Study Middle-Earth: Shadow of Mordor's pre-order, special edition details

One does not simply walk into a retailer, purchase Middle-Earth: Shadow of Mordor and leave with all of the content available at the game's launch. Sorry early adventurers, this isn't like the general pre-order bonuses announced in April. This time, you're going to have to play the retailer-specific pre-order bonus game.

Placing an order with Amazon will net you the Deadly Archer Rune, which makes long-distance headshots on Sauron's Captains hurt more. Going with Walmart will reward you with the Rising Storm Rune and the probably-related 'Storm of Urfael,' which lets you go nuts with unlimited executions in combat. Opting for Steam will earn the Orc Slayer Rune, which makes special moves against Captains a bit more painful.

Best Buy orders will get the Flame of Anor Rune, which rewards high combo counts by spontaneously igniting your sword. Lastly, GameStop has The Captain of the Witch character skin and the Hidden Blade Rune, which supplies more damage for stealth attacks against Captains.

UK fans are presented with a much simpler choice: pre-ordering from Amazon UK will get you both The Flame of Arnor Rune and The Deadly Archer Rune. Otherwise you can opt for the £44.99 Special Edition, which includes the Captain of the Watch character skin (seen below) and the Hidden Blade Rune.

Nice and complicated, eh? At least you've got some time to decide – Shadow of Mordor will reach PS4, PS3, Xbox One, Xbox 360 and PC on September 30 in North America and October 3 in the UK.