The Walking Dead: A New Frontier - Episodes 1 & 2 - Ties That Bind Reviews
A New Frontier is shaping up to be a brilliant season, and I can’t wait to see how Episode 3 pans out.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
With the end of episode two, it marks the finale of not only the second episode, but Ties That Bind as a whole. Really, it didn't feel entirely necessary to split it into separate parts - both felt drastically different and stood perfectly fine on their own. It could mean that the rest of the season is going to take an even bigger turn or shift in tone, however, and given how things leave off, it wouldn't be a surprise. Ultimately, the excellent pacing and satisfying climax here makes it a great follow-up piece that continues this harrowing story.
Strong opening but not a good ending. Season 3 premier makes us feel good about the future of series.
Review in Persian | Read full review
The first episode in this new series lays some really solid foundation for our upcoming story, though there are some curious design choices along the way that I can see rubbing fans of the long-running series wrong at the same time.
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...
After the disappointing adventures of Michonne in the videogame universe of The Walking Dead, Telltale managed to show us why it’s main saga was so successful back in 2012. An awesome new cast and a story full of turns and surprises waiting at the end of every corner. A New Frontier is off to a great start.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
The decision to provide a two-part ‘Ties That Bind’ premiere for A New Frontier allows time for the characters to settle in, to initiate the connections and reintroduce players to the deadly world they now live in. As is the norm with Telltale series’ generally, the voice cast deliver performances to a very high standard and help to produce a group of believable characters.
Telltales powerful method of storytelling shows no signs of fading and this opening episode proves evident with the introduction of its cast of new characters and furthermore, the evolution of Clementine.
Fans of the series were slightly disappointed with how Season Two went down, and I don’t blame them to an extent. It failed to live up to the standards that Season One had set, but Season Three is definitely getting the franchise back on the right track. Telltale Games continues to improve with each new release and series they work on, and after what I experienced with these two episodes, I think they are going to have another hit on their hands. Ties That Bind has set the tone and the bar for the remaining three episodes in A New Frontier, and I cannot wait to see where the story goes next.
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.
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.
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.