Game of Thrones: Episode Four - Sons of Winter Reviews
Overall, Sons of Winter focuses on moving the plot along but doesn't quite have the impact "Episode 1: Iron From Ice" and "Episode 3: The Sword in the Darkness." It appears to set up the table quite nicely for Episode 5, however, so it'll be interesting to see where the story moves on from here.
Despite these shortcomings, Game of Thrones: Episode 4 – Sons of Winter is still an enjoyable experience. While I left the episode feeling like all the choices I had made were, and still are, essentially worthless, I also wanted to dive right into Episode 5. The rising action and a few well-placed, surprising events kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time I played through the episode, and I have a feeling that the next episode will be even more intense.
"Sons of Winter" makes you feel almost as if the Forresters might find a way out of the darkness. Which has us incredibly worried about their future.
Game of Thrones' fourth episode is a solid Telltale affair, but it's just that. While the developer continues to churn out quality content using George R. R. Martin's famed license, it does so while struggling to maintain great pacing.
Fans of the books and TV series will love taking part in Martin's world.
Once again Telltale Games have succeeded at another attempt at bringing the player into the wondrous story of Game of Thrones with intrigue, turmoil, drama and action which is definitely an edge of your seat experience. The character development also furthers the story, especially Mira who has become this almost ruthless chess player in King's Landing to Rodrik who is desperate to find his army to save the Forrester's from annihilation. To complement the story and gameplay, the graphics mirror the TV series and the voice acting is perfect which even draws some of the original actors into the game. Game of Thrones: Episode 4 – Sons of Winter is another must have game for fans of this franchise or the HBO TV series. With only two more episodes, I really cannot wait to see how this game unfolds and how it furthers its links with the TV series.
Game of Thrones Episode 4 will assuredly keep many players engaged and does a great job of creating the potential for an interesting and/or satisfying end.
Now officially more than halfway through the first season, Telltale's Game of Thrones is really starting to hit its stride. Though my decisions don't feel as impactful as I would like, and this is a constant gripe I have with Telltale's whole "Decisions Matter" approach, Telltale is carving out a nice side story to go along with the books and HBO show.
I feel conflicted about Game of Thrones by Telltale. I enjoy it at points, when it's happening. The voice acting is great, the graphics are fine, there are fewer bugs this time around, and if I were watching someone else play the game, I think I would enjoy it quite a bit. But the fact that everything I do just seems to be unwritten at the end of every episode, and not in any way that ever makes me triumph, takes me straight out of the action. I can't get invested in this game, because I feel like I'm not doing anything. It might be fine watching Tyrion get put in shackles and carried off as a prisoner, but when the same thing happens to me, I keep wondering why I can't fight back.
Telltale's Game of Thrones series, now over halfway through its first season, has been a huge disappointment so far, but it's been improving steadily, and Episode Four – Sons of Winter proves there's real potential in the concept, even if Telltale might not have been the right candidate for the job. There are the occasional flashes of brilliance here that make you wish the series as a whole could match the same level of quality, but they're appreciated anyway.
Why must you make us wait, Telltale? Why?!
Nicole Martinez and Brad Kane clearly care a lot about this world, and with episode four, they've introduced a lot of critical momentum to the season that makes it feel like the series has turned a corner.
A major improvement on past episodes, but the narrative arc is hard to distinguish and there's too much thematic crossover with the series. Game of Thrones looks and acts the part but lacks 'water-cooler' moments that shock and provoke discussion.
Game of Thrones is really beginning to kick in to high gear as things start to possibly look up for the Forresters in Sons of Winter, but most importantly the characters start to get much-needed shots in the arm.
Hopefully the fifth episode starts gearing up for a strong finale, because the plight of the Forrester family remains fundamental compelling.
It may be a fixed narrative with little alterations, but it's still an interesting narrative, but should that fail at any point than this entire castle built by Telltale may collapse.
'Sons of Winter' is another strong showing from Telltale and their take on the morbid, morally ambiguous 'Game of Thrones'. The writing, pacing, and production value are all top notch, it's just the engine holding them back now. This, in terms of the story, is probably the best so far in the season.
Despite having some odd reactions from both Dany and the Night's Watch, this episode has plenty of action and story progression that keeps the player interested in the fate of the Forresters.
With just two episodes left, the stakes are higher than ever for House Forrester. There is plenty of political intrigue with the balancing of political and diplomatic might to consider. Still, if the books and show have taught us anything, there are precious few happy endings in this world, and I suspect the narrative of these next two episodes in this game will have its share of triumphs but also unexpected, darker surprises.
The Forrester's finally make a stand as the second act of the series comes to a close. Great pacing ensures this action-packed forth episode is enjoyable throughout, but it's quite clear that greater dangers await players in the next instalment. Regardless, Telltale have done a fine job with Sons of Winter, as the quality of the series continues to rise.