Life is Strange

Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Android, Xbox One
Developer: Don’t Nod
Initial Release Date: January 29, 2015
Genres: Graphic Adventure, Interactive Film
Awards: The Game Award - Games for Impact Award
Nominations: BAFTA Games Award for Best Game
Composer: Jonathan Morali
Mode: Single Player

About the Game:

Life is Strange is an episodic graphic adventure game developed by Don’t Nod Entertainment and published by Square Enix. The first installment in the Life is Strange series, the game was released in five episodes throughout 2015 and has since been ported to multiple platforms, including iOS and Android. The game follows Max Caulfield, an 18-year-old photography student who discovers she has the ability to rewind time. This power allows players to reshape the narrative, creating a deeply personal and impactful experience.

Story:

The game is set in the fictional town of Arcadia Bay, where Max Caulfield returns to attend Blackwell Academy. After witnessing the tragic death of her childhood friend, Chloe Price, Max discovers she has the ability to rewind time. Using this power, she saves Chloe, but this act sets off a chain of events that unravels the fabric of reality.

As Max, players navigate the complexities of friendship, love, and morality while uncovering dark secrets about Arcadia Bay. The story is rich with emotional depth, exploring themes of loss, identity, and the consequences of our choices. The relationship between Max and Chloe is at the heart of the narrative, offering a poignant and relatable portrayal of friendship.

Gameplay:

Life is Strange is a third-person graphic adventure game that combines exploration, puzzle-solving, and decision-making. The player controls Max, using her time-rewinding ability to alter events and solve puzzles. Key gameplay features include:

Time Rewind:

Rewind time to change decisions, solve puzzles, or explore different dialogue options.

Exploration:

Investigate various locations in Arcadia Bay, interact with objects, and uncover hidden secrets.

Branching Choices:

Make decisions that have short-term and long-term consequences, shaping the story and its multiple endings.

Puzzle Solving:

Complete fetch quests and manipulate the environment to progress through the story.

Key Features:

A Beautifully Written Story: The game’s narrative is emotionally gripping, with well-developed characters and thought-provoking themes.

Rewind Time: Use Max’s ability to rewind time and explore the butterfly effect, where small changes can lead to significant consequences.

Multiple Endings: Your choices throughout the game determine the outcome, offering replayability and a personalized experience.

Stunning Visuals: The game features hand-painted visuals that create a unique and atmospheric art style.

Indie Soundtrack: A distinctive, licensed indie soundtrack enhances the game’s emotional tone and immersion.

My Final Thoughts:

Life is Strange is a masterpiece of storytelling and emotional depth. The game’s narrative is beautifully written, with characters that feel real and relatable. Max and Chloe’s friendship is the heart of the story, and their journey is both heartwarming and heartbreaking. The game’s exploration of themes like loss, identity, and the consequences of our choices is handled with sensitivity and nuance.

The time-rewinding mechanic is a brilliant addition to the gameplay, allowing players to experiment with different choices and see how they impact the story. The branching narrative and multiple endings add significant replay value, encouraging players to revisit the game and explore alternative paths.

The visuals and soundtrack are equally impressive, creating a unique and immersive atmosphere. The hand-painted art style gives the game a distinct look, while the indie soundtrack perfectly complements the emotional tone of the story.

In short, Life is Strange is a must-play for fans of narrative-driven games. Its compelling story, memorable characters, and innovative gameplay make it a standout title in the adventure genre.