If fans of “Game of Thrones” ever wanted to be a part of the show then this is the place to do it.

Telltale Games’ strong choice-driven narratives combined with the fantasy setting of one of television’s most popular shows results in “Game of Thrones: A Telltale Games Series.” This merger works incredibly well, and I felt as if I was part of Westeros. I enjoyed the game so much that my new favorite characters in the “Game of Thrones” universe are the family played in the game.

Advertisement

Telltale games do not play like standard video games, but rather like an interactive book. Gameplay is mostly on-screen popups that indicate different interactions. These can be quick time events or dialogue chosen during conversations. Dialogue options are the bulk of gameplay, and the story is affected or altered depending on the player’s decisions.

Occasionally, players are able to walk around an area and interact with people or the environment. It can be freeing but does not add much to the experience. The gameplay is simple, but fits within Telltale Games’ style because these games are played for storytelling.

The storyline, set in the “Game of Thrones” universe, takes place at the end of TV show’s third season. Players control different members of the noble Forrester family after a great tragedy afflicts them. The player must restore the house using the members of the family in different parts of the world.

{{tncms-asset app=”editorial” id=”80b8cbdc-a1ea-11e5-a009-df0a926c8bb1″}}

The game feels like “Game of Thrones” because it succeeds in creating the tension, brutality and atmosphere of the books and show. The storytelling is on point with how the show operates.

This is both a blessing and a curse. While some enjoy the harshness of the series storytelling, others will not be so accepting of the style. Many likable characters have a high probability of dying by the end of the game. Consider this a friendly warning — after watching 50 episodes of the show, I am burnt out on my most-liked characters suffering or dying.

However, storytelling is great if you can handle its intensity. Players will be engaged with the plot from start to finish and, despite a rough ending, be excited for the next season.

Advertisement*

I do not think I spent more time debating every decision as I did in any previous Telltale game. The writing was good enough that I never truly knew which options were the best and it constantly kept my attention.

{{tncms-asset app=”editorial” id=”c7b96e2e-a1ea-11e5-bb9c-4bc7201c6543″}}

Characters from the show such as Tyrion Lannister, Daenerys Targaryen and Jon Snow also make appearances in this side story which doesn’t affect the show in any way. One of the playable characters is the handmaiden of Margaery Tyrell, so there is plenty of interaction with them. The actual actors reprise their roles for each character, which look just like their real-life counterparts.

I enjoyed seeing characters from the show initially, but soon realized these characters are purely there for fan service and don’t really add anything to your story. Because choices and actions do not directly affect the characters in the show, the scenes they are involved with can sometimes feel like filler or irrelevant. I disliked most of the characters I like from the show because of how they treated the character in the game that I controlled.

“Game of Thrones: A Telltale Games Series” was difficult to review because I both love and hate it at the same time. The storytelling is good, but the harshness makes me wonder why I attempt to like characters in this universe. Perhaps, that is why I enjoy these characters so much. They are put in some of the worst situations and because of that you root for them that much more. 

Ultimately, if you are a “Game of Thrones” fan or a Telltale Games fan this game is worth checking out.

4 out of 5 stars.