Review: Sons of Winter, Episode 4 in Telltale’s Game of Thrones Series

This is a review of “Sons of Winter,” the fourth episode entry in Telltale Games’ ongoing Game of Thrones series.” There will be minor spoilers.

Episode 4 picks up right were Episode 3 left off. Asher Forrester is seeking help from Daenerys Targaryen in the form of some of her sellswords, but as we learn, everything must come at a price. We also learn a lot more about Asher’s friend Beshka, who was easily my favorite new character from Episode 3. Beshka hates Meereen and its Great Masters—as you help Daenerys’ army liberate the great slave city and take on the unenviable task of reigning in your friend, you’ll learn why.

Meanwhile, in King’s Landing, you’ll navigate Tommen’s coronation feast as Mira Forrester in order to suss out the person or persons plotting against House Forrester. It’s intriguing stuff, but the political intrigue that made Mira’s sections such a highlight in Episode 3 is muted a bit in Episode 4.

At the Wall, the choices you made concerning Britt from Episode 3 will come back to haunt you, as Gared is bound and carried off to await execution for killing a sworn brother of the Night’s Watch. As Jon Snow explains, it doesn’t matter that Britt killed your father, for when you said your vows before the weirwood tree, you agreed to leave that part of your life behind. Only, as you come to find out, that is sometimes easier said than done. Gared’s story in “Sons of Winter,” doesn’t end at the Wall—he must go beyond in order to find the mysterious North Grove. With the help of Cutter, he might just stand a chance.

On a side note, as a reader of A Song of Ice and Fire, I find it compelling to see Jon Snow berate Gared for forsaking his vows as a brother of the Night’s Watch, especially considering the personal struggle Jon faced with his own vows over the course of the series.

In the North at House Forrester, Rodrick is approached by Elaena Glenmore, his betrothed, and her brother Arthur, who have some bad news about the young lovers’ plan to unite their houses. It seems that Lord Whitehill has bullied Elaena’s father into making a marriage pact between Elaena and Gryff Whitehill, who is currently occupying Ironrath.

Here’s where the game gets a much-needed injection of vengeful satisfaction. Elaena and her brother have brought along their father’s elite guard, all of whom have a very particular set of skills. They are yours to command as long as you agree to remove Gryff from the equation. As Rodrick, you make your way to the great hall of Ironrath and confront Gryff, who mistakenly thinks he can do as he likes. I won’t go any further into what decisions you personally have to make, but it suffices to say that the outcome is quite satisfying.

We also get to see the seat of House Whitehill for the first time, and in the process learn that House Forrester and House Whitehill were once united. Highpoint was once a beautiful castle, but now stands in disrepair, which sheds some light on why Lord Whitehill is so desperate to become the only provider of Ironwood. After a very uncomfortable yet informative dinner with the Whitehills, you return home to Ironrath only to find that even satisfying vengeance has its price.

All in all, Episode 4 lives up to it’s predecessors in both the scope and richness of its storytelling. With “Sons of Winter,” Telltale Games has produced a story worthy of the pages of George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire, and it did so without sacrificing fun and exciting gameplay. The only issue I have with Episode 4 is that I can’t immediately play Episode 5. If I could give “Sons of Winter” more than 10 stars, I would.

• Published on 05/26/2015 at 3:30 PM CDT
• Last updated on 10/21/2016 at 1:04 PM CDT