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SPOILER ALERT: This review contains spoilers for The Walking Dead: The Game – Season 1. Do not read if you have not completed Season 1.
Telltale’s The Walking Dead: The Game was released in 2012 to much praise. Season 1 contained five episodes, with the first being released in the spring and the final in the fall. Despite its technical hiccups, its gripping story and lovable characters made it one of the best games of the year. Now, fans of the series can purchase the first episode of Season 2, titled “All That Remains.”
In the first episode of the new season, the player takes control of Clementine, a character all The Walking Dead fans are very familiar with at this point. However, this isn’t the same innocent Clem from season 1. She appears to be a couple years older and much more acclimated to the cruel world she has grown up in. Lee isn’t there to comfort and protect her anymore, and she has to face this harsh world pretty much on her own.
While the pacing in this first episode is kind of slow, it basically serves as a building block for later episodes. It sets the mood for the season and helps the player become familiar with new characters. On its own, it’s nothing spectacular, but I’m sure it will fit in perfectly once later episodes are released.
I don’t want to go too much into the story of this episode in fear on spoiling it, but I will say that the player should be prepared for a very somber experience. Those who loved season 1 no doubt will enjoy the first episode of the new season. The end of the first episode leaves you wanting more, and that’s a good thing. I can’t wait to see what happens next.
Final thoughts
Gameplay: Anyone who has played a Telltale game knows what the gameplay is like; walk around, explore your environment, and press the button prompted on the screen. It’s simple gameplay that really lets you focus on the story.
Appearance: Visuals are on-par with the first season’s, and, as to be expected, there are a few technical glitches (The weirdest one I experienced was lifeless character models in bedrooms that I could walk right through). These glitches usually don’t affect the gameplay or distract you from the story, but when they do, it’s kind of a letdown.
Sound: I was very impressed with the soundtrack; so much that I frantically searched the internet in search of where I can buy it, but to no avail. The track that particularly stands out in my mind is the song that plays at the end credits. It’s beautiful. The sound in the game really adds to the somber feel the game aims to present.
Bottom line: If you enjoyed Telltale’s Game of the Year Award-winning The Walking Dead: Season 1, you can’t afford to miss season 2. The first episode is just a taste of what’s to come, and you’ll be dying to know what happens next.
Overall score: