Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor Special Edition
Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor Special Edition
Released: 2014
Platform: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PC
Regions: PAL
Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor was released in 2014 for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Xbox One, PlayStation 4 and PC. Two versions were available: the regular one and a special edition. The one shown here is the special edition for PlayStation 4.
This has to be one of the ugliest collector’s editions I have ever seen. Just to clear one thing up: this isn’t a steelbook, but a metalpak, which isn’t the preferred format for many collectors due to the cheaper spine. The thing with this version is that it shines like it has been covered in an oily substance. The manufacturers have attempted to create a relief by having the face of the character stick out. In the background, as well as on the back of the box, are a few bumpy shapes that are probably supposed to be orcs. Aside from the presentation and the material used, the artwork itself isn’t very appealing either. A giant face in the foreground, pressed against the side of the cover, with a broken sword on the left. Not a very interesting composition. The eyes of the character look weird, it’s supposed to resemble his radiating blue eyes, but it looks more like he put on some funky eye shadow (‘Eye Shadow of Mordor’?). Or as if they forgot to paint the eyes themselves. Still, at least all the information and warning boxes are on the outer sleeve, which is nice.
The good thing though is that this edition was available for the same price as the regular one. In other words, you get more for the same price, so this makes up for the ugliness of the case.
As a bonus you get several digital extras, in the shape of flyers with redeemable codes on it. The three codes unlock the following downloadable content: Dark Ranger (character skins and challenge mode), Captain of the Watch and Hidden Blade Rune (deal extra damage when executing stealth attacks against captains), and Legion Edition (2 exclusive war band missions and epic rune rewards).
So in conclusion, for something calling itself a special edition, it really isn’t all that special. On the other hand though, it wasn’t (much) more expensive than the regular game. Not a bad deal, but they could have done more with this edition, if they had gone with a better artwork for the front and a less shiny material.
