Review of Season 1 of The Walking Dead by Telltale.

Greetings to all women, men, and individuals who do not identify as strictly male or female, I am Daibhi and this represents the Gamerhub group. I deeply apologize for being away, but I have not been in good health. Lately, dealing with my life has been quite difficult, but despite my love for writing reviews to promote new and old games, my mental well-being will always come first. Experiencing burnout is not an option for me, so I will provide you with websites and phone numbers to reach out to if you need someone to talk to. Please ensure your safety and remember that even if your life feels dark, the Gamerhub community is here with plenty of light and warmth.

To be honest, despite the original source being in English, I initially started reading Robert Kirkman’s amazing work in Spanish with the first volume. I was working for a travel agency that is no longer in operation and was working in Mallorca at that time, which explains why. I have no hesitation in saying that I found Rick’s mental struggles compelling as he navigated through the zombie apocalypse and tried to maintain a cohesive group of survivors. In many zombie stories, the primary villain is often the reanimated corpses or the world they inhabit. The source material subverted that. The villains are actual individuals, and frequently much more dangerous than the dead trying to transform you into one of them. Imagine my shock when I started playing Telltale’s initial Walking Dead game and realized that none of the characters matched the ones I had previously encountered in the story or on screen.

Overview

Survival is the main goal in Telltale Games’ “The Walking Dead: The Complete First Season” set in a post-apocalyptic world. It could be argued (and I do) that it is extremely important. In fictional realms like the one depicted in The Walking Dead: The Complete First Season, distinguishing between what is right and what is wrong becomes somewhat unclear. Just like most Telltale games, this one is episodic and provides players with a highly emotional and engaging experience unique to Telltale.

Meet Lee Everett: The Beginning of the Show

The story starts by introducing the main character, Lee Everett. Lee is facing some issues as he is a criminal who has been found guilty of murder and is now headed to jail. This main character in the video game isn’t your typical one, but it helps establish the atmosphere. The moral ambiguity begins early on and will only become more unclear as the game advances. In this society where social norms have collapsed almost completely. The outcome of both Lee and the characters he meets relies on the decisions you make during the game.

In “A New Day,” the initial episode of the game, players are immediately immersed in the zombie apocalypse as Lee breaks free from a prison transport and discovers an empty house. In the game, the player faces the initial tough decision of either rescuing the little girl named Clementine or abandoning her to survive on her own. This marks the start of the game as well as the start of a succession of morally intricate choices that will linger with players throughout the game.

People and relationships

The Walking Dead franchise is more than just about hungry reanimated corpses; it also explores the human bonds that develop in challenging circumstances. During the game, Lee’s decisions primarily revolve around his connection with Clementine. In the role of a caretaker and defender (reminiscent of “The Last Of Us”), Lee’s choices will have a significant effect on Clementine and what makes this game remarkable is that players feel the gravity of their decisions as they lead Clementine through this dangerous environment. Clementine’s fragility and naivety stand out against the tough world full of zombies, which makes her a character that one can’t help but truly worry about.

The range of characters you meet in this game are both varied and unforgettable. From the enigmatic but clever Molly, to the practical Kenny, all of these characters have their individual motives and difficulties. Your relationships with the characters and the narrative will be influenced by how you engage with each character. The writing and voice performances are excellent, making the characters feel very authentic as they struggle to stay alive.

Options and outcomes

A key aspect of the game is the focus on decisions and their outcomes. Every choice made creates a chain reaction that is nearly impossible to foresee, frequently influencing the destiny of every character and the entire storyline. The intricacy of the storyline is excellent for a game of its age, and I am fully invested in it. The captivating narrative keeps players involved in the game world, as you can’t predict if a minor choice will have disastrous consequences for your group.

In the game, there is a crucial moment early on where you have the option to rescue one of two characters without giving away too many details. You must do this understanding that the individual you do not rescue is about to face a very unpleasant fate. This decision impacts the dynamics of the group and results in major consequences down the line. Gamers are challenged to face their own principles and preferences due to this moral uncertainty, causing a blurred distinction between what is right and wrong in a world focused on survival.

The episodic structure of this game contributes to the increasing suspense and anticipation. Every episode leaves you hanging on the edge, enticing you to watch the next one, excited to find out what happens next. The structure mimics the speed of the TV show and captures the artistic charm of the comics, which I believe was a very clever decision. In a world where Telltale has recreated the Expanse with impressive photorealism, this was a clever decision that drew in fans of the comics and TV show to the game. This truly feels like a live episode from the show.

Mastering the skill of staying alive

When it comes to the visuals, The Walking Dead employs a visual style that is quite distinctive. The unique cell-shaded art style is similar to comic books rather than the TV series, which appeals to fans of both mediums and enhances emotional engagement. It truly honors the original material and enhances the experience with a special touch. The comic book style brings the characters and settings to life, giving the impression of playing within the pages of a graphic novel.

The deliberate use of color in this game is incredibly effective. The world ravaged by zombies is frequently shown in dull colors, highlighting the despair and grimness of the post-apocalyptic environment. The crimson red accents emphasize the violence and threat hiding at each turn, reminding us that this world is dangerous, with a ravenous reanimated corpse ready to devour you nearby.

Suspense and fear

Though The Walking Dead is mostly focused on storytelling, it still delivers plenty of suspense and elements of horror. The constant and urgent presence of the ravenous zombies creates a feeling of dread and discomfort. While I was playing this game for my review, I constantly found myself on the edge of my seat. Whether you’re stealthily maneuvering around a group of zombies or fiercely defending yourself against them, the fast pace of this game will keep your adrenaline flowing. Who needs Red Bull for a burst of energy when you’re constantly dodging becoming a zombie?

I absolutely love the sound design in this game. Many believe that around 65% of our experiences are influenced by the emotions sounds evoke, and Telltale did not overlook this factor. The pivotal role of the atmospheric soundtrack is essential in building the tense environment we are stuck in. The groans and movement of the walkers, combined with a creepy quietness that is almost overwhelming in deserted places, all add to the feeling of fear. The haunting melodies in the game’s soundtrack enhance the emotional impact of each scene.

Performance in technology

I must say that I finished the game using my reliable Xbox One X, since I was unsure how it would perform on my laptop, even with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. I’m happy that I did. Like other Telltale episodic games (except for The Expanse), the technical performance may differ, but, in general, this game operates smoothly. There are instances when the game appears to briefly freeze, almost as if acknowledging the issue before returning to normal functioning. I came across occasional minor visual errors (fortunately not often) and experienced occasional decreases in frame rate, which were quite annoying.

This game can be played on various platforms such as PC for those who prefer it, as well as PlayStation, Xbox, and many other platforms. I attempted using my mum’s kindle for this, and although I don’t recommend it (I’m dumb), it can be done. The controls are user-friendly on any platform, allowing gamers to effortlessly explore the game’s world and make decisions without any difficulty. Almost, but not quite. At times, you may feel like you’re stuck in a loop as this game doesn’t offer much help or guidance. Get ready to imitate a dockworker from Glasgow and swear profusely. I had to search on Google for help to get through a frustrating moment.

This game was revolutionary when it was first released, receiving multiple awards and critical praise. The triumph led to the creation of several follow-ups in this realm, along with other franchises receiving similar adaptations (such as the Batman video game I recently critiqued). When Telltale ceased production of this type of game, numerous intellectual properties had already been adapted in the same style. Telltale produced numerous games like Jurassic Park and Game of Thrones.

The focus on decisions and their outcomes in the game has inspired many other titles (like Until Dawn), pushing developers to delve into the possibilities of multiple story paths and overarching plots. It also strengthened the notion that video games have the ability to evoke strong emotional reactions from players, increasingly blending the boundaries between interactive entertainment and conventional storytelling.

End result

In Telltale’s “The Walking Dead: The Complete First Season”, players are taken on an unforgettable adventure through a post-apocalyptic world where morality is questionable and survival is challenging. This game showcases the strength of interactive storytelling through its engaging plot, morally challenging decisions, and unforgettable characters. Playing as Lee Everett, players must confront their own humanity and come to terms with the brutal truth of a world overrun by zombies. The game delves into themes of sacrifice, trust, and the lengths individuals go to protect loved ones, creating a powerful emotional impact.

This is more than just a game; it’s an experience that will probably stay with you for a long time even after finishing it. Whether you enjoy reading comics or watching the TV show, this game is a must-have for anyone’s collection. Even during the bleakest moments, our decisions determine who we are, proving that humanity can persevere even in the most terrifying circumstances.

If this appeals to you, get ready to start an adventure where every little choice counts, and the undead armies are the least of your concerns. Are you willing to make difficult choices for your survival, hold onto your humanity even when it feels like you’re alone, or just be a complete jerk like in a Telltale game? The future of Clementine, Lee, and the group is in your hands. Best of luck, and may you all discover hope in the midst of the apocalypse.

Rating of 4.1 out of 5 for the joystick.

In the Gamerhub community, I go by Daibhi, and each one of you is considered a legend.

Attempt to avoid being devoured by a zombie.

If you have been impacted by anything in the first two paragraphs, you can reach out to the Samaritans in the UK at 116 123, and to Mental Health America in the USA at 1-800-985-5990. If you sense that you require assistance, don’t hesitate to contact someone.