The Walking Dead: Season Two – Episode Two: A House Divided

Telltale’s The Walking Dead has always been known for its solid storytelling and writing. Almost every episode has shown developed, believable characters, each with their own motivations and stories. Season Two’s A House Divided is near the pinnacle of not just Telltale’s games, but games as a storytelling medium as a whole.

For those who haven’t been keeping track, Season Two of Telltale’s The Walking Dead follows Clementine’s journey through a zombie apocalypse–an apocalypse where humans are far more dangerous and unpredictable than the zombies ever could be. Episode One concluded with a climactic shock, and Episode Two is no different, but instead of having a fast-paced, almost overwhelmingly intense first episode, Episode Two takes its time in an hour and a half of slow build-up to tension so thick it could be cut with a knife. Unfortunately, very little can be said without revealing spoilers for the entire season.

While the art style is engrossing, the graphics continue to disappoint.

The graphics are arguably the same quality of the last episode of Season One, but the art style still lends itself to the nature of the series. As always, the animations are a bit jerky and not nearly as fluid as a game in 2014 should be. Perhaps the inevitable Season Three will show an upgrade, but until then, the animations are more of a detriment to the game than anything else.

The debate over whether Telltale’s The Walking Dead is a game is pointless.

Occasionally, there is debate over whether or not titles such as The Walking Dead or Gone Home are actually games. An understandable debate, but in the end, one that doesn’t matter; Episode Two shows that it’s possible bend a genre, it’s possible to bend a medium, and it’s possible to release a game that has as good of writing and as much suspense as any television show, if not more.

Episode Two is spectacular on almost every front.

Those who have been hesitant with the second season of Telltale’s The Walking Dead can trust that the game has found its place, and it is utterly spectacular. The art style and dated graphics may drive some players away, but the story is so phenomenal that even the most stubborn skeptics may be convinced. Season Two started with a bang, and Episode Two has shown that Telltale can not only keep that fire going, but also make it grow.