Wolf Among Us Episode 2: Smoke and Mirrors - Review

                        The Big Bad Wolf is back.. Finally

Callum Munro

(I try my hardest not to spoil any major parts of the plot) 

My reviews are split into 4 sections that are rated out of 10, CONCEPT (The aim/idea/plot of the game), VISUALS (What the game looks like), GAMEPLAY (How the game plays and how fun it is), SOUND (The sound, funnily enough) and then given a final score out of 10.0 .

(Played on PC)

Hey guys, after what feels like forever, the second episode of Telltale Games The Wolf Among Us has been released, and I have played it and I'm gonna let you know what I think.

Concept/Story

The second episode starts pretty much right from the end of the first episode, if you can remember that far back. Now the reason I start this review with a sarcy negative point like that is because not only did we have to wait an extortionately long time for the second episode, but the Previously On.. section, doesn't really show you much, or anything that happened in the previous episode that is of any importance at all. Or its not that, but the way it is structured is confusing, and to be honest i had to briefly look up a few playthroughs of the first episode, to get my bearings. 

Moan over.. 

It opens with a gorgeously artistic and dramatic camera shot, placing you straight back into Digby's character. 

Because of the dramatic event that concluded the first episode, there are some very explosive dialogue choices around the intro of the episode, which are very interesting to see unfold. 

Straight after this you are put into a great interrogation scene, which is fueled with genuine emotion and a kickass return from Dave Fennoy. 

As you can probably tell, the game starts off very well. However it isnt until then that - without spoiling too much - the dramatic conclusion to the first episode that had thus far given this episode a great start, is rendered completely irrelevant. Now the way it unfolds is fairly interesting, but too be honest when this happens, all characters (particularly Crane) resume previous emotional states, far too quickly. 

This made me pretty much forget the dramatic intro to the episode unfortunately, however it wasn't the worst plot twist I have seen, it just could have been better IMO.

From then on, things get pretty methodical. Move on to suspect, interrogate suspect. Examine things, find out things, move on to the next bloody thing. As you can see its mantle begins to be shaped around a simple run of the mill detective adventure, similar to Discworld.

In fact it is very very similar to discworld now I think about it.

Now it may sound like I am being very negative about the game, but I am really not, because although the general structure to the story is repetitive, you meet some excellently crafted characters, which are a joy to interact with, and of course Digby has to be one of the most likeable protagonists in any recent game.

The ending is good, if somewhat predictable. It sets up nicely for Episode 3, which is due out in 2017, but unfortunately the bit in between the intro and the end scene just doesnt seem to get anywhere fast, and is only held up by brilliant characters and a fantastic intro.

Concept/Story - 8/10

Visuals

Let me quickly point out that I played this on PC, running at 1080P on a brand new OLED screen, and let me tell you, the colours look outstanding. Never have i seen a game have such vibrant and perfect colours it really is just beautiful to look at, especially the intro credit scene.

The only downfall to the visuals I have, is that the facial expressions seem to be very odd at times, but sometimes they are fine. I believe it is down to there being so many different facial animations for all the different dialogue choices, but it can take the sting out of some crucial dialogue.

Visuals - 9/10

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Gameplay

The gameplay throughout is slightly disappointing in this episode. I found that in episode 1, there was a great mixture of gameplay and cinematics, with some fun fight sequences and good dialogue options.

This episode has much better dialogue choices than the first episode however the gameplay is overshadowed by cinematic scenes in this one, and for what gameplay there is, it is wildly repetitive.

There is one fight scene at the end, and a few near identical interrogation scenes, which do actually work very well, but in the end get you the same result.

The gameplay overall is good, but nothing special. Fortunately there are some tense interrogation scenes which give the player a great sense of power and rebellion, and some fantastic dialogue as always; but the repetitive structure and fairly short length make it fall short.

Gameplay - 7.5/10

Audio

Voice acting in this game is something special. Every character has a voice with great personality. 

For example you have Georgie Peorgie, a British tattooed hooligan running a strip club, and of course Toad with his cheeky cockney accent.

Also as you are probably aware, Dave Fennoy plays a small part in the first interrogation scene, and as you can imagine his performance is stellar.

Adam Harrington also delivers a knockout performance as Bigby, but unfortunately the Woodsman doesnt make an appearance this episode.

The Music is great, it is subtle and mysterious, keeping the tone of the game perfectly level.

Nothing to complain about the audio. Great voice acting and perfect music.

Audio - 10/10

Smoke and Mirrors is a good entry into the promising Wolf Among Us series, but you cannot help but feel it is a bit of a stepping stone plot wise to get some substance into the story and characters.

Audio and graphics are superb, and it is a blast to play, just don't expect a consistent thrill ride.

No matter what happens, even if you become the world's enemy, I'll be your knight. - Squall Leonhart