GoT: Iron From Ice

In my last post I spoke highly of my first experience with the new TellTale Games series, Tales from the Borderlands, and this time around, I’m going to be singing the praises of their other new series: Game of Thrones.

Like TFTB, the lore of the original IP already interests me. I loved both of the Borderlands games, and though I haven’t played the Pre-Sequel yet, I already know I would love the story, the world, the characters, humor, etc. The same goes for Game of Thrones. I’m a fan of the TV show. I haven’t read the books, but I’m sure I would enjoy them as well. Let’s put it this way: TellTale have been winning when it comes to picking IP’s to make their spin on. Aside from the canon, the games themselves are very similar, they seem to be built upon the same iteration of the Telltale formula of choices and QTE challenges. You also get to play multiple characters, and see different intertwining story lines unfold. I’m going to keep to the same system of choice-description with lesser spoilers for this post, and the future of these posts relating to these games. Let’s get started, shall we?

The game sees you playing different members of the Forrester House, who were loyal to the Starks. Fans of the show will know that anyone siding with the Starks weren’t too fortunate, and that theme plays out here as well. Basically if you understand how Game of Thrones works from the TV show’s perspective, this is similar enough, but different in some ways and more interactive than the show. The first major choice that comes up occurs during the “Red Wedding” that we all remember so well from the show. Remember when the armies were encamped outside of that river-town? And they were all basically butchered? Yeah, you’re Gared Tuttle, a squire for the leader of house Forrester: Gregor. You’re off fetching wine, when the ambush is sprung, and you are forced to choose between helping another squire, or escaping to warn Gregor. I chose the latter, and am in the minority there.

Next up, you get to play Mira Forrester, eldest daughter of the house, who is in Casterly Rock (think Sansa Stark). Various activities take place, but eventually her loyalty is called into question by Cersei (yes, characters from the show make cameos, and are voiced by their original actors). You get to choose whether or not to swear loyalty to Joffrey, which I (and the majority of players) did.

The next bit sees you playing as Ethan Forrester, the next in line heir to house Forrester (his father and brother having fallen at the Twins). There is a thief named Erik who is caught stealing, and you are asked to pass judgement. Of the choices presented, I chose to send Erik to the Wall. I was in the bottom 40% of players who chose this route.

Still playing as Ethan, you are forced to choose a new Sentinel, who is essentially your most trusted counsel member, who serves as your right hand. There were two choices to make, and I went with Royland, despite the fact that he seemed like a dick. He seemed logical, and I like that. Only 38% of players felt the same.

Lastly, you have to make another tough decision as Ethan, where you must decide how to handle the threat from the rival house Whitehill. They are making claims to your land and ironwood, and the bastard son, Ramsay Snow is on his way to speak with you and also allow you to pledge fealty to the new “lord of the north.” I chose to meet him at the gate, not letting his army in. I was in the minority of players with this pick as well. Here’s the screen cap (sorry it came out sorta blurry):