PixlBit

*This review contains minor spoilers*

The latest episode in the “Fables”-inspired Wolf Among Us was an interesting reminder of the strengths of this mode of storytelling. While the previous episode was hindered by slower moments and a lot of buildup, this one ramped things up a bit by continuing the mystery and introducing new characters. By throwing a slew of tough and divergent choices my way, “A Crooked Mile” helped remind me why this series can be just as effective as The Walking Dead.

Episode 3 picks up right after a shocking revelation from Episode 2. The mystery surrounding the murders of fables have reached a new plateau: Ichabod Crane, the Mayor of Fabletown, may not only be behind the murders, but might also have a sick obsession with Snow White. While initially enraged, Bigby manages to gain his composure and sets off to find out the truth behind his suspicions.

As expected, the traditional choices return that give the player the agency to either make Bigby more of a character wanting redemption, or one that is just barely containing the wolf that rests within. This particular chapter holds many interesting and polarizing choices which are likely due to the connection with Snow. Like The Walking Dead’s Clementine, Snow becomes a character that players grow to care a lot for. Often, her presence becomes the motive behind a lot of choices that I made during my play through. I found myself picking options that would help me please her, or help show me in a good light towards her, rather than being a vicious person. Of course, how your relationships with the characters develop is all up to you.

This episode also puts Bigby in the position where the player must choose between three different crime scenes to explore for evidence that can lead you to Crane. The order of exploration can drastically change characters you meet, and events that occur. As usual, there are also choices between killing and sparing people that will likely create water cooler discussions between fans about the different outcomes.

The dialogue in this episode continues to be sharp and interesting. Bigby and Snow are characters that I’ve gotten very attached to. Their building of villainous characters is just as strong, with Tweedle Dee and Dum remaining as thorns in Bigby’s side. There’s also a new villain who shows up towards the end that greatly raises the stakes for our protagonists.

Overall, I was very pleased with Episode 3. Compared to Episode 2, this one picks up the pace and doesn’t let up. By the end I was disappointed that it was over so quickly–despite it being about as long as the rest of the episodes. While it didn’t shock me in the way that Episode 3 of The Walking Dead did, this one continues a consistently good story.