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Game of Thrones Episode 1: Iron From Ice Review for PC

This is the review for the PC version of Game of Thrones: A Telltale Games Series – Episode 1: Iron From Ice by developer TellTale Games

Based on the award-winning HBO television drama series, Game of Thrones: A Telltale Games Series tells the story of House Forrester. Caught up in the events of The War of the Five Kings, they are placed in a precarious position where members of the household must do everything they can to prevent the house from meeting its doom. The game series is based on the world, characters and events seen in HBO’s TV show, which in turn is based on George R. R. Martin’s books (A Song of Ice and Fire).The events in the game series begin towards the end of Season Three of the series, and end right before the beginning of Season Five. Players will visit familiar locations such as King’s Landing and The Wall, as well as unfamiliar locations such as Ironrath, the home of House Forrester.

Game of Thrones – A Telltale Game Series: Iron From Ice (iOS, Mac, PC, PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One)
Estimated play time –  around 2 and a half hours
Developer: Telltale Games
Publisher: Telltale Games
Released: December 2, 2014 (Mac, PC)
MSRP: $4.99 (episode), $29.99 (season)

Game of Thrones Episode 1: Iron From Ice Review for PC

 

Graphics

The graphics of Game of Thrones Episode 1: Iron From Ice are done in an oil painting format, and while the two-dimensional landscapes can be gorgeous from far, the close-up graphics are somewhat blurry at times and not as sharp as we’d like them to be. The graphics in this game really highlight the age of Telltale’s engine and for this reason, we gave the graphics a 4/ 5.

Sound

The music and sound of Game of Thrones Episode 1: Iron From Ice is true to the Telltale series fashion – great! Members of the original television series did the voice acting for the characters. Tyrion Lannister is performed by Peter Dinklage, Cersei Lannister is performed by Lena Headey, Margaery Tyrell is performed by Natalie Dormer, and Ramsay Snow is performed by Iwan Rheon. Additional cast members will appear in later episodes. We gave the sound a 5 / 5.

Game of Thrones Episode 1: Iron From Ice Review for PC

 

Gameplay

You will play three characters in Iron From Ice – Ethan, Mira, and Gared Tuttle (Gregor’s low-born squire).  We enjoyed the fact that there is an in-game codex to help with remembering all of the characters as well as a pop-up screen that seems to arrive at exactly the moment that it is needed. In addition, while Asher has been hinted as the fourth playable character for future episodes, the final playable character from the House Forrester is still unknown.

The gameplay is true to the Telltale series format whereas you will get to choose dialogue, perform actions and be able to explore. We wanted to see more action-based scenes rather than a huge focus on the writing of the game.  Many of the items that we collected were not even put to use. We were also disappointed with the lack of puzzle challenges, with the exception of having to remember a dying man’s words to utilize later in the game, but that’s not really a puzzle. Because of this we gave the gameplay a 4/5.

Game of Thrones Episode 1: Iron From Ice Review for PC

 

Overall

Game of Thrones Episode 1: Iron From Ice is an enjoyable experience and a good start to the series. We look forward to Episode 2.

 

4/5

 

Related: Telltale Games and HBO Release Launch Trailer for Game of Thrones: A Telltale Games Series

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I'm a published author and proud US Army veteran who happens to be a gamer, so I decided to combine the two and love every minute of it! Feel free to contact me with any questions or comments and I'll be sure to get back to you.