Life Is Strange Before The Storm

Platforms: Nintendo Switch, GeForce Now, PlayStation 4
Initial Release Date: August 31, 2017
Developers: Deck Nine, Square Enix, Feral Interactive
Genres: Adventure, Action-Adventure
Nominations: The Game Award - Games for Impact Award, BAFTA Games Award for Game Beyond Entertainment
Composer: Daughter
Designer: William Beacham

About the Game:

Life is Strange: Before the Storm is a three-part, standalone prequel to the critically acclaimed Life is Strange series. Set three years before the events of the first game, this emotional adventure focuses on Chloe Price, a rebellious teenager, and her unlikely friendship with Rachel Amber, a popular and seemingly perfect girl. When Rachel discovers a devastating secret about her family, Chloe becomes her anchor, and together, they navigate the challenges of their turbulent lives.

Story:

The game delves into Chloe’s life after the death of her father and the departure of her best friend, Max Caulfield. Feeling abandoned and misunderstood, Chloe struggles with her identity and place in the world. Her life takes a dramatic turn when she meets Rachel Amber, a charismatic and enigmatic girl who becomes her closest confidante.

As Chloe, players explore the complexities of friendship, loyalty, and self-discovery. The story is deeply emotional, capturing the raw vulnerability of adolescence and the power of human connection. The bond between Chloe and Rachel is the heart of the narrative, offering a poignant and relatable portrayal of two girls finding solace in each other during difficult times.

Gameplay:

Before the Storm retains the choice-driven gameplay of the original series but introduces new mechanics tailored to Chloe’s personality:

Choice and Consequence: Make decisions that shape the story and lead to multiple endings.

Backtalk:

A unique dialogue mechanic where Chloe uses her sharp wit to provoke or persuade others. This risk/reward system adds depth to conversations and reflects Chloe’s rebellious nature.

Exploration:

Interact with the environment, solve puzzles, and uncover hidden secrets.

Customization:

Choose Chloe’s outfits and see how people react to her style.

Creative Expression:

Leave your mark on the world by tagging walls with graffiti and drawings.

Key Features:

Emotional Narrative:

A beautifully written story that explores themes of friendship, loss, and self-discovery.

Multiple Endings:

Your choices impact the story, offering replayability and a personalized experience.

Indie Soundtrack:

A distinctive, licensed indie soundtrack and an original score by the band Daughter enhance the game’s emotional tone.

Deluxe Edition Content:

Includes the bonus episode Farewell, where players control a young Max Caulfield, and Mixtape Mode, which allows you to create custom playlists from the game’s soundtrack.

My Final Thoughts:

Life is Strange: Before the Storm is a heartfelt and emotionally resonant prequel that deepens the lore of the Life is Strange universe. While Chloe doesn’t possess supernatural powers like Max, her story is just as compelling, if not more so. The game captures the raw emotions of adolescence, portraying Chloe’s struggles with identity, loss, and loneliness in a way that feels authentic and relatable.

The relationship between Chloe and Rachel is the highlight of the game. Their bond is beautifully written, showcasing how two people can find strength in each other during their darkest moments. Rachel’s ability to see Chloe for who she truly is, despite Chloe’s self-doubt, is both touching and heartbreaking.

The gameplay mechanics, particularly the Backtalk feature, add a unique twist to the series’ signature choice-driven formula. The ability to customize Chloe’s appearance and leave graffiti around the world adds a personal touch, making the experience feel more immersive.

The Deluxe Edition’s bonus content, including the Farewell episode, provides a bittersweet conclusion to Chloe and Max’s childhood friendship, adding emotional depth to the overall narrative.

In short, Before the Storm is a must-play for fans of the series and newcomers alike. Its emotional storytelling, memorable characters, and innovative gameplay make it a standout title in the adventure genre.