Historically, video games have had a number of issues creating drama. While more and more games have started to have a heavier focus on narrative, for a number of reasons many simply can’t be taken seriously. Enter Telltale’s magnum opus, The Walking Dead, The Married Gamers Staff Pick for “Best Storyline” in a game.
With The Walking Dead, Telltale has created emotionally gripping characters, with more depth and complexity than almost any other game in the adventure game genre. The game never pulls too much from the comic book series, only briefly spending time with a few characters from the comic books. As a result, The Walking Dead feels original and not like your typical “licensed game.”
The primary character, Lee Everett, starts the game in a cop car after committing a murder. As the storyline progresses, we learn more and more about his emotional and mental state, allowing for some interesting character building. He’s interesting, but it’s his young co-star who truly shines through.
The driving force behind the narrative is Clementine, a young girl who Lee finds not too long after escaping from a zombified police officer. As the series progresses, the game masterfully creates a compelling connection between her and Lee. The choices you make will clearly affect her emotional wellbeing and if you’re anything like me you’ll find it harder and harder to break tough news to her. She, in a sense, becomes a surrogate child for the player throughout the game. You develop a deep and emotional connection with her, climaxing in Episode 5 when you feel truly terrified for her well-being.
It simply is that powerful.
The Walking Dead is The Married Gamers Staff Pick for 2012.
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