Follow us on Google News
Get the latest updates directly in your Google News feed
The video game industry often sees some game release that set the trend for whole genres ant archetypes of games. Rocksteady’sBatman: Arkhamgames are the perfect example. Praised for their fresh takes on hand-to-hand combat at the time, the trilogy is still highly regarded by gamers even today.
This success had a direct impact on developers of other games and franchises. Developers such as Monolith took inspiration from this in the development of theirMiddle Earthgames. IncludingShadow of MordorandShadow of War.
TheMiddle EarthGames Drew Inspiration from Rocksteady’sBatmanGames
In an interview withGameSpot, Monolith Productions’ VP of creative design, Michael de Plater, talked about how the features ofBatman: Arkham AsylumandArkham City’scombat systemwere used in theMiddle-earthgames. Especially Shadow of Mordor. When asked ifArkham Asylumwas an influence onShadow of Mordor, he said:
Absolutely. It just set the bar for how to make an amazing game within this rich world that’s not a movie game. In particular, that it was coming out simultaneously with the Chris Nolan movies, but it was completely its own thing.
The main features of the combat systems of theArkhamgames were the smooth player movements and chain parry system that allowed players to switch between different enemies seamlessly.Middle Earth:Shadow of MordorandShadow of Warshow their inspiration from this in their stealth and predator mechanics.
“Xbox badly needs this kind of game”: We Finally Have an Idea of What the Creators of the Batman Arkham Trilogy and Rocksteady Co-Founders Are Making For Xbox
The success of theArkhamgames was mainly due to the fact that they attempted a fresh take on combat. And it worked. Unlike traditional action games of the time such asAssassin’s Creed, theArkhamgames allowed players to perform a variety of different attacks and moves that the franchise eventually became known for. The future games of the franchise also found success forstaying true to these roots.
This seemingly simple innovation in the combat department was the main pivot for the future of action adventure games who took inspiration from it. Including Monolith’sMiddle-earthseries.
In the development of theMiddle Earthgames, Monolith wanted to tried to innovate in their own way with the Nemesis system. This system generated random enemies with different abilities and lines for every playthrough of the game. And while it didn’t completely change the game or blow people’s minds, it gives the game its own identity.
De Plater said that whileArkhaminfluenced their combat, the Nemesis system was what set theMiddle-Earthgames apart from other games of the time. This approach was pivotal so that thegames stood out in the crowded action-adventure genre.
How do You Adapt an IP as Big asLord of The Rings?
De Plater admitted that the opportunity to create a big open world RPG in the setting of Middle Earth was a dream come true for his 12 year old self. His passion for the source material was pivotal in his desire to create a game that didn’t just respect Tolkien’s work, but also was it’s own thing.
The challenges of adapting a beloved literary and cinematic universe into a video game were not lost on the development team. Monolith did such a good job withMiddle Earththat there was eventually a canceledBatmangame whichtook inspiration fromShadow of Mordor.
“We didn’t try to reinvent the recipe”: Part of Batman: Arkham Origins Success Was Staying True to the Lore That Assassin’s Creed Needs to Remember
The success of theArkhamgames demonstrated that it was possible to make video game adaptations of popular movie franchises without them just being cheap shills of the movies. As de Platernoted, theArkhamseries didn’t just raise the bar—they redefined it, influencing some of the greatestLord of the Ringsgames ever made.
Daniel Royte
Gaming Writer
Articles Published :1369
As part of the FandomWire team, Daniel has followed the hero-shooter genre closely with a focus on titles like VALORANT, Apex Legends, and Marvel Rivals. You can also find him providing insight on the latest AAA titles from Elden Ring to GTA 6 and exploring the world of gacha games like Genshin Impact and Wuthering Waves. With more than 1,000 articles under his belt, you’ll need to look no further for a unique insight into every situation.If he’s not looking for the latest video game news, you’ll find him cheering on Ferrari in the race tracks of Formula 1 or at the theatres for the latest MCU releases.
