![The Walking Dead, Episode 1: A New Day [PS3]](https://twscritic.files.wordpress.com/2012/08/walking-dead-telltale.jpg "The Walking Dead, Episode 1: A New Day [PS3]")
The Walking Dead, Episode 2: Starved for Help
System: Playstation 3 (also on Xbox 360, PC, Mac and iOS)
Genre: Adventure/Horror
Publisher: Telltale Games
Developer: Telltale Games
Price: $4.99 ($19.99 for PS3 season pass)
Release Date: June 29, 2012
I didn’t think it would happen so quickly, but I am becoming pretty damn attached to the characters in The Walking Dead episodic games. At just two hours in length per episode, the story continues to surprise with plenty of character development and gut-wrenching twists and turns. Whereas A New Day set the table for things to come, Starved for Help shows just how bleak the ongoing zombie outbreak really is.
Set three months after the first episode’s events, Lee, Clementine and the rest now find themselves running dangerously low on food and supplies. Just as they reach the end of their stash, a couple of guys show up at the motel looking to exchange food for gasoline. They claim to have a safe haven: they own a huge dairy farm that is protected by an electrified fence. They even have a cow to provide them with milk. Could this be the group’s big break?
I won’t get into plot specifics, but Telltale did an excellent job at dropping hints about what’s to come while also building the suspense. I wasn’t sure what to expect as the episode played out, but the payoff was fantastic.
![The Walking Dead, Episode 2: Starved for Help [PS3]](https://twscritic.files.wordpress.com/2012/09/starved-for-help.jpg "The Walking Dead, Episode 2: Starved for Help [PS3]")
As per the first episode, Lee is presented with six “Tough Decisions” that are crucial to the story development. The first one happens right away, and this gruesome encounter sets the tone for the rest of the game. By the end, I was ashamed of my final two choices, and I was tempted to go back through and try a different way. But alas, this is my Walking Dead experience, and I am going to see it through with my original decisions in tact.
It really says something when a game can make you feel such moments of despair and regret based on a single decision. This story continues to grow darker and darker, and I am excited to see where it goes from here. Per usual, the episode ends with a cliffhanger, as well as a preview of what’s next.
![The Walking Dead, Episode 2: Starved for Help [PS3]](https://twscritic.files.wordpress.com/2012/09/the-walking-dead-starved-for-help.jpg "The Walking Dead, Episode 2: Starved for Help [PS3]")
The point-and-click gameplay is the same as before, and it works well in the context of this episode. There are occasionally some slight hiccups when the framerate stutters a bit, but these do not hinder the experience.
Naturally, this is a must play if you have completed A New Day. This episode is even better than the last, and it has seriously raised my expectations for the rest of the series. Decisions seem even more critical now, and the story is moving along at a nice clip. If you haven’t experienced The Walking Dead yet, now is the time.
Half way through the first episode so have skim read this, but nice to see the high rating! Loving it so far 🙂
Cheers, Tyson! If you’re digging episode one, you’re going to love the second. Things just keep getting crazier. 😀
Cool!! Although every now and again the Quick Time Events keep catching me out, if I pick up a drink etc 🙂 All good fun, and I have downloaded episodes 2 and 3 to keep me going!
Haha yeah, I missed a quick decision or two while doing the same thing. I hope to play episode three by next week — from what I’ve heard, it’s even better.
I have just started this episode. I am looking forward to it lots!
9/10 is a good score too
Awesome! Glad to hear you are gaming again, Scott.
I tried the first two episodes when they were free for PS+ members last month, but the game’s just not my thing (and I’ve never seen the show either).
Great review though.
Really? Bummer you didn’t enjoy them. I was ecstatic to see them on PS+ because now I’m hooked and will definitely be playing it through to the end. I love the style of “episodic” gaming, and I could see this formula being especially successful in the future (and not just adventure games).
I am enjoying this game series and thanks to PlayStation Plus I was able to play the first two episodes for free. That has made me buy episode 3 and can’t wait to sit down and play through it.
Same here, Jeff. Major props to Sony for hooking us up with some free episodes. It’s a great way to get a new audience invested in the series.
Not sure how to contact you directly, so I will just reply here. I’ve got an idea that I would like to throw your way if you don’t mind. If you have Google Plus or Facebook you can find me there either with Tridrakious or Jeff Brown. Or jest email me at Tridrakious@just1morelevel.com
Email sent!
I haven’t gotten anything yet. When did you send it.
Weird, I sent it right before that last comment. If you want to hit me up, my email is twscritic AT gmail.com. Cheers!