The Walking Dead: The Telltale Series - The Final Season Episode 1: Done Running

 PC
Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 28 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 28
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 28
  3. Negative: 0 out of 28
  1. Cubed3
    Jan 10, 2019
    70
    While Clementine and AJ attempt to make friends with the children of the nearby boarding school, most of the episode is dedicated to getting to know each character and finding their place in the school, which begins to drag. However, in a bid to make up for lost time, the closing moments of the episode is a cliff-hanger that leaves the entire cast of characters shocked - and makes waiting for Episode 2 a painful but exciting venture.
  2. PlayGround.ru
    Aug 27, 2018
    70
    The first episode repeats too many situations from previous seasons. As a result, it becomes too predictable.
  3. GameSpew
    Aug 15, 2018
    70
    Done Running is good. Clichéd or not, Telltale always knows how to tell a great story. The graphics have improved two-fold and the controls are better than ever, but I had really hoped to see something new in the narrative, especially seeing as it’s the last time we’ll be playing these characters. I’m looking forward to the rest of the season, but I do have my fingers crossed that the narrative gets a much-needed shake-up in the next episode.
  5. USgamer
    Aug 13, 2018
    70
    This debut episode of the final season of Telltale’s The Walking Dead is impressive, if a little formulaic.
  6. Game Informer
    Aug 13, 2018
    70
    This premiere does little to excite me for the rest of the season; the set-up feels too predictable and familiar. I’m interested in seeing where Clementine’s story ends and if my choices really shape the type of person A.J. becomes, but this is a weak start.
  7. Gameblog.fr
    Aug 13, 2018
    70
    That's what we can call a pretty good start for the last season with plenty of promises based on what a grown Clementine is now for Alvin Junior. A few things have changed and we hope what's coming next will be good enough so that we can leave one of the best video game characters without any regrets.
  8. Everyeye.it
    Aug 14, 2018
    67
    However, it must be admitted that the relationship between the two young protagonists is a driving force that should not be underestimated: the ability to educate Alvin Jr. and thus instruct the "new" generation, confronts us with the errors and difficulties of growth.
  9. IGN
    Aug 13, 2018
    65
    While some of the exposition-heavy conversations drone on longer than they should, it ends on a powerful note foreshadowing some difficult lessons Clementine has yet to learn about what it means to grow up and lead in a post-society world.
  10. Destructoid
    Aug 13, 2018
    60
    Done Running is mostly a matter of getting to know the new cast of characters we are about to spend several hours with, getting clued up on their thoughts, attitudes, talents and backstories. Most of the action is pretty poor, but things ramp up hard for a great, genuinely shocking finale. It is already apparent that The Walking Dead: The Final Season will just be more of the same, but that's hardly likely to disappoint anyone who has gotten four whole seasons into this adventure.
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  1. Adventure Gamers
    Aug 27, 2018
    Done Running is a strong opener for Clementine’s final story, successfully exploring the theme of motherhood while providing the usual dose of zombies and human drama.
  2. PCWorld
    Aug 13, 2018
    As always, it’s a bit hard to recommend an episodic release off the strengths of the first episode. I have high hopes though. The Final Season managed to surprise me multiple times already, and if anyone deserves a satisfying finale it’s Clementine. Six years of build-up desperately need some sort of catharsis, even if it’s a tearjerker.
  3. The Verge
    Aug 13, 2018
    And while I’m not sure how long the season can hold on to this feeling, the finale for The Walking Dead is off to a great start, and it’s all thanks to the kids.
  5. VG247
    Aug 13, 2018
    The first episode of The Walking Dead’s final season is an excellent start, but that’s usually the case. It’s always been the middle episodes that Telltale’s weaker seasons have struggled with.

Awards & Rankings

70
#70 Most Shared PC Game of 2018

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 99 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 75 out of 99
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 99
  3. Negative: 13 out of 99
  1. Matiosh
    Aug 17, 2018
    10
    After terrible season 3 i was afraid of next season but it's pretty good. Textures are finally sharp, new camera at the beginning is difficultAfter terrible season 3 i was afraid of next season but it's pretty good. Textures are finally sharp, new camera at the beginning is difficult but you will get used to it. I don't know how's it gonna end but the story is good, i feel like lee again. Very good game. Finally (Season 3 sucks)… Full Review »
  2. RowdyB
    Aug 25, 2018
    10
    The Walking Dead has been around since 2012, and I have loyally followed it since, always staying hyped for the next episode after each oneThe Walking Dead has been around since 2012, and I have loyally followed it since, always staying hyped for the next episode after each one released. Here we arrive at the end of Clementine's story, where she is accompanied by AJ, who she has raised since his birth, and is essentially like her adopted son. It's great to see these two characters still sticking it out to the end after the late half of Season 2, and the chemistry between them is fun.
    MECHANICS
    - This game has changed a LOT of what Telltale is known for. Everything you say or do in front of AJ will transform him, directly, and it will impact how you play this game. You can't choose to constantly be silent, because it will bite you in the rear. AJ is like an actual child in real life; easy influential with what you say and do. After realizing this, I had to remind myself to stay careful of any decision I made if he was in the picture.
    - The combat is also revamped, and it is no longer to dull and boring quick time events strictly as the other games, now you have a two-step combat system: you walk up to a walker, stun them, and then kill them, or you can kill them and risk being attacked simultaneously by another walker mid-animation. It is simple, but it's refreshing to see Telltale not focus on quick time events now. I will admit though, regardless of how unengaging it is, it's quite fun to trap a zombie after making him chase you in a circle sometimes.
    STORY/CHARACTERS
    - The entire first episode was great in pacing-- it never felt too slow, never felt like it was moving too fast.
    It spent the right amount of time shedding light on every character you needed to know about, and it was good at having you like these characters as well.
    LENGTH
    - The episode took me roughly two and a half hours with one ten minute break. It is a VERY long first episode, probably the lengthiest one Telltale has ever made for any game, and again-- it didn't feel stretched out. By the time the game has you comfortable near the end, a certain event happens that will remain unmentioned and it makes you feel very uncomfortable and nervous.
    OVERALL THOUGHTS
    - With this being the first episode, which is normally the worst in a Telltale game, I have to admit that after playing it, I am HYPED for the rest of the season. I'm wondering how much better the episodes can get after this one, and the cliffhanger was insane. I can't wait until September, and I hear there are rumors a certain someone is coming back from season one!    … Full Review »
  3. firevex12
    Aug 20, 2018
    10
    Incredible episode the story is interesting the new telltale engine is also good cant wait for the next episode
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