brian (JeepMangler)

A first episode that is elaborating on an existing character has 2 goals: 1) Tell us how we got here. 2) Show us the general direction we are going. This episode does both of these things in terms of plot and characters without dumping heaps of info on us too early. Good uses of "show, don't tell". We see how and why fett has evolved since rotj and it explains how he is still evolving. You can only fit so much into a first episode so basic understanding is laid out while leaving room for expansion. He isn't physically what he once was. He is trying to move beyond his past but aspects of his former self are utilized when beneficial. A bit more brutality from him would be fitting, and I'm sure it is on the way. A good start. Plenty of promise. If they released more than 1 episode a week I would have kept watching.

A great game on its own continuity, a bit of a betrayal of the characters and story that were established in part 1. I adore part 1 less after playing part 2. Once I tricked myself into thinking that these were different characters (though named the same and identical to their part 1 counterparts) I mostly enjoyed the story. I think the desire to break away from conventions and to be shocking hurt the overall product. Unexpected twists don't necessarily equal good storytelling. Clear motives, a defined path towards them and a satisfying resolution does. It has all of the technical marvel, superb pacing, rewarding gameplay, stunning visuals and industry leading voice acting that naughty dog is known for but I feel it failed to deliver the satisfaction of story and thoughtful characterizations that a fan of this series expects. I am glad I played it but I'm not sure why naughty dog felt that this was the best story to tell and the best way to tell it.