There hasn't been a gameplay mechanic quite like Middle Earth: Shadow of Mordor's Nemesis System, thanks to WB Studios having a patent on the mechanic. Not only did it create truly unique playthroughs for different players, it added a level of detail to its design that makes it feel natural and alive. With how much players enjoyed the Nemesis System in Shadow of Mordor and the sequel Shadow of War, it's not too much of a surprise that it's set to return in WB Games and Monolith Productions' upcoming title, Wonder Woman.
While the game doesn't have a release date, Monolith has confirmed the Nemesis System from Shadow of Mordor and Shadow of War will be returning in Wonder Woman. It's not yet known how the system will function in Wonder Woman or if it has been updated since Shadow of War. While fans are excited, those who skipped on Shadow of Mordor might not know exactly what this mechanic is.
What is the Nemesis System?
Originating in Shadow of Mordor, the Nemesis System was a mechanic that applied to every single enemy the character could encounter. It gave the army of orcs that the player fought against a system of notoriety and reputation. An orc that killed the player, whether they were a minor grunt or a top commander, would get launched through the ranks. This same orc would become a notable character in that particular playthrough, becoming stronger and rising through the ranks in Sauron's Army.
There's way more to the Nemesis System than just simulated army ranks. Nameless orcs that survive combat with the player or that manage to kill them will not only get promoted but will get a name as well. Named orcs in Sauron's Army will grapple for power with each other, meaning that sometimes a notable orc may end up dethroned by a lower-ranking orc. Not only do members of Sauron's Army fight between themselves, but the actions the player takes in-game can impact how the orcs fight.
If the player injures an orc with an arrow but doesn't finish them off, that orc could come back with a scar from their encounter. Depending on how players encounter them, they might also develop particular weaknesses, fears, or strengths. The Nemesis System gives what would otherwise be nameless enemy grunts in Shadow of Mordor the chance to grow dynamically as characters. Players can even have a full-on nemesis that functions as a main antagonist during their playthroughs.
The Nemesis System also plays into Shadow of War and Shadow of Mordor's central gameplay. Players can permanently take control of orcs and command them to sabotage Sauron's Army. This gives players a much more direct way to influence the enemy army through the Nemesis System while also expanding the system's capabilities. It's an incredibly detailed mechanic that creates a dynamic world unlike any other open-world title.
How Will the Nemesis System Impact Wonder Woman?
There isn't much currently known about Monolith Games' upcoming title Wonder Woman. Monolith has confirmed that the game will be open-world and will focus on Wonder Woman's Amazonian roots. Interestingly, WB Games stated in the announcement that "gamers will forge deep connections with both enemies and allies as they progress from a heroic fighter into a proven leader..." That quote may imply that the Nemesis System in Wonder Woman will extend to more than just an enemy army.
It seems as though Wonder Woman could have players work through the ranks themselves, using their own feats and accomplishments. Previous Monolith games have experimented with giving players more direct influence over the Nemesis System, such as with the ability to take control of enemies. Putting the player in the middle of a dynamically changing Amazon power struggle would be an interesting way to follow Wonder Woman's rise to leadership.
Of course, a few things are fairly certain when it comes to how the Nemesis System will impact Wonder Woman. It can be expected that there will be allies and/or enemies that will dynamically change depending on the player's actions. There's also the possibility that Wonder Woman won't even use the Nemesis System with an army as there are many different kinds of hierarchies that it could apply to, leaving a lot of different possibilities for this upcoming title.