Whoops! Target has leaked the sequel to Shadow of Mordor — Middle-earth: Shadow of War

Shadow of Mordor is an open-world action adventure game, set in The Lord of the Rings universe. As a prequel to the Fellowship of the Ring, Shadow of Mordor followed the tale of a ranger, Talion, possessed by the Elf Lord Celebrimbor. Working together, the pair labor to dismantle a huge army amassing to invade Middle-earth in events set in the the 60-year gap between The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings.

Shadow of Mordor was an excellent game that combined Assassin's Creed-like combat systems and a unique and dynamic "Nemesis" engine, by which procedurally generated orcs would fight their way into positions of power throughout the game's sizeable world. If you haven't already, you should buy it, seriously.

Target has listed Middle-earth: Shadow of War far ahead of the game's planned reveal, giving us a glimpse at some of its features.

NeoGAF discovered the mishap, which not only contains box art but details about the game itself. The listing on Target has subsequently been removed, but not before the internet saved all of its juicy details.

Gold Edition includes:

  • Slaughter Tribe Nemesis Expansion
  • Outlaw Tribe Nemesis Expansion
  • The Blade of Galadriel Story Expansion
  • The Desolation of Mordor Story Expansion
  • Gold War Chest
  • Over $125 in total value

Nemesis Expansions include a new Orc Tribe featuring new enemies, followers, missions, abilities, weapons, Fortress and wilderness updates, and a Mythic Gear Set.

Story Expansions introduce a new campaign, playable character & abilities, side missions, enemies, allies & more.

Experience an epic open-world brought to life by the award-winning Nemesis System. Forge a new Ring of Power, conquer Fortresses in massive battles and dominate Mordor with your personal Orc army in Middle-earth™: Shadow of War™.

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.

The pre-order date was listed for August 22nd, and while that could be a placeholder, it seems encouragingly specific. The game was billed for both Xbox One and PS4, and like Shadow of Mordor, it seems at least likely it will come to Windows PC as well. If you haven't already, give Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor a try, it's bloody excellent.

I suspect we'll hear something a little more official on Shadow of War very soon. Cheers Target!

Buy Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor for Xbox One ($19.99)

Jez Corden
Co-Managing Editor

Jez Corden is a Managing Editor at Windows Central, focusing primarily on all things Xbox and gaming. Jez is known for breaking exclusive news and analysis as relates to the Microsoft ecosystem while being powered by tea. Follow on Twitter @JezCorden and listen to his XB2 Podcast, all about, you guessed it, Xbox!