The Walking Dead: Season 2... reviewed!

This is a game full of shoulda, couldas and wouldas... but the great part is, you have the option of actually going back to experience them.

This game's story is great... but it needs to be, because it's the necessary base that all other elements stand upon. The game's story is also stressful, and highly emotional for some based on the connections made with select characters. Making decisions is where the primary challenges hit you in this game, you have to think quick on your feet and make sure decisions don't comeback to haunt you in a game where consequence usually spell d-e-a-t-h. [Insert scream here!] 

This game fits into a special category of titles that have a good enough story and progression track to the point that it attracts some gamers and non-gamers to sit in on a play through (if not all of them). It almost becomes movie night... with the metaphorical steering wheel being placed in your hands (to drive the story), but don't be surprised if you end up with a few self-appointed backseat drivers.

If I could have one request considered, it would be... to have more choices and outcomes, based on how i'd like to see the story go even more my way... but that's not completely what its about since things are supposed to happen beyond our control for the sake of challenges that occur in the situations presented. 

I really enjoyed Season 1, and Season 2 presents the road ahead for all those willing to take a ride full of twists and turns... its all apart of the story that doesn't stick to the same scenarios, so the changes are a good thing for the sake of building a substantial story driven adventure across multiple seasons, and I can respect that (its smart progression)... regardless of what happens in the story. Season 2 takes the baton handed off by Season 1, and doesn't drop it... I greatly appreciate that because some games have you wondering what happened to the story. The first episode of this season starts off pretty good and I look forward to the others as they're released periodically throughout 2014 (episode 2 is currently available).

There are plenty of action screens to challenge you throughout this game (via designated commands) though decisions are the primary factor... but if TellTale Games decides to release this series on the Wii U and (possibly) the 3DS, a new control scheme (option) would be great. Don't worry... i'll explain. 

Could controls be any better for this game on current platforms? Yes... but that's what future installments are for. In the now, I think this game is perfect for a touch-screen experience, with physical controls as a secondary option (for the platforms with such an option). This is based on the variety of options that can come with increasing the complexity of gameplay through the UI and required interactions. Controllers work, but i'd see myself preferring a 3DS Circle pad + touch screen or a Wii U analog stick + touch screen set up. The 3D feature of the 3DS would really enhance the experience even more... in my opinion.

Now that I think of it... the Wiimote & Nunchuk could be pretty good also, because you need to shoot zombies, hit them, stab them, etc. So a control scheme for that... would be pretty cool too, but only as an extra option because not everyone is willing or able to move their arms around for the sake of playing a game. Maybe Nintendo-Demand can provide consultations or something. Hehehe 

This affordable award winning title can be enjoyed by players of various skill levels (including casual gamers), and if the survival horror genre is one your faves... or you'd like a change of pace game, give this one a whirl.

Note: It's good to start with Season 1, followed by 400 Days... if you want the current story to be based on your past decisions. You will be presented with different scenarios in Season 2 though, so you can start over based on which one you like best, though it wouldn't be the one that you created.

The replay value comes into play based on all the scenarios and results you can end up with, I can't go into detail (no spoilers here), but your words are about as loud as your actions. Keep that in mind.

Value is in your face at $5 per episode, this gives gamers with little (financially)... the ability to enjoy something they like (if they're able to afford it at that price) and I give props to TellTale Games for doing this so that plenty of people can enjoy the games. It's priced right, the story is good, and you don't deliver everything at once, so we have time to enjoy the story/investment over time. Season 2 doesn't slow down the story either, and there are plenty of surprises thrown in there (so avoid spoilers at all costs) as you make your way through another adventure in the world of... The Walking Dead.

Fun factor: 4
Visually: 5
Replay value: 5
Price: 5

"4.5 / 5 Mushrooms"

You can get more on the game here: http://www.telltalegames.com/walkingdead/