Review

Game of Thrones: Episode 1: Iron From Ice

It’s no secret. Game of Thrones is a staple of today’s pop culture. Even if you aren’t a fan of the show or the A Song of Ice and Fire novels it’s based on, you’ve probably heard the title before. I happen to be a huge fan of GoT as well as Telltale, so I was super excited to hear that they were making a Game of Thrones game. Finally, there was something to hold me over until the next season starts!

Telltale’s episodic GoT game run’s alongside the television show while featuring characters from the novels yet to be included in the HBO series. Though you won’t be completely lost if you don’t follow it on TV, having the background knowledge makes it easier to fully understand the current situation. In an effort to keep the spoilers at a minimum, I’ll be vague. Iron From Ice starts the night of the Red Wedding – a major plot point that led to the deaths of certain key characters – before moving its focus to the House of Forrester. Their plight is the family’s survival after being on the losing side of the War of the Five Kings.

If it sounds confusing, don’t worry. The gist of what’s going on with this particular noble family is understandable regardless of your level of fandom. Throughout this episode you’ll play as different family members and their servants. What’s interesting is that not all of the characters are seen as equals, which adds depth to the normal decision making seen in past Telltale games. When playing as someone that isn’t deemed important, trying to be stern when dealing with people above their social status could end badly for them. That isn’t the case when playing as someone like Ethan Forrester, the third born and new Lord of House Forrester. He can afford to be more aggressive or demanding. Adding further variety is a character like Mira Forrester, who’s the handmaiden and good friend of the future queen. She isn’t high on the political totem pole but she does have extra “options” that make her stand out amongst the other Forresters.

Again, like in past Telltale games, your decisions will affect those around you. This system is put into the forefront with GoT; there’s more talking than you’d normally expect. Similar to the show, the dialogue holds a lot of weight. It is possible to talk yourself into a horrible situation or worse really quick. This world is a harsh one indeed. That’s not to say that there isn’t any action, just that the intrigue comes mostly from the more intimate character interactions. Add in multiple sections with each of the playable characters, a healthy amount of twists and turns, and the possibility of death (that isn’t met with a game over screen) and you have a promising first episode on your hands!

Fans of the show will have plenty to appreciate. Not only are we treated to the iconic opening score, but also to some of the actors from the show; Peter Dinklage (Tyrion Lannister), Lena Headey (Cersei Lannister) and more lend their voices to their video game counterparts. There are also nods/hints at characters or events that aren’t the game’s main focus. Basically, Telltale has created a real companion to go hand and hand with the show and books.

The developer’s treatment of the series shows how much they care about delivering an authentic experience. They even chose to move away from their recent comic book/cel shaded art style in favor of a more realistic look that better fits GoT. This mostly works as some character models and scenery looks great while others lack in detail. Still, it helps put fans in the proper mindset, separating itself from previous Telltale games. Again, you don’t have to be a fan of the show or books to like this first episode. If anything, it could turn you into a fan by easing you into this world…well, sans key plot points; I can see people wanting to learn more about GoT thanks to what is presented here!