PGC NEWS

The highly anticipated second episode of Telltale Games’ The Wolf Among Us, Smoke & Mirrors, arrived after a three-month wait, leaving fans eager to delve back into the gritty world of Fabletown. Following the shocking events of Faith, the first episode, this installment promises more intrigue, mystery, and difficult choices. Does Smoke & Mirrors live up to the hype and justify the extended development time? Let’s dive in.

A Slower Burn, But Equally Captivating

Smoke & Mirrors picks up immediately after Faith, with Bigby Wolf, Fabletown’s sheriff, continuing his investigation into the unprecedented murder of a Fable. Unlike the action-packed premiere, this episode adopts a slower pace, focusing more on investigation and character development. While the adrenaline-pumping action sequences are less frequent, the narrative remains gripping, delivering unexpected twists and shocking revelations throughout.

Telltale Games continues its masterful storytelling, expertly building suspense and intrigue. The game skillfully blends the mundane reality of modern-day New York City with the magical elements of the Fables’ world, creating a unique and captivating atmosphere. The writers cleverly play with expectations, constantly keeping players guessing and questioning what’s real and what’s illusion. As the title suggests, smoke and mirrors are at play, obscuring the truth and adding layers of complexity to the unfolding mystery.

Bigby Wolf investigating a crime scene

The narrative expands on the established world of Fables, exploring its intricate dynamics and deepening the connections to the events of the first episode. This exploration yields some fascinating results, further immersing players in the dark and morally ambiguous world of Fabletown.

Bigby Wolf confronting a suspect

Characters with Depth and Complexity

One of the strengths of The Wolf Among Us is its character-driven narrative. Smoke & Mirrors continues this trend, allowing players to shape Bigby’s personality through dialogue choices and actions. Whether you choose to reason with Georgie, the owner of the Pudding & Pie club, or resort to violence with your trusty “Crowd Control” cricket bat, your decisions have consequences, shaping Bigby’s reputation and influencing the story’s trajectory. The choices, while sometimes illusionary, still contribute to the player’s perception of Bigby, highlighting his internal struggles and the burden of his responsibilities.

Bigby Wolf interacting with other Fables

Despite its smaller scope compared to the Fables comic book series, the game effectively portrays a cast of memorable characters with distinct personalities. Fans of the comics will appreciate the appearances of Jack Horner and Bluebeard, whose brief but impactful roles add to the intrigue.

Bigby Wolf in a tense conversation

Similar to Telltale’s The Walking Dead, The Wolf Among Us presents players with morally challenging choices. While not always as impactful as initially implied, these decisions contribute to the sense of agency and investment in the narrative. The game constantly reminds players to choose their allies carefully and question everyone’s motives, creating a pervasive atmosphere of suspicion and paranoia.

Bigby Wolf examining evidence

A Visual and Auditory Masterpiece

Visually, Smoke & Mirrors maintains the stunning noir-inspired aesthetic of the first episode. The vibrant color palette, bold outlines, and cel-shaded art style create a visually distinct and captivating experience. The character models are expressive and well-animated, conveying a range of emotions that further enhance the narrative’s impact.

A scene from The Wolf Among Us

The audio design is equally impressive, with a talented voice cast delivering compelling performances. Adam Harrington shines as both Bigby Wolf and the Woodsman, while other actors, including Melissa Hutchison (Clementine in The Walking Dead) as Toad Jr. and Dave Fennoy (Lee Everett in The Walking Dead) as Bluebeard, contribute to the game’s immersive soundscape.

A close-up of a character's face

The Illusion of Choice

While Smoke & Mirrors excels in many areas, it falters somewhat in its execution of player choice. The consequences of decisions feel less significant compared to the first episode, with several choices ultimately leading to the same outcome. This linearity undermines the sense of agency and raises questions about the true impact of player decisions.

Bigby Wolf facing a difficult decision

Bigby Wolf in a confrontational situation

Conclusion

Despite the somewhat diluted impact of player choice, The Wolf Among Us: Episode 2 – Smoke & Mirrors remains a compelling and engaging experience. The slower pace allows for deeper exploration of the world and its characters, while the narrative continues to deliver twists and turns that keep players on the edge of their seats. While the wait was long, Smoke & Mirrors offers enough intrigue and suspense to keep fans eagerly anticipating the next chapter in Bigby Wolf’s story.