The Walking Dead Episode 2 review

Version reviewed: Xbox 360        Versions Available: PS3, Steam, Xbox 360

Perhaps it’s apt that a game about lumbering zombies should arrive slightly late, but you can see this as a precursor to the Third episode, which should be available very soon.

The second episode of Telltale’s game starts with the gang settled in at the motel complex, although the issue of food supplies running low soon rears its head. As if on cue, a couple of strangers arrive with the promise of help.

Telltale’s interesting ‘choices’ mechanic also makes a re-appearance, but it seems to be under-used here in the first half. That’s not really an issue, considering the pacing of this episode is much tighter and doesn’t allow for as many choices until nearer the end, when everything comes to the fore. In fact, this episode is surprising in both its lack of zombie action and the appearance of a very different threat.

But the second episode also tends to feel a bit like a mid-season filler at times. It doesn’t progress the characters or the main story all that much, this is more of a diversion to the plot. Of course, it’s difficult to tell whether the game is going in this direction anyway or whether the next episode will return to the zombie filled terror that we saw glimpses of in the first part.

It seems to be par for the course that Telltale games have an element of bugginess too and this game is no exception. While I haven’t come across anything game breaking, there are moments that threaten the player into replaying the last section over in order to progress.

But don’t let that put you off, this is certainly an entertaining piece of the ongoing story and it’s interesting to see how certain characters deal with difficult situations. It also paves the way for some further friction within the group which can only lead to trouble.

7/10