REVIEW | Game of Thrones: Episode Three
Wow, Telltale, way to back me into a corner. Many times playing The Sword in the Darkness, the third episode of Game of Thrones, did I question my own decisions merely seconds after making my choice. So much betrayal, yet at the same time all the more to keep me on the edge of my seat.
More trouble keeps falling upon the Forrester House, as Rodrick loses more control of his home due to the Whitehill takeover. His sister Mira, who is helping to prepare Lady Margaery for her wedding to King Joffrey, seeks help from other sources while trying to cover up a murder from the previous night. Meanwhile Asher tries to build an army in Meereen, while Gared discovers what Lord Gregor Forrester meant by his final words. The question still remains: whos to be trusted when you have nowhere else to turn to?
Episode Three of Game of Thrones flows very well, with the script feeling more in tune with its TV counterpart. Any turn of event that changes the way the story is going feels more out of the blue and unexpected, rather than one that just comes across as too forced. When the Whitehills take over the Forrester House, and leave the place in shambles, the pain Rodrick experiences can be read on his face. Yet he cant do a thing without risking the safety of those he cares most for.
The same goes for Mira, whose trust takes a big snag when Margarey overhears the ironwood deal she made with Tyrion. Every step of the way theres no end to the suffering that the Forrester House is coming across. For it to be as painful to watch as it is entertaining to unfold is a testament to the writing staff at Telltale, as they have shown theyve got the knack for this kind of storytelling.
Once again, this story is backed by some very talented voice acting from the likes of Peter Dinklage, Kit Harington, Russ Bain, and Daniel Kendrick. They add the realism that the TV series contains, with a big emphasis in their emotions during the more turbulent scenes. Its score, written by Jared Emerson-Johnson, is very medieval, fitting in nicely with the worlds and villages you come across in this series. A great soundtrack places you into the surroundings with ease, and Johnson has quite the knack to do that with just about any video game hes scored.
The main flaw I still keep coming across in this Game of Thrones adaptation is some strange loading problems. On a few occasions I heard dialogue either being repeated again or overlapping with another person talking at the moment. Characters do still move a bit stiff when in battle, but its not as bad as it was in the previous episodes. I will say, though, that the dragon Asher faces off with looked fantastic in video game form, with its free-flowing style of flight and fire-breathing powers striking fear into any player that will come across it.
PROS:
- Some pretty tough choices to make
- Great voice acting
- The dragons have arrived!
- Joffrey diesagain! (sorry, but I did says spoilers above)
CONS:
- Some loading hiccups
FINAL THOUGHTS:
If theres one thing I learned from The Sword in the Darkness, its that you can never be too trustworthy in the realm of Game of Thrones. Wherever you are, and whatever you decide, theres always a dagger waiting to be jammed into the backs of your friends, your enemies, and even yourself. While it might have taken a couple episodes to get the vibe right Telltale Games has finally got this universe down in a way that Im sure both the fans and creators can get behind.
Final grade:
Xbox One review code provided by Telltale Games
