The Walking Dead: The Final Season - Episode 2
- August 28, 2018
- Telltale Games
Telltale's The Walking Dead: The Final Season - Episode 2 Suffer the Children does a lot to answer questions and set up for the next episode, focusing more on the personal relationships of the new group.
The second episode of the final season of The Walking Dead.
Nintendo Switch
Playstation 4
Playstation 5
Xbox One
Xbox Series X|S
PlayStation
Xbox
Reviews
- Clementine and AJ's relationship remains strong and resonates throughout the episode.
- The episode features great writing, dynamic character moments, and interesting new and returning characters.
- New shooting mechanics and a vibrant color palette enhance the gameplay experience.
- The pacing is uneven, with a slow middle act that detracts from the overall story progression.
- Some gameplay mechanics, particularly the combat sequences, feel cumbersome and lack impact.
- The plot feels overly formulaic and lacks a self-contained narrative, leaving some story arcs unresolved.
- gameplay7 mentions
- 43 % positive mentions
- 14 % neutral mentions
- 43 % negative mentions
The gameplay features a revamped combat system that is both brutal and satisfying, alongside new shooting mechanics that add depth. While the third-person camera and vibrant color palette enhance the experience, some players feel that the gameplay mechanics lack depth and the plot can be meandering. Overall, the game balances intimate character moments with a heavier focus on story, though some new mechanics may not function as intended.
“The revamped combat system is still brutal and satisfying, and the episode takes tonal steps away from overwhelming bleakness, with small prior dialogue and gameplay choices having fascinating consequences.”
“The new shooting mechanics add a bit of depth to the gameplay, while retaining the third-person camera and a more vibrant color palette from the first episode, along with great, intimate character moments and good dialogue.”
“The heavier focus on story, combined with the Telltale Tool engine continuing to run well and the introduction of new combat mechanics, enhances the overall gameplay experience.”
“New combat mechanics don't always work too well; this may be a premature ending.”
“Gameplay mechanics still need depth; meandering plot.”
“Gameplay mechanics still need depth; meandering plot.”
- story6 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The story of "The Walking Dead: The Final Season" emphasizes plot over character development, featuring intriguing arcs and plot twists that may appeal to long-time fans, but suffers from uneven pacing and a potentially unresolved cliffhanger ending. While the dynamic between Clementine and AJ remains strong and the technical performance is commendable, the inclusion of cumbersome action sequences detracts from the overall narrative experience.
“The second, and maybe final, episode of The Walking Dead: The Final Season has some great introductions and story arcs, but unfortunately suffers from some uneven pacing and a conclusion that puts our characters in a rough spot from which they may not recover.”
“It introduces more plot twists, which fans of the previous seasons are bound to appreciate.”
“The dynamic between Clementine and AJ remains as strong as ever, with callbacks and new introductions that flesh out the story.”
“The emphasis on plot over character moments is frustrating, and the cliffhanger ending may never be paid off, leaving players feeling unsatisfied. The irritating action and shooting sequences only add to the disappointment.”
“Unfortunately, the pacing slows to a bit of a slog, with a boring middle act that does little to further the story. The ending is literally lit, but the cumbersome combat sequences bring this episode down due to their overabundance.”
“While it introduces more plot twists that fans of the previous seasons may appreciate, the overall execution leaves much to be desired.”
- optimization2 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's optimization is praised for its excellent technical performance and minimal stuttering, particularly on most platforms. However, there are concerns regarding performance adjustments on the Switch, suggesting that it may not perform as well as other systems.
Critic Reviews
The Walking Dead: The Final Season Episode 2 Review – A Bittersweet Last Bite
As a middle chapter of what was supposed to be a four-part series, The Walking Dead: The Final Season Episode 2 gets the job done just fine. It gets a bit bogged down in plot, but still delivers some moving scenes and interesting new and returning characters. As possibly the final statement of one of the best narrative video game developers of all time, it's a crushing disappointment. Here’s hoping the remainder of The Walking Dead: The Final Season can somehow rise from the grave.
70%The Walking Dead: The Final Season Episode 2 Review
Outside of Clementine and AJ's relationship, The Walking Dead: The Final Season Episode 2 feels overly formulaic and dull.
50%To be continued? --- The Walking Dead: The Final Season Episode 2 review
The second, and maybe final, episode of The Walking Dead: The Final Season has some great introductions and story arcs, but unfortunately suffers from some uneven pacing and a conclusion that puts our characters in a rough spot from which they may not recover. Suffer the Children, indeed.
60%
