Game of Thrones: Kingsroad presents itself as a somewhat underwhelming addition to the series of GoT gaming experiences. This disappointment stems primarily from its choice to focus on a narrative that feels restrictive. While it’s unfortunate that Game of Thrones is venturing into the mobile gaming realm instead of delivering a robust console experience, Kingsroad had the potential to shine by offering a captivating and original storyline. Regrettably, it remains tethered to the narrative of the HBO adaptation of George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series, which stifles its creative possibilities and limits the player’s immersion in a richly developed world.

If the game had chosen to explore a different era in Westeros, one that hasn’t been thoroughly examined in either Game of Thrones or House of the Dragon, it could have unlocked a wealth of narrative flexibility. This shift could have included the introduction of fresh elements to the lore that players have yet to experience. Although Kingsroad attempts to do some of this, it appears to ultimately limit the significance of these new contributions to the expansive Game of Thrones universe, leaving players wanting more depth and connection.

Discover the Untold Stories of Game Of Thrones That Deserve Their Own Game

Explore Robert’s Rebellion: The Ideal Setting for an Immersive Game of Thrones Experience

What makes the narrative timeline of Kingsroad particularly disappointing is the missed opportunity to dive into a remarkable era of Westerosi history: Robert’s Rebellion. This historical period is ideal for exploration due to its proximity to the Game of Thrones storyline, which allows for the inclusion of beloved characters such as Ned Stark and Jaime Lannister. Moreover, it provides ample opportunity to introduce unique characters who could hold significant roles in the rebellion, enriching the overall experience with stories that were not previously explored in either Game of Thrones or the source novels.

A conflict that spans the continent presents an excellent opportunity for players to traverse diverse landscapes within Westeros. Joining Ned Stark’s forces would enable players to journey from the icy North all the way to the bustling King’s Landing. Players would also engage in iconic battles, such as the legendary Battle of the Trident, which has yet to be visually represented in any gaming format. This experience would elevate the excitement compared to merely being a spectator in conflicts depicted in the HBO series, allowing for a more immersive adventure.

Understand That Your Character Will Feel Less Significant Than Legendary Characters Like Jon Snow

The trailer for Game of Thrones: Kingsroad showcased the player character engaging with iconic figures from the series, including Jon Snow and Jaime Lannister. While Game of Thrones enthusiasts will undoubtedly enjoy seeing these beloved characters return, it raises a significant concern: the protagonist may easily be overshadowed by these larger-than-life figures. Combatting White Walkers alongside Jon Snow can make players feel more like background characters in a story where they should be the hero, rather than taking center stage in their own narrative.

While there’s nothing inherently wrong with a lower-stakes narrative, it can be challenging to become invested in the quest to restore the glory of House Tyrell when the world is facing imminent destruction. This issue would have been less pronounced had the game been situated during Robert’s Rebellion. Although the stakes were considerable for those involved, the absence of a world-ending threat during this period would have allowed players to feel that their individual journeys were significant, adding to the emotional weight of the game.

Leveraging Robert’s Rebellion as the Foundation Would Enable the Introduction of Unique Characters

Uncover the Untold Stories of Major Players in Robert’s Rebellion

Although Game of Thrones featured some key characters from Robert’s Rebellion, such as Robert Baratheon, Ned Stark, and Barristan Selmy, countless other individuals from both the rebellion and the Targaryen loyalists remain unexplored in the show or the novels. By setting a game during Robert’s Rebellion, developers could introduce a plethora of unique characters that would enrich the narrative and offer players new perspectives. While it may seem counterproductive given the existing focus on popular characters in Kingsroad, this approach would address a significant concern within the game.

The inclusion of iconic characters like those from Game of Thrones places Kingsroad in a precarious position. Players may find themselves either lacking any real connection to these figures, causing their appearances to feel like mere cameos, or they could be left wondering why their character wasn’t mentioned during the show’s critical events if they were of such importance. Both scenarios are unsatisfactory. Although it makes sense to market the game with recognizable names like Jon Snow or Cersei Lannister, this ultimately diminishes the player’s experience.

Establishing the game in a distinct era and surrounding players with original characters would foster a more meaningful relationship between the player and the major characters. This would empower the player’s character to significantly influence the unfolding events without causing confusion regarding their absence in the HBO series. Additionally, it would allow Game of Thrones to branch out from the HBO narrative and delve into the myriad stories waiting to be told within Westeros.

How Tying The Game to HBO Actors Reinforces Player Frustrations

Another frustrating aspect of Kingsroad is its decision to model characters after the actors from the HBO series. While this may be a sound marketing strategy, as it eliminates the need for developers to invest time in creating unique character designs, it inadvertently ties the game to the disappointments that have plagued the Game of Thrones franchise. The more the series continues to anchor itself to the HBO show, the more it risks being forever associated with its shortcomings.

Even prior to the widely criticized finale, Game of Thrones made several decisions that diverged from the source material in A Song of Ice and Fire. These include omitting significant plot points, such as the potential survival of Aegon Targaryen and Catelyn Stark’s transformation into the vengeful Lady Stoneheart. GoT games could serve as an avenue to explore narratives more faithful to the novels, revealing aspects of the world that the show overlooked. The persistent adherence to the HBO interpretation diminishes the likelihood of delivering a fresh and engaging adaptation of Martin’s universe.

While Game of Thrones: Kingsroad may not fully meet expectations, there remains optimism for future Game of Thrones games to rectify these shortcomings. A game that doesn’t heavily rely on the HBO series, or at least one that unfolds in a unique historical context, would be a welcome change. Players can take solace in the fact that this underwhelming mobile game serves as a lesser entry, allowing hope for a more ambitious AAA title based on the series to emerge in the future.

Source: The Game Awards/YouTube