There's a new Sheriff in FableTown...and his name is **DABIGRG!**
[Witty Fairytale Greeting], ya'll---DabigRG here!
Bought this game a month or two ago at Gamestop and new Xbox One powerbrick came early on last Wednesday, so I was finally able to play TWAU Season 1 Episode 1 this morning!
Here are my thoughts and notes throughout actually playing it:
Episode 1: Faith
Title Screen
- What is up with this title screen music? Its more musical than the walking dead,
- There are Fables living in Fabletown, New York. They used a spell called Glamour to blend in.
Toad's Apartment
- Bigby seemingly voiced by Adam Harrington(Andy St John).
- Characterization: Is strict & a little gruff, but reasonable. Just doing job and enforcing the law for everyone's sake. Focuses on keeping things in order and getting to the bottom asap. Keeping the fables secret is main priority, but occasionally betrays charity for the little guy...or toad. Caring and protective of Snow in particular. Can employ tact and guile in potentially hostile situations. Tries not to provoke unnecessarily, but will demand answers at first or next opportunity.
- Mr. Toad. Schlubby Cockney superintendent. Has harder time affording increasingly shoddy yet expensive Glamour for family. Threatened with living on farm.
- Sternly stressed Glamour law, but sympathetically pointed out that just doing job.
- The dialogue prompts sometimes go pretty fast
- Fables can take a lot of punishment. Like, a lot.
- Woody. The Woodsman. Drunk with hairtrigger temper. Somewhat egotistical about being a hero.
- Not sure how to feel about Toad yet. Or Woody, for that matter.
- Prostitute/WorkingGirl. May be Fable as well, considering. Pointed out necktie for some reason. Came for $100 for pimp/boss.
- Gave own $51 to help her out.
Opening Credits
- 15+ minutes in and we're just seeing this.
Woodlands
- Bigby clearly has Lee's walk in freewalks
- "Smallest apartment"
- Beauty was hiding behind tree, for some reason. Hiding from Beast. Is either Nikki Rapp or Melissa Hutchinson--can't really tell.
- Said I'm staying out of it
Apartment Front Desk
- Tried repeatedly to wait guard/receptionist. No sheep.
- Tenant listing:
- B Blue. J Hornet K Cole B Beard
- G Rimble F Catcher
- Sheriff didn't get permanent listing
- Beast caught Bigby in elevator. Looking for Beauty. Convinced something bad may be going on.
- Lied about seeing Beauty.
Bigby's Apartment
- P Pennsylvania case file along with B Blue. Bigby doesn't trust Blue
- Doesn't keep much in refrigerator. No ice(put water in the thing, idiot). Can't remember ordering Chinese.
- Why the fuck is there a Pig in his apartment?
- Name's Colin. Smokes. One of the three little pigs, apparently. Quotation marks on "little." Lives on Farm Bigby can threaten Toad about. Moocher with slight victim complex. A bit of an asshole with hurt feelings, but kinda funny and realistic too.
- Said it's better to be feared than loved, said can't change the past--Colin says you also can't change memories,
- Let Colin have drink
Very early next morning
- Working girl was beheaded and left on Apartment door. Snow found it. Deliberately placed. Supposedly killed by magical item
- Necktie with ring was placed in mouth
Town Hall
- Ichabod Crane is Acting/Deputy Mayor in King Cole's stead. Snooty Alcoholic and Unappeaseable Asshole, Gets massages habitually under stress, didn't provoke him as superior.
- Buffkin, Flying monkey/gargoyle, Alcoholic, Librarian and record keeper.
- Tipbits from book:
- Woodsman's axe was enchanted by Druids.
- Mr. Toad apparently comes from some fancy family/clan original. If he didn't doctor the book, anyway.
- Faith Donkeyskin. Cloak to hide beauty from father, who wanted to marry(?) someone of equal beauty to wife. Married to Prince Lawrence. Turned Prostitute to make ends meet.
- Red "didn't make it out"
- Seven Dwarves look creepy. Bigby would rather forget them? No comment from Snow at all.
- Toad had a friend Badger. Likes privacy.
- Beauty and Beast during "happier" days. Beauty holding mask of Beast's head, for some reason.
- Wonder if Mirror could show what was happening with Toad's office if asked
Leaving to Next Investigation
- Went to Toads apartment. Probably should've gone to the Prince, but wanted to check the kid and see who was searching the place.
- Toad Jr. Super tiny. Scared of Tweedle. Has bug collection. Possible crush on Snow. Voiced (kinda badly) by Melissa Hutchinson.
- Search place thoroughly. Tried to be a little tactful at first, but patience wore thin by window search. Considered searching TJ's room.
- Started to intimated Toad several times, but held off on actually attacking. Final time had Grab option--just what I was wanting.
- Honestly thought Dee/Dum was hiding somewhere in Toad's own room, but he apparently left through window...somehow.
Faith's Apartment
- Prince Lawrence. Supposedly killed himself. Must be fable as well, as he was actually still alive. Did something to or maybe even blames Faith.
- Asked who did this to him. Should've asked what happened.
- Toad's Apartment was mostly waste of time, albeit concerned one. Should've came here first.
- Dee(and Dum). Hiding in Lawrence's closet and ran like hell. Not very good Fable. Working for someone, possibly pimp? Owe Dum asswhooping.
Cab Ride
- Tried to tell Snow appreciation of help.
- Told Snow to leave the system if it'll get things done. It's about what's best for her, not Bigby.
[Seedier Side of Fabletown] Bar
- "I never turn to drink, it seemed to turn to me" ~Benjamin Franklin
- Dart Board names: GR, H, and WD
- Holly the barhostess, sister went missing, Devil monster thing.
- Initially danced around with affable small talk before eventually getting to the point. Asked for line(?).
- Sat next to man from Town Hall. Said stool was only spot next to him..
- 'We reserve the right to refuse service' Wonderful timing
- ''I am the Eggman Diner'
- 'Restrooms are for regular customer and employees only--Tough Shit'
- Woodsman was there to rob Red that day. Became hero because Big by was there wrong place wrong time. Only got free drinks out of it instead of cash reward.
- Gren. Man at Town Hall earlier. Friend of the Woodsman. Seemingly one-eyed with clear fake. Hates the Woodlanders for ignoring poorer Fable troubles. Blank eye had faint cornea before transforming. Fish monster likely from Beowulf.
- Didn't rip arm off. Kinda have to wonder why Holly transformed too if she wasn't gonna do much of anything, especially since Glamour is apparently expensive.
- 'Free beer tomorrow' Once again, great timing.
- Dee/Dum came in. Offered a hundred bucks for information on something. Tries to run opposite of Woody.
- Went after Dee/Dum's fatass, let Woody escape.
- "I never turn to drink, it seemed to turn to me" ~Benjamin Franklin
Final scene
- Crime scene in Woodlands. Left Dee/Dum on streetlight(can't he just break that?). Must have been another murder.
- Why were those cops seemingly trying to stop Sheriff Bigby from entering the crime scene?
- Audibly said son of a bitch.
Next Time Segment
- Wow, just flew right into that without saying so, didn't we?
- Titty in the background
- "It's a serial killer" No shit.
- Holly be like "I'm acting"
- Crane did something
Choice Results
- Named Pimp as suspect at some point.
- Who the hell is bald guy at the last choice?
Credits
- Pierre Shorette wrote
- Erin Yvetee? Kid Beyond(Andrew Chaikin)? Brian Sommer? What is this, a TWDG Season 2 reunion?
- Mr. Harrington plays both Bigby and Woody. ...Interesting choice.
- Gavin Hammond plays lots of extras.
- Chuck unpronounceable as Colin and Buffkin
Overall, this was a good start to a good game that really gets you into the way the world works and had quite a bit of charm at points.
Ironically, the only real complaint I have fresh off the first episode is that it goes on for just so long enough that I felt a little drained around the bar sequence and had to step out for air, sunlight, and a takeout plate.
Oh and there were a few moments/areas where freewalk was a tad unnecessary/limited.
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Comments
Glad you enjoyed it,keep playing it gets better,it's my favorite telltale game.
And you should've gone to the prince first !!!
oh well
Also it's Melissa Hutchison voicing Beauty not Nicki rapp.
Yay! Should've gone to Prince Lawrence first though. The way you document this stuff makes it seem like those old Choose Your Own Adventure books, lol.
Yeah, I realized that halfway through the Toad investigation, but stuck to it. The episode was just starting to go on for a little long by that point too.
Funnily enough, part of the reason I went with Toad was because I vaguely recalled @marcost29 mentioning the choice as misleading during his TWDGSeason 2 review, but didn't remember what the consequence for what was.
Cave Story, this aint.
Yeah, I think the credits mentioned that.
Plus, there was a modelswap video with mostly corresponding TWDG characters a while back.
Isn't that essentially what these game are anyway, tho?
You finally played TWAU Episode 1, yay! I am glad you enjoyed it.
Fergie! Where the FUCK have you been, girl?
Nice to see you enjoying the game so far RG, imo the rest of the season gets even better so look forward to that
...
Thanks!
Life kidnapped me.
I didn't have Internet connection nor TV for 6 days and it drove me insane!(I haven't watched Suffer The Children because of that) Thankfully, they fixed them 2 days ago. Also, I've been busy with my studies.
Oh shit, you too?
Same thing happened to me a week or two before the hurricane. On a Sunday. When everyone else was 100 miles away. And I had a bunch of stuff I wanted to watch.
Anyway, feel free to take your time getting up to speed. Nice to finally here from you again.
I told you! It is a really fun game...but man, they really mix real world problems of poverty and crime in it...oh wow...true social commentary in a game.
Yeah, seriously.
I didn't get to talk with them as much as I would've liked, but I could the bitterness coming off of Holly and especially Gren.
Oh that is only the start..
Dammit, if only I didn't have numerous assignments and upcoming midterms due.
Schoolwork is important. maybe you will find time this weekend.
Grandma's birthday is Saturday, so....
Yeah.. I do recall your comment in the Whatever's on your mind! I am sorry this happened to you, it really sucks. I am glad everything is okay now, though.
There are many new threads to catch up to here, I am sure.
Right back at you.
So, do you like the Book Of Fables? I don't think you talked about it.
Btw, 2 days ago I had a dream about you answering the PM I sent you a while ago.
Oh.
You live in an apartment?
Yeah, that was pretty infuriating.
Is everything getting back in order for you as well?
Oh, you mean the one that they use to identify the prostitute?
Yeah, I thought it was a simple, yet fitting way of getting some of the backstory/origins established.
Yup, it's okay now!
This one:
Good to hear.
Oh shoot, I didn't even notice that. Is that what those notifications were about?
Okay, so with the hurricane turned tropical storm miraculously leaving us with power(if a dodgy internet connection for a while) despite there apparently being a damaged powerline somewhere, I went ahead and used that free time to play
Episode 2: Smokes and Mirrors
Previously segment
The Afternoon after
Driving
Woodlands Basement
Front Lobby
Business office Late afternoon
Witching Well Chamber
Trip Trap Bar Early Evening
The Pudding and Pie
Open Arms Hotel
"Final Scene"
Next
Results
Credits
Well, that was definitely something. In some ways, I'd say this episode was even better (and/or longer). In other ways, I'd say the sense of humor got a little off/unintentional after the halfway point. Also, maybe it's because of numerous pauses and rewinds at points, but this episode really felt like it took forever to complete--I started around 2 and finished after 7. Yeesh, seems like this game is doing everything TWDG skimped at thus far--for better and for circumstantial worse. Hopefully, next episode will be both easier to get through and a good throttle now that a number of pieces are in place for a stride.
I assume you live in a house?
The ones on the right? Yes.
(I "love" how you ignored my dream...)
Ah, interesting.
Might have to give those a read at some point.
Well, clearly you didn't dream about me addressin the dream itself.
One church anniversary later and episode 3 was ripe for the picking.
Episode 3 A Crooked Mile
Previously On Segment
What was that narration about the town about?
Open Arms Hotel
Called creep and emphases finding Snow because she might be in danger.
Beauty being a bit of a hypocrite. Though that explains why Beast is so dumb.
Asked what beauty meant.
Snow been through "things" that'd make the news worse?
Buckingham Bridge
Didn't interrupt, apologized, said I didn't know, tried to talk to Snow before revealing anything, connected Lily to Crane, apologized for the news, showed photo, thanked Nerissa, asked why they're here, asked about their boss, asked them to leave everyone alone, told Dee to stop, said it's not worth it,.
I'll miss worrying about you, our fights, you~Holly.
Who's Vivian?
Okay, what is that inktrail on Holly?
Dat delayed reaction.
Did Holly catch wind of what's going on already.
For a second there, I thought the game froze. And suddenly Dee and Dum--why are they here?
Oh shoot, Gren grew a pupil....
Dang, I forgot how huge Holly is. ..Not-not in that way, obviously.
Rewinded several times to see what I could do. Didn't what Holly to get killed at her own sister's funeral.
Business Office 1143 Pm
Asked about everyone else, said it's not up to me, asked for other leads, said I wasn't sure, hated how they got away, asked a what was on her mind, said I don't enjoy it, deduced that Crane took a piece, asked how long it'll take, asked what else Buffkin found, said she didn't wanna know, told Bluebeard to get out but asked what he knew, said Snow can handle things, asked where to look, mentioned that both would be smart, told him to stay out of it,
I know it was there the whole time, but the snowflakes on Snow's collar are so dumb.
Dr. Swineheart #1 Physician.
Good thing Buffkin stayed hidden.
Thank goodness everyone is alright
How the hell is everyone finding out?
Crane has a personal witch? Actually, that makes sense. And he's meeting her at 2.
Ewhewhewhew!
Notes from Way land Smith about The Farm, Mr Toad about Getting his shit together, and Boy Blue & Pinnochio about air conditioning. This fool ain't been doing shit.
"Who elected her to spend my money?!"
Checked Crane's apartment first, then the trip trap,
Ichabod Crane's Apartment
Room 1901 Briar Rose, 1902 K Thrushbeard,
Who the heck was that? And The Crooked Man again.
Oh, he taught someone named Jeremy.
Confiscated money, took key, grabbed Jack, let him yammer, demanded answers, asked about witch, asked if someone sent him, investigating, asked what he meant, threatened to take him in, agreed but checked truth, try again, told him to keep quiet, said it's not important(was tempted) , said it's probably connected, suggested checking the records,
Why would you keep a statue of something that terrorized you?
I'm not a mathematician but I know 2+2 is 5, am I right?
Auntie Greenleaf
Ah shit, he is working with the Crooked Man.
Of course, because why halfass bring a complete sleazeball.
Trip Trap
What did Gren do? And who is he talking to? Oh, Woody. Okay, I know you're drunk...or high. Both.
Barmethodal ambrosia. Big word Woody.
Came on in, asked for Holly, asked for Lily's things, called Gren out, got to the point, did nothing, asked what the problem is, asked about witch, thanked Green, lied, said I cared, apologized, said Bigbys trying to do right, told her not to worry.
"Im too out of it to get into it."
Dat moment when you realize you've been playing without subtitles.
Drunk idiots.
Oh boy, there go that pupil again.
Oh man Woody.
Gren won't remember this.
Missed opportunity for a voice actor joke.
Wait, how old are these people? And they were friends with Dee?
...What?
Auntie Greenleafs apartment
Listened then kicked, argued that Crane is there, apologized, asked her name and said I'm the sheriff, asked about Crane, asked Snow for help, figured something isn't right, asked about the form, demanded answers, asked why she's helping Crane, said she should fear me, argued her usefulness, hired Greenleaf to keep an vice on her.
Rachel. A kid?! That voice sounds familiar...Kath Soucie. Your art teacher sounds like a jaded misandrist. I'm gonna go ahead and assume she's Greenleaf. Called it. Nice try with the photo though. Born in the woods to a jackal and a deer?
Mighty old to be your mom. Lol Honky Donk.
Do you have any pets? Not technically. What's that supposed to mean?
The Butcher? Why would she...oh no...
What's going on with the quakxing?
The Rig of Protection. Crane's looking for information cause he's"innocent." Heh.
Pudding and Pie
Punched Georgie, arrested, told him the rig won't work, asked what's wrong, ask how she'd know, said he knows something, there's a bigger bad, made him get up, called his shit,
Go Planet!
I mean, it was kinda obvious.
"Ambitions"
Ending
"Goose?" What, is there a Giant involved?
Oh shit, driveby. Oh, it's a mafia interception.
That's not much better, but I'll take it.
Bloody Mary. And the villainess finally shows herself. Is that Kari Walhgren? A casual sadist this one. Wait, then what's her real name?
Dang, is every female taller than Bigby?
Asked what she wants, flashed authority, let Dum live, told them to leave,
Wait, I thought Dum was the one with the fedora?
Did she just bark?
Wolf took how many bullets today? Damn.
Where'd she get silver bullets? Better yet, how'd she get Woody's axe?
Is the Crooked Man a vampire or somethin?
Did she seriously just call him that?
Next Time
I'll say.
This asshole again?
I should've known she did know something more. And not Vivian(?). Huh.
Yay, Colin's back! I wonder if the Farm is involved then.
Credits
It took me this long to realize that the Little Mermaid is voiced by a Benson.
Lawrence is in this episode?
Who's Flycatcher(Dustin Rubin)?
Oh, so its Laura Bailey as Greenleaf. And Rachel.
Who's Kat Cressida?
This episode was considerably more easy-to-sitthrough/attention-holding than the previous and thus the plot definitely got an upgrade. I rewinded a number of times because I was legitimately curious how things could alternatively go down and while there wasn't too much different, it was neat nonetheless. Although I will say that the Business Office--one of the more interesting hubs through the first two episodes--got a downgrade here. Granted, it makes sense given what's going on, but it's just a bit of a letdown. The Book of Fables wasn't even selectable this time like it was previously(for some reason). With that stuff aside, everything else was great. Auntie Greenleaf's was a place where I didn't change my dialogue that much and instead decided to see how much dialogue Rachel had. Probably should've seen the ending coming by this point, given the episode number and what not, but it worked well enough aside from the possible mixup.
Also finally decided to check out a few entries in The Book of Fables(Bigby1, Snow, and Faith). Once again, this game does things I've felt the Walking Dead should've been doing--even if this is both unexpected and yet very fitting.
Decided to take the day off and got to play the penultimate. Also, finally remembered to turn on the subtitles.
Episode 4 In Sheep's Clothing
Previously On
Bigbys apartment Early Morning
Security Office Morning
B&Bs apartment
Lucky Pawn
The Cut Above
Fabletown Business Office Evening
Gothic Bridge
Next time segment
Results
Credits
Overall, this was an...okay episode. There were a few neat moments and the Pawnshop hub was great, but thus far, I was mainly just comfortable coasting through it.
Next time is the finale.
Dude you can do your stuff however you want but perhaps you could put in a little more time in your actual 'review' segment? Summaries are fine I guess, but still.
Were you writing this while you were playing?
Glad you are enjoying the game, btw!
That's exactly what I've been doing. Give insight to the pseudo-note-taking process when I rewatch certain episodes for material.
Is it a review? Like, I get what you mean--be more direct and assessing regarding how the episode's gameplay, story, and characters feel at face value--but that's sorta not much of a priority with this thread.
There will always be time to talk more solidly about how I feel about them once I have the whole season(and maybe a second playthrough) under my belt.
Also, I pretty much admitted that I was partly coasting through this second to last episode.
Okay, the finale is now!
Episode 5 Cry Wolf
Previously On Segment
Opening Credits
Crooked Man's Lair--Night
Street
Pudding n Pie
Sheppard Metal Works.
Final Boss
Boilery Office
Witching Well Chamber--Early Morning
The Woodland Luxury Apartments--One day later
Outside
Results
Special Stats
Credits
And they lived Happily Ever After(in shitty parts of New York)! I feel like the episode was better than the previous one and in itself gave at least 70% at all times. It flowed well, brought a number of elements to fruition, and was generally effective when it came to plot structure and encompassing. In terms of the actual presentation and execution of some things, however...it's a tad mixie. Like, the scenes themselves were giving their all, with the gameplay coming in to keep things engaging after and up to a point, but I couldn't help but sorta think a few particular occurence and revelations were kinda questionable.
This ranged from a brief eyebrow raise to a mild spurt of disbelief to bordering outright narm, leading to some bits of mood whiplash at about three points(one of which was intentionally left out of the PnP recap since it was both minor and didn't really take me out of it though I noticed it). I should also say that I went into episode having heard murmurs of a couple of things, one of which I obfuscating not knowing about at the end. I can go a little more into the more important those later, as they aren't really important right now. Though I will say that they didn't really detract much at all and in fact, given how the episode(s) played out(at least in this playthrough), I kinda think the vibe I had about the culprit(s)(which I may also comment on later).
Back to talking about the episode itself here from a gameplay standpoint, while the most important stuff was great, the rest of it was a little awkward. The hubs were relatively so-so in what minimum they had, but they were at least placed appropriately to catch your breath for a second. As I voice near the end of the second for [natural] dramatic effect, I kinda think that the wrap-ups of the encounters in the Lair, the Puddit n Pie, and the Witching Well were kinda not on my game plan nor too intuitive, though the final one gets credit for being effective in context. The Final Boss and the shimmying lead-in was also kinda bullshit, as there were times where I swear I did hit the prompts in time, but seemingly got hit anyway--not that it mattered that much, as I don't remember ever got a gameover in the whole game. And The Hearing seemed like it probably went on for a while, it was more than earned at that point.
Despite how long and numerous these quibbles might be, the episode itself was still satisfying for the most part. Again with the gameplay, I could tell that the characters and the choices made towards them were maintained pretty well. And in terms of the story, most of the major points were given conclusions that were satisfying(sortof) and the final choice(?) felt like a good place to end noir-wise. And bringing this book to a close, this was a good end to a great game!