The Walking Dead: Episode 5 – “No Time Left” (PS3) Review

The Walking Dead: Episode 5 – No Time Left, is the conclusion to Telltale’s adventure series based on the graphic novels by Robert Kirkman.

No Time Left clocks in at a significantly shorter runtime than the previous episodes. I completed it in just over 90 minutes. The previous episodes took me longer, somewhere between 2.5 and 3 hours, to complete. Episode 5 is also not as challenging as the previous four, with less of a focus on puzzle solving. The are still moments of high-tension, and you’ll still need to be fast in responding to some of the quick-time events, but the ride is a little more… relaxing? It’s as if the developers said, “You’ve made it this far. Take it easy and watch the conclusion unfold.” Some of the events simply involved pushing in one direction, but the way the scene is presented is much more dramatic, and climactic. If you’ve played through Metal Gear Solid 4, there is a scene towards the end that was nothing but pushing forward, but the production and presentation made it feel so much more involved, much more important, and much more cinematic.

The series’ loose ends are tied up in a nice zombie-apocalyptic bow in “No Time Left,” and some of the choices you’ve made during the first four episodes will be brought up and addressed. You’ll find out what happened to Clementine, and you’ll also meet the mysterious voice behind the walkie-talkie, and quite frankly get ready to… well, I can’t say anything without spoiling the game, so I’ll just stay quiet. Fans of the series know to expect the unexpected, and I’ll leave it at that.

I personally loved the conclusion, and I’m excited to see what is in store for next season’s The Walking Dead.

That being said, if you haven’t played any of the games, I suggest you do so immediately. I enjoyed them so much, that I think there is no question in my mind that The Walking Dead will be my Game of the Year. I haven’t played anything else this year that compares. It was well-written, excellently-paced, and the serialized format made the anticipation from episode to episode almost.

Bravo to you Telltale, what an awesome game, and Episode 5 was an excellent send off for the series!

Below are the links to our previous reviews:

• The Walking Dead: Episode 4 – “Around Every Corner”
• The Walking Dead: Episode 3 – “Long Road Ahead”
• The Walking Dead: Episode 2 – “Starved for Help”
• The Walking Dead: Episode 1 – “A New Day”

Final Thoughts:

I’ll keep it simple. Episode 5 is the conclusion to the 5-part series, and if you’re not playing this game you’re really missing out. Go out now, buy the season pass for the 360, PS3, or PC (it’s also available on iOS, too). I think it’s well worth the time and money, and if this series doesn’t top a lot of Game of the Year lists, I will be disappointed in the gaming media.

Buy this game!