Game of Thrones: Episode One - Iron From Ice Reviews
Game of Thrones has a lot of potential judging by this first effort, but needs a lot more polish before it really hits new heights.
Finally it's here, Telltale Games adaption of Game of Thrones. Taking influence from the immensely popular HBO series, episode one Iron From Ice takes place between season 3 and eventually leads up to season 5
While Telltale's Game of Thrones may not be quite as epic in scope as the HBO show or Martin's books, it comes off as a focused deep dive into what's happening in some of the more minor houses while other self-declared kings and queens battle for the Iron Throne. And to its credit, the game does have at least one good shocking moment to keep you on your toes going into episode two, just don't expect a new "Red Wedding"—at least not yet.
Game of Thrones Episode 1 provides a successful start to this new series from Telltale Games. The episode ends in such a way that we are left hanging for more at the end. It definitely isn't their best work yet, but it does show a lot of promise in the future.
Despite the limitations of its aging engine, Telltale have managed to replicate the world of Westeros in its cel-shaded art style. More than that, the dangers and intrigue from Game of Thrones are there, and if Iron From Ice is any indication, we could be in for an enjoyable yet emotional charged journey to save House Forrester.
As a setup episode, Game of Thrones: Episode 1 – Iron From Ice has all the right hooks to keep fans enthralled and newcomers interested. While it is very light on the puzzle and exploration elements, it is very deep when it comes to the story. The overall tone is spot-on with the show, and even though there are a number of questions to be answered, what's presented here is compelling enough to make you want to see what happens next.
The first episode, as is typical for Telltale, is nothing more than a foundation for the tale to come. It helps to establish new characters and the overall arc of the story. It's actually a slow start, but ends of such an incredibly cliffhanger that I really can't see anyone playing this and then not immediately investing in the season pass for the rest of the thing.
Game of Thrones: Episode One – Iron From Ice is another great narrative effort by a rising development team. It's full of drama and well-choreographed action scenes, each of which push the plot forward at a brisk pace. Some of the sequences drag on a bit too long and some of the combat doesn't feel as gripping as in Tales from the Borderlands, but these aren't serious issues.
Plagued by technical issues (on Xbox One, at least), odd stylistic choices, occasional iffy writing, but nonetheless with a definite feel of George R. R. Martin's world
Game of Thrones Episode 1 acts more or less as a prologue by setting the stage for the many events that will happen in the next five chapters. It delivers a decent experience in terms of dialog but falls short when it comes to action sequences or impactful choices. The visuals in particular weigh it down, so let's hope some improvement can be made with the next few episodes.
Although Game of Thrones: Episode One - Iron from Ice is yet to test new waters with its gameplay, the difference of multiple lead characters and their impact on the bigger world is very promising and it's going to be interesting to see how it pays off in future releases. As a standalone chapter, whilst a little narrative heavy and gameplay light, it's a great start that fans of Telltale and Martin's series will adore, capturing the tone of the source material perfectly.
Iron from Ice is a great start to a promising series, mixing great dialogue with important choices. Its visuals may not be up there with Telltale´s best but this is nonetheless a hugely enjoyable episode.
Telltale improves their formula with every release they produce and I am very optimistic about 'Game of Thrones'. 'Iron From Ice' is an excellent first episode and skillfully channels its source material while preserving the charm and personality of an adventure game. The lore is very complicated and perhaps intimidating to newcomers, but this is among the best opening episodes of an adventure game in recent years.
Iron From Ice is a spectacular start to the series and if it keeps up this pace, will prove to be one of Telltale's best games.
I felt more like a spectator than a player – and whilst I imagine that is partly the intention, it makes it harder to fully immerse yourself in the game
Tellale Games have proven that they are more than up to the task of creating a vivid realisation of the Westeros that has found global popularity - as with their previous titles, everything they touch seems destined to turn to gold.
This first episode "Iron From Ice" was eye-opening and intense. It sets the scene from start to a very "oh my goodness" finish. If this is how the following episodes are going to be--I cannot wait for the rest! I highly recommend this for any fan and this is for fans.
[W]hile Telltale's Game of Thrones gets all the surface details right, it's the subtler elements under the surface - the narrative and thematic conventions - that make it a terrific adaptation of and expansion to an already-terrific story.
If you're a gamer who is familiar with Telltale, then the game is easy to recommend - it feels a little weaker than The Walking Dead, but there are moments of pure brilliance that show what is possible with this world. If you're a fan of Game of Thrones who doesn't play video games normally, then this is still easy to recommend. You don't need quick reflexes or to understand gaming. You just need to be invested in the story to play.
It speaks volumes that "Iron From Ice" packs much of the same emotional wallop as the books and show. I'm just as excited to see where this story goes as I am the next book, and the knowledge that the game's next chapter will be released on a regular schedule is a balm to this impatient fan.