The Wolf Among Us 2 is on a long road to release, and the intervening years have seen developer Telltale Games die and be resurrected, with the adventure game genre itself evolving considerably. Now, a new hands-off preview offers a glimpse into how the revived studio is approaching its next chapter.
Set six months after the original, the game continues the story of Fabletown sheriff Bigby Wolf, also known as the Big Bad Wolf. As a liaison for the NYPD, Bigby is drawn into a murder investigation alongside a human detective named Faye. The preview segment showed the pair investigating a lead that quickly turned into a trap, with a magical barrier locking them inside a hotel room. Players will face choices, such as whether to tell Faye about the magical nature of their confinement, which Telltale's signature "X will remember this" system indicates will have future consequences.
Beyond dialogue choices, the game incorporates more diegetic changes, impacting how characters receive information or offer hints. Puzzles will require players to search for clues and make deductions, with options for self-solving or accepting assistance from Faye, which can also influence their relationship. This approach aims to enrich the narrative and character interactions.
The most significant under-the-hood change is the move from Telltale's original engine to Unreal Engine 5. A custom renderer is being used to maintain the distinctive visual style of The Wolf Among Us while bringing it to life with greater vibrancy. This technical upgrade also facilitates a shift in Bigby's movement and the game's overall presentation. He navigates environments with more freedom, akin to a third-person action-adventure title, and the camera can adopt an over-the-shoulder perspective. This contrasts with the more point-and-click locomotion of the original game, allowing for greater exploration and integration of concepts previously unfeasible.
These advancements translate into quality-of-life improvements, including an inventory system and optional puzzle assistance. While the game will still be released episodically, it will be a single, complete package. The preview highlighted the game's potential to build tension akin to a procedural television show, with a gradual uncovering of truths leading to dramatic reveals, all within its noir-styled fairytale murder-mystery framework.
Regarding continuity with the first game, Telltale acknowledged the complexity of carrying over player choices but expressed a desire to find an "elegant way" to incorporate past experiences. While a definitive answer on carry-over mechanics was not provided, the team indicated it's something they are exploring. This approach suggests an effort to expand upon the original while forging a new path, aiming to surprise and delight players with its modernization and continued narrative focus.