The Walking Dead: The Game – Episode 1 Review

Is it me or does any game related to a series or movie only work when it is not a direct adaptation? Even with that there is no guarantee the game will be any good, all you can do is have your fingers crossed. Looks like the partial carpal tunnel I was experiencing from crossing my fingers since The Walking Dead’s game announcement is not in vein … Telltale games has created a satisfying and rich experience that not only fans of the series will love but anyone that can physically pick up a controller.

What we have here is episode one of a five part episodic adventure game that will be delivered across weeks to come. Dubbed A New Day the setting seems to be the beginning of the zombie apocalypse which is sometime before the actual show begins. You play as Lee which by forces out of his control (not sure if a zombie crossing the highway counts) grants him a get out of jail free card .. literally. You come across a helpless girl Clementine, which has been alone since this mess started. Deciding to go at it together they now seek the aid of others to find safety.

The Walking Dead game takes less of an approach to chopping off heads, firing endless rounds at zombies and trying to look cool doing it but offers power through speech. Dialogue is your biggest tool here as you will need it to make tough decisions while shaping choices others will make that surround you. Multiple play through’s in this scenario is not only encouraged it becomes almost necessary for those looking to see all the choices that can be made. Whether you want Lee to become a character that will help others or help himself it is up to you.

While talking is most of what you will do that doesn’t mean you don’t get to bash the heads in of zombies. Much like Telltale’s other games this is a point and click style of adventure but the controls have been retooled a bit to fit a faster pace of action. Moving him with the left analogue stick and looking around to interact with the right works very well and keeps the frantic mayhem right where it needs to be.

If I didn’t emphasize before on how important the decisions that you make are well let me refresh you. Characters beyond this chapter will remember information you chose to tell them or withhold from them. This is only episode one but we are eagerly awaiting the others to be released as this is just as exciting as the show itself. Each episode will run you $5 or 400 MS points on Xbox 360 with a season pass running you $25 for all platforms aside Xbox 360. This is a must have for fans and gamers who want to try something different from their FPS routine.