The Walking Dead Episode I : Not Fun with U die ...

Release date Apr-25-2012

In the zombie apocalypse, we'll all be human resource managers. We'll need to make harsh critiques on the value of one human against another in a post-apocalyptic scenario. At least, that's what the first episode of Telltale's The Walking Dead adaptation has taught me

In the first of five episodes, you take on the role of Lee Everett, a man who may or may not be a killer. About the time Lee is getting transported to prison, the zombie apocalypse starts and gives him a "get out of jail free" card. For the next two hours, it's up to you to keep Lee alive and able to protect Clementine, the first grader in his care.


Here's the launch trailer for The Walking Dead: Episode 1, available now on PlayStation Network, PC and Mac, and will release very soon on Xbox LIVE Marketplace for Xbox 360.

 

Episode one of a five-part game series set in the same universe as Robert Kirkman’s award-winning series. Play as Lee Everett, the convicted criminal who has been given a second chance at life in a world devastated by the undead. Experience events, meet people and visit locations that foreshadow the story of Deputy Sheriff Rick Grimes. A honed game experience in which actions, choices and decisions you make will affect how your story plays out across the entire series.

The game is essentially a point and click adventure, in the same vein as PC classics Grim Fandango and Monkey Island, however there are tense and exciting quicktime style zombie survival moments which are reminiscent of Heavy Rains action segments. These quick time style battles work well enough, however they are not the focus of the game, the down time between zombie attacks are, and this is where the game excels.

Telltale have managed to get some amazing writers on board and they really make you feel for the protagonist Lee and his new lil sidekick Clementine. The game could easily grow boring with its lack of action, but the writing is so good that you will dread zombie attacks and want to interact with other survivors learning their stories and building relationships with them, which in turn help to define your character through your dialogue choices. Choice is a huge part of this game, you have mere seconds to decide whether to save one survivor or another, or how to intervene in situations, and there is a definite desire to return to chapter one and play it differently to see what could have happened. The promise that these choices will affect later episodes is also intriguing, and I wonder if it even might have affected the ‘Next time on The Walking Dead’ preview that is shown at the end (which looks equally fantastic I might add).

It may only last for around 2 hours but because it plays more like a movie than a traditional game at $5 you are definitely getting bang for your buck. The Walking Dead’s strength is the writing and the characters, the game does a great job of building tension and creating emotional investment with the characters. It is less of a game and more of an interactive story at times, but that works incredibly well with The Walking Dead property which has never simply been about zombie killing. Set in the same universe as the comics you are quick to see some familiar faces which is a nice little nod for fans. All in all I can’t wait for episode two of this. If you are a fan of The Walking Dead in any medium then this is definitely worth your time and money. Simply put, it's fantastic! 

My Comment

This game is amazing for anyone who love the Zombie genre. I haven't played a point-and-click game in a while, but it's amazingly easy and it feels and looks natural at most times. I love the fact that you have to make tough choices, who you want to save from death, to tell the truth or not. You get emotionally attached to most of the characters, and you would want to see this through. You can tell the game is developed for consoles, because of some graphical glitches, audio glitches and the controls. Don't fret! I could look past those tiny imperfections, because everything else is awesome! If you love zombies and an engaging story, you'll absolutely love this game. I can't wait for the next episodes. This game receives a 9/10 from me because of the story, comic-style graphics, music and characters. The game is very much worth its price too, that's good. It does not receive a 10/10 because of a few tiny bugs and some audio-glitches. Apart from that, I recommend it highly!

8/10