Author’s Note: this review is for the second episode of Life is Strange, Out of Time, and does not reflect the game as a whole.
Life is Strange - Episode One Review: http://n4g.com/channel/life...
Life is Strange managed to put my attention and interest in a chokehold during its debut episode, Chrysalis, with a captivating story, interesting theme and a lovely art style. It was a game I scrolled past a few times until I decided to play the demo. Ten or fifteen minutes in, I was glued to the television and when the demo ended, I just had to purchase the full game and the season pass to unlock the subsequent episodes when they’re released. After playing through the entire first episode, I was convinced that I’d made a worthy choice. Once I finished the second episode, I knew I made the best choice I’ll ever make this year.
Continuing directly where the first episode left off, with a charming little, “Previously on Life is Strange…” introduction, we’re immediately back in Max’s shoes as she reflects on the previous day. As the story unfolds, we learn a little more about the primary cast members and how yesterday’s events have shaped them in this episode. This time, while Max is still the protagonist and hero, the main focus turns to Kate Marsh, a truly devout Catholic whom you may remember from the previous episode as the poor girl in Jefferson’s photography class that had a paper ball thrown in her face. Kate has gone through a traumatic event at a Vortex Club party that she has no recollection of, but has become the school’s black sheep for torment, verbal abuse and harassment. With no one of authority to help, Kate turns to Max for support and assistance. Within the first ten minutes, I already found myself discovering a lot of information about Kate and several other characters, as well has having made quite a few choices. Kate’s story is at the forefront but in the background for a while as Max’s story progresses.
We are shown a wider environment than Max’s school campus as she ventures out into the town center of Arcadia Bay as she further develops her once-distance friendship with Chloe Price, whom you may remember as the blue-haired troublemaker, as Max demonstrates her rewind-time ability to her companion. Chloe’s gallivanting with Max, as their story unfolds, sheds a little more light onto the mysterious disappearance of Rachel Amber, as highlighted in episode one. Their adventuring also brings out a couple of intense moments, foreshadowing, a shocking revelation and some action elements that weren’t as prevalent in the preceding episode.
Out of Time really turns the volume up on the storytelling and character development factor as it explores the lives of other characters besides Max. Primarily with the forefront narrative of Kate’s humiliating actions that have now gone viral in video form as well as some of the decisions we made with Max in the previous episode having starting to show their consequences, especially toward the heart-wrenching and tear-jerking conclusion.
I originally criticized Life is Strange for slightly below average voice acting and mouth-synchronization issues, but as the game moves forward, there's so much going on and so much to experience, it truly becomes hardly noticeable. However, with episode two, I believe the voice acting has improved a bit, as there wasn't really a single word spoken that didn't have the correct emotion attached to it. Even the robot-like principal of Max's school seemed to have more personality this time around, thank God. Each character seemed to have undergone a small overhaul to improve their presentation and it is indeed a welcomed improvement.
To be honest, everything about Out of Time screams, “check me out, I’m a huge improvement,” and rightfully so. Chrysalis wasn’t a poor episode at all—quite the contrary, as a matter of fact—but it was weak in some elements, despite it being a fantastic introduction to a brilliant episodic series. Out of Time, however, is truly a huge improvement, and if they continue with this upgrades and tweaks as the episodes come along, I would be rather surprised if it didn’t win Game of the Year by the end of 2015.
Life is Strange is truly a game that everyone must experience. It features a truly amazing story that continues to get better and better as it unfolds with a particular interesting and mysterious side story. It truly captures the attention of the player to the point of reaching the end of an episode and having the same reaction as when your favorite show ends on a large cliffhanger. It leaves you wanting more every time and I truly don’t want the story to end.
Contemplation Corner is a series that discusses some of the most difficult decisions you'll have to make in gaming, and it continues with Life is Strange Episode 2: Out of Time. What did you do when the people needed you the most?
the second part in Player2's journey through this coming of age adventure
GFB writes: "Though some elitists may try and salvage their reputation by claiming it has never happened to them. Everyone has played at least one terrible game in their life. At the same time, a large community of Achievement-Enthusiasts will play just about anything to hear that sacred “Ba-Bloop” from their TV. The point is, bad games exist in an overwhelming quantity and eventually you're going to regret time you spent on one of them. Though not everyone has played the following titles, they are of the most notable and overall gamers would prefer to keep these of their list of played games."
I would put DOA Xtreme 2 at number 1. Plus everyone plays promotional games because they're cheap, silly and fun.
I know a lot of people that played Avatar just to get the 1k gamer points in about 10 min.
I'm so happy the "tear jearking reaction" in the end was reversable when replayin the scene. :)
Amazing game and gorgeous soundtrack!
I'm so happy the "tear jearking reaction" in the end was reversable when replayin the scene. :)
Amazing game and gorgeous soundtrack! I screamed a little when I heard Alt-J in the first scene.
I, too, found this game the same way. I was scrolling through the demos until I finally decided to download it. After beating the demo I decided to buy it. Best decision. I have 2 playthroughs til the end of episode 2 and they are both very different. Love the soundtrack too
I still didnt play Episode 2 but it sounds awesome. Great review as always Valenka. Keep em coming :)