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You’ll be especially thankful for the “Previously on…” introduction in this second episode, as it’s been bloody ages (read: three months) since Telltale introduced their slightly older, slightly stronger Clementine and her new companions. With plenty of one-on-one time with each plucky survivor this time around, you’ll be able to remember their names and that’s a weakness that Telltale will look to exploit. A House Divided doesn’t just put plonk them in harm’s way but also tests your loyalties in some really underhanded ways, in the process creating one of my favourite episodes from either season.
It’s an odd realisation, but after making difficult decisions in this universe for two years now, I need more than I once did. I’ve become accustomed to gifting life or death to those I call my friends and this new cast hadn’t yet filled the emotional shoes of Lee’s party. Those final moments in ‘All That Remains’ (save A or B?) had me worried that the format was losing its impact.
Thankfully, Episode 2 has a few clever tricks up its sleeve. Recalling demons from our past and introducing us to a brand new one in the form of Carver, a superbly voice-acted villain(?) with past ties to our group. As is often the case in these games, it’s the strained conversations with these new and unknown characters that have you sitting on the edge of your seat, rather than anything involving the ceaseless hordes of undead at your doorstep.
That said, Clementine continues to be pro-active on the zombie slaying front. Armed with a pistol or a claw hammer, she holds her own surprisingly well when the QTE presents itself. As the player, it can sometimes be difficult to believe just how capable she has become and I was always aware of how small she seemed in comparison to the walker she was bludgeoning. It’s something you have to get used to, and it’s great to see the other characters in the group struggle with the same concept.
A superior episode, then, and one that bodes well for the rest of the season.
Version Tested: PC. Played for 2 hours.
