The original Life is Strange by DontNod holds a special place in my heart. Few games explore a relationship like Max and Chloe's in such a captivating, meaningful detail that I still think about it long after completion. So fast forward then to Deck Nine's Before the Storm, a prequel set 3 years before the main game. I had strong reservations before playing, believing that no developerThe original Life is Strange by DontNod holds a special place in my heart. Few games explore a relationship like Max and Chloe's in such a captivating, meaningful detail that I still think about it long after completion. So fast forward then to Deck Nine's Before the Storm, a prequel set 3 years before the main game. I had strong reservations before playing, believing that no developer could replicate that same feeling of absorption I had for the main game and that a prequel couldn't possibly deliver anything more than fanservice. By the end of Awake, I'm convinced that BtS is a worthy addition, with similarities and differences in the right places despite its stumbles.
Before the Storm puts you in the shoes of a 16 year old Chloe Price, the deuteragonist of the original LiS. In this installment, she meets Rachel Amber, the missing girl from the original game, as they develop an unlikely friendship. The story isn’t immediately enjoyable, the first dozen or so minutes were uninteresting, but the game’s plot eventually picks up. I won't detail any further but know that the crux of the game still centers around its main leads. The chemistry between Rachel and Chloe is engaging, but I don't think it's quite as profound and memorable as the relationship between Max and Chloe, some of their interactions can feel forced because of their brief amount of time together. What Awake absolutely nails is the writing which is filled to the brim with strong personality and detail, although Deck Nine took a less subtle approach to storytelling. If you never liked Chloe in the first game, I doubt BtS will change your mind, but what's here is special and emotionally charged. BtS takes place two years after the death of Chloe's father (and three years before Max’s return), and she's still grieving. Her depression has taken a toll, causing her to rebel and not care much about anything or anyone. Playing as a younger Chloe is a refreshing change of pace, as she isn't completely the confident free-spirit she was in the original. She's still figuring herself out, and has more naivety and vulnerability that makes her more sympathetic. BtS explores her state of mind in her lowest moments and the subtle details surrounding that highlight the game's gut punching moments. Her perspective on the world and its people is different from Max, but it feels just as authentic. While one may pass it as simple teenage angst, BtS tastefully navigates her thoughts of both abandonment and discovery. I was captivated by her character in LiS, but BtS bolsters that feeling to new heights. Its cast is just as remarkable as the original. Rachel Amber, while not as relatable as Max, is charming as she is mysterious.
While Max Caulfield had the ability to rewind time, Chloe has no such powers. Without the rewind feature, you're mostly exploring and making choices as you did before. It makes sense for the story, and I didn't mind. Dialogue plays a larger role, and Deck Nine does a good job creating interesting interactions, such as Chloe playing D&D and allowing you to pick her moves and responses. One new addition that I like is the backtalk mechanic. During certain conversations, you can talk your way out of things by being brazen. You need to pick a string of "correct" dialogue options that relate to what the person just said and goes with the tone of the conversation. Mostly, this is Chloe throwing insults and threatening people, including talking back to her principal to avoid an after school visit and convincing a bouncer she's tough enough to enter a shady concert. While it's simple, the game’s writing keeps the engagements funny and in character. However, BtS fails in providing any real puzzles or challenge, relegating the game to a purely interactive story.
Among other things, the replacement VAs solidly portray each character, despite some sour sounding lines on occasion. One of the more recognizable components of Life is Strange is the soundtrack, and BtS fully delivers with a score composed by Daughter. While Max's indie folk tunes reflect nostalgia and longing, Chloe's more grunge electronica elevate feelings of melancholy and loneliness. It’s injected into the right moments for that extra emotional punch.
On technical side, Before the Storm avoids the original game's mistake of horrifying lip sync. The game's animations have also improved, but the game isn't always pretty. While the art style is hand brushed and the environment detailed, some textures look ugly and the amount of load screens towards the end was jarring to the storytelling flow.
Awake shows you a broken Chloe, someone at her lowest. Everyone hits those trying times in their lives, and what Awake does best is illustrate how much another person can make a difference, the emotional pull is immense in both its subtle and blatant story bits. BtS has quelled my doubts of it living up to the original. While not perfect, it has me anxiously waiting for more.… Expand
Life is Strange: Before the Storm - Episode 1: AwakeYour Score0 out of 10User Score
