(This review is after playing the first episode, I don't know how the rest will play out) I don't play many games, mostly because I'm only interested in the ones that tell genuine stories (if not they better be fun as hell). I was browsing the PSN store (I played this on PS4) and came across the demo for the first episode. I tried it. Loved it. Bought the season pass. Played the rest of the episode and loved it. The fact that the entire season only costs $20 is amazing to me! It's definitely worth it! The game is beautiful. The art direction and graphics are very unique and the cinematography during cut scenes is downright gorgeous. The music is gentle and soothing, giving a sense of calmness to the story. The story itself is very engaging as are the characters you meet. Everything in the game has a purpose. Speaking to another student around the school campus, what you say to them, and what you do can affect what happens to you. The dialogue is fine, although it's a little clunky at times but most of the time it's realistic and it sounds like people just talking to each other. The voice actors do a great job with what was given to them and bring humanity to their characters. As for pacing, that's up to you. It can be a pretty fast paced game if you don't slow down and actually engage in the story, which is what makes it so great in the first place.
For those looking for a lot of gameplay, turn back because this isn't for you. This plays out similar to Telltale's The Walking Dead series. Choices and actions affect the story and you basically just walk (yes, walk, not run) around talking and exploring. The levels are beautifully crafted so it doesn't really get boring.
The central story is very heartfelt and feels like it was written for a movie rather than a game, which should be taken as a compliment to the writers. A lot (not all) of games don't put a lot of focus on the story and rather on the gameplay but that isn't the case here. The story guides the player through the levels and it doesn't get boring or uninteresting. As I said earlier, the characters have this sense of humanity in them and makes it easy for the player to emotionally connect with them. It's great to see such human characters in a game where they aren't running around with a gun killing people...or things.
Overall, I have to say I'm impressed and have already recommended this to multiple friends; it's clear that a lot of care went into making this game. The first episode lasted me about two and a half hours and for $5 an episode I'd say that's pretty good! I look forward to the next installment in March!
