Game of Thrones Episode 3: The Sword in the Darkness

By AJ Hanson on 29/04/2024 21:51 UTC

After an amazing start to Telltale's Game of Thrones episodic series with Episode One: Iron From Ice, Telltale stumbled a bit with the second act The Lost Lords. Does Episode Three: The Sword in the Darkness make up for the mis-adventure of Episode Two? Let's find out...

There is a LOT of content packed into this two hour third episode of Telltale's Game of Thrones series. This episode focuses more on character development than any before it and finally it seems as if the choices the player makes in the first two episodes start to pay off. The episode starts off with a roaring cameo by Daenerys' dragons and never lets the player go. Sweeping from action packed scene to tough decision, Episode Three puts the series back on track after a seemingly worthless, but needed second act. Mira struggles, Gared is set on a dangerous path that could see the end of him, and the Whitehills cycle of abuse continues throughout Ironrath. It's an increidbly intense experience overall. 

Gared is once again forced to pick sides between his companions in the Night's Watch at the wall. It is here that we see the return of the structure that made Telltale games famous, its "helix" system. This is where the story paths diverge and move only to be picked up again some time later. Gared's situation was the only one where it seemed that the previous episodes choices had little to no affect on the world around him, as the player is easily able to talk their way back into the good graces of whomever they wrong. It's an odd feeling seeing that happen in a Telltale game, but there could be reprecussions down the road. This IS Game of Thrones, after all. It is also here that some amazing story twists come into play that I won't spoil here. 

Asher has to make incredibly difficult decisions reguarding (the players) version of his priorities. Telltale has thus far done an amazing job establishing his relationship with Beskha and you can't help but feeling that it is hard for him to forsake her even for the good of his family. It is also refreshing and rewarding to see that the "mystery" of the North Grove starts to form. Gared finally gains purpose in the story beyond being a huge loudmouth who will tell anything to anyone who will listen. In a rare occurance for a 'Thrones character, Gared also gets the chance at a bit of revenge which is hinted quite heavily that it will have major consequences. Any 'Thrones fan knows what happens when someone dies north of The Wall! 

The Ironrath storyline is the only one that didn't really move forward in any meaningful way. Everything just feels redundant, like most of this was already played out in Episode Two and was a rehash for those who might have (understandably) fallen asleep during the prolonged dialogue sessions. The only real interesting piece of Ironrath was a set up for the upcoming fourth episode. Telltale, here's a hint; when the best part of the section of your game is a set up for the following episode, you're doing it wrong. 

Mira's story gets incredibly intense at Kings Landing. Mira has become involved in a coverup of her own and the player spends their time avoiding an awkward tension between Tyrion Lannister and Margaery Tyrell. It's a bold choice on Telltale's part as this wasn't/isn't in the books or the show. It threw me for a huge loop and it was a wonderful surprise. This is Telltale at its best, taking wonderful material and turning it completely on its head. If this trend continues, Telltale will be unstoppable the last three episodes of the series. 

There are still graphical issues all over the place at times. Its still an odd sight seeing some things in the foreground that should be in focus be out of focus and blurry. While again, I understand that this can be chalked up to "Telltales Style", it can be very inconsistent and confusing at times. Character animations seemed to improve this go-around and is no small feat. The music is still amazing overall, it's sweeping and flows well with the story and paces itself just right. The soundtrack actually still sits on my randomized video game music playlist, which is a huge testament to Telltale's work. 

8.5

“Forward Progress gets this series back on track”

FINALLY forward progress. The stories get more complex and interesting and if they can sort out the issues with the Ironrath storyline, Game of Thrones will be the best Telltale game series yet. 
Story85%
Gameplay80%
Graphics75%