Just in time to give you something new to think about as the excitement for the first Season Five trailer ebbs, the second episode of the Telltale Game of Thrones game is out, and it’s extremely fun. Game of Thrones is popular in large part because of the superb way in which it balances action with character development and quick bouts of excitement with slow-burning, yet fascinating plots. These qualities, which fans have come to love, are on display in “Lost Lords,” along with excellent graphics, and easy gameplay that make the game accessible and exciting to Game of Thrones fans of every demographic. “The Lost Lords” is easy to get lost in and a great way to immerse yourself in Westeros as you wait for the new season of Game of Thrones.
“The Lost Lords” takes us to Essos where we meet a new member of the Forrester family, Asher. Asher has been exiled to Essos for reasons that are not entirely apparent, but it’s hard to worry about the details as you immediately get caught up in a bar fight that is invigorating, if not a little difficult to navigate. In the end, you’re left a little breathless and slightly frustrated with the game design which makes you rather clumsy. But the flaws of the game are easy to ignore as one gets drawn into the story. The story quickly moves on, taking you across Westeros to join the rest of the Forrester family in their home of Ironrath, before moving on to several other locations. I don’t want to spoil too much for those who have yet to play the game, but the storyline is certainly exciting. High-points included the Forrester family receiving shocking, yet heart warming news, a Jon Snow cameo, and more interaction with Tyrion Lannister. The opportunity to adopt different perspectives allows the player to journey from the Essos to the Wall to King’s Landing in a short period of time, which is thrilling, and not the least bit jarring thanks to good story telling.
Telltale’s strategy for its Game of Throne line is to focus on the story first and action second. The gameplay is not action-based, primarily, and this allows the game to become more immersive than a game which was mainly based around pure combat would be. We share little, intimate moments with the characters, even as we join them in combat, and both of these interactions are balanced well enough that the game feels realistic, yet keeps the player’s interest. The game is also interesting in that it allows us insights that we don’t get in the show. We learn what it is like to be in the sidelines of the game of thrones, even as we learn that if we want to play it will be harder than it looks. Nothing will make you appreciate Tyrion’s quick thinking like trying to choose the right thing to say as you run out of time.
Overall, this game is satisfying, no matter if your perspective is as a gamer or a fan of Game of Thrones. The game does not require any technical skill to play, which makes it accessible to those who are new to videogames, like I am, but it also is well-developed and interesting enough that I think a seasoned gamer could appreciate it too. “The Lost Lords,” is entertaining and easily played, with a strong storyline and excellent imagery. Overall, it was extremely enjoyable and I look forward to the next episode from Telltale.
Interested? Get started and buy it now for 5 bucks on Amazon.
