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Basic Points to start off: 1. I dont have a problem with microtransactions in games, if done correctly. 2. Shadow of War does them correctly 3. Be skeptical or at least weary when listening to reviewers when it comes to Microtransactions. Alright... I am playing Shadow of War and it is some of the most fun I have had in a long time. Absolutely amazing game. However, one thing that has burned some people is the micro transactions present in the game. Leading Gameranx to "not recommend the game despite it being the best game of 2017". Downward Thrust... same thing. Zero Punctuation points out that the end is near impossible without Microstransactions. There is one thing though that is common between ALL THREE reviewers... NONE of them played the side quests or optional missions. Which...after putting in 68 hours so far totally invalidates that aspect of their critique. Monolith states that "all items can be earned in game through normal play", while these three YouTubers debate this point. They talk about the insane grind in the last act to get enough in game credits to buy what is necessary. While not even playing a HUGE portion of the game. I am typically not a completionist... but in both Shadow of Mordor and Shadow of War I have been sucked in by the lore, and the story and the world of Tolkien. Plus, the way the side quests, items, etc are worked into the game proper is very well done, and fluid. Also... and most importantly, you are rewarded heavily for doing them. In both in game currency as well as character and weapon stat buffs. I am drowning in "in game currency" and haven't spent a dime after initial purchase of the game. The currency used to buy double XP and boosts for your troops... also earned in game through "daily" (they say daily... but they last till you complete them) quests. I have 850 Gold not having spent a dime which is enough to buy about 8 double xp boosts which is what the YouTubers are all saying they had to buy to complete the game. So, TLDR: If you have the time, this game provides enough quality content to earn everything in game without buying, and without a serious grind. However, if you have more money than time, Shadow of War will let you purchase boosts, troops, etc... to minimize the time needed to experience all the game. Also you witness executions like this... http://xboxclips.com/Auptyk+Prime/11c5ae00-159c-410b-a926-a0a1f6fcd9bd (that site is the worst... but its easy)