Game of Thrones: Episode One - Iron From Ice Reviews
Game of Thrones: Episode 1 - Iron from Ice is certainly not bad by any stretch of the imagination, but it hits nowhere near as hard as it maybe should have. Bits and pieces show promise for future episodes – particularly the conclusion – but all of the pieces are not yet in place. With more playable characters and an extra episode in this season, there's definitely potential here – it's just not been realised so far.
Iron From Ice could have been The Walking Dead in a Westeros winter coat, yet it is a fresh and faithful addition to the Game of Thrones universe. The story, is of course, as well written and compelling as we've come to expect of Telltale, but it's the frantic decision-making that makes this latest series another hit in the making.
What this first episode sets up though, holds tremendous potential for the season ahead. And while banking on potential can be dangerous for an episodic game, if Telltale can maintain the precedent it's setting here for narrative risks and twists then the payoff will be all the better for it in the end.
By the end of Iron from Ice, Telltale proves they are worthy of telling a tale in Westeros. It makes sense to me now that Telltale wanted six episodes for Game of Thrones – the amount of time they need to explain why they are here demands it, and it will give the rest of the season room to breathe.
Iron From Ice, the first chapter in Telltale Games's Game of Thrones series, lays down a great foundation. The presentation suffers from weak visuals, but the story scenarios, intense rhetorical dueling, and dynamic protagonist perspectives recreate a world rich with intrigue and drama.
Telltale's video game version of Game of Thrones gets off to a good start, though it's more dialogue-focused than ever and the reliance on quick-time-events is beginning to wear thin. If you're a fan of the books and TV series then you'll be happy with Telltale's faithful approach to the fiction, and this first episode sets up some interesting situations for future chapters to exploit. It's far too early for a definitive verdict, but we like what we see and we're keen to see more.
This first episode is a bit dense, particularly for newcomers, but the attention to detail is meticulous and appreciated. Telltale's Game of Thrones manages to capture all the heart-racing moments and sweaty-palmed intensity fans have come to love. This episode sets up a sprawling adventure on the outskirts of the Westeros we know, and need more of immediately.
For an introductory chapter, it sets up Telltale's take on the Game of Thrones universe very well.
Game of Thrones Episode One: Iron and Ice isn't an easy game to play, mainly due to the nature of the theme at hand and the fact that no matter what you do, someone close to you is still going to get it. But that's just how Game of Thrones works, and the more of a fan of the show you are, the more captivated you'll feel playing the game. And if you're not a fan, it just might make you one. That Red Wedding, though…
Telltale has hit another home run with the debut episode of its licensed Game of Thrones series. However, it's not going to be for everyone, as it will only appeal to fans of the franchise and may be too wordy for some.
Iron From Ice's weak characters and water-treading story don't get the series off to a great start, but there is hope things will improve.
All the elements to recommend Iron From Ice to Game of Thrones fans are there.
The Lost Lords is an improvement, then. A significant one. But by introducing two new characters, there hasn't been enough development, despite the fact that we're approaching the halfway point of the series.
Much like the mega-hit HBO drama, "Game of Thrones: Episode One: Iron From Ice" is bloody, smart and addictive. Thanks for in part to an awesome script, beautiful backgrounds and the success of original characters, "Game of Thrones: Episode One: Iron From Ice" is anything but a joke.
It will scratch the itch of fans waiting for the next book and next season of the show.
A well-paced, well-observed and suitably vicious opening episode, showing that Telltale's latest series is up to the task of matching the theme and tone of the Game of Thrones source material.
Despite its technical issues, Game of Thrones has strong content.
The first episode of Telltale's Game of Thrones series isn't exactly groundbreaking but it successfully draws you in to learn what happens next to the Forresters. The art style and the vocal talents are superb and the new characters feel ripped from Martin's pages, for better or worse.
If you ever wanted to interact with Tyrion Lannister, now's your chance.
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.