Guardians of the Galaxy: The Telltale Series – Episode 1 Review

After the addition of Batman to the Telltale family of games, the developer found a way to bring even more comic book characters to life with their latest adaptation of Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy. Here, players get to know Gamora, Rocket, Groot, Drax, and Peter, in a new and exciting yet familiar way.

 

 

 

Those that have seen the 2014 movie Guardians of the Galaxy will certainly have the advantage of knowing the five heroes and will be the last to question the talking tree, Groot. However, I will say that this game does a great job of introducing this unique group of superheroes to new audiences, allowing everyone to enjoy the game regardless of their previous knowledge.

 

The first episode of Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy: The Telltale Series, is called “Tangled Up in Blue” and opens theatrically, a style that Telltale Games is known for, placing the player first in the team aircraft. Peter Quill, or Starlord, the leader of the Guardians and obvious music lover of the group, is, of course, jamming to his tunes when the game gives the player their first group of dialog choices to set up the episode. The Nova Corp needs the Guardian’s help to assist in defeating one of the most powerful villains in the Marvel universe, Thanos, and Peter has agreed to help. Now, it’s time to gather the gang and find a solution to the problems that Thanos is causing across the galaxy.

 

Similar to other games made by this developer, Guardians of the Galaxy: The Telltale Series is packed with game altering decisions that players must choose from in order to continue the story. Typically two to three choices of dialog with the additional option to stay silent in many instances if you choose not to speak. Note that you must choose quickly and wisely since there is only a limited amount of time to do so, otherwise the silent option will be chosen for you. Some choices are minor and simply add fun to conversations with characters, while other choices will drastically shape the way that you play and have a real impact on the episode overall.

 

 

Several times throughout the game, players will have the chance to actually explore as Starlord with their controllers and take a closer look at different areas when the game calls for a task to speak with someone or search for a certain item. 

 

On top of dialog choices and chances to explore, the most exciting part of this Telltale Game experience is the action that takes place. You fully start to feel a part of the team as you actively switch roles in your efforts to defeat Thanos. Test your reflects as soon as the action button appears on screen; whether you’re Drax, attacking from above with your blades, striking from below as Gamora, or using your skills of distraction as Peter.  

 

 

Those familiar with the film already have an understanding of Peter’s adoration for famous ’70s musicians, compliments of his late mother. Like the movie, this game delves into the relationship that he had with her and showcases how he continues to bear the weight of her passing. On a lighter note, rock band Electric Light Orchestra lends their classic single, Living Thing, setting the theme for the games opening sequence in addition to other songs from Peter’s “Awesome Mix” that you may catch throughout the game.

 

Throughout the time playing Guardians of the Galaxy: The Telltale Series, players get swept into the mind of Starlord, in more ways than you may think, and will eventually notice the consequences (good or bad) from their earlier decisions.

 

Without giving away too many spoilers, let it be known that Thanos is not the only villain you will encounter and after obtaining the special eternity forge during that battle, more tough choices will have to be made. You have been warned! Now that characters have been introduced and this crazy conflict has been established at the conclusion of the first episode, there is definitely no doubt that players are looking forward to the next episode called “Under Pressure”.

 

 

As a huge fan of Marvel, Telltale Games definitely knew how to approach this game for fans of the company. Whether you have seen only one or a dozen other Marvel films, fans will notice the fun that Marvel brings to every character and story in their movies and it is truly evident in this game aswell. I had a blast playing “Tangled Up in Blue”, the first of five episodes, each to be released from Telltale Games at later dates.

 

With episode two expected to release later this summer, I am wondering whether we will get our chance at playing the character Rocket or even make decisions as Gamora in future episodes. I think that would be awesome!

 

Looks like we will have to wait and look out for episode two, “Under Pressure”, later this summer as well as the movie, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, in theaters May 5th!