Oh now where do I begin?
I first watched this game played by UberHaxorNova on YouTube. Which was after I had already watched the TV show up to that point (which had already been on for 2 years) so boy was I excited. I watched him play through it, then I did myself eventually.
This genuinely has to be one of those games where I have to say, it is more of an experience than it is a game. I'm not sure how many games of this type existed at this point. (Interactive movie style games). I'll go with not a lot since these are now called "Telltale style games".
I just think this is something every person who plays games should really play.
Even if you don't like zombies or gore. The story of the people is the true gem of this game and the others like it. You do just have to be prepared to cry a little.
The game is very faithful to what I know of from the comics. Uses similar characters and even has Hershels farm like 1:1 from the comics. The style is also comic book style, it's very unique in my opinion. You can sometimes see the age with the animation but it is not going to ruin your experience.
I do think this game is peak. I think it is nearly perfect. And I think anyone who is able to should play it.
The characters are all written very well. Some are morally grey, some are supposed to be liked, others hated. But you'll almost always come to a conflicting choice. Your actions will have consequences.
And oh man the music. Oh the music. If you're not going to play, please please listen to "Clementine Suite" from the OST. It just hits the spot.
So here are some of my issues with the game, but unfortunately it's almost all going to be spoilers since they all have to do with choices.
[spoiler] As perfect as I think this game is; And as much as I love it. It does have some stuff I think could be better. The biggest thing for me comes down to most decisions and character deaths. Take for example Doug/Carley. You can pick to save either in the pharmacy, but they'll die eventually and there is nothing you can do about it. It just sucks that so many deaths (mostly of side characters) have to be canon and always happen. I just wish you had the option to save more people and let more people die. Similar to Detroit Become Human. Now I understand this game was made in 2012 so I get it, it couldn't be too complicated. It just really would've added more to the game for me. Say you save Carley, but Lilly dies or Ben dies in that moment. Now what I do like is how they'll sort connect it back. Like eventually Ben comes clean and you do have the option to let him die. I just do wish there were more branching paths. There is also a slight issue when it comes to the "illusion of choice". Like you'll come to a big decision, yanno like when you have infinite time to choose and it's only two choices, that's when you know. But the end result is the same. So what's the point? If it leads to the same result, why even bother with the choice. This is most evident when you're thrown of out Richmond. It'll happen regardless of what you say or do but you're given choices like it won't. Anyway that's mostly it. I wish it had more branching paths and more character life/death options. And there will be a few moments where you have an illusion of choice, but end up with the same result.
The other thing I'd say is, I am still conflicted about the end. With Clementine. Don't get me wrong, I am happy she's alive at the end, but I don't know it just feels kinda weird. I mean, her face was literally turning into a walker at the end, she was minutes from death, I don't think cutting the bite off would've done anything. And I think her dying that way was not a bad way to go and it was obviously supposed to mirror the ending scene with Lee. I'm left just very conflicted, I am very happy she is alive at the end, but the buildup and the emotion and the way she was and all of that. I was very prepared for her to die and I do actually thing it would've been a good and fitting ending.
Just my thoughts on that. I'll ponder on it.[/spoiler]
I will give this game: 10/10. Amazing.
