Summary

While the specific video game that introduces a player to a certain developer is wholly subjective and dependent on all manner of uncontrollable factors, it is safe to say that Monolith Productions first appeared on gamers' radars with 2014’sMiddle-earth: Shadow of Mordor. The developer has, however, been operating in the video game sphere since 1994 and has created a plethora of games across a wide variety of genres.

Far from being stuck in just Tolkien’s Middle-earth, Monolith Productions have delved into other existing IPs as well as built ideas up from scratch. With first-person shooters, psychological horrors, and multiplayer battle arenas under its belt, this developer has spread its influence across the video game landscape and received a positive response.

The player character points a submachine gun toward enemy soldiers

10The Operative: No One Lives Forever

Set inthe swinging 1960s,The Operative: No One Lives Foreveris an FPS with a stealthy twist, allowing players to choose between loudly shooting their way through a level or sneaking through undetected. As the international espionage organization U.N.I.T.Y’s first female operative Cate Archer, gamers are taken on missions across the globe to stop the terrorist organization H.A.R.M.

The mix of standard FPS and stealth gameplay along with the entertaining premise and groovy aesthetic,The Operative: No One Lives Foreverplaces itself a cut above the rest when it comes to first-person FPS video games. Its quirkiness and innovation aside, it is hard to argue with the masses of “Game of the Year” awards given to the title by various press organizations.

Talion battles an Orc with a flaming weapon while surrounded by other enemies

9Middle-Earth: Shadow Of War

As of 2023, the sequelMiddle-earth: Shadow of Warstands as Monolith Productions' latest video game release, with players returning to the shoes of undead Gondorian Ranger Talion and the spirit of Elf lord Celebrimbor as they build up an Orc army to combat Sauron. With new regions to explore and an updated “Nemesis” system, this 2017 third-person action-adventure gave fans more of what they loved.

Admittedly,Middle-earth: Shadow of Warwas slathered with some criticisms including a story that played fast-and-loose with the source material and the controversial implementation of microtransactions. However, the game ultimately won the majority of players over with itstight combat systemand expansive regions to explore.

Player character brandishes a melee weapon against a masked assailant

8Condemned: Criminal Origins

In the city of Metro, the player character ofCondemned: Criminal Origins, FBI agent Ethan Thomas, has been investigating a series of cold cases he believes are linked to a sudden rise in violent criminal behavior. After a series of events leads to Thomas being hunted by his colleagues, he finds himself plunged into a journey involving the occult, serial murder, and a mysterious man with mouth implants.

With a psychological horror angle and a brilliantlycrunchy melee combatsystem, this first-person survival horror is visceral in its violence and terrifying in its atmosphere and was received very well by critics. So much so was the critical praise forCondemned: Criminal Originsthat it has been described as a forgotten classic of the survival horror genre.

An enemy winces after a blow while holding a large hammer

7Condemned 2: Bloodshot

Condemned 2: Bloodshotis part of an arguable exclusive group of sequels that take the positives from their predecessors while simultaneously addressing the criticisms of said games. Picking up where the first game left off, players control a down-and-out Ethan Thomas as he uncovers a cult’s plot to transform people into homicidal maniacs utilizing sonic weaponry.

Overhauling the forensic system and deepening the melee combat system from the first game, Monolith Productions proved that it genuinely cares for the opinions of the player base and is committed to delivering a gaming experience that fans will love and enjoy. WithCondemned 2: Bloodshot, the developer cemented its expertise in the survival/psychological horror genre.

The player character blows up an enemy with a lighter and dynamite

6Blood

In March 1997, Monolith Productions released its first-ever game in the form of the first-person shooterBlood. In this weird West chronological mash-up, players take the reins of recently resurrected gunslinger Caleb who is on a vengeful mission to destroy the dark god he once served.

Forgiving the irony,Bloodis a game centeredaround the occultthat developed somewhat of a cult following itself, with remasters and collections being subsequently released to allow fans to play the game on more modern systems. All in all, Monolith Productions' first foray into the video game sphere cemented its focus on experiences that put horror elements at their center.

A special ops soldier runs down a hallway with fire behind them

5F.E.A.R.

Taking inspiration from numerous sources (includingThe Matrix, Japanese horror, and the films of director John Woo),supernatural horror FPSF.E.A.R.sees players take control of a rookie member of the eponymous U.S. Army unit tasked with combating paranormal threats. Throughout the game, players are psychically assaulted by hallucinations, voices, and visions of a young girl in a red dress called Alma.

It is safe to say thatF.E.A.R.is lauded as a prime example of FPS horror done right, with its intense combat and impressively adaptive A.I. received high praise from video game journalists. The game even spawned two expansion DLCs as well as a full sequel titledF.E.A.R. 2: Project Origins.

A Xenomorph runs down a hallway while a marine fires at it

4Aliens Versus Predator 2

Long before the film seriesAlien vs. Predatortook off in 2004, a crossover between the two giant sci-fi franchises had already been established in a plethora of mediums. Already existing in the video game sphere in 1999 asAliens Versus Predator, Monolith Productions was tasked with bringing the sequel to life.

With the ability to choose between three separate campaign experiences (one for each playable race) as well as an extensive multiplayer mode,Aliens Versus Predator 2is an absolute treat for gamers whether they are fans of the franchise or of science fiction shooters in general. Whether tearing through marines as avicious Xenomorph or tactical Predatoror battling alien beasts as a human soldier,Aliens Versus Predator 2can satisfy many preferences.

Talion marks an Uruk Hai orc with a ramshackle tower in the background

3Middle-earth: Shadow Of Mordor

Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordoris an innovative and expansive experience set in the fantastical Middle-earth of Tolkien’s design. Cast as newly-undead Gondorian Talion, players are bonded with the wraith of Elf Celebrimbor, which grants him a host of ethereal powers to merge with his combat prowess as a Captain of the Gondorian Rangers.

With a tight and engaging combat system reminiscent of theBatman: Arkhamgames and a brilliantly complex “Nemesis” system that allows for organic storytelling,Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordorburst onto the scene and quickly won the hearts of gamers and critics alike. This game is considered a must-play for fans of both open-world action-adventure and the works of Tolkien.

A red mecha being apprehended by two gray mechas on a city street corner

2Shogo: Mobile Armor Division

Shogo: Mobile Armor Divisionis a science-fiction FPS released by Monolith Productions in 1998 and deals with the clashing of two factions using mechanized exoskeletons in a futuristic setting. The game is also notable for its use of narrative choices given to the player, one of which has a large effect on the subsequent gameplay.

The dichotomy ofShogo: Mobile Armor Divisioncomes with its almost universal critical acclaim and itslack of units sold. Despite being considered worthy competition to contemporary FPS games such as the renownedHalf-Life, the game struggled to keep its head above water due to Monolith Productions' existence as a smaller company at the time. Still,Shogo: Mobile Armor Divisionproves that, even before the lofty heights of triple-A development, Monolith Productions was creating work that was bold, engaging, and innovative.

Player character holding a pistol looking at a parked snowmobile next to a pile of logs

1No One Lives Forever 2: A Spy In H.A.R.M.’s Way

With a previous subtitle that has taken over as a main title, U.N.I.T.Y. operative Cate Archer returns to do battle against the forces of H.A.R.M. in Monolith Productions' sequel gameNo One Lives Forever 2: A Spy in H.A.R.M.’s Way. Met with universal acclaim and the recipient of numerous accolades in the media, this game keeps the stealthy FPS gameplay of its predecessor while innovating and expanding in the form of new locations, gadgets, and AI patterns.

This quirky 1960s-inspired secret agent experience is one of the most highly rated Monolith Productions' games ever and, when considering the other IPs that the developer has had a hand in creating, one can begin to understand the sheer critical acclaim garnered byNo One Lives Forever 2: A Spy in H.A.R.M.’s Way.