Drumroll for best video game of 2014 … “Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor.”

This game, developed by Monolith Productions and published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, features a new type of emergent relationship between players and enemies. Called the Nemesis System, this setup tracks and remembers player actions to dynamically create and evolve unique enemies and scenarios for each player. This includes visual characteristics, combat behaviors, mission scenarios and personality traits.

The third-person, open-world action game is set between the events of “The Hobbit” and “The Lord of the Rings.” It delves into a story that begins on the night of Sauron’s return to Mordor, as his captains execute the Rangers of the Black Gate. The protagonist is Tailon, a Ranger who loses his family only to be returned from death by an ancient and powerful spirit. As his personal vendetta unfolds, players uncover the mystery of the spirit that compels them, discover the origin of the Rings of Power, and confront their ultimate nemesis as they bend Mordor to their will.

The product, available in PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360 and Xbox One, allows players to harness the Spirit of Vengeance to inflict combos while mastering powerful new skills and weaponry. It also advances skills and abilities and upgrades weapons as players become “legendary.”