Telltale’s Guardians of the Galaxy season pass hit retail shelves just in time for the theatrical release of Volume 2! Such perfect timing allows players to not only watch the Guardians but be the Guardians as you take on the Mad Titan himself: Thanos
Episode one of Telltale’s Guardians of the Galaxy wastes no time in throwing its players into action. In hot pursuit of Thanos, the Guardians arrive just in time to deter his obtainment of the ancient Eternity Forge. As you battle Thanos, the movements are so seamless they’re more so reactions to the chaos the Mad Titan creates. You alternate between characters using each of their specific skill sets to bring him down. In an epic final moment, Star-Lord catches the enormous launcher Rocket created and fires it directly at Thanos’ chest who falls dead.
I had two initial questions going into Telltale’s Guardians of the Galaxy that were answered very satisfactorily at light speed:
Q1) When will we fight Thanos?
A1) Almost immediately.
Q2) Will we play as other Guardians than Star-Lord?
A2)
After such an monumental introduction, I wondered how Telltale’s Guardians of the Galaxy would maintain the same level of energy. However, as I played, I rediscovered the same effortless affection for these characters that the first film delivered. The importance of family is cemented throughout this extraordinary cosmic adventure with the player firmly in the center.
The most interesting choice you make in the episode is what to do with Thanos’ body. After a night of celebrating, you wake with your team to an enormous bar tab and a shortage of funds. To settle the debt, you must choose to sell Thanos to either the Nova Corps or The Collector.
I’m already betting that Thanos is somehow resurrected so I don’t think, in the grand scheme of the game, that it really matters who you choose. His body will no doubt be stolen by someone (Nebula?) and the Mad Titan will return.
The Eternity Forge’s mystical gift makes it invaluable so it was only a matter of time before someone else tried to steal it. It’s soon after Thanos’ traded corpse goes cold that you’re attacked by Hala the Accuser who grabs the Forge. You choose a Guardian (as Star-Lord, either Gamora or Drax) and pursue the artifact.
Featuring fan-favorites like Yondu and Nebula, Telltale’s Guardians of the Galaxy is off to an explosive start. The only complaint I could possibly muster is the choices have absolutely no affect on the overall story. To be honest, I wouldn’t mind gliding the Milano among the stars in an game I had no control of if it weren’t the studio’s unique and main selling point. Though, if the story stays as marvelous as its first episode, I’m beyond content.
Overall rating: 9.5/10
My Choices:
• Yes, Drax earned his revenge. (93% majority)
• Yes, I pushed Gamora to reconnect with Nebula. (65%)
• I gave Thanos to the Nova Corps. (74%)
• I made the promise to my mother. (83%)
• I chose to bring Gamora to Hala’s ship over Drax. (84%)
Again, they don’t really matter and sadly they weren’t hard decisions (as opposed to the life/death ones offered in Telltale’s The Walking Dead). I hope Telltale elaborates on those in future episodes and supplies real consequences for your choices.
Extra thoughts:
1) I absolutely love that the episode titles form their own little Awesome Mix.
2) It took me a little bit to get used to Star-Lord’s face not looking like Chris Pratt.
3) I’m intrigued what Star-Lord would be willing to do to secure what the Eternity Forge showed him.
4) By playing as Star-Lord, you really get the opportunity to see how crucial he is in keeping The Guardians together.
5) I played this before seeing Volume 2 and will probably have to replay after to see if it affects the story.