Ray Willmott reviews The Wolf Among Us Episode 4: In Sheep’s Clothing…
Please be advised. There are spoilers for previous episodes in this review.
Inspired by comic-book series, Fables, Telltale Games have expertly recreated this universe in game form with an incredible attention to detail and compelling characterisation. We have been taken on an epic journey with Bigby Wolf, Snow and Crane, yet somehow, despite all the brilliance that has come before it, In Sheep’s Clothing turns out to be the best episode yet.
A Crooked Mile set our hairy protagonist on the trail of Ichabod Crane after Bigby learns Snow’s boss has an unhealthy obsession with her, but as the investigation deepens, so the wolf learns there is more to Crane’s deception than meets the eye. But before he can piece it all together, Bigby is brutally assaulted and left for dead by Bloody Mary, allowing Crane to escape into the back of The Crooked Man’s limousine. Fade to black.
In Sheep’s Clothing immediately follows on from this, with Bigby being stitched up and sutured by a cautious physician. The player will even need to help Bigby – figuratively and literally – put himself back together. Despite the beating, the Sheriff lives to fight another day, but Snow remains concerned for his health and wellbeing, despite knowing that he is the only one who can put a stop to The Crooked Man and his schemes. But this conflict with The Crooked Man is also setting Fabletown in on itself. With Crane gone and unseated from power, Snow is now responsible for Fabletown’s upkeep, but the once fair rose with innocence flowing through her veins has become hardened from the troubling events of late and all too soon, unpopular decisions have become hers to make.
Throughout The Wolf Among Us, it has been down to the player whether they want to be Bigby Wolf or The Big Bad Wolf. How do you go about your business? Do you smash up an establishment to get answers or try a more diplomatic approach? Do you kill and steal, or do you protect and show mercy? You are the Sheriff of this town and have been dishing out the law in a way you see fit, but you also share that town with others who have equal measures of power. And they will dish out the law in a way they see fit, sometimes influenced by your own unique brand of justice.
The voice-acting is, once again, superb. Adam Harrington, renowned video game voice actor, shines as the tormented Sheriff, while Erin Yvette delivers a convincing, conflicted performance as Snow. The supporting cast, equally, are wonderful. The score is masterfully woven and there are even some great, action-packed moments, including a sequence with the Jersey Devil that will not soon be forgotten, and is sure to have Fables fans bouncing off all four walls.
In Sheep’s Clothing is a magnificent achievement from a development studio completely in form. The Wolf Among Us has picked up from its semi-slow start and now gone on to surpass The Walking Dead Season 2 as my Telltale series of choice in 2014. The characters play well against each other, the script is in tune and you will be glued to the screen from beginning to end. And if you thought the Episode 3 cliffhanger was a bombshell, wait until you see how this one finishes up. Some of the best story-telling we’ve seen from any game this year.
Ray Willmott – Follow me on Twitter.
