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Telltale Games, the studio behind acclaimed narrative adventures like Tales of Monkey Island, Back to the Future, and the Sam & Max series, took a bold step in 2012 with The Walking Dead, based on Robert Kirkman’s comic book series. Defying expectations, The Walking Dead captivated audiences with its unique storytelling and compelling narrative, winning numerous awards, including Game of the Year (Spike’s Game of The Year 2012). Following this success, Telltale embarked on another comic book adaptation, The Wolf Among Us, based on Bill Willingham’s Fables series. The first episode, Faith, released on October 11th, has been met with enthusiastic praise.

Bigby Wolf confronting the Woodsman

A Dark and Twisted Fable

The Wolf Among Us, set 20 years before the events of the Fables comics, plunges players into Fabletown, a hidden community in New York City inhabited by fairytale and folklore characters (Fables) forced to flee their homelands due to the Adversary’s invasion. Players assume the role of Bigby Wolf, the infamous Big Bad Wolf from Little Red Riding Hood, The Boy Who Cried Wolf, and Three Little Pigs. Now Fabletown’s sheriff, Bigby investigates a brutal murder involving fellow Fables.

The Wolf Among Us-Episode 1: Faith distinguishes itself from The Walking Dead with a unique blend of elements. It incorporates the rich and complex world of Fables, infusing it with a noir detective theme. The game maintains Telltale’s signature dark and gritty atmosphere, reminiscent of George R.R. Martin’s Game of Thrones.

Bigby Wolf in his apartment

While featuring familiar fairytale characters, The Wolf Among Us is far from a children’s story. Episode 1: Faith tackles mature themes like violence, social injustice, prejudice against Fable “animal” appearances, and the consequences of war that displaced the Fables. It paints a grim picture of 1980s New York, plagued by crime, violence, and the struggles of its inhabitants, both human and Fable. Mr. Toad’s inability to afford Glamour (magic that grants Fables human appearances) for his family, and Faith and Lawrence’s tragic downfall after fleeing their homeland, exemplify the harsh realities of their situation.

Brutal and Engaging Combat

Unlike The Walking Dead, The Wolf Among Us – Ep.1: Faith features fast-paced action sequences from the outset. Shortly after the game begins, players are thrown into a brawl between Bigby and the Woodsman (Woody), showcasing the improved combat system. While retaining the familiar Quick Time Events (QTEs), Telltale has added a layer of depth, allowing players to dodge attacks based on opponent movements. For instance, pressing A to dodge the Woodsman’s right hook initiates a series of QTEs, culminating in the player choosing how to subdue him, from slamming him into furniture to throwing him through a window onto Mr. Toad’s car.

Bigby Wolf investigating the crime scene

This opening fight, though brief, demonstrates the enhanced responsiveness and dynamism of the QTE system compared to The Walking Dead.

Familiar Faces in a New Light

In contrast to The Walking Dead‘s player-defined Lee Everett, The Wolf Among Us-Episode 1: Faith casts players as Bigby Wolf, a character with a pre-established history and personality. Bigby’s past as the Big Bad Wolf haunts him, shaping his interactions with the wary and resentful Fables of Fabletown. Now a sheriff upholding the law, Bigby strives to maintain peace and protect those he cares for.

Bigby Wolf and Snow White

Joining Bigby are other recognizable Fables characters. Snow White, Ichabod Crane’s deputy and Bigby’s potential love interest, exhibits a warmer personality than her literary counterpart. Bufkin, the winged monkey from The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, provides comic relief and assists Bigby and Snow in their investigation. Beauty and the Beast, and Colin (one of the Three Little Pigs), also make appearances, further enriching the narrative tapestry of Fabletown.

A Visually Striking World

The Wolf Among Us-Episode 1: Faith retains Telltale’s signature cel-shaded art style, giving characters and objects a comic book aesthetic familiar to Fables fans. The visuals are further enhanced by the use of warm colors against the backdrop of a night-time city. Neon signs and streetlights evoke the atmosphere of Nicolas Winding Refn’s film Drive, reinforcing the game’s noir theme and creating a visually distinct experience.

Snow White looking concerned

Minor Dialogue Hiccups

Despite Telltale’s careful crafting of the dialogue system, The Wolf Among Us-Episode 1: Faith suffers from minor inconsistencies in dialogue flow. For example, at the beginning of the game, the player can choose from several dialogue options when confronting the Woodsman. However, even if the player avoids the “I’ll make you wait outside” option, Bigby may still utter that phrase later. While not a game-breaking issue, this slight oversight might be noticeable to attentive players.

Crane and Bigby looking at a body bag

Bigby examining evidence

Conclusion

The Wolf Among Us-Episode 1: Faith marks a compelling start to a dark and gritty fairytale adventure. While retaining Telltale’s signature narrative style, the game introduces engaging combat and a visually stunning world. Despite minor dialogue inconsistencies, Faith promises a thrilling and suspenseful experience for fans of Fables and narrative adventures alike.