Telltale Games and Robert Kirkman have launched the first episode of The Walking Dead and I got a chance to checkout the PC version. The game begins in the back of a police car – the main character Lee Everett is being toted off to prison. As fate would have it, the zombie apocalypse erupts and the police cruiser is sent off the road. This is where I will stop from revealing more of the game’s plot as I would hate to ruin anything for you readers. Suffice it to say, I was riveted to my keyboard all the way through. The Walking Dead Episode One features a very cool control system which is part adventure game / part on-rails. Telltale Games has done an excellent job artistically, which also feeds into the game’s control system. There are many times when a particular scene in the game is staged a certain way to provide a more graphic novel-like look. If the game were pure third-person adventure title, it would not be as effective. The game is controlled, on the PC, by way of the mouse and a few simple keyboard strokes. For most interactions, the mouse will allow you to perform actions on objects while, in the areas you are free to move around, the keyboard is used. The controls are simple and intuitive.
Visually, The Walking Dead Episode One features exceptional graphics akin to The Walking Dead comics created by Robert Kirkman. They really capture the overall look of The Walking Dead universe. Get any ideas of the TV series out of your head, this look is pulled directly from the original comic book source material. The game audio is also very well done, with full voice acting that sells the experience. The actors all sound believable, and not one faltered in their portrayal of their characters.
As I am not willing to go into depth on the game’s plot or any potential characters you may or may not meet from the original group of The Walking Dead survivors, I can say that there is a strong possibility you will and that, if this does in fact happen in the game, it will be a cool nod to Kirkman’s original group of characters from the comics. There are plenty of scares and pulse-pounding moments to be found and there are several times in the game that you will have to make decisions with life-affecting (and possible ending) consequences. Another thing to keep in mind: The other characters you are hanging around with remember your actions and have their own opinions (some good, some not-so-good) on them. Your actions will affect how your group of survivors reacts to you!
Telltale Games has the five episodes of The Walking Dead set to be priced at $4.99 each or as a “season pass” for $24.99. This pricing model is way more than fair and I feel that, had I paid for it and not received a review copy, I would have gotten more than my money’s worth in entertainment.
While the game was stable on my PC, it should be noted that I experienced some audio issues while playing. At random times, character voices would dramatically change volume levels, as if the actor quickly stepped away from the microphone while delivering his or her lines. While not occurring enough to be a showstopper, it was noticeable.
Overall, The Walking Dead Episode One is an excellent tale of survival and character interaction in the face of the zombie apocalypse. If this episode is any indication, I am waiting with baited breath for the next one! Bring it on, Telltale Games and Robert Kirkman!
