The Wolf Among Us: The Review

The Wolf Among Us: The Review

Score: 8 out of 10

Overview: "Telltale Games’ The Wolf Among Us is a gritty, noir-inspired adventure set in the dark and twisted world of Fabletown. Based on the Fables comic series by Bill Willingham, the game puts players in the role of Bigby Wolf, the reformed Big Bad Wolf, as he investigates a brutal murder that threatens to unravel the fragile peace among Fabletown’s magical inhabitants. With its compelling characters, stylish visuals, and impactful choices, The Wolf Among Us is a gripping narrative experience, even if some technical hiccups and pacing issues occasionally detract from its magic."

The Positives

• The murder mystery at the heart of The Wolf Among Us is masterfully crafted, blending intrigue, tension, and unexpected twists. The game’s dark tone and moral ambiguity keep players hooked from start to finish;
• Bigby Wolf is a layered protagonist, torn between his beastly past and his efforts to maintain order in Fabletown. Supporting characters like Snow White, Bluebeard, and Bloody Mary add depth and drama to the story, making every interaction memorable;
• The game’s cel-shaded art style perfectly captures the essence of the Fables comics, with bold lines, vivid colors, and a moody atmosphere that brings the world to life;
• Decisions carry weight in The Wolf Among Us, shaping relationships and influencing the story’s direction. The game excels in presenting moral dilemmas where there’s no clear right or wrong answer;
• Quick-time events are used effectively to create dynamic and cinematic action scenes, making players feel directly involved in Bigby’s often brutal confrontations;
• The moody, synth-heavy score enhances the game’s noir vibe, perfectly complementing its dark and gritty narrative;
• Fans of the Fables comics will appreciate the game’s dedication to its lore, while newcomers will find the world accessible and intriguing.

The Negatives

• Like many Telltale games, The Wolf Among Us suffers from occasional glitches, including frame rate drops, stuttering, and delayed scene transitions that can disrupt immersion;
• The game leans heavily on its narrative, offerin little in terms of traditional gameplay. Exploration and puzzle-solving are minimal, which might leave some players wanting more interactivity;
• Certain episodes feel slower or less impactful than others, with the momentum occasionally stalling between major story beats;
• While the story builds to a satisfying climax, the ending leaves several threads unresolved, relying heavily on a twist that may feel unsatisfying for some players;
• Each episode is relatively brief, making the overall runtime of the game feel a bit short despite its strong narrative content.

The Experience

Telltale’s The Wolf Among Us is a captivating blend of mystery, action, and character-driven storytelling. Its immersive world, moral complexity, and noir atmosphere make it a standout entry in the narrative adventure genre. While technical issues and a few pacing missteps keep it from perfection, the game’s strengths far outweigh its flaws.
For fans of gripping, choice-driven narratives or those intrigued by the dark reimagining of classic fairy tales, The Wolf Among Us is a must-play. It’s a haunting, stylish journey through the shadows of Fabletown that lingers in the mind long after the final choice is made.