FINAL UPDATE: I think this game isn't a masterpiece.
The reviews I've read before playing:
- "Any mince words: The Walking Dead: The Game is something special. By giving players the option to craft relationships and make choices that fill out the story, The Walking Dead wraps you up in its events and makes you care in a way few video games can."
- "The Walking Dead deals in a spectrum of emotion that few other games dare to take on, and it does so with aplomb. It’s utterly triumphant, crafting a narrative that proves the power of the medium by embracing what makes it unique, leading to one of the most memorable gameplay experiences ever created."
And many more; the message is clear and simple - YOU NEED TO PLAY IT.
So before you start charging me with torches and pitchforks, hear me out please.
I'm 22, have been playing games since I was a kid. Initially, I couldn't listen to ubiquitous incentives and force myself to play The Walking Dead. I never liked this whole "apocalyptic theme" and there was no indication that something was going to change anytime soon.
"The game is tailored to how you play it". I feel cheated. I don't understand why try to make an interesting, variable story without the ability to influence your gameplay with something other than momentary tension.
Insert name dies no matter what; Stranger is blaming Lee for something that somebody else did; there's no way to prevent Lee from turning, etc, etc... It makes them irrelevant.
- Examples were meant to serve only as examples, so I removed them. Many seemed to think this restricted list of examples was the highlight of my dissatisfaction and disappointment, which is obviously a mistake.
UPDATE:
Okay, this is my final statement. You can read it or not, have a freedom of choice.
First, it's just a game and it shouldn't be seen as exact copy of reality. But hear me out - this game is good. There's plenty of things I can forgive if the story simply keeps making sense. The Walking Dead is good, it's just not the masterpiece. Gaming market lacks this kind of games, that's why people try to convince themselves this game has to be good no matter what and call "the illusion of choice" a perfect way to stay under a false tension.
The things I pointed out before were just examples. Story wouldn't be that good if the plot has stopped with explainations such as "Holy shit, zombies! We gotta run!" . It's obvious that some of the events could've been changed or at least logically explained. Because Lee's death wouldn't be as emocional without Clementine shooting/leaving him (again, just an example).
This game is overrated. Not as much as I thought at first, but still. You confirmed it to me with the ridiculously behaviour I've encountered. There are so many brainwashed people who can't deal with it, rejecting the opinions of those who disagree and delaying the truth that the game isn't perfect. Because it's easier to say something like this than face the reality.
Yes, there are also people who think differently.
Second update:
Everybody, I need you to listen to me for the last time.
Things happened. We were throwing stones. I was too.
When people say they respect "an opinion" they usually mean they tolerate it. But it's not how it works. You can only truly respect others' opinion if you can imagine yourself in the shoes of someone else. When you try to understand one's arguments, and where they are coming from. You certainly would like your opinion to be respected, wouldn't you? Whether you agree or not has nothing to do with this.
If people do not feel respect one's can never change or understand its opinion. While not every one of them deserves to get an answer, most of them are, and shouldn't be rejected immediately. If someone's opinion is disagreeable, one should use rhetoric debate to try and change an opossite way of thinking rather than being hostile to it.
- I've came across a lot of people who were kind enough to took the time and explain to me how they think. I'm grateful they did, and I'm gonna place below list of people who helped me approach to a problem in a different way. Because the real issue I had was "I don't see anything special in The Walking Dead Game, although I should, considering it clearly dominates the video game industry."
(Sorry if I overlooked someone):
@dojo32161: "The characters were portrayed as flawed beings, not just characters there to make the story function. Everyone had a reason for their actions, and we got to learn about them, and that's something I don't see very often."
@HardAppleCider: "They just didn't ruin the game for me. For me, those things are easy to forgive. I know that I'm a natural skeptic and what the game did right it did really well. To be frank, I have to forgive "every" game I play for various flaws. This one, I just enjoyed it more than most others."
@Colton: "I guess im alright with the illusion of choice, but i know it doesn't really matter what i choose because it ends the same way, but the choices are different enough for me to enjoy and think they matter, which they sort of do in my mind because of the character's reactions and them mentioning it later on."
@fallandir: "There are oversights and mistakes TT might've repaired, but which game doesn't have any? Anyways, we should listen to both side. It's not that hard to respect the opinions of others."
@zykelator: "Game itself has many flaws, but it successfully made me care about fictional characters and what happened to them, so thats why it was such a great game, for me atleast."
@Mary5: "I think that the reason why this game was so well received is because there are not many other games that can have such a big impact on people."
@Thematt9001: "People have different expectations of games which leads to different ways of thinking about the games which leads to different experiences of the games."
Thank you again for your time.
The rest of users who replied to me were mainly focused on the bad examples I made, and it was obviously my own mistake, because this point just narrowed discussion down, and created an image of somebody who nitpick at details - and starts quarrel because of this - (which was never my final goal). Expression an opinion is't about popping in, starting an argument, then getting away with tail between your legs.
I think the source of confusion (or "real problem this community has") is the trouble which people who disagree with any statement have to face.
There's no wrong opinion. Each one is good.
I'm gonna stick around a little more if anybody want to ask me someting.
Thank you for your attention.
Comments
The game was not perfect but still one of the best games I played. But I didnt care about all those things you said. Doesnt look like a "blank page" to me.
I said I started with a blank page. I ended up with discouragement.
Flame war alert
Lol seriously, going to a fanbase to say this? 2/10
Still I like your opinion. It shows that you dont take every mistake telltales makes and turn it into gold.
But in all seriousness, you've stepped in some serious shit by posting this. You're going to be swarmed. Here are my responses...
The cop's clearly a dumbass. As well as that the police scanner only reported a 10-91E which is code for an animal bite... Yeah, zombies. He wasn't dispatched to the shitstorm the other vehicles were headed to.
LOL. A mother's child being bitten isn't valid reason for her to commit suicide? Bullshit. It was emotional as hell and masterful work.
I'll give you that one. It's hardly the hugest plot hole in the world, is it? The group was stressed and sorrowful, and lacked any decent sleep.
Not really. The man sought redemption having realized he'd previously done wrong. Another great moment that brought tears to my eyes.
It's a game. Not bothered by this one.
He wanted Clem to keep the gun. Also, that wouldn't be as moving.
Play it.
well it definitely isn't overrated as the majority would point out but it has its flaws just not the ones you listed it sounds like you were just picking out the smallest things to complain about and what possessed you to even bother with this if you hate the apocalypse setting?! but it is your opinion this game just isn't for everyone
If that sort of logic could be applied to your first point, why not all the other ones? Since, y'know, all of your points insinuate certain plot points having an alarming amount of stupidity.
The police officer was intentional shown to have a careless, "I've seen it all so nothing surprises me anymore" attitude.. At one point Lee even asks him whether any of that radio chatter seemed important to him and he replies "All of it, but that box never shuts up. Sit in this seat and pay too much attention and you’ll drive yourself crazy." This is an example of characterization, not a flaw in the game logic.
Duck and Katjaa died because bad things happen to people in an apocalypse. And yeah, it developed Kenny's character. i don't see what your complaint is here.
Clem did...The rest of them were preoccupied with other things like finding a boat, making sure Omid didn't die, and well...being Ben, I guess.
Here's where the whole "tailored by how you play" thing comes in. For some people, Kenny didn't act like a dick throughout the whole game. He was a pretty good pal. But yeah, it was supposed to have been a moment of redemption for him.
She dragged him. Hysterical strength and all of that. You've seen the news stories of people lifting up cars and stuff to save their family members.
Because A, he was moments from death and could barely summon the strength to do anything and B, maybe he wanted her to do it to as a final lesson.
And what exactly is the difference between a "plot wound" or a "plot prop" and a regular wound or a regular prop?
I thinks its a great game, but I somewhat agree its a little bit overrated.
Gloomy your darkness is territory overrated #rekted
It was a horrible idea to go to a fan base and say the thing they love is horrible, average, or terribly overrated.
I think you came into it expecting a game where every choice changed the game 100%, sorry if you are upset a game has plot points that must happen to allow the story to continue.
Sometimes its better to just not do this type of thing, share your opinion to your friends, non fans, or people thinking of buying it, NOT the fans of the game who has strong loving opinions.
By the way, sorry if a game isn't real enough, its a GAME. Some of us use it to escape the harsh reality that is life, but whatever its your opinion, still probably shouldn't have done this.
now that i think about it i am curious as to why he would even have a account here if he doesn't like the game
Im starting to think he might be a troll with multiple accounts.
Play Season Two.
I'm sorry but if lees death didn't even make your eyes water a little bit, your heart is made of stone cold ice.
Out of curiosity, could the OP give an example of what they consider to be a good game?
It is tailored by how you play. If you feel cheated, perhaps you should have checked the implications of that term before expecting branching story lines.
1) The cop: He directly addresses the problem you have with the situation. If you don't like his take on it then so be it. I doubt you agree with how everyone lives their lives to the most minute details.
2) Duck and Katjaa dying: This is completely realistic. Duck gets bit, and his mother can't take the idea of her sons death. Just because it develops Kenny's arc doesn't mean it is less realistic.
3)The shed: They were busy? Preoccupation can make you skip things. Are you also upset they didn't go check the attic? Or the next door neighbors house? I'm sure the neighbors had had some food in their house at one time. More likely to find useful supplies there than in a rickety old shed.
4) Kenny's finisher: Wait, what?
5) Clem's superwoman: First one you've said that is actually a problem with realism. I can't explain how she did it, but in order to enjoy a story sometimes you need to suspend a little more your suspension of disbelief.
6) The End: Because his body had given up. It was all he could do to move his lips. Put a fork in him, done.
If you didn't like S1 I highly suggest you don't play S2. Thanks for stopping in
No one should ever be cursed to play that game.
Probably Ride to Hell Retribution...
If you don't plan on playing season 2, how did you know that Johnny's voice actor was the same as the guy on the radio in 400 Days?
They did check the attic actually.
Also, if you're going to come here and try to start something (sorry if I'm wrong, but I have absolutely no reason to believe the opposite) why couldn't you at least pick plot holes / problems overall that are worth mentioning? Everything you talk about is so trivial and meaningless it actually looks like straight nit picking, at least put some effort into it.
No one should ever be cursed to play that game.
Edit: TellTale ate my comment.
No one checked the shed so game is bad.
The curse reaches all...
OH LAWD PROTECT US
Couldn't check the shed-0/10 IGN
Oh, damn, you're right
Pretend I just mentioned the neighbors house.
On the contrary, I don't think it gets enough recognition.
I noticed most of those things
They just didn't ruin the game for me. For me, those things are easy to forgive. I know that I'm a natural skeptic and what the game did right it did really well.
To be frank, I have to forgive "every" game I play for various flaws. This one, I just enjoyed it more than most others.
troll confirmed?
Ohhh, "What year it is" meme? Funny! Guess I shouldn't have played this extremely old game. Well, I have no idea why I bothered, thanks for letting me know.
Yeah, every day you hear the rumble of a helicopter flying dangerously close to the city, following in a hurry a number of police cars. Happens.
Where did I say Katjaa hadn't right to commit suicide? Even she was portrayed to be somebody who kept a level head in a time of chaos, I understand she was going through a breakdown, but without her death Kenny's character wouldn't have been developed enough according to Telltale's standards. Is just disappointing, she wasn't Katjaa, just "Kenny's wife". "LOL" indeed.
But they went to the river anyway.
I see people like to forget things. Following your logic, one moment showing an unjustified transformation can change one's elaborated presentation into completely different form. Let's say Danny St.Jones sacrifices himself instead of Kenny. Is that brings a tears too?
Good argument, you convinced me.
He wouldn't be as moving to pull the trigger? And Clementine wouldn't be in any kind of proper state to use a gun after Lee's death. Also, she wouldn't need it, she was covered in a walkers guts.
Lol it's not THAT overrated. The creators of the game has 70,000 subscribers unlike the most overrated game ever, which is Call of duty which has 2,000,000 subscribers.
I think his point was that there was no reason for them both to die in-story other than to give Kenny development, and he's not exactly "wrong", per se. But then, as I've said before, going by such logic means that there is never, ever a reason for a character to die in a story except for the villains who must be stopped, and it would kind of remove a lot of tension as a result. Of course, going overboard with death also removes tension because you run the risk of your audience just not giving a damn anymore. In the end, what matters is doing a character's death right. Sometimes they do, sometimes they don't.
In any case, Katjaa and Duck's deaths worked for me because their sendoffs were very well done, appropriately shocking, and tragic, and not just for Kenny's sake.
Sure, but it's a game renowned for its brilliant writing. I don't have too big a problem with this, but what annoyance I do have with it stems from the fact that it's such a inconsequential detail... to the point that it shouldn't exist at all. All they had to do was animate a few more scenes where Lee is about to pass out, spots the opening in the jewelry store and he and Clem run for it before he passes out, and the scene ends, coming back where Lee has passed out on the floor. Relatively simple solution. Clem dragging Lee over to it is silly and it's made sillier by the fact that the characters pretty much call out how silly it is but just accept it.
My apologies, Hollay. I couldn't use this logic later on, I haven't seen any McDonalds or eagles around. But I saw an American flag once, does it count?
Good lord man, if you thought season one was overrated, I wouldn't want to see your thoughts on season two.
...Actually, go ahead. There seems to be a clear distinction in this forum between fans of season one and two.
I was just about to comment on that
Nice find
#nottrollconfirmed
Edit: He/She wasn't a troll, he/she just watched it on YouTube.
I wouldn't say confirmed, I'd like to see how he knew before we judge him at all.