Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy - Episode 2: Under Pressure Reviews
Under Pressure transitions us off of the high-tempo radio hit that was the season opener and into a more relaxed slow jam punctuated with some meaty action riffs. The slower drip of meaningful events meant I didn't come off of it with the same level of feelgood euphoria I had after finishing Tangled Up in Blue, but Telltale is still doing an excellent job adapting this eccentric hero team to its tried-and-true format - particularly when the focus is on developing the characters and the relationships between them.
The second episode is better paced and more engaging than the opener, but still struggles under its own technical limitations
The second episode of Telltale's Guardians of the Galaxy series takes on a slower pace with more focus on characters (and drama).
Under Pressure keeps the story flowing and the jams pumping as Telltale provides a rare look at one of the Guardians' upbringings. The hit-or-miss humor and standard technical malfunctions are still on full display, but the strong storytelling helps keep the season moving forward as the dysfunctional space crew keep searching for answers.
Much better than the first, episode two features better pacing and more time being given to the supporting characters. I'm now excited to see where things go for the series.
Though some of the series' weaker aspects are unlikely to go away any time soon like some of its technical and visual shortcomings, the deeper focus on characterization and the relationships that players will build between Star-Lord and the rest of the Guardians is one I deeply look forward to exploring in the coming episodes. Telltale nailed the look of Guardians of the Galaxy in the first two installments, and with Episode 2 they're finally getting a little closer to nailing the heart of it.
There are still plenty of reasons to tune in to Telltale's Guardians, but this is a B-side rather than a hit single.
Ultimately, while Guardians of the Galaxy: The Telltale Series: Under Pressure's array of choices doesn't quite feel as "consequential" as one might expect of the typical Telltale pitch, the new episode improves on the promise of the first outing's strengths in characterization, while still building up the main narrative into something a tad more engaging. Only the future will be able to show if these decisions will snowball properly, but the series now has me wanting to actually see that eventuality, which means it's done its job.
Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy: The Telltale Series - Episode 2 is another great episode from the developer. It's better than the first episode in a lot of ways, but still has troubling technical problems that detract from the fun.
All in all it's a solid episode that feels decidedly rushed in the end — Rocket Raccoon's story is compelling, but it seems like the developer forgot they need to carry the main plot forward too, and left us on a massive cliffhanger to make up for it.
Poignant character moments and some impressive use of pop music make Under Pressure a better episode than Tangled Up In Blue, but still nowhere near the lofty heights that we know Telltale is capable of. There's enough good work here to indicate that by the time the series is over it'll have given us reasons to care about the cast and what they're up to, but if you're on the fence about whether or not to pick up the season pass, you're probably best waiting a little longer to make that decision. The series has potential, but whether it'll ever manage to escape the shadow of the movies it is so desperately trying to recreate remains to be seen.
In the beginning it seems as if Telltale is struggling to find their groove, stumbling a bit before regaining focus.
It may not have you pausing your game and thinking over decisions quite like The Walking Dead did, but Guardians of the Galaxy constantly emanates feel-good vibes, reminiscent of Tales from the Borderlands. While I'm not convinced it'll ultimately live up to Rhys, Fiona and Loaderbot's escapades (my own personal favorite series), for sheer enjoyment, it's shaping up to come mighty close.
Under Pressure provides more of the same with plenty of room for improvement.
Under Pressure continues most of the problems with Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy: The Telltale Series. It's interesting, but not interesting enough. It's funny, but not funny enough. It has everything to make a good Telltale series, but not enough of it. I'm honestly starting to worry at this point.
"Under Pressure" redeems one character, but raises questions about whether some of the series' problems are too well ingrained to be fixed in further episodes.
Under Pressure chooses the way of introspection and shows some Guardians' soul to the player, but the main storyline is pratically freezed and there are way too much QTEs to deal with.
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Humour and pacing is sacrificed for a delve into Rocket's past, but even that cannot sustain a lacklustre storyline.
If you're a fan of the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise and yet still on the fence with regards to the Telltale series, I'd consider getting down and making a purchase, pronto.