The Walking Dead: The Game: Episode 2: Starved for Help Review (Ps3)

The second of five downloadable episodes, Starved for Help picks up three months after the zombie apocalypse broke out in Episode 1 of The Walking Dead, still playing as protagonist Lee Everett, protecting Clementine, and dealing with a group of survivors assembled at a makeshift fortress that used to be a motel.



The Walking Dead: The Game is all about choice and consequence, and in Episode 2, we get to see just how our choices have panned out. In a "Previously, on the Walking Dead", we see all the choices we made from Episode 1 carried over to the next instalment. This is a game where you don't get a second chance to say/do something (without starting a new game). You have a limited time to to make a choice that will influence your friends and make new enemies.

Starved for Help opens with a truly horrific moment (if you choose to play it that way) and after the gut wrenching blood bath is over, you then have to make a moral decision: The group's nearly out of food, and when it's up to you to choose which few survivors get rations for the day, you have to figure out if you're playing favorites or focusing on the greater good of the group. If you're smart, you can figure out a way to make the majority of people happy (or even take some food yourself).

Episode 2 gives us, for the first time, the real chance to decide if Lee's going to be an upstanding person or a survivor willing to do anything to live another day. It's the first time a game has had me debating whose side I was on and turning my back on established relationships, genuinely moving me in some cases. I can't think of another game that had me establish a character I thought I knew and had a connection with, then have me re-thinking big decisions a few scenes later, even though I knew I couldn't change it.

When a new group of survivors from the St. John's Dairy Farm show up and invite your group to come over and trade gas for food, you're left with the decisions of obviously taking their offer, or the unknown of whether or not you can trust these random strangers. The group needs food, you're pretty much out, and with the world gone to hell, you're going to need all the supplies you can get to keep your group alive, but are these guys legit?

Whatever choice you make, Episode 2 will shock you to your very core.











The most shocking entry so far, Starved For Help is a brilliant new episode of the Walking Dead game, and also the most brutal.

• Published by: Telltale Games
• Developed by: Telltale Games
• Genre: Adventure
• Release Date:
  Europe: April 2012
• PEGI: 18
• Available On: Playstation 3, PC, Macintosh, iPad, Xbox 360

The Walking Dead Game: Episode 1 Review (Ps3)

After Telltale Games disappointed us with Back To The Future and Jurassic Park, the initial response when it was revealed that the developers would be handling the Walking Dead Game was, well, not great. Have they redeemed themselves with the final product?



The deciding factor of The Walking Dead is ultimately down to one thing; the talking. If you're happy to get fully immersed in brilliant story telling, genuinely forming bonds with the characters and caring for your new found child 'side-kick', then the talking won't stop you. If you're not big on talking and would rather get down and gritty with zombies -- play Left 4 Dead.

In Episode 1: A New Day, you take on the role of Lee Everett, a man who may or may not be a killer, and your first introduction to him is in the back of a cop car, handcuffed and oblivious to the zombie apocalypse that's kicking off as he's escorted to prison.

You're given your first play with the conversation tree mechanic here, where you select what you want to say (or stay silent). The inclusion of 'split second' decisions is great, as you have only a limited amount of time to choose what to say, and it really adds to the pressure.

As you sit in the back of the cop car, talking with your chaperone, the games is happening concurrently with the comic book series, so as Lee's story kicks off at the start of the zombie apocalypse, Rick, the protagonist of the comics and TV show, is lying comatose in his hospital bed. This gives way to a whole new group of survivors, although expect a few familiar faces to pop up along the way.

It's not all talking, however, there are plenty of action sequences (a lot, actually), but whilst they're gore packed, Zombie smashing fun; they have the added effect of being very panic driven, and tie into the deep story remarkably well, but you'll spend the majority of your time making decisions and living with the consequences.

The outstanding feature Telltale has done, is the way your actions have consequences. When someone asks you a question, you have a limited time to pick one of four responses. Whatever you decide, you live with. Characters remember what you say and take note of your demeanour,usage, pronoun etc. While this might simply be someone questioning Lee's story in this episode, Telltale says the way people perceive him is going to drastically affect future episodes. What if your squad finds out you've been talking crap from the get-go? What if they find out all about your past? What if they push you out of the group? Or worse, take Clementine from you?

What I found with A New Day, is just how attached to Clementine I became. I wanted to do nothing but save her, cheer her up, reassure her that we'd find her parents, together. When she was hungry, I'd find her food. When she cut her finger, I franticly searched the office to find the First Aid Kit. But worse, when she got grabbed by a Zombie, there was no one that was going to stop me saving her.

It's extremely powerful stuff, and that's added to some of the choices you'll have to make. Think picking who lives and who dies will be easy? Think again. A solid example of this is on Hershel's farm. You have to decide whether to save Hershel's son, Sean, or your new acquittance Fred's much younger son, Duck. Did we mention Sean saved you earlier?
In a split second, you have to decide who you save, knowing full well that either action is going to have dire repercussions, and even cause you guilt.

There are the odd goof-ball moments, not mentioning anything specific, but you'd think a grown person would know to put batteries in a radio...


Overall

The Walking Dead is off to a great start, with outstanding game mechanics, immersing story and a genuine feel of characters. The bad part is waiting for Episode 2...

• Published by: Telltale Games
• Developed by: Telltale Games
• Genre: Adventure
• Release Date:
  Europe: April 2012
• PEGI: 18
• Available On: Playstation 3, PC, Macintosh, iPad, Xbox 360

Mass Effect 2 Review [Xbox 360]

The sequel to the amazing Mass Effect from BioWare, Mass Effect 2 was expected to be an incredible game. But does it deliver?

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• Published by: Electronic Arts
• Developed by: BioWare
• Genre: RPG
• Release Date:
  Europe: January 29, 2010
• PEGI: 17+
• Also Available On: PlayStation 3, PC

Graphically it was almost inconceivable that it could be bested, with its beautiful landscapes, gorgeous ship and characters that brought a whole new level to RPG's, however, Bioware managed to pull off the impossible.

New facial mapping software brought Commander Shepard and the NPC's a new spectrum of emotions, and facial movements making the conversations as exciting as the action - which itself has undergone a change and has made cover to cover movement almost seamless, as is the transition between firearms and biotic powers.

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The key to Mass Effects depth is its morality which even the likes of Fable can't compare to the impact your choices have on the galaxy.

Although you don't have to have played Mass Effect to understand the story (due to the incredible amount of in game literature) still having it makes your story and struggle all the more worthwhile, you feel that Commander Shepard is what you have wanted to be in his/her world, have the galaxy tremble in fear at the thought of you, or have them sing your praises forever and ever.

Although giving away the story is something we never intend to do at Tech Beever, with Mass Effect 2 it would be hard to even attempt such a feat. Every decision you make affects the stories outcome, think of it like a more open take on Quantic Dream's Fahrenheit (aka Indigo Prophecy), if someone gets killed at the start then they won't back you up later on...or maybe they were trying to screw you over, with this franchise you will never know.

As for the actual gameplay, its quite unlike any other game, choosing your class from the start of the game (or continuing exactly as you left off at the end of Mass Effect, clever ey!), you can favour weapons, biotics or engineering skills, whichever you think you best suit, then customise not only your character but every member of your team so that they compliment each other or so that they cover you as you go in all guns blazing.

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The members of your team are vital as they provide you with intel, upgrades, expert insights and a few laughs along the way. We have never seen the level of details and depth that goes into the stories for each member of your team, you genuinely feel you're fighting for them as well as the galaxy, and that is a truly unique experience, certainly nothing that this reporter can compare it too...with perhaps an exception to Knights of the Old Republic (low and behold a BioWare masterpiece progenitor).

Multiplayer isn't available either local or online, quite frankly I believe this to be a smart move as I wouldn't want other people to interfere with the story I've crafted and the team I've assembled, a multiplayer element would somehow cheapen the whole experience and the makers would loose time spent in multiplayer development instead of driving the phenomenal storyline.

A storyline that only Uncharted 2 can compare to it in terms of cinematic immersion. 

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However there is one flaw with the game, one I thought would be resolved from the first Mass Effect and has still not been. You are in command of the most beautiful and powerful starship that has been in a game, with a crew loyal too your every whim and even a bit of on board nookie if your so inclined (yes I did, and with an alien no less) but you STILL cannot pilot the ship yourself. Yes there is a pilot on board (voiced by Family Guy's Seth Green), but even when you get to play as him, the chance to fly this beautiful machine never arises. I am of course hoping that the makers are saving this for Mass Effect 3, which was already announced prior to the release of Mass Effect 2. 
On January 8, 2010, Producer Casey Hudson said "We are already at work on Mass Effect 3," so a sequel to this brilliant game is already in the works, and I suspect it will play a major part in possibly creating an epic ending to an already fantastic series.

It may not please non-RPG fans, but Mass Effect 2 is something truly special if you'll give it the chance it deserves. Those who are interested, but haven't played Mass Effect 1 wont get the benefit of some of the revelations and plot twists, however, you'll enjoy it regardless due to the fact it remarkably manages to fulfil its incredible ambition with such ease. And for that reason alone, I demand you go out and buy it, for the love of God buy it!