While a definitive Game of Thrones CRPG remains elusive, the 2012 title developed by Cyanide offers a compelling, albeit janky, experience that captures the spirit of George R.R. Martin's dense world. Released two years before Telltale's own Game of Thrones game, Cyanide's effort often gets overlooked, but it stands out for its commitment to weaving a narrative through Westeros, largely unburdened by the constraints of being a direct television tie-in.
Despite featuring the likenesses and voices of HBO actors like Lena Headey as Cersei Lannister and James Cosmo as Commander Mormont, the game's strength lies in its deep dive into the novels. This is most evident in its structural design, which splits the player's experience between two distinct character classes: a priest of R'hllor and a member of the Night's Watch. This dual perspective allows the narrative to explore events from different angles, with the protagonists' initially separate plights gradually intersecting in ways that reveal complex motivations and allegiances, particularly concerning the Lannisters' influence.
The game's story begins a few months before the events of the HBO series, placing players at the cusp of the war in Westeros. Players witness the political machinations of Cersei Lannister and experience the precarious state of Robert Baratheon's reign. The narrative embraces the agency of minor characters, a hallmark of Martin's writing, allowing players to feel like a part of a larger, intricate scheme. Cyanide's storytelling is notably tight for a studio not primarily known for narrative at the time, with direct dialogue and compelling intrigue.
However, the game is not without its flaws. The low budget is apparent in the generic environments, some questionable voice acting from a small cast attempting multiple accents, and visual fidelity typical of the Xbox 360 era. These elements can occasionally detract from the immersion, leading to moments where the game feels like a less polished RPG.
Yet, the combat system, often a point of criticism, offers a unique, albeit challenging, experience. For those accustomed to real-time-with-pause mechanics, Cyanide's approach, which emphasizes tense scenarios with temporary companions and the ability to control characters like a dog for stealth and tracking, can be engaging. The shapeshifting mechanic, allowing players to adopt animal forms, adds a distinct layer to gameplay, particularly when used for reconnaissance or eliminating guards.
Cyanide's Game of Thrones is a product of its time, a collection of