Telltale’s Walking Dead Is a Game Everyone Should Experience at Least Once

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Some games come and go, but others plant themselves deep in your chest and never leave.

Without a doubt, Telltale’s The Walking Dead is included in that category. It’s not flawless; each season doesn’t always resonate equally, and certain segments might appear somewhat rough or pieced together.

However, as I reflect on the games that have left an indelible impression, The Walking Dead by Telltale is consistently among them. This game doesn’t rely on grandiose explosions for impact; instead, it thrives on characters like Lee and Clementine.

2012 found Telltale Games not yet a household name in gaming circles. Primarily known for their work on licensed projects like Sam & Max and Back to the Future, they were considered a specialized studio rather than a mainstream one.

Consequently, they opted to reimagine The Walking Dead as an interactive point-and-click adventure game, inspired by Robert Kirkman’s graphic novels. It follows a weary survivor and a young girl who have found each other in a world on the brink of oblivion, struggling to endure the ruins left behind by society’s downfall.

To my amazement, that tale had a more profound impact than any high-octane movie could aspire to. Essentially, it’s a straightforward game with little of the typical gaming elements one might find in something like The Last of Us. There are no scenes involving exploration for resources or gunfights. Instead, it offers a unique experience that strays from traditional gaming mechanics.

This game primarily focuses on selecting dialogues and responding to rapid action sequences. However, these elements are dwarfed by the impact of your decisions, which carry a heavy significance in a delightful manner. These choices don’t fundamentally alter the storyline, but they undeniably shift its atmosphere.

The first season remains unsurpassed in quality. It can be aptly summarized as a powerful emotional impact delivered through exceptional storytelling. Lee struggles with his past while trying to help a girl he barely knows find redemption. Conversely, Clementine’s character evolves significantly over the course of four seasons. I felt like her guardian as she faced hardships, matured, and learned – by the end, it seemed like I had been part of her upbringing.

Each season in this series presents its unique aspects. The second season had a more somber and dismal tone, and it brought characters such as Kenny who continue to spark debates among fans even today. The game A New Frontier deviated by allowing players to control Javier, which didn’t sit well with many people. This wasn’t because Javier was poorly developed, but rather due to the reduced screen time for Clem. The fourth and final season aimed to provide a fitting conclusion, yet it almost didn’t come to fruition.

Following extended periods of excessive workload and producing games tied to popular brands, Telltale ultimately encountered a roadblock. This company, to everyone’s surprise, ceased operations in 2018, leaving most employees without prior notice. The uncertainty among players was palpable: it seemed Clem’s narrative might remain unfinished.

However, it was Skybound Entertainment, led by The Walking Dead’s originator, Robert Kirkman, who took up the task. They assembled a group of the initial creators, nicknamed the “Still Not Bitten” crew, to complete the work left unfinished by Telltale.

In the Final Season, fans were granted an ideal conclusion for Clem’s narrative – one filled with resolution, control, and a fresh start. Instead of her demise (as some had anticipated), it concluded with a peaceful triumph.

1) She survived. Despite the unforgiving world, she persisted. She passed on her legacy to AJ, the child she nurtured much as Lee had been nurtured by her. Frankly, it’s one of the most satisfying endings to any game series I’ve ever witnessed.

The unfolding of this story lingers in my mind. In a train conversation, Lee and Clem converse. AJ inquires if he did well. Evidently, Clem, hobbling on crutches, demonstrates her ordeals that echo the depths of hell. Despite ongoing discussions about the correct decisions, it was never about choosing the right option. It was all about persevering together.

Following a significant break, whispers of continuation have resurfaced again. With the last Clementine story wrapping up in 2025, enthusiasts find themselves pondering if this could lead to another adventure starring her.

Despite the comics falling short of fan expectations, Skybound retains the rights and anticipation remains high for a fresh beginning. This could potentially introduce a new character, and maybe we’ll revisit AJ or Kenny in future developments.

No matter what comes next, Clementine’s story already gave us more than enough.

And if you’ve never played it before?

Well, you really should.

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2025-03-21 08:13