Telltale Games may have shuttered in 2018, but their influence on interactive storytelling endures. While many studios have tried to replicate their episodic, choice-driven formula, few have matched the emotional depth and narrative punch of Telltale's best work. Here are the studio's greatest games, ranked.
10. Guardians of the Galaxy: A Telltale Series (2017)
Often overshadowed by the later Square Enix action-adventure, Telltale's take on Marvel's cosmic misfits offers a tighter, weirder story. It kicks off with the team actually killing Thanos—with a gun—freeing the narrative to explore unexpected territory. The focus on character dynamics over repetitive combat makes it a refreshing alternative for those tired of endless arena battles.
9. Sam & Max Save the World (2006)
This episodic adventure harkens back to classic point-and-click puzzles. Playing as the dog-and-rabbit detective duo, you solve bizarre mysteries across standalone episodes, each with its own conclusion and running gags. It's a witty, clever revival of a genre that had been dormant, and it still holds up today, even with some dated jokes.
8. Tales from the Borderlands (2014)
You don't need to be a Borderlands fan to enjoy this spin-off—in fact, going in blind might be better. It's a hilarious, self-aware heist story filled with memorable moments, like a fake shootout and a conversation that never actually happened. The writing is sharp, and the characters are endearing, making it one of Telltale's most purely entertaining games.
7. Game of Thrones (2014)
For fans of the HBO series, this is a chance to step into Westeros and interact with familiar faces like Tyrion and Cersei, voiced by the original actors. You play as House Forrester, a family scattered across the realm, and your choices have real consequences in a world where everyone is out for power. It's essentially interactive fan fiction, but done with enough polish to satisfy.
6. Tales of Monkey Island (2009)
This sequel to the classic adventure series starts slow, but it's a rare game that improves with each episode. The humor and puzzle design get sharper as you go, eventually capturing the spirit of the originals. It's a must-play for fans of the genre, even if the opening chapters feel a bit rough.
5. Batman: The Enemy Within (2017)
This sequel to Telltale's Batman series digs deeper into Bruce Wayne's dual identity, exploring his relationships with characters like John Doe, a pre-Joker villain. The choices you make genuinely affect the story, leading to multiple endings. It's a compelling take on the Dark Knight that focuses on the man behind the mask.
4. The Wolf Among Us (2013)
Based on the Fables comic series, this noir mystery follows Bigby Wolf, the sheriff of Fabletown, as he investigates a murder. The art style is gorgeous, the characters are memorable, and the story is gripping. It's a game that proves Telltale could excel at more than just zombies and superheroes.
3. The Walking Dead: Season Two (2013)
Continuing Clementine's journey, this sequel raises the stakes and delivers even more heartbreak. Your choices as Clementine shape her relationships and survival, and the game doesn't shy away from tough decisions. It's a worthy follow-up to the original, even if it doesn't quite reach the same heights.
2. The Wolf Among Us: Episode 1 – Faith
While the full season is great, the opening episode stands as a masterclass in storytelling. It sets up the mystery, introduces the characters, and ends with a shocking twist that leaves you desperate for more. It's a perfect example of Telltale's ability to hook players from the start.
1. The Walking Dead: Season One (2012)
The game that defined Telltale's legacy. Lee and Clementine's story is a gut-wrenching tale of survival, love, and sacrifice. The choices you make are agonizing, and the ending is one of the most emotional moments in gaming history. It's not just the best Telltale game—it's one of the best narrative games ever made.
For more on the studio's impact, check out our ranking of historical adventure games or see how Telltale's style influenced nerve-shredding movies.
