Sony has announced the addition of “Middle-earth: Shadow of War” to its PlayStation Plus Extra subscription service. This inclusion, particularly noteworthy during the festive season, offers subscribers access to the popular title at no additional cost. The game, typically priced at £34.99, is now available for free to PlayStation Plus Extra members, with this offer concluding on December 19 at 10:00 AM GMT.
Middle-earth: Shadow of War, released in 2017, is a direct sequel to the 2014 game Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor. Both games are inspired by J.R.R. Tolkien’s legendary works and have garnered attention for their unique blend of elements reminiscent of the Assassin’s Creed series. The game is an action-adventure experience set in a richly detailed world. Players embark on a journey behind enemy lines to build an army, conquer fortresses, and strive to dominate Mordor. The narrative is compelling, involving a confrontation with the dark lord Sauron and his Ringwraiths, and the ambitious task of forging a new Ring of Power.
Critical reception and player feedback on Shadow of War
Upon its release, Middle-earth: Shadow of War received a ‘very positive’ rating on Steam, with players praising its improvements over its predecessor. Enhancements in customization, skills, items, and a more dynamic combat system were highlighted as key improvements in Shadow of War. However, the game’s reception has been mixed on other platforms. Metacritic, for instance, shows a ‘generally favorable’ rating from critics but only a ‘mixed or average’ rating from users. Some players have expressed dissatisfaction with the game’s microtransaction system and have found issues with its stealth mode and combat mechanics.
Despite these mixed reviews, the game’s inclusion in PlayStation Plus Extra’s lineup is a significant opportunity for gamers. It allows them to experience the game firsthand and form their own opinions without the barrier of cost. This move by Sony is seen as a strategic effort to enhance the value of its PlayStation Plus Extra service, especially during a period when many are looking for entertainment options during the holiday season.
The addition of Middle-earth: Shadow of War to PlayStation Plus Extra is a notable event in the gaming world. It not only provides subscribers with a high-value title at no extra cost but also reflects Sony’s commitment to enhancing its service offerings. As the promotion is time-limited, gamers are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity before it concludes on December 19. This move is expected to not only please existing subscribers but also attract new users to the PlayStation Plus Extra service, further solidifying its position in the competitive gaming subscription market.