Monday , March 18 2024
If you can handle the pace of the release schedule, TellTale's 'Game of Thrones' is a worthwhile series. But as the second of six episodes, The Lost Lords is bound to feel a bit middling despite its merits.

PlayStation 4 Review: ‘Game of Thrones: A Telltale Game Series – Episode Two: The Lost Lords’

Game of Thrones, Telltale Games, Episode 2, The Lost LordsTelltale’s Game of Thrones: Episode 2 – The Lost Lords continues its latest episodic adventure game tale. Based on the HBO television series, whose new season begins airing in April 2015, Game of Thrones: A Telltale Games Series tells the story of House Forrester. Though the family hasn’t yet been featured in the television series, it is mentioned in George R. R. Martin’s books. Though Ethan Forrester didn’t survive the first episode, the playable character count for The Lost Lords has been increased to four. As the title implies, the game introduces the mysterious Asher Forrester, and also returns a family member previously thought dead.

Like all of Telltale’s adventure games, Game of Thrones an interactive story, primarily filled with dialogue choices and a couple of contextual quick time events. Game of Thrones, Telltale Games, Episode 2, The Lost LordsAgain, there are no real puzzles in this episode, but there is a shooting sequence when the game visits Gared Tuttle, at the wall. Though the amount of combat in The Lost Lords is at least the equal of the first episode, some players might find the series so far a little slow. I’d argue that in other Telltale games, particularly The Walking Dead, I often felt restricted. With Game of Thrones, the limited choices and more subtle and cerebral aspects of the game actually better suit the dire circumstances of the Forrester family.

While the Game of Thrones game, and in this case The Lost Lords, does feature combat, the meat of the game is in the player’s choices. Most of the time there is a near-immediate consequence for each action, response, or even inaction. It’s really only with Mira Forrester, a handmaiden to Lady Margaery in King’s Landing, where the true essence of the source material is captured. Almost everything Mira does is with the goal of winning the long game. Whether it’s proving her loyalty to Lady Margaery, avoiding the wrath of Cersei Lannister, or engaging Cersei’s brother, Tyrion, the fruits of Mira’s efforts aren’t typically readily apparent. Surprisingly, this time around, she actually does finds herself in an action scene.

As with all of the Telltale games, the presentation is a mixed bag. The animation is often stilted and I’m not fan of the oil painting filter they’ve applied to the game, though I understand the choice. I’m sure it’s meant to enhance the fantasy-based subject matter. The audio, with one exception in The Lost Lords, is remarkable. Securing the television show’s actors to reprise their roles in the game was quite a welcome achievement. My only complaint with the sound is the patchwork song Talia Forrester sings at the end of the episode.

Game of Thrones, Telltale Games, Episode 2, The Lost LordsThe first episode of Telltale’s Game of Thrones ended so horrifically, there was little if any hope for the Forrester family. Depending on your choices, The Lost Lords can actually improve that situation dramatically, and though the episode ends on a somber note, there is actually some hope for the Forresters. Of course that also means that nothing is really resolved in this episode, and that those that play the game as it is released are left waiting, yet again. At some point, the release schedule is really going to start hurting the business, unless they can get it down to no more than a month between episodes.

Game of Thrones, Telltale Games, Episode 2, The Lost Lords

esrb, MatureGame of Thrones: A Telltale Game Series – Episode 2: The Lost Lords is rated M (Mature) by the ESRB for Intense Violence, Blood and Gore, Sexual Themes, and Strong Language This game can also be found on: PlayStation 3, PS Vita, Xbox 360, Xbox One, and Windows PC

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About Lance Roth

Lance Roth has over 10 years experience in the video game industry. He has worked in a number of capacities within the industry and currently provides development and strategy consulting. He participated in all of the major console launches since the Dreamcast. This videogame resume goes all of the way back to when they were written in DOS. You can contact Lance at RPGameX.com or [email protected].

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