Life is Strange: Before the Storm - Episode 2: Brave New World

 PC
User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 58 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 41 out of 58
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 58
  3. Negative: 9 out of 58

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  1. Rem
    Sep 25, 2018
    7
    A continuation from Awake, A Brave New World examines the effect of individuals with a profound effect in a specific point in your life. Returning as Chloe once more, players are left in her world absent of her best friend and father. This episode in particular hits high notes reminiscent in the first game, but moments in between don’t stack up as well and lead to an overall “filler” likeA continuation from Awake, A Brave New World examines the effect of individuals with a profound effect in a specific point in your life. Returning as Chloe once more, players are left in her world absent of her best friend and father. This episode in particular hits high notes reminiscent in the first game, but moments in between don’t stack up as well and lead to an overall “filler” like episode.

    In the fallout of Awake’s conclusion, players are thrust into Chloe and Rachel’s second day as the mystery of the latter’s father continues. To be frank, the events in this episode come to an extremely slow start and nothing particularly of interest happens until almost an hour in. Even then, the story developments that do occur are pretty interesting for the most part especially towards the end. However, the high notes don’t feel as impactful because of the lack of time for these characters to develop or bond together in a believable way. In a span of barely two days, the main leads hatch up a plan that feels far too reckless despite the story’s reasoning behind it. The dynamic between Rachel and Chloe feels somewhat better in this episode especially in the more memorable scenes which serve as the only reason to power through this episode. By no means does it feel like a slog, but many situations Chloe finds herself in lacks as much impact this time around because no stakes have been risen. At most, the themes of love and loss are still present with a poignancy uncommon in gaming, but getting to those moments feels by the book by comparison. The final twist in the end caught me off guard, but its buildup is somewhat unwarranted considering the side characters still aren’t that much interesting. Your choices from the first episode bears fruit in consequences in Brave New World in subtle but noticeable ways, adding a hint of replay value.

    On its technical side, Brave New World isn’t much different from the previous entry. The lack of detail is still jarring and the use of colors gets the job done without doing anything exceptional. The music still carries a solid quality with the accompanying soundtrack setting the mood in a number of scenes. Brave New World’s cinematography surpasses my expectations with scenes framed expertly and grabbed my attention without feeling ingratiating.

    Brave New World still possesses many of the same qualities that the first episode, and to an extent the first season, did that made it so engrossing. It’s not anything that will stick in your mind for a long time, but the 2 or so hours you spend on this episode serves as a solid bridge for a potentially satisfying final act.    … Expand

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 6 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 6
  3. Negative: 0 out of 6
  1. Cubed3
    Nov 27, 2017
    60
    Everything from the first episode is still here; the writing, the direction, the audio-visual style, the great character development, and, of course, the feels. Unfortunately, it's not the same game, for the simple fact that it doesn't really care about pushing the story forward, which is a shame as the next chapter is actually the very last one.
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  2. Ragequit.gr
    Oct 25, 2017
    80
    In "Brave New World" we manage to get a real glimpse of the unique and magical relationship that Chloe and Rachel shared. These two characters are fleshed out exceptionally, but the episode faces pacing and directional issues, only saved by the emotionally charged finale.
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  3. RPG Fan
    Oct 25, 2017
    92
    An honest insight into the tragedy of loss and growth in youth. I'm torn, because I want so much more of Chloe and Rachel — what a beautiful duo — but I know that all good things must end — some sooner than others. This one, as we all know, will be coming to an end too soon. I'm just not sure I'm emotionally ready for it.
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