Game Of Thrones

There have been several video-game adaptations of the hit TV series, but this one comes with a fresh side plot set within the main story of the Game Of Thrones.

Renowned story-spinning game studio Telltale Games has created an entire cast of new characters in House Forrester.

The Forrester family controls the Ironrath castle and forests of valuable Ironwood used to build the hardiest ships and shields.

House Forrester is a loyal vassal, or bannerman, as is called in the series, of the powerful House Stark.

The game starts with you playing Gared Tuttle, the squire of Lord Forrester, whose soldiers are celebrating the recent victories of Robb Stark and his Army Of the North.

The entire army is camped at the castle of House Frey, another vassal of the Starks, and are celebrating the wedding of Robb's uncle Edmure Tully to Roslin Frey. This historic night will eventually see the betrayal of the Freys and the annihilation of Robb Stark and most of his loyal forces.

Fans of the TV series obviously know what is coming and they see the events unfolding through the eyes of Gared. Lord Forrester is killed in the ambush that follows but not before he helps Gared to escape with his sword and a message to pass on to the remaining Forresters.

As the game progresses, you get to play various members of the surviving Forresters.

With the heir, Rodrik Forrester, thought to have also been killed in the ambush, and second son Asher in exile in the faraway island of Essos, third son Ethan Forrester must step up to the unenviable task of defending the lands of his fading House.

You also play Mira Forrester, the eldest daughter, who serves as handmaiden to the queen-to-be Margery Tyrell at the King's Landing royal court. She must get Margery to help her save her family, which is under attack from House Whitehill.

The plot unfolds brilliantly as you play the roles of the Forrester scions and you can expect plenty of twists and political intrigue.

As this is an adventure game that focuses more on the story than on the action, gameplay is limited to dodging attacks and hitting the right buttons when the prompts appear.

The first two episodes are now available, and the other four will be released in the next few months.

The title may not have much impact on gamers unfamiliar with the TV series or the original fantasy novel series, but for a diehard Game Of Thrones fan like me, this is the most enjoyable version I have played over the last few years.

ginlee@sph.com.sg

This article was first published on Feb 18, 2015.
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