As good, if not better, than the show
Game of Thrones started off as a book, turned into a hit television show, and now it's a video game. Game of Thrones by Telltale Games follows the company's other successful point-and-click adventure games like The Walking Dead and Tales from the Borderlands.
But can the Game of Thrones game stand on its own as a unique gaming experience? Without spoiling the show or the game, let's find out.
Characters you love in a different light
Game of Thrones - A Telltale Games Series takes place between the fourth and fifth seasons of the TV show. You'll see some of the characters from the show including Lena Hadley as Cersei Lannister, Peter Dinklage as Tyrion Lannister, Natalie Dormer as Margaery Tyrell, Kit Harington as Jon Snow, and more.
In addition to the TV cast, the game follows the story of House Forrester with characters not mentioned in the show. The Forresters were aligned with the Starks and you'll have to deal with the repercussions of the events following the Red Wedding.
Without spoiling anything, you'll play as different characters from House Forrester and interact with characters from the show. By making your actions and dialog choices effect the story, Telltale made a game where you feel responsible. While the TV show is a passive experience, Game of Thrones - A Telltale Games Series makes you feel the gravity of each decision. I've played Telltale's other adventure games and NONE of them made me agonize over my decisions more than Game of Thrones.
While you can't change the overall outcome of the story, you can affect how the in-game characters perceive you and how the story plays out. Some players may hate the fact that they can't change the outcome of the story but I don't have a problem with it. The experience has to be consistent for different players so the ending can't be different for each person's story.
Speaking of other players, you can compare your decisions with other players after each chapter. With so many choices, the game merits several play throughs to see how you can affect the story.
Point and click
Playing Game of Thrones is a retro affair. It's a point-and-click adventure game and there's not much variation in the play. You point to click where you want to go and select dialog choices with your mouse. There's also quick time sequences where you'll have to dodge and rapidly press buttons.
But you're not playing Game of Thrones for the combat. You're playing it for the story and the story is EXCELLENT. There are as many twists as the show and the voice acting is great. However, there was one section where Kit Harrington's character was dubbed with a complete different voice, taking away from the immersive experience. It only happened briefly so I can forgive it.
Gut-wrenching and stressful
If you get stressed out watching the Game of Thrones show, you're going to be even more wound up playing the game. The story is just as good as the show, if not better. There's a great sense of responsibility for your actions since you don't know which decisions will affect the outcome of the story. With six episodes in Game of Thrones - A Telltale Games Series, you're left with an overwhelming sense of dread, asking yourself, "Did I make the right choice??"
Highly recommended for Game of Thrones fans. But watch the first 4 seasons of the TV show before you start playing, otherwise you will be lost about what's going on.
