Major Spoilers ahead…
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Ready?
I learned something from playing Telltale Games’ Game of Thrones: Episode 1 “Iron From Ice.” It’s not that Ramsay is a terrible person. Or that politics in Westeros favor the cruel and cunning. It’s not those things at all.
I learned that I wouldn’t last five minutes if the world of Game of Thrones was real life. Seriously. After playing Episode 1, I know that as a fact.
No matter what decisions you make, you die. Try to be fair and just? Dead. Walk a fine line and never ruffle any feathers? Still dead. Be bold and brash and back it up with a sword? Again, dead. Only the psychotic last a while in Game of Thones, but even their days are numbered. Isn’t that right Joffrey?
I don’t feel good about a single decision I made in the episode, and I’m sure it’ll only result in more pain, suffering and death. That’s because there are no good choices. No matter what you do, someone will be pissed off and want your head for it. Everyone is out to get you and there’s nothing you could do about it. I should know this from watching the HBO series, but there’s something about being in control of the decisions that made me think I could change the outcome.
WRONG.
If anything, these characters would be better off without my input. I should have remained silent for every action. That first tap of the left analog stick? I should have just let it be and got Gared Tuttle killed. Game over. Save myself a lot of stress. Save myself a dagger to the throat of a child.
I’m not looking forward to how my horrible decisions play out. I’m not looking forward to seeing how Ramsay and Cersei can make matters worse — not like they could get any worse…
This is what Telltale Games has taught me with Episode 1 of their Game of Thrones series. That no matter what I do, I don’t stand much of a chance at living. Live has a lot of tough choices… and they all end with death. Because of me. Because I suck. Because I wouldn't last five minutes in that type of world.
