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The thrilling narrative of Telltale Games’ The Wolf Among Us continues in Episode 4, In Sheep’s Clothing. Picking up after the dramatic events of A Crooked Mile, this installment sees Sheriff Bigby Wolf on the trail of the mysterious Crooked Man, while the fate of Fabletown hangs in the balance. This review delves into the episode’s strengths and weaknesses, examining its captivating story, impactful choices, and impressive presentation.

Bigby Wolf investigating a crime scene

A Slower Burn, But Still Engaging

Unlike the fast-paced action of A Crooked Mile, In Sheep’s Clothing adopts a slower, more deliberate pace. The narrative focuses intently on the pursuit of the Crooked Man, unraveling clues and introducing new characters that contribute to the overarching mystery. While the episode visits various locations, the story remains tightly focused, delving into crucial plot points and impactful events that shape the overall narrative. The question remains: what is the Crooked Man’s connection to the murders plaguing Fabletown? Telltale masterfully keeps players guessing, building anticipation for the final episode.

Bigby Wolf confronting a character

While dialogue remains a core element of the gameplay, In Sheep’s Clothing incorporates thrilling action sequences through the familiar Quick Time Event system. These moments are strategically placed, adding bursts of excitement without overwhelming the narrative. The episode also highlights the impact of player choices, forcing Bigby to make difficult decisions that affect his relationships and the course of justice. These choices, though rarely offering easy solutions, underscore the player’s agency in shaping Bigby’s journey.

A scene from The Wolf Among Us: Episode 4

Audio-Visual Excellence Continues

Telltale Games continues its tradition of delivering exceptional audio-visual experiences in In Sheep’s Clothing. The distinct art style and atmospheric soundtrack remain consistent with previous episodes, creating a visually stunning and immersive world. A notable strength of this installment is the nuanced character animations and facial expressions. From Toad’s awkwardness to Nerissa’s fear and Johann’s sly demeanor, the characters’ emotions are vividly conveyed, adding depth and authenticity to the narrative.

A close-up of a character's face

The voice acting is also top-notch, with each actor delivering compelling performances that bring the characters to life. The dialogue is engaging and natural, making the experience feel more like an interactive film than a video game. Telltale’s attention to detail in both the visuals and audio elevates In Sheep’s Clothing to a truly immersive experience.

A tense moment in the game

Shortcomings and Concerns

Despite its strengths, In Sheep’s Clothing suffers from a significantly shorter playtime compared to previous episodes. Clocking in at just over an hour, the brevity leaves players wanting more. While the narrative is compelling, the overall progression of the overarching plot feels minimal, serving more as a setup for the finale. While this could be a strategic move to build anticipation, it does detract from the episode’s standalone impact.

Bigby Wolf in a confrontation

Another area of concern is the linearity of the narrative. Despite the illusion of choice, the episode largely follows a predetermined path. Different decisions may alter minor details or character reactions, but the overall outcome remains largely the same. This lack of impactful choices diminishes the sense of player agency and weakens the potential for replayability.

A scene depicting the Crooked Man

Conclusion

In Sheep’s Clothing offers a captivating continuation of The Wolf Among Us story, with its compelling narrative, impressive presentation, and strong voice acting. However, the short playtime and limited impact of player choices hold it back from reaching the heights of previous episodes. While it effectively sets the stage for a dramatic finale, it leaves players yearning for more.