Walking Dead Season 2 Episode 2 – “A House Divided” – Telltale Games — March 4, 2014 — $24.99 Season Pass, $4.99 Individual – PC/Mac/iOS/Xbox 360/PS3
Nothing ever works out in the zombie apocalypse, especially if you’re a little girl that resembles the mascot for a can of peaches. The group has really got themselves into it, when the steel-nerved monster known as Clementine meets Carver and they are forced to take to the road.
Everything is definitely not ok.
This installment of Season 2 was much more focused on learning the nature of the characters, while gently reinforcing the fact that everything is definitely not OK. Every decision seems to negatively impact someone in the world, regardless of how careful you may be. As past reviews have stated this game is uncomfortably dark at times and the writing is amazingly spot on. It is still a marvel that you can care about characters you have known for literally minutes, and it’s unbelievable that you get such a deep sinking feeling every time someone new crosses your path.
There is a stark contrast between Clem and Sarah even though, they are essentially the same age.
The biggest bonus to this episode was watching the relationship between Clementine and Sarah slowly blossom. The challenges that Clem has connecting to someone her age due to her growing up so early make for interesting interactions with the other younger member of the group. It is also a bit jarring every time they show the stark contrast between the two even though they are essentially the same age growing up in the same apocalypse. There is also a surprise that I’m sure will bring some intense strife for the crew in future episodes. (You get a small glimpse of some crazy now, but I don’t think it has all come out yet).
The pacing for this episode was perfect, and the feeling of complete hopelessness for our friends along the way definitely has not changed. As the relationships between the groups get stronger, the next few installments have literally hundreds of ways to go. Stop everything you’re doing, update your season pass, or go spend $4.99 pop some Xanax and get ready for another long one.