Game of Thrones: Episode Three - The Sword in the Darkness
- March 24, 2015
- Telltale Games
The series is back on track with The Sword in the Darkness, which will make the wait for episode four all the more agonising/frustrating.
Asher, the exile, proceeds to Mereen in search of an army to take on the Whitehills. Meanwhile in Westeros, Mira must deal with the lethal politics of King’s Landing.
Reviews
- The story is making great strides, with unpredictable consequences for player choices and interesting developments for characters.
- The game effectively uses the backdrop of the main series, showcasing different perspectives and delivering strong dialogue.
- Episode 3 is the most consistent entry in the series, featuring great action and storytelling that should please both fans and newcomers.
- Certain plotlines, like Rodrik's, feel repetitive and uninspired, leading to a lack of excitement.
- Some gameplay elements are forced and choices often feel like they don't matter, diminishing player agency.
- The graphics engine feels outdated, with issues like audio glitches and rushed exploration scenes affecting immersion.
- story15 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 47 % neutral mentions
- 20 % negative mentions
The story in the latest episode of Game of Thrones is praised for its engaging character arcs and interconnected plotlines, though some sequences feel repetitive and lack momentum. While the narrative shows promise with significant choices and intense moments, there are concerns about pacing and the impact of outdated graphics on key scenes. Overall, the episode is seen as a strong continuation of the series, with hopes for more impactful developments in future episodes.
“Through three episodes, the developer has shown that it's more than up to the task of delivering a story worth residing in George R.R. Martin's universe.”
“With the story ramping up and the plot chugging along, all the pieces are moving into place.”
“Consequences of previous choices finally come to fruition, packed with important choices affecting starring relationships; Mira's storyline is the star of the narrative.”
“At the middle point, Game of Thrones is losing its momentum and, except for Gared and elements of Rodrik's story, hasn't shown enough progression to get people excited for what's to come.”
“Martin’s plot development and pacing… including the parts that really drag.”
“Furthermore, the story also mirrors the original in how certain character-focused chapters move farther ahead in the story, treading new and interesting ground, while the other characters are still a few laps behind and have yet to accomplish anything significant.”
- graphics2 mentions
- 150 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 150 % negative mentions
The graphics have received mixed reviews, with some users criticizing the outdated engine and poor fire effects, particularly during key moments. Conversely, others praise the visuals for effectively utilizing the series' backdrop and improving upon previous episodes, highlighting the cohesive presentation of important scenes.
“Brilliantly uses the backdrop of the main series, showing you other sides of important scenes.”
“The visuals come together a lot better than in previous episodes.”
“There are some great moments in all of the plot threads.”
“The major dragon appearance is spoiled by the now really outdated graphics engine, with some especially bad fire effects.”
“The graphics are severely lacking, making it hard to immerse myself in the game.”
“The character models look flat and lifeless, which detracts from the overall experience.”
- music1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music in the game is highly praised, with many users noting its quality and effectiveness in enhancing the overall experience. It is described as being on par with the best in the industry, complemented by stellar voice acting that aligns well with the show's standards.
“In terms of audio, Game of Thrones is up there with the best in the business, from great music to stellar voice acting on par with the show.”
“The music enhances the emotional depth of the game, making every moment feel more impactful.”
“The soundtrack is beautifully composed, perfectly capturing the essence of the story and its characters.”
- stability1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Reviews indicate that the game's stability is hindered by slow pacing and filler content, alongside audio glitches that disrupt the flow of conversations, ultimately leading to a lack of engaging gameplay.
“Still not moving fast enough, with filler sections prevalent.”
“Audio glitches make conversations feel unnatural.”
“Gameplay doesn’t offer up anything special.”
- gameplay1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The gameplay has been criticized for its slow pace and the presence of filler sections, which detract from the overall experience. Additionally, audio glitches disrupt conversations, making them feel unnatural, and the gameplay itself lacks unique features that would enhance engagement.
“Still not moving fast enough, with filler sections prevalent.”
“Audio glitches make conversations feel unnatural.”
“Gameplay doesn’t offer up anything special.”
Critic Reviews
Game of Thrones: Episode 3 - The Sword in the Darkness Review
Now that we've made it to the halfway point of Telltale's Game of Thrones series, it's really looking like it's going to continue improving as the season wears on. Through three episodes, the developer has shown that it's more than up to the task of delivering a story worth residing in George R.R. Martin's world, and this latest episode is a shining example of where things could be heading moving forwards.
80%Game of Thrones Episode 3 Review - Hopeless
This was another great installment that should please both fans and those new to the series alike.
70%Game of Thrones Episode Three: The Sword in the Darkness Review
The series is back on track with The Sword in the Darkness, which will make the wait for episode four all the more agonising/frustrating.
80%