The Walking Dead Season One Review: A Real Thinker

Think fast; choose wisely.

This is the premise of TellTale Games’ “The Walking Dead” — based off the comics of the same name — episodic series. Throughout all five episodes and the “400 Days” downloadable content, “TWD” forces players to make tough choices in order to survive. Whether immediate or distant, every decision has a consequence. A heavy weight is quickly placed on your shoulders and remains there even after the final credits roll.

Do you risk getting spotted by walkers in order to help someone in need? Which of these two helpless individuals do you rescue? Will you be cold or kind-hearted? These questions continually bombard you throughout your journey. Sometimes there just isn’t a concrete right or wrong answer, which is what makes this game feel real.

“TWD” follows Lee, a man with a rough past who decides to look after an 8-year-old girl named Clementine, whom he finds finds soon after his first encounter with the undead. Together the duo meets several unique characters as they try to stay alive and ultimately head toward Savannah, GA, in search of Clementine’s parents.

For those interested in a walker-slaying action game, this isn’t it; “TWD’s” only focus is to tell its story. Gameplay consists of mostly dialogue and searching for supplies, and walker encounters usually require a button mashing sequence or the press of a single command.

It’s no secret now that TellTale Games is a prestigious developer, known for, well, the tales it tells. “TWD’s” narrative is some of the most memorable storytelling in video games. It’s a journey that resonates with you, and the fact that your own decisions impact how everything unfolds adds a layer of immersion that is truly invigorating.

Fans of Skybound’s “TWD” comic book series will see a few familiar faces along the way. While TellTale has created its own story, the game does, however, take place in the same universe as the comics. Unlike AMC’s “TWD” television series, the events that take place in the comics have happened or are happening in the game. Of course, these connections are cleverly blended, and they tend not to disrupt each other often.

Lee is the only playable character in the first season, but Clementine still manages to steal the show. She’s not ready to be on her own, and you’ve chosen to make her your responsibility. Fear is constantly present as you will presumably make all your choices for the sake of this innocent young life.

Each of the five episodes throw new twists at you; “TWD” is full of surprises from the beginning to end. Lee, Clementine and whoever else you decide to let tag along encounter everything you’d expect from an apocalypse survival game — bandits, sickness, hunger, etc. — but in ways that feel fresh, and you’ll never once feel like two objectives are exactly the same.

“The Walking Dead: A TellTale Game Series: Season One” is a phenomenal experience, one that should draw in anyone who appreciates great storytelling and can handle those inevitable merciless, gut-wrenching moments. It’s easy enough for just about anyone to play, but its lack of challenge is justified by an excellent delivery on narrative that truly immerses players into its world.