Life is Strange: Before the Storm

 PC
User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 626 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 460 out of 626
  2. Mixed: 111 out of 626
  3. Negative: 55 out of 626

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  1. AstiX
    Apr 10, 2018
    9
    Better than the previous game in every aspect. Very pretty graphics, some great cinematography and art style. Very engaging story and natural dialogue which was also my selling point for this title seeing as how I hated the cringe-worthy "How do you do, fellow kids?" style dialogue in the original.

    The voice acting is top tier especially coupled with the amazing facial animations. This    Better than the previous game in every aspect. Very pretty graphics, some great cinematography and art style. Very engaging story and natural dialogue which was also my selling point for this title seeing as how I hated the cringe-worthy "How do you do, fellow kids?" style dialogue in the original.

    The voice acting is top tier especially coupled with the amazing facial animations. This makes for some very believable and lovable characters that really allows the game to hit you right in the feels.

    In the last episode though, the pace of the story kind of slowed down and didn't really reach the peak I was hoping it would, but it still was a very enjoyable game.    … Expand
  2. nitorita
    Mar 29, 2018
    8
    INTRO
    Before the Storm portrays itself as the polar opposite of its sequel, the main game. Instead of playing the role of Max trying to combat bullying and change fate, this time, you're playing the role of her delinquent best friend Chloe who is trying to cope with the death of her father as she reluctantly goes through high school.
    The game takes a very comedic approach compared to a    INTRO
    Before the Storm portrays itself as the polar opposite of its sequel, the main game. Instead of playing the role of Max trying to combat bullying and change fate, this time, you're playing the role of her delinquent best friend Chloe who is trying to cope with the death of her father as she reluctantly goes through high school.

    The game takes a very comedic approach compared to a suspenseful one, and if you take it at face value, it is very enjoyable. The game hasn't lost any of its beauty. Just be sure not to take the game seriously.

    GAMEPLAY
    Employing the same dialogue decision making as the main game, the only real difference in this one is that Chloe lacks Max's ability to reverse time. You make decisions based on your best judgement and how you want a relationship to develop. There are no second chances so you cannot go back in time to see where another option would lead.

    The game is simpler than before since you're just following along. This time, instead of using trial-and-error by reversing choices, you occasionally get the chance to persuade someone through a simple mini-game. For the most part, this game is more like a visual novel.

    The prequel removes the drag-to-select controls from the main game (if you're using a keyboard and mouse), but you eventually get used to it. The transition between lines of speech feels a bit choppy and kind of sticks out sounding like they were pieced together, but it's not that big of a deal.

    The change of developers initially put me off since I feared the game may be different. However, I found that nothing has changed. The game still looks and feels the same. Great work, Deck Nine.

    CHLOE
    ...is hilarious. Absolutely hilarious. Your enjoyment of the game pretty much boils down to watching her be a smartass to people.

    Chloe develops based on how much of a delinquent you want or don't want her to be. It's a breath of fresh air from the detective story that the main game had, since there is no right or wrong answer to a question. Only whatever you think is best.

    CONTINUITY
    The main game actually reveals quite a bit about all the characters, so if you've already beaten it, your decisions in this prequel will be heavily influenced since you already know what each person is like.

    If you haven't played the main game yet, playing this prequel first might not be a bad idea. I think this may be more enjoyable instead, as it migrates into the main game smoothly.

    EPISODE 1
    The first episode is pretty much a walk in the park. There are no major challenges within. If you don't bother exploring, you can probably complete the episode in 2-3 hours max. This is primarily a plot development episode.

    I really like this episode because of Chloe's personality. Her antics are really entertaining to watch and her constant "cool story bro" smirk never ceases to crack me up.

    The goal is to immerse you into a real, believable world of a delinquent teenage girl, and this game does just that and does it perfectly.

    EPISODE 2
    Similar to the first episode, this one is also a walk in the park. The conversations are a bit more interesting as they are related to Chloe's friendships. This episode lasts around 3-4 hours, although the slow pacing of the game can make it feel longer. It ends off at a cliffhanger.

    Throughout the episode, you're given choices that are not easy to make. The choices really test your moral compass, as the repercussions are drastic.

    Overall, this episode was made brilliantly. You immerse yourself into Chloe's shoes as she goes through a drastic turning point of her life. There are events that warrant actual thought and interaction, and the atmosphere really pulls you in.

    EPISODE 3
    I have mixed feelings about the final episode. Overall, it was anticlimactic and just a boring episode to go through because of the slowness and the unnecessary subplots, which were fillers serving to bide time. The episode ended up being a sluggish 4-5 hours long. Maybe even more. It was just a grind.

    Throughout this episode and a bit of the second one, the game went from featuring Chloe's outgoing and funny personality to delving into Rachel's life and circumstances. The game maintained this throughout, and I personally feel that this only made the game difficult to digest. I wasn't pleased by this, and I actually dropped the overall game rating by one point because of this episode.

    BONUS EPISODE
    This episode is actually a pre-prequel, as it brings us back to just before Max separates from Chloe, who wasn't a delinquent at the time and was actually a top A+ student. It gives insight into what their personality and lives were like prior to their life-changing events.

    It was short, easy, and didn't have much development. It was only about an hour long. It was still sweet and enjoyable to play, though.    … Expand
  3. realist980
    Mar 11, 2018
    4
    Without the time travel and that feeling of danger in the air, it is just a teenage drama and superficial youth renegade story with not enough "kick" to it.
  4. Bocko1337
    Mar 10, 2018
    10
    This is not a game, this is art, people need to stop comparing this game with the previous, both games are masterpieces in their own way
  5. HMMurdoc
    Feb 23, 2018
    10
    People should stop to compare this game with the original LiS always and always again. Although lt's tied close with LiS in a scenario and with the characters and the mainstory so it's still an other thing... its own thing. I see Before the Storm as an absolutely fantastic and magical storybased adventuregame that tells us "its own! story in its own way of theatre, of drama and poetry".People should stop to compare this game with the original LiS always and always again. Although lt's tied close with LiS in a scenario and with the characters and the mainstory so it's still an other thing... its own thing. I see Before the Storm as an absolutely fantastic and magical storybased adventuregame that tells us "its own! story in its own way of theatre, of drama and poetry".
    Somehow it feels like homecoming.

    Especially with given limitations of a prequel did Deck Nine a very good job with this.
    That's my opinion    … Expand
  6. kamhagh
    Feb 23, 2018
    9
    Not as amazing and great as the first one obviously but I wasn't expecting it to be. It's slightly short and all but It was still lovely.

    As always great music and art. although I did not like some things about it. I think it deserves a 8.5/10! And noooo it's not bad at all! Just not great as the first one, and It doesn't have to be. I loved it and don't regret spending a penny! the    Not as amazing and great as the first one obviously but I wasn't expecting it to be. It's slightly short and all but It was still lovely.

    As always great music and art. although I did not like some things about it.
    I think it deserves a 8.5/10! And noooo it's not bad at all! Just not great as the first one, and It doesn't have to be. I loved it and don't regret spending a penny!

    the things I hated :
    the horrrriiiibleeee dialog options, You choose "hello" thinking it's gonna be friendly and chloe says "hello and I hope you burn in hell" you get the idea! the options are not at all clear.... You can't really tell what chloe is gonna say! And no rewinds this time...... so loading the entire chapter again is a huge pain........... without being able to skip the cutscenes 0_0    … Expand
  7. Mandulum
    Feb 17, 2018
    9
    Five Word Review: Fantastic background story for Chloe.
    Favorite Thing: A great story that really should have came out before the base game because it gives so much more emotion to the entirety of Life Is Strange.
    Least Favorite Thing: The link between this game and its namesake is weak at best and feels almost like an afterthought. Date Completed: 2018-02-10 Playtime: 8h Enjoyment:    Five Word Review: Fantastic background story for Chloe.
    Favorite Thing: A great story that really should have came out before the base game because it gives so much more emotion to the entirety of Life Is Strange.
    Least Favorite Thing: The link between this game and its namesake is weak at best and feels almost like an afterthought.

    Date Completed: 2018-02-10
    Playtime: 8h
    Enjoyment: 9/10
    Recommendation: Absolutely.    … Expand
  8. kiki78
    Feb 6, 2018
    10
    Sorry for crappy english
    Imagining the challenge laid out for Deck Nine: Prequel. No time rewind mechanics. SAG strike stealing protagonists voice actor. Top standards set by original LiS. And what came out of it? I applaud. More than well done.
    It is the same old game, yet quite different. It feels more life like for me, and just from subjective perspective, Chloe as protagonist is    Sorry for crappy english
    Imagining the challenge laid out for Deck Nine: Prequel. No time rewind mechanics. SAG strike stealing protagonists voice actor. Top standards set by original LiS. And what came out of it? I applaud. More than well done.
    It is the same old game, yet quite different. It feels more life like for me, and just from subjective
    perspective, Chloe as protagonist is more close to my heart, and Rachel as friend, or more... is breathtaking... mesmerizing... easily passing all expectations i had for her (from original) and exceeding them.

    To summarize:
    1. controls in BtS are IMO worse than old ones, i am mouse keyboard player.
    2. voice acting of Chloe is tiny bit worse, or appealing to my ears, but it is easily forgivable
    3. both games sux hard, being so short, practically i should give score 1 from desperation... jokes aside i would love to spend there way way more time (without any BS like selling extra episodes for extra special editions, etc... meh!) BtS being shorter - SUX
    4. i like music in BtS more, but its very subjective

    Most important thing i would love to note: Original LiS made me cry... so many times... Which is super rare thing, especially playing videogames. Before the Storm though - made me cry less times, yet still it did quite a bit - BUT it made me laugh so hard, probably most ever of all games. Original made me laugh only with Frank eating beans scene.

    PRO TIP Dont take BtS serious, and it will reward you... maybe even in serious manner.

    P.S. i am not lesbian, but im pretty sure, that I love Rachel 4ever!    … Expand
  9. muzmuz
    Feb 5, 2018
    8
    Life is Strange: Before the Storm ends in a significantly better position than the original title, leaving its players satisfied and emotional at the same time especially with its lovable and unforgettable protagonists. Before the Storm fits perfectly as a prequel title for one of the best story-based video game franchises to date.
  10. lhmillan
    Jan 27, 2018
    9
    I'm from Brazil, so, sorry if my English looks so terryfying.
    So, let´s go with the review:
    First of all, i'd like to say that prequel was necessery for us to understand Rachel and Chloe's Story. The whole story is really well-told in all the time that is passed on the game. We have a younger Chloe that entered on the 'rebel teenager stage' -which is a great protagonist- and we got    I'm from Brazil, so, sorry if my English looks so terryfying.
    So, let´s go with the review:
    First of all, i'd like to say that prequel was necessery for us to understand Rachel and Chloe's Story.
    The whole story is really well-told in all the time that is passed on the game. We have a younger Chloe that entered on the 'rebel teenager stage' -which is a great protagonist- and we got Rachel Amber, who doesnt appears at the first game -and like i said before, we needed her presence at this game.
    The graphics are different for what we are used to, but they´re really beautifull, looking just like a paiting.
    The OST is incredible, doing that the player fells bad/happy for what is happening on the screen.
    The characters are great, dont asking for more or less of them.
    We have lots of choices, but some of them dont really matter for the end of the game, but that does not make the game worst. Concluding, this game is one of the best games that i´ve ever played in my whole life and i highly recommend him.    … Expand
  11. dandalis
    Jan 19, 2018
    7
    Life is Strange back in 2015 really was a game i didnt expect i'd fall in love with but somehow i did. While i liked and enjoyed Before the Storm, i cant say the same here cuz biggest part that i loved back then was the time manipulation and all the weird, mysterious stuff that revolved around Maxine's powers impact on the world around her, Before the Storm simply i think was bit tooLife is Strange back in 2015 really was a game i didnt expect i'd fall in love with but somehow i did. While i liked and enjoyed Before the Storm, i cant say the same here cuz biggest part that i loved back then was the time manipulation and all the weird, mysterious stuff that revolved around Maxine's powers impact on the world around her, Before the Storm simply i think was bit too grounded and normal, which isnt bad by any means, but for me it didnt have that special charm.

    A lot of the meat that made original so damn good is still present, it still has that beautifly done nostalgic atmosphere, neat soundtrack, believable characters you care about, genuinely despise and undertand their struggles, sublte mistery going around Chloe.

    Art style hasnt changed a bit even when Deck 9 used Unity engine, which isnt a bad thing by me, BUT what pisses me off really bad is that OG game with 5 episodes was an 11 GB game while BtS is a god damned 18 GB with just 3 episodes. I care about my GB and it just shows developer inability to optimize their crap. Atleast unlike oh so many Unity games, this one runs fine.

    Even tho you know where Rachel will end up, it was pretty cool to see her and Chloe's ways that shaped her up to the person you her in original series and what kind of a person Rachel was and the stuff she went thru.

    P.S.

    FFFUUU Square Enix and Deck 9 for locking bonus episode ''Farewell'' behind Deluxe Edition, really disgusting way to treat the fans.    … Expand
  12. rodericrinehart
    Jan 2, 2018
    9
    First off, another great game from Dontnod. There are no magical powers this time, but it does not detract from the story or the gameplay. It was really refreshing to see what happened to Rachel Amber and see a lot more of Chloe. The new voice actor was good, but the old one will return in the true sequel. These games are just better in every way from the Telltale games. I want more ofFirst off, another great game from Dontnod. There are no magical powers this time, but it does not detract from the story or the gameplay. It was really refreshing to see what happened to Rachel Amber and see a lot more of Chloe. The new voice actor was good, but the old one will return in the true sequel. These games are just better in every way from the Telltale games. I want more of these types of games, but only if they are the quality of Life is Strange, Edith Finch, or Oxenfree.… Expand
  13. SuperkenGaming
    Dec 19, 2017
    7
    Life is Strange Before the Storm
    A decent story with not much choice
    Before the storm is a 3 episode long adventure game that tells the story of chloe and Rachel amber The girl that’s missing at the beginning of life I strange The 3 episodes last about 3 hours long and is much more dialog focused.. You play as chloe and she has no special powers Ocasionnaly you get into a battle of    Life is Strange Before the Storm
    A decent story with not much choice
    Before the storm is a 3 episode long adventure game that tells the story of chloe and Rachel amber
    The girl that’s missing at the beginning of life I strange
    The 3 episodes last about 3 hours long and is much more dialog focused..
    You play as chloe and she has no special powers
    Ocasionnaly you get into a battle of words where you have to try and talk your way into or out of a situation…
    you have to pay close attention to what your opponent says and say something back to go along with it in a smooth way…
    Other than that, youre just choosing what you believe is the best response for chloes situation, you can be cold or warm, not much in between
    As youre dealing with your new step dad david, and getting into trouble with Rachel amber…
    There are a few special moments here, but not much…
    Overall I feel there are no real choices of consequence here which is a bit of a let down..
    Making this feel more like an interactive movie than an actual adventure game.
    The first episode I found it hard to care what was going on at all.. despite me crying for chloe in life is strange.. I just didn’t care about her or her relationship with amber at first, the only saving grace being a dungeons and dragons game thrown in there…
    But episode 2 completely changed my opinion of the game and the relationship of these 2 girls…
    Easily my favorite episode where theres a little more adventure type sections of looking for items you need but more importantly theres more bonding, there are more characters, drama, theres a play that for me topped even the dungeons and dragons game…
    The relationship felt alive and real, and then episode 3 comes along and It just disappoints in comparrison….
    It goes by at a snails pace, though there are touching moments with chloes father that really saves it from feeling like an ultimate let down…
    The story telling saves this game, and its middle episode makes the 7 hour journey worth it.
    The delivery of this game is just very inconsistent… filled with great moments as well as moments youll be begging to just be over
    But I cried and I cared,
    And as a game that sets out to tell a story I guess that’s all that really matters
    I give life is strange before the storm
    a 7/10    … Expand
  14. jojimbo
    Sep 3, 2017
    10
    Bravo!!!! Deck Nine is a shining example of how to make a game based on a masterpiece. They defied all the odds and the risks and delivered something very special with the first episode. If you're a Chloe Price fan, you will love this prequel, Ashly Burch made a big mistake in not voicing Chloe, because now we have a better actress voicing her. Well done D9 and very well done Rhianna.
  15. gyigyo2
    Sep 2, 2017
    1
    First of all i was a fan of lis1 when its released, but after the so many milking( make tv series, movie, and now this prequel) the game is getting disgusting talk about that you receive the extra mission farewell and chloe old clothes if you pre order the game this is disgusting by deck nines and square enix! Its totaly like a bad fanfiction and cheap game to only milking more LISFirst of all i was a fan of lis1 when its released, but after the so many milking( make tv series, movie, and now this prequel) the game is getting disgusting talk about that you receive the extra mission farewell and chloe old clothes if you pre order the game this is disgusting by deck nines and square enix! Its totaly like a bad fanfiction and cheap game to only milking more LIS universe and make easy money.

    If i have need to compare to the old LIS1 i say:
    -Voices mostly horrible
    -Graphics worse than LIS1 was
    -Game is just total boring unlike the previously one
    -Musics is not good ones like previously ones
    - Characters is boring...
    -The talks is horrible and boring.
    - The decisions and outcomes is boring and uninteresting
    - The game story is uninteresing and boring, like a bad fanfiction unlike the previously one.    … Expand
  16. PanosChris
    Sep 1, 2017
    10
    The first episode of this prequel story starts off strong with its awesome atmosphere and backstory for Chloe, a character that if you played Life Is Strange Season 1, you will fall in love with. And while in Season 1, Chloe's backstory was mysterious and secret, here we start to see Chloe's life from a different angle and we can really appreciate that. It's very good and like Season 1,The first episode of this prequel story starts off strong with its awesome atmosphere and backstory for Chloe, a character that if you played Life Is Strange Season 1, you will fall in love with. And while in Season 1, Chloe's backstory was mysterious and secret, here we start to see Chloe's life from a different angle and we can really appreciate that. It's very good and like Season 1, emotional.. Although there is no ''rewind mechanic'' in Before The Storm, Deck Nine did such an amazing job and I am looking forward to the next episodes!
    Oh, and I can't understand why the PS4 reviewscore on this game is higher than here. :/    … Expand
  17. JimmySullivan96
    Sep 1, 2017
    10
    I highly recommend this game to anyone who enjoyed the first game. The story is wonderful and emotional, the soundtrack is amazing just like in LiS season 1. I urge you to really give it a try. Deck Nine had spoken to us about their love for LiS and it shows in this game.
  18. notbutt
    Aug 31, 2017
    7
    Not a bad game if you enjoyed the first. Graphics are decent but not up to par with the previous Life is Strange's. Performace was good on a ps4 with a few stutters here and there but nothing too bad. Soundtrack was beautiful like the previous game's, and it upholds its reputation for stellar music. In the end whether or not you like this game depends on your feelings for the first.
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Awards & Rankings

33
#33 Most Discussed PC Game of 2017

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 19 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 19
  3. Negative: 1 out of 19
  1. GameSpot
    Apr 18, 2018
    80
    It's rare that a prequel truly works, where a story can captivate despite the audience knowing what's coming and where the path will lead. Life Is Strange: Before The Storm is one of those exceptional stories because it draws you in on its own terms. The only problem: You know it's building you up just to break your heart.
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  2. CD-Action
    Apr 3, 2018
    80
    Life indeed is strange. I was dead certain that Before the Storm simply cannot be good, but it turned out just fine. It’s really well-written, with fleshed out characters and some humor here and there. I applaud the writers for ditching science fiction elements, but I wish BtS was as good a thriller as it is a love story. [03/2018, p.58]
  3. PC Invasion
    Mar 14, 2018
    80
    Deck Nine have finished off Life is Strange in sterling fashion. Saying farewell to Arcadia Bay with Before the Storm is sad, but the best farewells usually are.
    Read full review
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