I love how popular adventure games have come to be again. I grew up playing games such as Full Throttle and Discworld and somewhere along the line the genre became all but lost in the sea of the ever growing gaming industry. Thankfully, the resurgence in popularity has led to the rejuvenation of the genre and in recent years we’ve been graced with many a brilliant title and now it’s developer Dontnod’s chance to enter the fray with Life is Strange, an adventure game that could best be described as a supernatural teenage drama and while that might evoke some uneasy imagery of vampires and gelled hair, I can assure you that this journey is anything but a poorly written soppy love story.
The story unfolds through the eyes of a shy young girl named Max Caulfield who just returned home to the quint town of Arcadia Bay after being away for 5 years. From the onset things seems fairly normal, albeit a bit dull and a lot of what Max remembers seems to have remained the same. The school she joined is full of your usual high school archetypes. The jocks, plastics and nerds are all present and accounted for with Max being the introverted background student. Everything is extraordinarily ordinary and our main character seems content with living out her school days while pursuing her passion of photography and not sticking out. Life is Strange does a good job establishing Max as a believable and relatable character. Max beams at the sight of new cameras and her favourite photographers and these enthusiast qualities is what made it easy for me to connect with her.
While Max seems like your ordinary, anxious teenager, she discovers that she’s not really the same as everyone else and everything changes when she discovers she has an unbelievable power; the power to turn back time. Max learns of this unexplainable power in a freak encounter while in the ladies room as she witnesses something horrible but through her new found powers was able stop it from happening and that is where the real adventure begins as Max uses this ability to uncover the numerous secrets hiding under the mundane facade of this town.
Most characters in the game are fairly well scripted and believable which makes their interactions with Max all the more enjoyable. Once Max is reunited with her childhood friend, Chloe, we’re treated to some really deep and thought provoking interactions between the two that I wouldn’t want to spoil but it Chloe will play as big a role in the game as our main protagonist. Being able to control time, Max is able to see and change the outcome of conversations leading to information needed for the main story or just gaining more insight into the various characters’ lives. Though we can only rewind a certain action or interaction and not completely rewind entire sections, it’s an interesting mechanic when used in this context and the developers did a fantastic job of integrating the time reversal mechanics into this type gameplay.
Max is also able to hold onto items even after rewinding time allowing her to use them in the past to solve some the game’s puzzle, though most of them are nothing overly complex but they do a well enough job of giving us a taste of what is hopefully to come in later episodes. The really interesting part of this mechanic however is manipulating the choices that will have an actual impact on the game as a whole.
It might seem unfair to be able to rewind time to choose a different answer or action to see how it would’ve played out differently, but it is actually that freedom which enables Life is Strange’s biggest asset; mystery. For the most part, the choices you make and the actions you do are so densely shrouded in mystery and are so obscure at times that it becomes impossible to know what impact they will actually have in the future, therefore the choices you make still seem important even though you’re able to rewind time and view different immediate outcomes. The intrigue of seeing the outcomes of your choices will certainly have many gamers coming back for the rest of the season.
The visuals aren’t anything technologically ground-breaking but the art style more than makes up in delivering a fully immersive world and they completely nailed the look and feel of a small coastal town. The real star however is the absolutely amazing soundtrack featured in the game. Every song and every tune fits perfectly with the tone of the game and further enhances the experience making it a treat to the ears especially when played with a pair of headphones. The voice acting is also really well done and even though some of the dialogue is cheesy at times and the lip-synching is a bit off, the actors do a great job of delivering a believable performance making the other shortcomings minor in scope.
Last Updated: February 3, 2015
Life is Strange episode 1 - Chrysalis | |
Life is Strange’s debut episode starts off strong, showing just enough of what it has to offer while cementing its characters and story firmly in its world. Though the journey only lasted 2-3 hours, it did enough during that time to make me excited for the episodes to come and it left me guessing what the consequences of my actions will be.
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Life is Strange episode 1 - Chrysalis was reviewed on PlayStation 4 | |
75 /
100
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Admiral Chief
February 3, 2015 at 14:35
Yeah, Mossel told me how much he loves this last night
So Hard (Umar)
February 3, 2015 at 14:37
Mossel is 100% correct, listen to Mossel…and to me 😀
Admiral Chief
February 3, 2015 at 14:38
But you like it, so, I’m worried. Have you infected the mossel?
So Hard (Umar)
February 3, 2015 at 14:38
Lol Its not a Japanese game though, but seriously, it’s really good.
Hammersteyn
February 3, 2015 at 14:39
Yeah, she has blue hair.
Captain JJ the crafter
February 3, 2015 at 15:17
I’ll listen to you. Mossels have big mouths, maybe it’s just all talk. ;P
Admiral Chief
February 3, 2015 at 14:37
That being said, Umar likes it, so I’m skeptical…
Hammersteyn
February 3, 2015 at 14:38
*loved
WitWolfy
February 3, 2015 at 14:35
Meh damn you, now I have to get this game!! It looks and sounds unique!
So Hard (Umar)
February 3, 2015 at 14:37
It really is! Very much worth your time.
Ghost In The Rift
February 3, 2015 at 14:37
No harm in trying it, but if i spot Edward or even a look a like i shall shun this game!!!!
Admiral Chief
February 3, 2015 at 14:38
Shun it with a bazillion flaming shuns should that be the case
So Hard (Umar)
February 3, 2015 at 14:45
Team Jacob fo life!!
Admiral Chief
February 3, 2015 at 14:48
Wtf is team jacob?
Hammersteyn
February 3, 2015 at 14:49
Twilight horseshit
Admiral Chief
February 3, 2015 at 14:49
Oh, that, luckily my wife stopped watching that kak after I introduced her to the Angel series
Hammersteyn
February 3, 2015 at 14:51
Much better
Tosh MA
February 3, 2015 at 14:49
Does it sparkle?
So Hard (Umar)
February 3, 2015 at 14:50
Like a Mariah Carrey movie
Ghost In The Rift
February 3, 2015 at 14:49
Yeah ask him, what is that jacob stuff, can it play Crisis?
Admiral Chief
February 3, 2015 at 14:49
Hahaha
Hammersteyn
February 3, 2015 at 14:51
Bwahahaha
Blood Emperor Trevor
February 3, 2015 at 14:51
This…
Tosh MA
February 3, 2015 at 14:57
Admiral Chief
February 3, 2015 at 16:02
Bwaaaaaaahahahahahahahahallamallama
HvR
February 3, 2015 at 14:49
http://thenewage.co.za/cms/gall_content/2012/3/2012_3$thumbimg116_Mar_2012_130443930-ll.jpg
Ghost In The Rift
February 3, 2015 at 14:50
I sense a Zuma somewhere in there do i not?
So Hard (Umar)
February 3, 2015 at 14:51
Zuma doesn’t have Bella’s heart
Ghost In The Rift
February 3, 2015 at 14:52
I dont think both of them has a heart lol
Hammersteyn
February 3, 2015 at 14:52
No one wants her heart anyways.
So Hard (Umar)
February 3, 2015 at 14:54
Everyone seems to want her heart too much!
Hammersteyn
February 3, 2015 at 14:56
As do I, I want to put her heart on a stake.
So Hard (Umar)
February 3, 2015 at 15:01
Loooool fatality!!!!
HvR
February 3, 2015 at 14:53
She can always be number 7
Raptor Rants A Lot:Original #7
February 3, 2015 at 14:38
The only thing that bugs me about these games is that they are all becoming episodic. I really don’t like that
Exalted Overlord Geoffrey Tim
February 3, 2015 at 14:39
Well, they’re episodic, but half what a full retail game costs.
Raptor Rants A Lot:Original #7
February 3, 2015 at 14:40
Fair enough but at R300 a pop for only around 3 hours? I’m not too convinced yet of episodic gaming
Hammersteyn
February 3, 2015 at 14:41
He mentioned it was three hours for the first episode
Admiral Chief
February 3, 2015 at 14:43
Agreed, will wait for all episodes @ R100
Tosh MA
February 3, 2015 at 14:48
$19.99 for all 5 episodes
Admiral Chief
February 3, 2015 at 14:48
Hmmm, not bad, will wait for the sub $10 sale
So Hard (Umar)
February 3, 2015 at 14:43
Not R300, it’s $5 an ep. It’s really worth it though.
Raptor Rants A Lot:Original #7
February 3, 2015 at 14:45
Oh really? Well under R100 an ep? That’s actually worth it then
So Hard (Umar)
February 3, 2015 at 14:48
On Xbox store it’s like R65 (need to check psn actually).
Tosh MA
February 3, 2015 at 14:48
http://store.steampowered.com/app/319630/
Blood Emperor Trevor
February 3, 2015 at 14:47
It’s $20 for the whole season on the Steams.
Tosh MA
February 3, 2015 at 14:47
Unless it’s 7 episodes. Then insta-buy, right?
Hammersteyn
February 3, 2015 at 14:48
XD
Hammersteyn
February 3, 2015 at 14:39
UUUUUUUUMMMMMMMMAAAAAAAAAAARRRRR
If every episode is 2 – 3 hours then it’s definitely worth the R300 asking price
So Hard (Umar)
February 3, 2015 at 14:41
It really is worth it. I find it nice to have these segmented games to play in between all the other major titles.
Hammersteyn
February 3, 2015 at 14:42
SOLD!
Milesh Bhana
February 3, 2015 at 15:02
yeah, and it was bad enough having more than 1 of Telltale’s stuff now from all accounts a worthy competitor with another episodic interactive story. There will pretty much always be an episode waiting to be played.
So Hard (Umar)
February 3, 2015 at 15:10
Yup and this game truly is a worthy competitor!
RinceThis
February 3, 2015 at 14:45
Agreed. I like to be able to play a game on my terms, not ‘okay, that’s enough now, go get some sunshine’! I was pissed off at the end of Asura’s Wrath, do not want to have to buy more to enjoy. Like watching 1/4 of a movie.
Hammersteyn
February 3, 2015 at 14:45
Crap move from Crapcom
RinceThis
February 3, 2015 at 14:46
And last time I bought anything from them.
Hammersteyn
February 3, 2015 at 14:50
I bought Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix last. Classics never die
RinceThis
February 3, 2015 at 14:43
More blue hair. Just what the world needs.
Admiral Chief
February 3, 2015 at 14:43
As long as it is not filled with teenage angst and emo bullcrap
RinceThis
February 3, 2015 at 14:46
What are you implying?! That Japanese games are often like that?!
So Hard (Umar)
February 3, 2015 at 14:49
I’m all about that blue daba dee, yo!
Blood Emperor Trevor
February 3, 2015 at 14:52
It’s one of the primary colours!
Blood Emperor Trevor
February 3, 2015 at 14:49
Cool beans. Good review – check. Now to wait for the whole season & I’ll buy it.
So Hard (Umar)
February 3, 2015 at 14:53
6 weeks between eps 🙁 Such a long wait and the story is really good too 🙁
Blood Emperor Trevor
February 3, 2015 at 14:54
I don’t want to wait that long. Would rather do what I did with TWD & play an episode a week.
So Hard (Umar)
February 3, 2015 at 14:56
Yeah, hopefully people do buy the eps as they come along, just to support them going forward.
RinceThis
February 3, 2015 at 14:52
So like Remember Me, only more blue?
So Hard (Umar)
February 3, 2015 at 14:53
Less mundane combat :p
RinceThis
February 3, 2015 at 14:56
Is there combat?
So Hard (Umar)
February 3, 2015 at 15:04
Nope. Just puzzle solving and normal adventure game activities
Hammersteyn
February 3, 2015 at 15:04
But you prefer pink hair?
Tosh MA
February 3, 2015 at 15:05
LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
RinceThis
February 3, 2015 at 15:07
My favourite!
Hammersteyn
February 3, 2015 at 14:55
How many seasons are planned? First season is R300 but the season pass is R250
So Hard (Umar)
February 3, 2015 at 15:00
Not sure how many seasons but 5 eps in this season.
Rock789
February 3, 2015 at 15:15
Sure it depends on popularity. Remember Me, after all, was critically well received (mostly) but didn’t do too great in sales…
Milesh Bhana
February 3, 2015 at 14:59
Nice review, really looking forward to this.
Also, LOVED Remember Me.
Rock789
February 3, 2015 at 15:16
Shweet… Will add this to the queue tonight. Great review Umar!
So Hard (Umar)
February 3, 2015 at 15:25
Hehe thanx my work is done, its a good game that deserves to be supported 🙂
Kromas Votes LAG WCMovie Event
February 3, 2015 at 15:22
Bought it and if not for this article I would not even have known that I could download it. 😛
So Hard (Umar)
February 3, 2015 at 15:24
Download go go go!! Play with headphones too 🙂
Kromas Votes LAG WCMovie Event
February 3, 2015 at 15:26
Does the game require reflexes cause sitting for more than 30 mins is fairly painful to me. Otherwise ill load it onto my laptop and play in my bed.
Admiral Chief
February 3, 2015 at 15:29
Did you forget the lube?
Kromas Votes LAG WCMovie Event
February 3, 2015 at 15:31
I did yeah. 😛
Admiral Chief
February 3, 2015 at 15:38
XD
So Hard (Umar)
February 3, 2015 at 15:53
Damn man? That sounds horrible but nope it doesn’t, played it at my leisure. Was really awesome exploring the school and talking to everyone
Mossel
February 3, 2015 at 15:29
Yeah man!!! Finished it last night! Freaking loved the music, the graphics, the characters and the story! I really hope they keep this pace and live up to its potential. This game is begging for excellence.
So Hard (Umar)
February 3, 2015 at 15:54
DUDE, the music is amazing my God. Really to happy to hear you enjoyed it!
Mossel
February 3, 2015 at 22:32
Now to wait 6 weeks… O_O
Spaffy
February 4, 2015 at 07:47
Shit, that long?
I started this last night, and I have to say I actually enjoy it. Even my wife, who detests games, was watching.
Mossel
February 4, 2015 at 07:58
Yeah because the story is super immersive! It’s just relaxing and fun. But that music though…I really need to download it! I literally listened to that whole song that played while she is in her room and when it stopped I played it again!
Spaffy
February 4, 2015 at 08:07
Yea, the music is epic
Mossel
February 4, 2015 at 08:19
Did you play it on PC?
Spaffy
February 4, 2015 at 08:46
No, the trial game on 360. Loaded it the weekend at my buddy’s house.
Obviously must play on PC, but new house and all and I have not been able to sort out inet yet.
Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)
February 4, 2015 at 11:27
Very cool review for what appears to be a very interesting title. I’ll have to check it out.
FSR
February 4, 2015 at 11:48
Also played Episode 1 last night after reading this review. What a refreshing change of pace. It won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, but it’s a well put together product. The art style and music (and some of the less “teenage-dream” dialogue) is awesome.
hairyknees
February 5, 2015 at 17:11
Sold 🙂 I think I need to get this!
20twelve
February 6, 2015 at 09:29
Keen.
WitWolfy
February 6, 2015 at 10:55
In the stills this game looks beautiful, but the stream I watched last night it seemed last gen….
Guest
February 8, 2015 at 01:52
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