is Destiny!!
Ben Kelly
December 20, 2014 at 19:00
Of course this really doesn’t count as new IP. Sure it’s a new game and not a sequel but it’s based on an existing universe and there are plenty of LOTR games already. Under these conditions Hearthstone would not qualify. New IP means new intellectual property, not a new take on an existing intellectual property. So technically speaking one of these should have won: “Watch Dogs, Sunset Overdrive, Destiny, Titanfall”