The Walking Dead: Season Two is a 2013 episodic interactive drama graphic adventure video game developed and published by Telltale Games, based on Robert Kirkman’s The Walking Dead comic book series.  The game was released for Xbox 360, Xbox One, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, Microsoft Windows, iOS, Ouya, Android, and OS X.  Is the sequel to The Walking Dead and the plot begins a year after the events of The Walking Dead where Clementine bands with other survives, struggling to survive against zombies, the elements, and other survivors.

Positives:

• Great, well-written characters
• Well-written, richly developed story
• Great voice performances
• Terrific soundtrack
• Good visuals

Negatives:

• Game freezes during loading screens
• Long loading screens
• Occasional graphical glitches

Campaign:  The story follows Clementine who must band with a group of new survivors to survive against the other zombies, other survivors, and against the elements.  The story is compelling as it does, follows Clementine’s efforts at trying to survive in a world that Lee Everett tried to protect her from.  There are many sequences that pull at the heart strings especially the moments where Clementine is forced to make grown up decisions. Clementine is the main protagonist and she has definitely grown since the Walking Dead.  She’s strong, she’s tough; but she is still vulnerable.  There is still the impact of her experiences with Lee and his sacrifice that still affects her.  Kenny returns and there is this immediate connection with Clementine that leaves a sense familiarity with both characters. Other prominent characters are a survivalist named Luke, a doctor named Carlos and his daughter, Sarah, a lone wolf named Jane, and Alvin and his wife Rebecca who are expecting a child.  One of the main antagonists of the game is William Carver; he’s cunning and charismatic yet dangerous and poses as a threat to the main cast. (5 out of 5)

Gameplay: The gameplay is simplistic but immersive allowing for an entertaining gameplay experience. The point-and-click as well as quick-time events add a good amount of depth.  One of the issues lay in the loading screens which can sometimes take longer than expected and even seem to freeze up at certain points of the game.  Other issues are the branching pathways.  Some decisions don’t feel like they really matter despite the events that led up to it. (3 out of 5)

Graphics: Visually the game is appealing, maintaining a good blend of the original comic book art style as well as the traditional Telltale animation.  Character design do have depth. The attention to detail is to be commended.  There are many instances where the background scenery is just beautiful to look at and sets a great mode for the game. (3 out of 5)

Score: The score is terrific. The soundtrack is both compelling and beautifully crafted.  The game’s voice performances are just terrific.  Melissa Hutchison does a terrific job as Clementine. (5 out of 5)

Replay Value:  Of course, like any Telltale game, the game’s replay value lies in its branching choice system.  In one playthrough players can be passive while in others really aggressive.  Choices do provide different outcomes so its good to see how the characters and story change.

The Verdict:  In the end, The Walking Dead: Season Two is a great game.  Aside from the glitches and extensive loading times, the game features a compelling story, rich characters, an immersive gameplay experience, and a terrific soundtrack.  Fans of The Walking Dead will absolutely love this game.  The Walking Dead: Season Two gets 4 out of 5.