Heavy stuff.
"The Walking Dead is a five-part game series set in the same universe as Robert Kirkman's award-winning comic book series. Play as Lee Everett, a convicted criminal, who has been given a second chance at life in a world devastated by the undead. With corpses returning to life and survivors stopping at nothing to maintain their own safety, protecting an orphaned girl named Clementine may offer him redemption in a world gone to hell." Official Summary, telltale games
With over ninety Game Of The Year awards, The Walking Dead stands as one of the most successful departures from standard video game form. The developers, telltale games, released The Walking Dead in the form of five dynamic episodes, taking into account in-game player decisions to guide the plot and narrative. What resulted was an explosive mix of heart-wrenching drama and incredible story-telling. Here are our impressions:
With over ninety Game Of The Year awards, The Walking Dead stands as one of the most successful departures from standard video game form. The developers, telltale games, released The Walking Dead in the form of five dynamic episodes, taking into account in-game player decisions to guide the plot and narrative. What resulted was an explosive mix of heart-wrenching drama and incredible story-telling. Here are our impressions:
GOOD
- Story
The story played out over the game's five episodes is incredible. I won't spoil it for those who have yet to play it, but remember this: your decisions have repercussions. telltale games managed to create a story based in the Walking Dead universe that was enthralling, heart-pounding and altogether original.
- Characters
The real stars of the game are the wide array of characters portrayed throughout. Each had their own motivations, agendas and feelings towards the world around them. The development team nailed the humanity and vulnerability of each persona - they really made you feel like these were real people! Beyond even that, the way each of the characters interacted with each other was moving and striking in its commentary of humans in a state of survival.
EXCEPTIONAL
- Impact
As mentioned above, your decisions have direct repercussions on the story and the world around you. The impact and weight of this gameplay mechanic cannot be overstated. The narrative that plays out takes several twists and turns, and you are the driving force behind each of those shifts. The game makes you feel, that no matter how small the decision, it has meaning. This is both a thoughtful and genuinely, refreshing take on how games can connect with an audience beyond the gameplay itself. Bravo.
MEDIOCRE
- Quick-time-events
The design of the game is meant to be more of an interactive story with elements of exploration rather than direct-controlled action. That said, action portions of the game are almost exclusively quick-time-event based and can take you out of the flow of the incredible story-telling taking place. Thankfully, this is not a deal-breaker in the slightest, just dust among diamonds.
The Walking Dead is a testament to the idiom; If you build it, they will come. telltale games crafted an electric experience that took players on an emotional rollercoaster with incredible peaks and valleys. And they did it, flouting the most reliable gaming business model of the time. They gripped you, held you close and didn't let go. This game will make you feel - and players and gaming in general, are better for it.
@techandjunk
