Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 43 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 26 out of 43
  2. Negative: 0 out of 43
  1. Feb 20, 2014
    95
    While Smoke and Mirrors is a little on the short side, The Wolf Among Us continues to impress with its story-driven gameplay that adapts to your previous decisions in unexpected ways.
  2. Feb 6, 2014
    90
    The content is fantastic, though the timing between episodes holds the game back.
  3. Feb 6, 2014
    90
    This episode has a fairly basic story, driven forward by great character writing and a compelling air of mystery, but it’s plain to see that there are many dramatic, earth-shattering moments yet to come.
  4. Feb 4, 2014
    90
    The writing in the second episode of Telltale's A Wolf Among Us series does more to investigate the dark corners of your soul than your shrink can in an hour. Sadly, you can play through the episode in just as much time.
  5. 86
    Second episode was better than the first. Let’s see where this story goes.
  6. Feb 18, 2014
    85
    Bigby plays both good cop and bad cop in an episode that's mostly good.
  7. Feb 7, 2014
    85
    The most important thing is that while I wasn’t in as much of a shock when I got to the cliffhanger at the end of this episode, I was left wanting more, and if episode three was installed and ready to go, there is no doubt in my mind that I would’ve happily played on.
  8. Feb 4, 2014
    85
    Smoke and Mirrors is a great second act to The Wolf Among Us. Its 90 minutes are packed with memorable characters and scenes, as well as some of the most agonizing decisions Telltale has ever forced me to make.
  9. Feb 4, 2014
    85
    Whereas The Walking Dead asks “How far will you go to survive?” The Wolf Among Us seems more preoccupied with “How far will you go to preserve your humanity?” After seeing how far Bigby was pushed in this second episode, I can’t wait to find my own limits.
  10. Feb 7, 2014
    83
    The Wolf Among Us continues to impress visually, echoing its comic book roots without sacrificing animation.
  11. Mar 4, 2014
    80
    When it comes to the writing of its protagonist and furthering the story, Smoke and Mirrors is a definite step forward, especially after a three-month drought of interactive storytelling.
  12. Feb 12, 2014
    80
    The direction is so intense that you get lost in this dark New York fairy tale with its surreal characters, excellent dialogue and morbid thriller flair. For the long wait it is rather short though.
  13. Feb 10, 2014
    80
    Smoke & Mirrors isn’t quite as good as the superb Faith and is a little shorter, which is a kick in the flying monkey nuts after how long it took to turn up, but it’s still an excellent and enjoyable adventure full of intrigue, surprise and emotion.
  14. Feb 8, 2014
    80
    Nice colors and a ton of glitter disguise a world full of dodgy characters and moral squalor. Bigby is constantly under pressure and we are immediately caught in a web of lies. This is the right turn for the series.
  15. Feb 7, 2014
    80
    While not as good as the first episode and with noticeable flaws to iron out, the second episode of The Wolf Among Us still shines with great characters and superb recreation of Fabletown.
  16. Feb 7, 2014
    80
    Maybe it is only a transition episode, but after Smoke and Mirrors you are going to love Bigby and Fabletown. It wasn't a simple task, and we will see the consequences in the near future. The writers could use this empathy in the next chapters to bond the gamers for the rest of the season.
  17. Feb 5, 2014
    80
    Short, but beautiful. The Wolf Among Us continues to impress.
  18. Feb 5, 2014
    80
    Despite a few missteps, Smoke and Mirrors is an excellent follow-up to Faith. It’s a twisted journey through Fabletown’s dirty, neon underbelly exploring the darker side of glamour magic and the exploitation of fables. It ends somewhat abruptly, with a terrible revelation, making the wait for the third episode already agonising.
  19. Feb 4, 2014
    80
    The biggest accomplishment with the new episode however is the fact that your actions have more consequences on a personal level.
  20. Feb 4, 2014
    80
    As bleak as "Smoke and Mirrors" is, it makes you want to help these characters, to give them something besides another day of nothing but despair and heartache. Things in Fabletown will almost surely get darker before they get better, but "Smoke and Mirrors" guarantees we're in this for the long haul.
  21. Feb 4, 2014
    80
    The Wolf Among Us Episode 2 generally feels quieter and more focused on Bigby’s detective side. Even when you are given violent options, they are less primal than Episode 1’s lengthy action scenes, but it also draws attention to Episode 2’s weakness.
  22. Apr 27, 2014
    79
    Not as good as the first Episode, but it works to continue the story. But the next episode should offer more possibilities and real decisions.
  23. Feb 5, 2014
    78
    This episode is meant to connect the first and the third ones, so many of the events and actions here are not as decisive as we could expect, but still, it's a part of the story we cannot miss.
  24. Smoke and Mirrors, second episode of Telltale's Wolf Among Us, takes us to the next level in the shockingly ended story of the first episode. As playing Bigby, we continue to solve the murders in Fabletown as we're getting closer to even more surprising conclusions.
  25. Feb 10, 2014
    75
    More personal than the first episode, but also with its same flaws. Smoke & Mirrors is a game with a slower pace, but still absorbing and cool.
  26. Feb 4, 2014
    75
    I was let down by how slow-moving Episode 2 is; it feels more like a bridge in the story than a complete chapter. Still, I can't deny that the world and the mature tone are captivating.
User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 317 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Negative: 27 out of 317
  1. Feb 4, 2014
    10
    Fantastically Written. Beautiful Style of Graphics and atmosphere. Memorable, gripping moments that keep you holding on to your seat. MostFantastically Written. Beautiful Style of Graphics and atmosphere. Memorable, gripping moments that keep you holding on to your seat. Most importantly, it always keep you guessing. Which is always great in a mystery, intense story. That pretty much sums up this kick-ass second episode of The Wolf Among Us. Full Review »
  2. Feb 4, 2014
    9
    Now, there's only one problem I have with this game. The episodes are too damn short, and the excitement is too damn high by the end of eachNow, there's only one problem I have with this game. The episodes are too damn short, and the excitement is too damn high by the end of each episode. Now I have to wait for months after my next hour(s) of gameplay!

    But knowing the quality Telltale makes their games, I can almost for certain say that the wait will be worth it.
    Full Review »
  3. Feb 4, 2014
    0
    9 and 10 For this episode really ?... 4 months of wait for 1 hour... Pretty much forced the good bigby in the interrogation... glitches...9 and 10 For this episode really ?... 4 months of wait for 1 hour... Pretty much forced the good bigby in the interrogation... glitches... lag... the mediocrity of "episode games" shows his true face with this episode...

    Clear as water that the quality is not telltale standard, specially with 2 games in the same "short " period, sadly I already paid for the "season pass" a mistake that wont happen again...
    Full Review »