Review: Life is Strange Series
Life is Strange is an adventure video game series that are choice-based walking sims. Each game is centered around a main character or another close to them that has a super power, and are solving a mystery involving a death. Your choices affect the story.
I think they’re super #cozy with enough replay-ability, and they’ve definitely tugged at my heartstrings a few times! 💫 denotes half star.
𝙇𝙞𝙛𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙎𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚: 𝘽𝙚𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙎𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙢
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is the prequel to LiS. I played LiS first, which I think added more to the mystery, but it doesn’t matter which you play first. BTS introduces Chloe and her BFF Rachel, who is missing in LiS. Chloe was insufferable in LiS, but I changed my mind with BTS. I connected with her more after learning her backstory, and I loved her connection with Rachel. I never paired Chloe and Max together, but I did with Chloe and Rachel. This one felt more “slice of life” and not solving a mystery, but I enjoyed it anyway. It holds itself well.
𝙇𝙞𝙛𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙎𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
The OG. The first one that came out and what hooked me. There’s so much nuance to the story with great plot twists. The details set the stage for future expectations, and I found myself wanting to leave no stone unturned. Max has the patience of a saint coming back home to Arcadia Bay and dealing with the small-town snobs at her high school. Reconnecting with Chloe was frustrating but worth it, and Max’s power is probably my favorite of all. For many, this entry still ranks the best out of the series.
𝙇𝙞𝙛𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙎𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚: 𝘿𝙤𝙪𝙗𝙡𝙚 𝙀𝙭𝙥𝙤𝙨𝙪𝙧𝙚
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
This is the latest LiS game to come out but stick with me here because I wanted to bundle it with LiS and BTS. Max’s story continues 10 years after the events of LiS as an artist in residence at a small college. It’s an all-new cast of characters in this sequel with little mention of Chloe or Arcadia Bay, which makes Max feel like a completely different person. Definitely cozy, but graphics are lackluster (why does Max look like a football player?) and it’s missing that same level of detail LiS and BTS had. The narration feels forced and fake, and the game brushed over scenes I would have liked to see play out more. The story had a lot of potential, but her new BFF Safi made it to the top of my hate list. With how expensive this game is, I give it only 3.5 stars. Get it only if it’s on mega sale IMO.
𝙇𝙞𝙛𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙎𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚 2
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is my favorite one. A lot of people disliked it because it wasn’t continuing the OG story and it’s not the playable character that has the power, but I liked that it was unique in every way. Navigating the relationship between two brothers and more serious topics like racism and what it means to be an immigrant are at play here. I’m half Mexican so I may be biased, but this story and the hard choices being made had me thinking for a long time after the game ended. This is the one where I felt like your choices could truly determine vastly different outcomes. I would love to see more in the series like this one!
𝙇𝙞𝙛𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙎𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚: 𝙏𝙧𝙪𝙚 𝘾𝙤𝙡𝙤𝙧𝙨
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
TC is set in a small mining town. Alex is the main character with a power that’s harder to play IMO, but I liked her as a person. I think the graphics in this game are the best, there’s a lot to see in this town and it’s oh so charming. The mystery is not as dramatic as the others, but it’s an enjoyable playthrough. My absolute favorite was getting to play an entire #dnd campaign, which I had never played at all in real life. The mini games in this one added another element to the story. Not my favorite, but it is a world I would be happy to revisit.
Love LiS? Tell me which of my ratings you agree or don’t agree with!
Life is Strange stands out as a unique adventure series thanks to its emphasis on choice-driven storytelling combined with supernatural elements. If you’re intrigued by decision-based games that blend mystery, personal growth, and strong narrative arcs, this series offers a rich experience. One aspect worth noting is the genre—while Life is Strange includes some suspense and dramatic moments, it's not a horror game. Instead, it focuses on emotional storytelling and coming-of-age themes. Players who enjoy detailed universes with moral complexity will appreciate the nuanced characters and consequences of their choices across the series. Regarding the series order, it’s flexible: you can start with either Life is Strange or its prequel, Before the Storm, as both provide context and deep character development. Life is Strange 2 takes a fresh narrative approach with new characters dealing with broader social issues, which adds impactful dimensions rarely explored in games. If you’re seeking more games like this on Xbox or PC, look for titles tagged "choice-based games" or "interactive storytelling." Life is Strange’s pixel and art style add charm and atmosphere, further immersing players in its emotionally charged universe. Beyond gaming, if you enjoy detailed worlds with hidden truths and explore accompanying media, check out community discussions about unresolved mysteries within the series—these often spark rich speculation and deepen your engagement. Finally, for fans interested in expansions or spin-offs, Life is Strange: True Colors offers beautiful graphics and a cozy small-town vibe with new gameplay elements like mini-games, including a full D&D campaign, enriching the player’s experience. Overall, Life is Strange offers a compelling blend of choice, mystery, and emotional storytelling that resonates well beyond the game itself. Definitely worth exploring if you love games that make you think and feel deeply.
