The Wolf Among Us Episode One: Faith Review – Big And Bad

 Game Reviewed: The Wolf Among Us : Episode One

Release Date: October 11^th, 2013

Developer: TellTale Games

Publisher: TellTale Games

Platform: [Reviewed: PlayStation 3], XBOX 360, PC

Genre: Adventure

Rated: M for Mature

When you think about Telltale Games you probably instantly remember the amazing story between Lee and Clementine in the Walking Dead game. It makes previous titles like Back to the Future and Jurassic Park seizes to exist in our minds. But even after testing the new limits of the undead in 400 Days, Telltale surprises us with a new episodic adventure, the Wolf Among Us.

In the Wolf Among Us you play as Bigby Wolf, aka the big bad wolf, sheriff of a twisted fairytale version of New York City called Fabletown. Little pig included! The story begins with a murder and it’s up to you to solve it. It’s the first fable murdered and the suspects are everyone. Fables in the game all have the ability to look like normal humans on the street as they use a substance called glamour.

Faith is the first victim discovered by Snow White. Throughout every interrogation you have the choice of playing good cop, bad cop. As much as I wanted to be the voice of reason, several moments called for that tough guy role.  It doesn’t always sit in that setting however, there’s plenty of humor as well.

It was a twisted flashback of all of my childhood memories. Little Red Riding Hood, Tweedle Dee and Dum, Beauty and the Beast and more are the cast of the The Wolf Among us, by far one of the most genuine stories out there.

Fans of The Waking Dead will surely embrace the quick time events that once again build the story and multiple outcomes of The Wolf Among Us.  The story continues to adapt to your decisions as well as throw multiple choices your way. And instead of being Lee focused on a little girl, you’re a detective focusing on what matters most when the time comes.

The fighting scenes in The Wolf Among Us takes place much more than The Walking Dead. In fact, a lot of the action requires faster reflexes and a quick tension span. If you aren’t ready for it, you’ll be caught off guard possibly setback in certain scenarios.

I did notice a few frame rate drops while playing, as well as the video sticking in-between scenes. It didn’t affect the overall experience though as to most gamers it may be unnoticeable.  Listening to each character, even the magic mirror, every vital role was believable.  How often do you examine a game filled with humans and have to equally relate to a frog that owns an apartment complex?

The Wolf Among Us setting is very dark, even during the day and at times have a similar noir feel.  The colors are very vibrant. Telltale certainly took their time with details as small as the color palette.

Most times videogames tend to hide behind the success of their previous installments. And while The Walking Dead is its cash cow, Telltale Games went above and beyond, creating another genuine title that’s just as good, if not better. I wondered if they could raise the bar, in Wolf Among Us, they’ve done it.

Gameplay: 4.75/5

Visuals: 4.25/5

Controls: 4.25/5

Audio: 4.5/5

Replay Value: 4.5/5

Overall Rating: 4.5/5