I think it’s because Javier is already his own, established character. He isn’t a blank slate like most other Telltale or choice game protagonists. While most choice games have the complaint of “your choices don’t really matter” , Javier felt like a guy that you occasionally made minor decisions for. Depending on your choices, he’s still the same guy with maybe an extra quirk or two. Which I didn’t personally mind too much. I liked Javier and New Frontier, but I think that might be one of the reasons why people dislike this season. Even subconsciously. Look at a game like dispatch. The main complaint is that people felt as if they’re choices didn’t matter in the long run. Most if not nobody complains about Robert’s character because you choose how your Robert is.
Going to TWD S1, 2, and 4 Clementine and Lee’s character and relationships are completely up to you. Granted. Most characters’s fates are sealed regardless of choices, but they are much more of blank slates. In S4 you can encourage AJ to be a killer or someone with compassion. In S1 Lee can be best friends with Kenny and always try to save everyone, or he can be someone who only cares about himself and Clementine and gets aggressive with everyone else. In S3, Javier has Gabe. Whom the game sort of implies you’re supposed to be a mentor to. Aside from the possible endings, Gabe doesn’t really have character development throughout the game. Javier’s choices affect people’s fate directly, but rarely people’s perception of you as a character.
Even going to the original 2 life is strange games, they’re also a great example of “blank slate” main characters. Both Max and Sean are completely dependent on how you choose to act throughout the game.
Overall. If I could make a change to New Frontier, I’d make Javier’s personality more flexible. Season 2 is already a bit of a mess but maybe even having Javier in season 2 with a role that actually encourages more people to care about him and his family. Also giving Gabe more character development, and for the love of god. Another love interest besides your Brother’s wife. While I do think a lot people didn’t wanna give the game a chance because Clem wasn’t the main character, I think a lot of criticisms of the game are valid. This season is definitely looked on a tad more favorably than it was a few years ago, which is nice
Bonus points if you can guess who’s on the jokers.
What kind of telltale titles do you want to see adapted into a game?.
Mine? I wanna See a Jay & Silent Bob View Askew Interactive story, it would be interesting.
What about everyone else? Now that dispatch is out?
What would you want to see for the future/Hopes of Telltale