The Walking Dead: A New Frontier - Episodes 1 & 2 - Ties That Bind Reviews
Telltale doesn't try to do anything out of its element with the return of The Walking Dead - it still plays the same and has that trademark look - but its switch away from Clementine as a main character is a confident and respectable move. It shows trust in the season from the very beginning, and while the game engine could still use some work, the narrative throughout is a fine distraction. Ties That Bind Part I opens the door for what could be one of the best pieces of material in the entire Walking Dead universe, so here's hoping that the remaining episodes can expand on what it already does so well.
The first two episodes of The Walking Dead: A New Frontier stick a little too close to its roots, but those looking to immerse themselves in The Walking Dead universe have found their nirvana. Think of it as zombie-flavored comfort food – if you know what you’re getting into, you’ll no doubt enjoy yourself.
Perhaps the greatest shortcoming is the game’s stubbornness to shove Javi’s family as the player’s raison d’etre, when it’s clear that Clementine is a much more relatable and less frustrating character. The classic Telltale trap of unavoidable events is still there, but by now you should know what you’re getting into. If judged by what it attempts to do, rather than by what some sceptic players want it to be, A New Frontier’s harrowing first episodes smoothen most rough edges found in other games in the series in terms of storytelling. It just about manages to shake off the notion of being a rehashed concept, and become a beast that can stand on its own two feet, built upon the foundations laid by Lee and Clementine. Hopefully the rest of the season manages to sustain this level of quality.
The Walking Dead: A New Frontier - Episode 1: Ties That Bind Part 1 is more bizarre than anything. The soft reboot is disappointing, to say the least, but it isn't nearly as bad as it could have been, and Javi's fresh eyes give the episode some much needed excitement. The biggest thing Telltale needs to remedy going forward, though, is the balance between Javier and Clementine. They have a good dynamic overall, but they only seem to get in the way of each other's development instead of playing off one another and growing together. It's entirely possible Telltale is saving that for later episodes, but right now A New Frontier start off with a shaky opener that breaks down the illusory wall of choice more than ever and relies too much on the franchise's past good will to generate interest.
I don't know if Telltale has lost their magic or if their adherence to this formula has just worn thin on me, but it's becoming increasingly difficult for me to get excited at the prospect of playing another episode. The halcyon days of season one are long gone.
That’s as fast as I’ll go for the story of this pair of episodes that get Season 3 started in the right direction. Rest assured that Clementime has some great moments in this new season, and that the updated Telltale Games engine makes this the best looking The Walking Dead release from the beloved studio. If you’ve already completed the first two seasons in the game (and Michonne), then you’ve been anxiously waiting for this new release and are probably almost done with both episodes. But if you’re new to the series, The Walking Dead: A New Frontier is still a good point from which to experience The Walking Dead universe. I highly recommend that you play this one on PS4 right away so that you’re ready for the third episode which will be releasing soon.
Thus far, the first two episodes of The Walking Dead: A New Frontier set up the intrigue. Javi is a decent character for the player to control, and Clementine is much more complicated than before due to her experiences. The story beats seem to replay some of the events of the TV series and comic, although with different characters and locations, but the ending of the second episode is enough to capture the attention of those who may already be tired of the franchise general. With only three more episodes to go, it'll be interesting to see if Telltale can keep the momentum going.
The Walking Dead: A New Frontier - Episode 2: The Ties That Bind II keeps the course, delivering another quality storytelling experience with aplomb. Javi's story is a compelling one and fans can't help but clamour for closure and answers for what happened to Clem… and what happened to AJ. Plenty of pieces are in motion and this is building to be a very special story. If only Telltale could get this quality over to its other recent titles...
Ties That Bind Part II is a step up from the first episode in terms of writing quality, but the decision to actually split what is effectively the opening of the season into two feels thoughtless and, ultimately, pointless. There's nothing to be gained from dividing Ties That Bind in half, except for saving Telltale the effort of creating five complete chapters. It's a genuine shame, too, because when Part II is good, it's reminiscent of Telltale at its best. The episode isn't without other faults, as Telltale once again relies on pre-established characters that kill any sense of tension, but there's enough promise and potential to warrant A New Frontier not being written off quite yet.
With so many disappointments in recent Telltale titles, it's fantastic to see the team recreate the magic of Clementine's earlier stories in A New Frontier. It manages to introduce a great cast of likeable characters that have their own tale to tell, while also expanding Clementine's saga. This feels like a return to the form of the glory days of the first season of The Walking Dead, or even The Wolf Among Us, so here's hoping the team can keep the quality up for the rest of the series.
A New Frontier was able to deliver the first two episodes beautifully and gracefully, and although it may have some issues regarding its gameplay, it still has its fair share of plot twists that’ll surely leave you surprised, and your jaws hanging...
The Walking Dead Season 3 Ties that Bind is a step in the right direction for this franchise. Not only does it deliver the iconic decision system but the refreshing pacing made thrilling moments more frequent.
A New Frontier is a good enough beginning to the third season of The Walking Dead. It was not as moving as Season Two and is not as fresh as Season One was. It's just good enough and I wish it was different. Introduction of a new main character is not enough, but return of Clem might be the thing that keeps players playing.
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Part Two of Ties that Bind literally picks up where Part One left off, not only in story, but also with its tension and suspense, and going forward, this could be the most dark and moral questioning season yet from Telltale.
"Telltale is still in master form with the story telling and character development. Old characters help lift up the narrative and new ones bring a breath of fresh air to the emotional tale. The plot itself will keep you engaged (as always) and you'll want to play until the drama ends. Which, for the most part, never does. The only thing holding back episode 1 and 2 of A New Frontier are the classic technical problems that have plagued these games from their inception. The Walking Dead Season Three is shaping up to be the pinnacle of the series and I would do anything right now to play the next episode."
Yes, I think this is absolutely something you should buy, but that comes with a huge caveat. I thought the story and situations were great. I think the engine needs to go. Yesterday. Were it not for the technical side, this would have been rated much higher.
The first episode had decent pacing and while Javier was likable it didn't seem to really get things off to an amazing start, but just re-introduced the universe.
Episode One sets the benchmark. The Ties That Bind builds upon the standards Telltale set in previous seasons. Thrust straight into a new compelling story whilst continuing with that of Clementine is a perfect blend. A nostalgic trip to The Walking Dead universe ensures you’ll want to return, but it also offers enough to be able to pick up the story from here without having to play the first two seasons. At a time where the TV series is stumbling, Telltale has given Walking Dead fans reason to rejoice.