Review - The Walking Dead; Season 2 Episode 4 "Amid the ruins"
Reviewed by Paul Fiander
Format reviewed on Vita |
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When it comes to strong narrative in games the Walking Dead is showing itself to be the best in the business. It’s almost beginning to feel like an overused cliché but at this juncture the story is the point of playing this game. The reason I say this is there are some gameplay mechanics that I do not enjoy in this game. I could happily do without most of the QTE moments, they do help in the fight sequences but at other times just feel crammed into the game.
For this review I am playing on the Vita and it is generally a really good experience. The loads do take some time but the controls are tight especially when using the touch controls. There are pauses in between cut scenes which can be slightly annoying but after the first few you tend to miss the momentary delays. It’s great to see the Vita being supported and the release be day and date the same as the PS3 version, it shows Telltale have faith in the handheld. I will be going back and playing both seasons on the Vita in the future just to see how the game has changed over time. |
It sounds odd but this episode seems to concentrate on survival, this is obviously a recurring theme for the Walking Dead but when you think what Clem has been through its amazing she is surviving. Her conversations with Jane are centred on doing what best’s for yourself first, whether that means going it alone or staying with the group. The important factor is always doing what is best for your own survival. You get the feeling that Clem’s strength impresses the Jane not only for her surviving but also for maintaining her humanity.
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Clem has a number of other interactions but most are useful to the plot, her time with Kenny though is probably the most poignant. They have the oldest relationship in the group and if you think all that Kenny has been through it’s a wonder he still going. However with the focus firmly on Clem it seems we have almost forgotten what he has been through. Not only has he lost his wife and child but also an eye among other things. The episode helps us remember this in a big way without it feeling forced into the narrative.
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Elsewhere we have a few jump scares as well as using the environment to try to distract walkers but not the physical threat that was in the last episode. The finale though more than makes up for this as you are put into one of the most difficult positions the game has crafted so far. My final decision has made me worried not only for Clem but for the rest of the group and at this point I would happily pay Telltale for early Access to find out how the situation is resolved. Alas I will have to wait a month or two but this is one of the best pieces of episodic content I have ever consumed.
Episode Rating |
Score - 4.5/5 |
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Images courtesy of Telltale Games
Game - provided by Publisher |
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