Game Of Thrones: Episode 1 review

It’s been a crazy holiday release season so far, and I wouldn’t blame you if you haven’t recognised the existence of the new Game Of Thrones video game yet. The series has undergone previous video game iterations with mixed results and Telltale, the  guys behind The Walking Dead adventure games (one of my favourite games of all time), are stepping up to make a change.

In a game as story driven as this, it’s hard for me to delve too deep without revealing any potential spoilers, but suffice to say, the plot is extremely GOT like. I know, that’s not saying much. You’ll make hard decisions just like Telltale’s other games and be forced to live with them throughout the rest of the 6 episode season.

hmmmm whatever should I do?

If you’ve played any of Telltale’s previous games, you’ll be right at home here. The stories progresses in the standard adventure game format where you talk to people around the map, explore the area to find clues or little tidbits of information and participate in quick time events that usually happen during the action sequences of the story. They are hardly challenging but manage to put you into the character’s shoes as you try to predict where an enemy is swinging from or feel their struggle as they endure a choke or something. Yup, you’ve read that right, THEY.

The game puts you in the shoes of multiple Characters and in true GOT style, your view point changes from character to character throughout the episode. The story centres around House Forrester, loyal bannermen of House Stark who have gotten themselves into a bit of a precarious situation after the *ahem* wedding. And it’s up to you! Dear player, to lead the brave members of House Forrester back to glory or at least survive.

The art in this game looks FANTASTIC

The Forresters are a likable bunch and the voice acting does a great job of making you feel for the characters. Although what I think really stands out in the game’s presentation is the amazing art direction. This game is gorgeous, it’s no Crysis of Farcry, but the art really does a good job in evoking a sense of character into the different locations and settings, and more than makes up for the dated engine the game runs on. The character designs are spot on too, and borrow heavily from the HBO show. The way the characters are drawn also fantastic and I think it’s amazing how their emotions come through on their faces. That’s a great achievement!

Look at those puppy dog eyes!

I have to say, this is definitely my favourite Telltale game so far, and my initial worry that I would not be as invested in these new characters as those in the Books and TV show have been quelled. If you’re a fan of the series, this game is an absolute MUST to play. Think Sansa was a dumb little girl who should just die? WELL I’D LIKE TO SEE YOU TRY! And now you can, with this amazing new addition to the GOT franchise.

You’ll explore some new and familiar locations and characters

* If you’re new to Game Of Thrones I’d suggest holding off on this until you get up to at least season 3 or read up to Blood and Gold.