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The Walking Dead captivated gamers with its gripping narrative, human drama, and chilling atmosphere. After the impactful conclusion of the first season, Telltale Games released The Walking Dead: 400 Days, a DLC bridging the gap and offering a glimpse into the lives of five new characters during the zombie apocalypse.

A group of survivors in The Walking Dead: 400 Days

Five Stories, Five Survivors, 400 Days of the Undead

The Walking Dead: 400 Days presents five interwoven stories, each focusing on a different survivor in Georgia. From day 2 to day 400 of the outbreak, players experience the struggles and choices these characters face. We meet Vince, a convict transported to prison; Wyatt, fleeing an unknown threat with his friend Eddie; Russell, a young student on a perilous road trip with the enigmatic Nate; Bonnie, a woman on the run from armed pursuers; and Shel, grappling with leadership and survival at Gil’s Pitstop.

Gameplay screenshot from The Walking Dead: 400 Days

While not strictly mandatory, playing the stories chronologically is recommended, as choices made in one can impact another. This interconnected narrative adds depth and consequence to each individual story, encouraging multiple playthroughs to explore the branching paths.

High-Stakes Choices and Moral Dilemmas

Telltale continues its tradition of compelling storytelling with 400 Days. Each story, ranging from 15 to 40 minutes in length, delivers a concise yet impactful narrative. While the original season sometimes faced criticism for choices feeling inconsequential, 400 Days elevates the weight of decision-making. Players must carefully consider their actions, as choices directly impact the survival and fate of the characters and those around them.

A scene from The Walking Dead: 400 Days

For example, Shel’s story presents the challenging decision of whether to spare or kill a thief, with significant consequences rippling through the narrative. These impactful choices amplify the tension and immerse players in the desperate struggle for survival.

Familiar Faces and Intertwined Destinies

Playing the stories in order unlocks intriguing connections between the characters. For instance, a zombified police officer encountered in Vince’s story may reappear in Russell’s, depending on previous choices. These subtle ties enhance the sense of a shared, interconnected world and hint at the wider impact of the outbreak on Georgia’s population.

A tense moment in The Walking Dead: 400 Days

Enhanced Visuals and Audio Design

400 Days features improved visuals, including smoother character animations and more detailed environments. The distinct cel-shaded style returns, now with enhanced outlines and textures, adding depth and visual interest to the world. The audio remains a strong point, with compelling voice acting and a haunting soundtrack that immerses players in the desolate atmosphere of the zombie apocalypse.

A scene from The Walking Dead: 400 Days showing the improved graphics

A Short but Impactful Experience

A common criticism of 400 Days is its short playtime, clocking in at approximately 1.5 hours. While each story delivers a potent narrative punch, the brevity can leave players wanting more. This is particularly noticeable in Vince’s story, which, despite its gripping opening, concludes abruptly.

A scene from The Walking Dead: 400 Days

Unanswered Questions and the Road Ahead

The limited playtime hinders character development, leaving players with unanswered questions about the survivors’ backstories. We learn little about their past lives, motivations, or moral compasses, adding an element of mystery but also a sense of incompleteness. This ambiguity, however, sets the stage for potential exploration in future installments, leaving players anticipating the return of these characters and the unraveling of their pasts. The Walking Dead: 400 Days ultimately serves as a compelling, albeit brief, interlude, bridging the narrative between seasons and offering a tantalizing glimpse into the lives and choices of survivors navigating the harrowing reality of the undead apocalypse.