The Wolf Among Us

About

The Wolf Among Us is an episodic graphic adventure game based on the Fables comic book series. Play as Bigby Wolf, the sheriff of a hidden community in New York City, as you investigate a series of grisly murders. Use your wits, strength, and detective skills to navigate a world where fairy tales and legends are real, and every decision you make affects the story.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo

+10

98%

Audience ScoreBased on 15,439 reviews

story5.5k positive mentions

stability97 negative mentions

story
10,295 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
53%
45%
2%
The story of "The Wolf Among Us" is widely praised for its captivating narrative, rich character development, and unique blend of fairy tale elements with a gritty, noir detective theme. Players appreciate the engaging plot twists and moral dilemmas that arise from their choices, although many note that the overall storyline remains largely linear despite the illusion of choice. Overall, the game is celebrated as a standout example of interactive storytelling, making it a must-play for fans of narrative-driven experiences.
- “My fiancé and I played this together and had a great time making different decisions and seeing the outcomes. The story is such a fun twist on the classic tales we all knew growing up.”
- “By the end of the story, I was completely invested, and it has easily become one of my favorite games that I'm going to play through again!”
- “The wolf among us is a story-driven adventure game where you play as Bigby Wolf, the sheriff of Fabletown, who does whatever he can to make the town safe and stable.”
- “At that point I started doubting my choices had real consequences and felt the story and characters took a backseat and there was more action which I did not like, either that or it rushed to end.”
- “Your choices don't change the storyline much.”
- “The choices you make may not always impact the story, not nearly as much as promised.”
graphics
1,802 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
56%
43%
1%
The graphics of "The Wolf Among Us" are widely praised for their unique comic book aesthetic, which effectively captures the gritty noir atmosphere of the narrative. Players appreciate the vibrant colors, stylized cel-shading, and detailed character designs that enhance the storytelling experience, making it visually striking even years after its release. While some minor graphical glitches have been noted, the overall presentation is considered a standout feature that complements the game's engaging plot and character development.
- “The visuals are even stronger than TWD due to it being even more heavily stylized with bold colors and lighting.”
- “The game's presentation is stunning, with a distinctive and stylized art direction that captures the noir atmosphere and the comic book aesthetic.”
- “The art style is absolutely phenomenal, the comic book style art works even better than in their previous games thanks to the use of a neon color palette which gives it a great 80's feel to it along with still having a nice touch of noir.”
- “The graphics are also glitchy as hell, and I've seen characters blinking in and out of existence a few times.”
- “The graphics haven't aged too well, but given that this game is 90% cinematic and mainly revolves around you participating in the dialogue -- the graphics issue isn't so bad.”
- “My biggest concern was the graphics, given that the game has been released in 2013.”
gameplay
1,450 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
26%
70%
4%
The gameplay in "The Wolf Among Us" follows the classic Telltale formula, primarily consisting of dialogue choices, quick-time events (QTEs), and point-and-click mechanics. While many players appreciate the engaging narrative and character development, they note that the gameplay itself is simplistic and lacks depth, often feeling more like an interactive movie than a traditional game. Overall, the experience is heavily story-driven, making it ideal for those who prioritize narrative over complex gameplay mechanics.
- “The gameplay mechanic is not very challenging, but altogether with the challenge of making the right decisions and in combination with the atmosphere and storytelling, the game was great in my opinion.”
- “The gameplay, centered around quick-time events and decision-making, is engaging and suits the storytelling format perfectly.”
- “The gameplay is a mix of point-and-click adventure and quick-time events.”
- “The gameplay is very simplistic, as expected from a Telltale game, with a few quick-time events and dialogue options, and the occasional difficult choices that alter the story.”
- “I’ve already mentioned that there isn’t much in terms of gameplay, but seriously, the gameplay is very barebones, to the point where you’ll probably sometimes be wondering if this was even worth making into a video game.”
- “The gameplay is limited, the cutscenes are plentiful.”
music
757 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
63%
36%
1%
The music in "The Wolf Among Us" is widely praised for its atmospheric and immersive qualities, effectively enhancing the game's noir aesthetic and emotional depth. Reviewers highlight the haunting, synth-heavy soundtrack as a standout feature, with many noting its ability to complement the storytelling and character development seamlessly. Overall, the music is considered a key element that elevates the gaming experience, making it memorable and engaging.
- “The game's music is fitting, with a mix of moody and catchy tunes that enhance the mood of each scene.”
- “The music perfectly complements the game's mood, enhancing emotional moments and heightening the suspense during critical plot twists.”
- “The combination of superb voice acting, atmospheric music, and evocative visuals creates an immersive experience that transports you directly into the heart of the fables' world.”
- “The music is either too loud and nearly drowns out the voices or characters randomly get obnoxiously loud themselves.”
- “The only thing with this game I had a beef with was the soundtrack which wasn't really my taste.”
- “What I'm not really impressed with is the game's soundtrack, it simply failed to make an impact on me.”
atmosphere
562 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
67%
32%
1%
The atmosphere of "The Wolf Among Us" is widely praised for its captivating neo-noir aesthetic, which combines stunning visuals, a compelling soundtrack, and immersive storytelling. Reviewers highlight the game's ability to evoke a gritty, atmospheric world that enhances the narrative and character development, making players feel deeply engaged in the dark, fairy-tale-inspired setting. Overall, the game's atmosphere is considered one of its strongest elements, contributing significantly to its acclaim as a standout title in Telltale's portfolio.
- “I loved the neo-noir immersive atmosphere, the beautiful art style, and the balanced shifts between calming and more dense, suspenseful moments.”
- “The combination of superb voice acting, atmospheric music, and evocative visuals creates an immersive experience that transports you directly into the heart of the fables' world.”
- “The atmosphere resembles that of 1960s NYC, with a dark, grim atmosphere full of crime, treason, and drug abuse.”
- “The grim atmosphere and the many decisions one has to make can really weigh on one's moral compass.”
- “The atmosphere is dark, moody, and mature.”
- “The atmosphere alone is worth the price of admission; Telltale nails the setting for its noir crime thriller with an art style and soundtrack that complement each other beautifully.”
replayability
292 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
27%
65%
8%
The game's replayability is a mixed bag, with some players noting limited value due to its linear narrative and predictable outcomes, while others appreciate the opportunity to explore different choices and their consequences. Many reviews highlight that while the story can be engaging enough for multiple playthroughs, the overall impact of choices often leads to similar endings, making it less enticing for repeated runs. Overall, it offers some replay value, particularly for those interested in exploring alternative paths, but it may not justify extensive replay for everyone.
- “This along with almost all of Telltale's games are replayable and by far the best story/choice-driven games you can get.”
- “The moody lighting, the music, the brooding, it's all so great; it's so replayable the way a great show is rewatchable.”
- “What feels really special is how your choices in one episode may haunt you in another, giving the feeling that you as the player are in control and adds to replay value.”
- “There's not much replay value though.”
- “The game's ending is pretty much set in stone, with some minor details altered depending on your choices, so the replay value isn't really there.”
- “I enjoyed the story but I don't think it has any replay value.”
emotional
235 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The emotional aspect of "The Wolf Among Us" is characterized by its deep storytelling and character development, particularly through Bigby Wolf's internal struggles and relationships with other fable characters. While many players found the narrative engaging and capable of evoking genuine emotions, some noted it lacks the intense emotional impact of Telltale's "The Walking Dead." Overall, the game successfully creates an immersive experience that resonates emotionally, though it may not reach the same heights as its predecessor.
- “The game's depth and emotionally charged storytelling make it a must-play for fans of interactive storytelling and noir-style mysteries.”
- “The immersion and emotional connection to other characters within the story is almost heart-wrenching at times.”
- “The wolf among us has a great story throughout which included very adult and real themes at times, it's impossible to not end up feeling emotionally attached to some of the characters.”
- “At no point in the entire game did I think, 'Wow, this is the most boring story I have had to sit through.' The narrative always kept me engaged, and there was always something happening that made me think as I progressed.”
humor
152 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
99%
2%
The humor in "The Wolf Among Us" is characterized by a blend of dark, witty, and situational comedy, often arising from the interactions between its richly developed characters. Players appreciate the game's ability to balance serious themes with moments of levity, particularly through clever dialogue and absurd scenarios, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking. Overall, the humor enhances the narrative, contributing to a unique experience that resonates with fans of both noir and fantasy genres.
- “The voice acting is truly top-notch; some of the best to be found in modern gaming, with the script so well executed that I legitimately laughed out loud at the dark humor multiple times—something I almost never do while playing a game.”
- “It's hilarious to compare the way you can be an asshole and then super nice to Snow after with not many consequences.”
- “The dialogue, the expressions, the humor, and the setting all make for a rich and enjoyable game (I mean, noir fairy tales, who wouldn't love that?!) although I wish there were more events with trigger commands, overall I love the gameplay and cannot wait for the next chapter.”
- “It's not funny.”
- “The jokes fall flat and feel forced.”
- “I expected more laughs, but it just didn't deliver.”
character development
115 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
62%
36%
3%
Character development in the game is widely praised for its depth and nuance, with players noting the exceptional design and writing that bring characters to life. The choices players make significantly impact character arcs, enhancing emotional engagement and replayability. While some players mention pacing issues, the overall consensus highlights the game's ability to create compelling, relatable characters within a richly immersive narrative.
- “The character development is exceptional, with nuanced personalities that add depth to the story.”
- “The character development in this game is nothing short of remarkable.”
- “The character development is also top notch; you end up truly caring about how the characters are treated and how you might affect them.”
- “On the one hand, you have the second comic arc that takes inspiration from Orwell's 'Animal Farm' and ends with virtually no character development after what is, for all intents and purposes, an analogue to the Russian Revolution.”
- “I also like the characters, though some of the characters don't get that much character development.”
- “I suppose that Wolverine fans will find something to like here, but anyone who's looking for decent character development should steer clear.”
stability
100 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
3%
97%
The game's stability has received mixed reviews, with many players reporting frequent bugs and glitches, including freezing, missing text options, and visual inconsistencies. While some users found these issues manageable and easily resolved by restarting the game, others experienced more severe problems that detracted from the overall experience. Despite the technical shortcomings, the engaging story and characters often overshadowed the stability concerns for many players.
- “Also, it runs great on Linux!”
- “Very interesting storyline; no glitches or anything of that sort. The game is awesome; I recommend it 10/10.”
- “Like The Walking Dead, there is almost no interactivity, but at least what little there is isn't buggy like it is in The Walking Dead Season 2.”
- “This port does suck a bit though - the game freezes too often, 'this option is blank' glitches, and even the screen figuring out your monitor size is annoying to configure.”
- “There's also a surprising amount of bugs and glitches, some of which are game-breaking, and they're obviously never going to be fixed.”
- “Game is riddled with glitches through chapters that require a restart of the game to fix.”
optimization
54 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
33%
17%
Overall, the game's optimization has received mixed feedback, with many players experiencing occasional stuttering and minor performance issues, particularly during cutscenes and transitions. While some users noted that these issues were easily resolved with restarts or were not game-breaking, others pointed out that the game wasn't designed for high-end systems, leading to performance instability on certain setups. Despite these concerns, the majority praised the game's smooth gameplay and outstanding voice acting, indicating that the narrative and character performances often overshadowed the technical shortcomings.
- “Critically, I would say that The Wolf Among Us is Telltale's best game and most optimized.”
- “Very well optimized, and runs smoothly.”
- “The game runs smoothly and I have only found 1 glitch to date; I like the art design and the storyline is really amazing.”
- “Keep in mind that the game wasn't designed for high-end modern PCs and can give you several performance issues, although most of them are easily solvable.”
- “I've encountered lots of audio cuts, where characters suddenly stopped saying what they had to say (surprisingly often). FPS stuttering happened to me in all Telltale games; I'm not sure if it is a problem on my end, or simply the game is poorly optimized (the latter seems more likely).”
- “Still suffers performance-wise, but that seems to be a problem with Telltale's engine since it happens with both seasons of The Walking Dead.”
grinding
52 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
6%
44%
50%
Overall, reviews indicate that grinding in the game is often perceived as tedious and time-consuming, with many players feeling that it requires an excessive investment of time. While some players appreciate the lack of grind in certain aspects, others find the repetitive nature of certain tasks and the inability to skip scenes frustrating. The game is generally praised for its engaging story and mechanics, but the grinding elements can detract from the overall experience.
- “Has really surprised me, I honestly wasn't expecting this game to be this good. Good story, good collectibles mechanics that are not grindy at all (Book of Fables), and an overall great and mature story. Would 100% recommend.”
- “Amazing game, great plot, unique combat, and very easy to play. Not grindy whatsoever.”
- “It has no grinding and not many rest points, so the episodes are somewhat short (approximately 2 hours each), but they are always satisfying.”
- “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
- “Despite gritting my teeth and grinding on, I simply cannot get past a certain scene because the game hangs every time, without fail.”
- “It is slow, tedious, monotonous, and boring.”
monetization
7 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
43%
86%
The monetization aspect of the game features microtransactions that are perceived as supporting a good cause, enhancing the overall experience rather than detracting from it. While some players appreciate the immersive environment created by the game's advertising elements, there are concerns about the potential for the game to feel like a promotional tool for the graphic novels. Overall, the monetization strategy seems to be a mixed bag, with players enjoying the game despite its flaws.
- “Microtransactions for a good cause!”
- “The monetization model is fair and doesn't feel exploitative.”
- “I appreciate that the game offers optional purchases without pressuring players.”
- “This isn't to suggest some conspiracy theory about this being a twenty-five dollar advertisement for the graphic novels.”
- “I enjoyed the hell out of this game despite the flaws, I guess, advertising.”
- “Fabletown turns out not to be the safe haven everybody hopes for, but a harsh place in the middle of a rather cold city dominated by the impersonal lights of neon advertisements.”