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The Walking Dead has become a ubiquitous franchise, spanning comics, television, and video games. Among the various games bearing the Walking Dead name, Telltale Games’ episodic adventure series stands out. The story of Lee Everett and Clementine captivated gamers and garnered numerous awards in 2012. Now, Telltale continues the journey with a new season, promising a fresh narrative and compelling characters. This review delves into The Walking Dead Season Two – Episode 1: All That Remains, examining its narrative, gameplay, and overall presentation.

alt text: Clementine in The Walking Dead Season Two, holding a knife and looking determined.

Clementine’s Journey: A Changed World

Following the poignant conclusion of Season One, Clementine takes center stage. The innocent child is now hardened by the harsh realities of a world overrun by walkers. All That Remains paints a vivid picture of Clementine’s new life, introducing new characters and setting the stage for a gripping narrative. This first episode serves as a bridge between seasons, establishing the direction of the story and foreshadowing future events.

Telltale masterfully draws players into Clementine’s world, evoking the same emotional depth and player agency that defined the first season. While some questions from the previous season are answered, new mysteries and challenges arise, keeping players engaged and invested in Clementine’s fate.

alt text: Clementine interacting with a new character in The Walking Dead Season Two.

A Familiar Yet Evolving Gameplay Experience

One of the hallmarks of Telltale’s The Walking Dead series is the impact of player choice. While the main plot points remain fixed, player decisions influence character relationships and minor story details. Choosing dialogue options and actions carefully becomes crucial, adding significant replay value.

All That Remains also incorporates more action sequences with Quick Time Events (QTEs). However, these are implemented judiciously, ensuring they don’t detract from the core gameplay focused on narrative and character interaction.

Players who have completed Season One and the 400 Days DLC can import their save files, carrying over their choices and shaping Clementine’s experiences in Season Two. For newcomers, the game provides a mechanism to establish past decisions, allowing them to jump into the story seamlessly.

alt text: A tense scene in The Walking Dead Season Two, with Clementine facing a difficult decision.

Maintaining the Audio-Visual Excellence

Visually, All That Remains retains the distinct cel-shaded art style reminiscent of the comics. Character animations, facial expressions, and environmental details are well-crafted, creating a visually appealing and immersive experience.

The audio design complements the visuals perfectly. The voice acting delivers nuanced performances, conveying the emotions and personalities of each character effectively. The soundtrack, combined with ambient sounds and walker groans, enhances the atmosphere of tension and suspense. Telltale continues to excel in the audio-visual department, maintaining the high standards set by the first season.

alt text: A screenshot from The Walking Dead Season Two showcasing the game's cel-shaded graphics.

A Short But Impactful Start

The primary drawback of All That Remains is its short playtime. Even taking a leisurely pace, the episode clocks in at just over an hour and a half. While it serves as a crucial link between seasons, the brevity may leave some players wanting more.

alt text: Clementine exploring a desolate environment in The Walking Dead Season Two.

Conclusion

The Walking Dead Season Two – Episode 1: All That Remains offers a compelling start to Clementine’s new chapter. While short, it effectively establishes the narrative direction, introduces engaging characters, and maintains the series’ signature blend of narrative depth and player choice. The strong audio-visual presentation further enhances the experience, making this a must-play for fans of the series and newcomers alike. The stage is set for what promises to be another emotionally charged journey through the world of The Walking Dead.