Narrative adventures have come back in a big way over the past few years, with Telltale legitimising their existence again with a string of fantastic series. Square Enix got into the game last month, with the first episode of their own Heavy Rain styled adventure, Life is Strange. The first episode seemed to be pretty great, setting up a tale that would be fleshed out every six weeks with new episodes. It’s too bad then that the next chapter has been delayed.
Square Enix has announced that the second episode for Life is Strange will not meet its proposed March 13 release date, offering no other date in return. No reason was given for the delay, which could mean its for any number of reasons. Maybe Square wants to relook at the script, or maybe they’ve taken some of the time rewinding criticism to heart and are looking at ways to tweak it. For a game like this, changing mechanics halfway through is a little bit unheard of, but the delay does seem weirdly abrupt.
The first episode for Life is Strange was widely praised, although the ability to rewind time and change decisions you had made divided a few critics. Some felt that it gave the game its own sense of identity, and encouraged players to relive events to see other possibilities. Others felt that it took away from the consequences choices had attached, which made the narrative feel far less tense. Square Enix could possibly be looking at ways to improve this.
But that doesn’t help if you were really looking forward to the next chapter of Max’s tale. Hopefully Square Enix will share a new release date soon – and one that isn’t months away.
[Update]Dear friends of Life is Strange,
We’ve been asked to clear up the question of when Episode 2 will be released since there have been rumours of a delay. We would like to assure everyone that development is on track and we’re looking to release it before the end of March.
Thanks for all your support so far – we’ve loved reading all your feedback and comments. As a show of gratitude and something to enjoy before the game is available here’s a piece of concept art for Episode 2: Out of Time.
Last Updated: February 27, 2015
Admiral Chief
February 27, 2015 at 10:05
Indefinitely, that is quite strange
Umar
February 27, 2015 at 10:19
What no no no no…..:(
Captain JJ the crafter
February 27, 2015 at 10:22
Shame man. When I saw this heading I immediately thought about how much you like it.
Umar
February 27, 2015 at 10:23
Yeah dude, I was seriously looking forward to March. Hope it’s not delayed for long….sigh. Whats up with this year though? So many delays.
Captain JJ the crafter
February 27, 2015 at 10:24
Maybe they’re afraid it’ll turn out to be another year of broken games, so they rather try get it right.
Umar
February 27, 2015 at 10:28
Well, I can deal with that. Oh well. Is what it is.
Pariah
February 27, 2015 at 10:40
That would be ideal, yes.
Pariah
February 27, 2015 at 10:40
Yet another candidate for #StayStrongUmar
You poor guy.
Umar
February 27, 2015 at 11:28
Lol where my pity party at,yo!
Blood Emperor Trevor
February 27, 2015 at 10:21
And THAT’S why I buy episodic games once all the episodes are out. I haven’t forgotten about you, Sin Episodes.
Dutch Matrix
February 27, 2015 at 10:28
I’ll never forget Sin myself…
http://3ebd2a0c0ea48a333aea-1f531def8e8befb67be56667ce3edd11.r77.cf1.rackcdn.com/8bd410fea7da4b1532716fce1a2251b6d02aebca.jpg__354x307_q85_crop.jpg
WitWolfy
February 27, 2015 at 10:47
SiN… Wasnt that a fps shooter back in the day?? I remember enjoying the demo quite back in the day..
Hammersteyn
February 27, 2015 at 10:29
Same here, wanted to buy it but I’ll wait for all of them.
WitWolfy
February 27, 2015 at 10:25
I’m so glad I didnt buy this. I’ve been burnt enough by TTG with both TWOU and TWD. Sometimes it took like 2 months for an episode to release. I’ll get it when the whole game is complete.
Johann
February 27, 2015 at 10:42
Ah that sucks, just got it this week and actually enjoyed it.
Ranting Raptor
February 27, 2015 at 10:54
Is their hair Blue and Orange or White and Black?
Graeme Selvan
March 2, 2015 at 09:08
DAMMIT and I bought the entire series after playing the first one!!!