Summary
The premise of a standalone single-playerWonder Womangame is tremendously exciting based on the character alone. But where the true excitement for such a game excels is in its developer, Monolith, and what it’s supposedly bringing to the table for its adaptation ofDC’s Themysciran princess. Because Monolith most recently developed theMiddle-earthgames it would be easy to assume it’ll translate those action-adventure mechanics to Diana’s arsenal, and yet Rocksteady’sSuicide Squad: Kill the Justice Leaguewas evidence that any developer could make a drastic out-of-left-field turn, for better or worse.
Monolith hopefully selected or was given Wonder Woman as its DC character to adapt because it has excelled with single-player action-adventure.Shadow of MordorandShadow of Warwere phenomenal in that regard, offering open worlds with rich narratives and an inspired combat system, all of which would find a warm home inWonder Woman. It’s been confirmed thatMiddle-earth’s Nemesis System will be inWonder Woman, too, assuming that hasn’t changed since. But ifWonder Womandoes implement WB’s sacred Nemesis System, it’s going to need to do so in a way that isn’t half-baked.
Monolith Needs to Put Its Whole Heart into Wonder Woman’s Nemesis System
The absolute worst-case scenario isWB finally implementing the Nemesis Systemfor the first time sinceShadow of Warin 2017 and havingWonder Womanunderperform or not employ the Nemesis System to its fullest capability. IfWonder Womanor its Nemesis System are perceived as underwhelming or poorly designed in any way, that could signal the wrong message and result in the Nemesis System being shelved forever, rather than being honed and improved for a future game.
Games are now gargantuan investments of time and money and trends are incredibly fleeting, which could mean that a disappointing product and its niche features aren’t given many chances to succeed or fail. Seeing the Nemesis System falter and fail would be hugely devastating sinceMonolith’sMiddle-earthgamesdemonstrated the potential for the feature to completely redefine how players engage with otherwise forgettable or unremarkable enemies.
Therefore, if Monolith takes the bones of the feature andfleshes it out thoroughly and satisfyingly forWonder Womanit could help determine how influential and pivotal the Nemesis System could be for several other games moving forward, as it should be.
Wonder Woman’s Nemesis System Will Be Great to See Even if It’s a Gimmick
That said, as long as the Nemesis System isn’t horribly conceived or at risk of being shelved, it’s going to be great to see the feature reprised. It’s beena long seven years sinceShadow of Warand it’s thrilling to imagine what concepts and ideas have been brought to the Nemesis System in that time, hopefully to be put on display inWonder Woman.
This game is going to have a fairly big responsibility in bringing the Nemesis System back and it will presumably do so by warring Themyscirans against humankind as two opposing factions whom players interact with. Regardless, the Nemesis System’s novelty is innately exciting.
Even if it behaves identically to how it did inShadow of MordorandShadow of Warit’ll be sure to retain all attention as its most unique feature, that is unlessWonder Womanhas some other tricks up its sleeve.Wonder Womanitself might not need to do much to impress in a DC landscape that is currently blemished by a couple of lackluster titles, but the Nemesis System will be its true test of brilliance and could be a make-or-break for Monolith to nail.
Middle-Earth: Shadow of War
WHERE TO PLAY
Go behind enemy lines to forge your army, conquer Fortresses and dominate Mordor from within. Experience how the award winning Nemesis System creates unique personal stories with every enemy and follower, and confront the full power of the Dark Lord Sauron and his Ringwraiths in this epic new story of Middle-earth.In Middle-earth™: Shadow of War™, nothing will be forgotten.
