Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy - Episode 1: Tangled Up in Blue cover image

CRITIK

Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy - Episode 1: Tangled Up in Blue

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy - Episode 1: Tangled Up in Blue
Item: Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy - Episode 1: Tangled Up in Blue
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2017

GenresAdventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, Interactive Movie, Point & Click, Single Player

AvailableApr 18, 2017

PlatformXbox One, PC, PlayStation 4

DeveloperTelltale Games

Overview

Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy: The Telltale Series delivers a brand new story of the universe’s unlikeliest heroes, the rag-tag band of outlaws who go by the names Star-Lord, Gamora, Drax, Rocket, and Groot. In the wake of an epic battle, the Guardians discover an artifact of unspeakable power. From Earth to the Milano to Knowhere and beyond, and set to the beat of awesome music, this five-part episodic series puts you in the rocket-powered boots of Star-Lord in an original Guardians adventure, told in the unique and award-winning Telltale style, where your decisions and actions will drive the path of the story you experience.

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Game analysis

Critik Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

54%

Mixed (50-79)

46%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The story of Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy - Episode 1: Tangled Up in Blue received praise for its engaging character interactions and emotional moments. Critics like IGN and IGN Spain appreciated how the narrative pulled elements from the comic books and films, adding authenticity and depth to the character-driven scenes. GameCrate also commended the writing for offering opportunities for players to explore the unique interpretations of the Guardians characters while still staying true to the essence of the franchise. Additionally, The Overpowered Noobs highlighted the well-crafted storytelling with fast-paced action and dynamic relationships among the characters. On the flip side, some critics expressed concerns about the pacing and depth of the story. ICXM and Game Debate noted that certain sections felt like filler, lacking substantial character development or meaningful plot progression. Push Square and PlayStation Universe felt that the narrative lacked heft and failed to distinguish the characters from their movie counterparts, potentially impacting the overall impact of the story. Furthermore, GamingTrend and The Digital Fix mentioned that the story lost momentum and excitement as the episode progressed, with GamingTrend specifically noting the absence of the expected one-liners and humor typically associated with the Guardians franchise. Overall, the opinions on the story of Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy - Episode 1: Tangled Up in Blue are mixed but generally leaning towards the positive side. Critics like Game Informer and TrueAchievements appreciated the high stakes established early on and the anticipation it created for future episodes. While there were criticisms about pacing and depth from various reviewers, the consensus seems to be that the game successfully introduces the characters and sets the stage for an intriguing narrative. The blend of elements from the comics and films, along with the emotional character moments, resonated well with many critics, showcasing the potential for a compelling storytelling experience in subsequent episodes.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy - Episode 1 impressed critics with engaging character interactions and authentic comic book ties, but faced criticism for pacing issues and lack of distinctiveness from the movies. Despite mixed opinions, the episode sets up high stakes and intriguing narratives for future installments, blending elements from comics and films for a promising storytelling experience.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

15%

Mixed (50-79)

77%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy - Episode 1: Tangled Up in Blue has received mixed reviews from critics. Some positives highlighted by reviewers include the well-choreographed and exciting quick-time events, engaging combat mechanics, and the introduction of new elements like vertical exploration, team member conversations, and unique abilities for character infiltration. Critics like Attack of the Fanboy and GameCrate appreciated the action-heavy gameplay and the use of new mechanics like calling allies and using jet boots, which added depth and excitement to the gameplay experience. On the negative side, several critics pointed out issues such as repetitive gameplay mechanics, lack of impactful choices, and underutilization of new features. Game Informer and ICXM mentioned that certain gameplay sequences felt stilted and lacked the explosive effects needed to create a truly cinematic experience. RPG Fan and The Overpowered Noobs criticized the lack of depth in puzzles and interactions, with some finding the interactive exploration sections boring and controls clunky. Additionally, some reviewers like God is a Geek expressed disappointment in the lack of fresh gameplay elements and weighty choices, highlighting a sense of repetitiveness in the overall gameplay experience. Overall, the consensus among critics leans towards a mixed reception of the gameplay in Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy - Episode 1: Tangled Up in Blue. While some appreciated the engaging combat mechanics and new gameplay features, others found the gameplay to be lacking in innovation and depth. The inclusion of quick-time events, dialogue choices, and action sequences in line with the Telltale formula was a point of contention, with some critics feeling that the gameplay did not offer significant evolution from previous titles. Despite the varying opinions on specific gameplay elements, most critics agreed that the game delivers a familiar experience for fans of Telltale-style interactive storytelling, with some minor improvements and missed opportunities for innovation.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics have mixed feelings about Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy - Episode 1: Tangled Up in Blue gameplay. Positives include exciting quick-time events and combat mechanics, but negatives focus on repetitiveness and lack of impactful choices. Some found the new features engaging, while others criticized the lack of innovation and depth. Overall, opinions vary on whether the game offers enough evolution from previous titles in the Telltale formula.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

23%

Mixed (50-79)

74%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The Graphics and Visual Design of Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy - Episode 1: Tangled Up in Blue received a mix of positive and negative feedback from critics. Some reviewers praised the game for its character models, facial expressions, and vibrant colors. Critics such as DarkStation and GameSpew appreciated the spectacular locations like Knowhere and the well-done character designs that resembled the Disney Infinity toys lineup. RPG Fan also commended the game for successfully emulating the dynamic color palette of the movies and creating a gritty backdrop that adds depth to the visuals. Additionally, COGconnected and PlayStation LifeStyle highlighted the stylish graphics that bring the characters to life and the high-quality character models and environments. On the other hand, several critics pointed out various shortcomings in the Graphics and Visual Design of the game. Issues such as outdated engine limitations, awkward character movements, lack of detail, and inconsistent art style were highlighted by reviewers like IGN Spain, TrueAchievements, and GamingTrend. App Trigger and Games.cz criticized the lack of vibrancy and detail in the visuals, with the latter mentioning a shift away from a comic book style. Some critics, like God is a Geek and Gaming Age, expressed disappointment with specific character designs, animations, and facial expressions, noting areas for improvement in the graphics department. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy - Episode 1: Tangled Up in Blue leans towards a mixed reception. While some reviewers appreciated the characterful comic book-style visuals, vibrant colors, and well-done character models, others raised concerns about outdated engine issues, lack of detail, and inconsistent art style. Despite the varying opinions, it seems that the game's visuals have both strengths and weaknesses, ultimately leaving room for improvement in certain aspects to enhance the overall visual experience for players.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics had mixed feelings about the graphics in Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy - Episode 1: Tangled Up in Blue. Some praised the character models and vibrant colors, while others criticized outdated engine limitations and lack of detail. Overall, opinions varied on the visuals, with room for improvement noted in certain areas.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

71%

Mixed (50-79)

26%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

In analyzing the opinions of the critics regarding the Sound Design and Music of Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy - Episode 1: Tangled Up in Blue, it is evident that there is a strong consensus among reviewers on the positive aspects of the game's audio elements. Critics such as IGN and GameSpew praise the exceptional voice acting, with specific mention of Nolan North's portrayal of Rocket Raccoon being a standout performance. The use of licensed music, particularly classic rock tracks, is widely commended for enhancing the overall experience and capturing the essence of the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise. Reviewers like DarkStation and GameCrate highlight the expertly-picked soundtrack that complements the game's lighthearted tone, while GameSpot and God is a Geek appreciate the incorporation of iconic songs by artists like Electric Light Orchestra and Hall & Oates. On the other hand, some critics express reservations about certain aspects of the sound design and music in the game. GamingTrend criticizes the glitchy sound design, noting awkward pauses and moments of radio silence that disrupt the comedic timing and character charm. Post Arcade mentions a soft and generic score that fails to match the humor of the game, lacking memorable songs akin to those found in the movie. Gaming Age points out that while the soundtrack uses licensed music like the film, it falls short in comparison, feeling like lesser-known tracks or B-sides, potentially due to budget constraints. Overall, the majority of critics agree that Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy - Episode 1: Tangled Up in Blue excels in its sound design and music, with the voice acting and soundtrack receiving widespread acclaim. The game effectively captures the spirit of the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise through its use of licensed music and strong vocal performances, as noted by reviewers like PlayStation Universe and Trusted Reviews. While there are some criticisms regarding specific elements such as sound glitches and the comparative quality of the soundtrack to the movie, the overall sentiment leans towards a positive reception of the audio aspects in the game, resonating well with fans of the franchise and delivering an immersive experience that stays true to the Guardians' style and charm.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics applaud Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy - Episode 1's sound design and music, praising the exceptional voice acting and use of classic rock tracks. Some reviewers criticize glitches and a generic score, but overall, the game captures the essence of the franchise with its immersive audio experience.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

61%

Mixed (50-79)

36%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy - Episode 1: Tangled Up in Blue has received a lot of praise from critics. Many reviewers highlighted the strong performances of the voice actors, with Nolan North's portrayal of Rocket Raccoon being a standout. IGN, GameSpew, and God is a Geek all specifically mentioned Nolan North's performance as commendable, with GameSpew noting that the voice acting talent brought the characters to life with conviction and great timing. The voices were said to add charisma and depth to the characters, enhancing the overall experience, as noted by IGN Spain and Vandal. On the flip side, some critics did point out shortcomings in the voice acting department. Post Arcade criticized the actor playing Star-Lord for delivering lines too flatly, while TheXboxHub mentioned that Star-Lord lacked charisma and sounded like an average bloke. PC Gamer noted that the dialogue lacked punch and the acting was not charming, with long pauses and simple character animations making the delivery methodical and restrained. DualShockers highlighted that the writing and comic delivery of the dialogue often fell flat, lacking the distinct and full personalities of the Guardians characters. Overall, the consensus among critics is that the voice acting in Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy - Episode 1: Tangled Up in Blue is a mixed bag. While there were standout performances like Nolan North's Rocket, some characters, particularly Star-Lord, received criticism for lacking charisma or falling short in delivering lines effectively. Despite some shortcomings, the majority of critics appreciated the efforts of the voice cast in bringing the characters to life and adding depth to the overall experience. The voice acting was generally seen as a positive aspect of the game, contributing to the immersive and engaging nature of the story, as acknowledged by multiple reviewers such as Game Informer and PlayStation Universe.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics praise Nolan North's stellar performance as Rocket Raccoon in Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy, but find shortcomings in other characters like Star-Lord for lackluster delivery. Despite mixed reviews, the voice acting adds depth and charisma to the game, enhancing the overall experience for players.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

33%

Mixed (50-79)

57%

Negative (0-49)

10%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of technical performance on Xbox One, the opinions are mixed. IGN Spain and TrueAchievements both reported issues such as lack of detail, loading problems, and freezes, indicating subpar performance. However, on PC, critics like Attack of the Fanboy, DualShockers, and Twinfinite praised the game for running smoothly with a solid framerate and minimal frame rate drops. Multiplayer.it also noted stable performance without bugs or crashes on new platforms. Moving to PS4, while some critics like GameSpew and PlayStation Universe highlighted solid performance with hardly any stutters, others like BaziCenter and God is a Geek mentioned frame rate drops, freezes, and inconsistent visual quality. On the negative side, several critics pointed out technical issues across all platforms. Games.cz and GamingTrend reported missing textures, invisible objects, glitches, and stilted speech on PC. On PS4, Vandal mentioned untranslated dialogue lines and stability problems with frame rate drops. Additionally, some critics encountered specific issues like a bug with no sound (GameSpot), frame rate issues and freezes (God is a Geek), and pauses between scenes (Polygon) on PS4. These technical issues, ranging from minor glitches to more significant performance problems, detracted from the overall experience for many reviewers. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the technical performance of Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy - Episode 1: Tangled Up in Blue is varied. While some platforms like PC received praise for stable performance and smooth gameplay transitions, others like Xbox One and PS4 faced challenges such as frame rate drops, freezes, and visual inconsistencies. Despite improvements compared to previous Telltale games noted by some reviewers, the game still falls short in delivering a flawless technical experience across all platforms. Critics like TheSixthAxis highlighted the game's occasional stutters but acknowledged it as the most consistent outing from Telltale so far. The technical performance issues seem to have impacted the immersion and enjoyment of the game for many critics, emphasizing the importance of addressing these issues in future episodes or releases.

TL;DR

technical performance

Critics have mixed opinions on the technical performance of Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy - Episode 1: Tangled Up in Blue. While some praised smooth gameplay on PC, Xbox One and PS4 faced issues like frame rate drops and freezes. Despite improvements, technical glitches detracted from the overall experience for many reviewers. Addressing these issues is crucial for future episodes.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

20%

Mixed (50-79)

60%

Negative (0-49)

20%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

In terms of positives, several critics highlighted the branching story paths and impactful player choices in Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy - Episode 1: Tangled Up in Blue. GameCrate noted that the choices significantly impact the gameplay experience, making replaying the game worthwhile. BaziCenter also mentioned high replay value due to player decisions impacting character fates, indicating that the game offers meaningful choices that can lead to different outcomes. Additionally, DarkStation pointed out the mystery left to solve and the villain hot on the Guardians' tails, which sparked interest in future episodes and hinted at potential replay value. On the negative side, some critics expressed concerns about the limited replay value of the first episode. Game Informer and IGN Spain both noted that the choices made in the game did not seem to have a significant impact on the outcome of the story, making multiple playthroughs largely undifferentiated. PC Gamer also mentioned that the choices in the game did not inspire much passion or curiosity, with only one significant choice in the first episode that would have ramifications down the line. This lack of significant impact from player choices could potentially hinder the replayability of the game for some players. Overall, the consensus among the critics seems to be mixed regarding the replay value of Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy - Episode 1: Tangled Up in Blue. While some critics like BaziCenter and DarkStation highlighted the meaningful player choices and potential for future episodes to enhance replay value, others such as Game Informer and IGN Spain raised concerns about the limited impact of choices in the first episode. It appears that the game offers solid entertainment, especially for fans of the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise, as noted by Games.cz, but there are varying opinions on whether the replay value is strong enough to warrant multiple playthroughs. Waiting for the release of future episodes, as suggested by Games.cz, may be a prudent approach for players looking to fully enjoy the story and maximize replayability.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics praise Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy - Episode 1 for its impactful player choices and branching story paths, leading to high replay value. However, concerns arise about limited impact of choices on the story outcome, making multiple playthroughs less varied. Mixed opinions suggest potential for future episodes to enhance replayability, making it a solid choice for franchise fans but with varying views on replay value.

Overall Verdict

CRITIK

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Critik Score

Positive (80-100)

34%

Mixed (50-79)

64%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The critics generally praised Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy - Episode 1: Tangled Up in Blue for its engaging story, strong voice acting, and charismatic characters. IGN Spain commended the intriguing narrative and charismatic characters, while Game Over Online appreciated the writing and the way the episode raised questions to keep players interested. The game was also lauded for capturing the essence of the Guardians universe, as noted by Games.cz, and for its solid start and promise for the future, according to DarkStation. On the other hand, some critics pointed out several drawbacks of the game. App Trigger highlighted poor visual design as a major issue, while DualShockers mentioned room for growth in the direction of the story and characters. TheXboxHub criticized the lack of personality and charisma in the character of Star-Lord and described the middle of the episode as drab and dreary. PC Gamer felt that the game did not play to the strengths of the characters and lacked excitement, topping out at a mediocre level. Overall, the consensus among the critics is mixed regarding Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy - Episode 1: Tangled Up in Blue. While some reviewers like GameSpot and Game Over Online found it to be a compelling and engaging start with promising potential for future episodes, others such as PC Gamer and DualShockers felt that the game fell short in terms of character development and excitement. The general sentiment is that the game has its strengths in storytelling and character interactions but needs improvement in areas like gameplay mechanics, visuals, and overall execution. Despite its flaws, there is optimism for the series to evolve and deliver a more satisfying experience in subsequent episodes, as expressed by Trusted Reviews and Game Informer.

TL;DR

Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy - Episode 1: Tangled Up in Blue receives mixed reviews. Critics praise the engaging story and charismatic characters but criticize poor visual design and lack of excitement. While some see potential for future episodes, others feel the game falls short in character development. Overall, the game shows promise but needs improvements in gameplay mechanics and visuals to deliver a more satisfying experience.

CRITIK

Reviews

103 reviews found

GameSpew

PlayStation 4

Apr 17, 2017