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. Ciocolici
    Sep 7, 2023
    9
    "Life is Strange: Before the Storm" defies the misconception that Unity games are ugly or basic in terms of gameplay. Deck Nine has proven this with their remarkable work on this game. While some characters may share similar animations, the overall visuals are a huge improvement compared to the first game.

    The game successfully captures the essence of "Life is Strange," and the    "Life is Strange: Before the Storm" defies the misconception that Unity games are ugly or basic in terms of gameplay. Deck Nine has proven this with their remarkable work on this game. While some characters may share similar animations, the overall visuals are a huge improvement compared to the first game.

    The game successfully captures the essence of "Life is Strange," and the outstanding OST adds to the familiar feeling. Playing as Chloe is an absolute delight, and I'm grateful to the developers for allowing us to step into her shoes.

    In terms of gameplay, the character hubs and mechanics are well-designed, reminiscent of the first game. However, I must admit that I did miss the rewind mechanic. The new gameplay mechanic introduced for Chloe lacks the appeal of her lacking superpowers.

    While "Life is Strange: Before the Storm" may not reach the same level of the masterpiece that is the original game, it doesn't mean it's bad. It shines in its own right, despite being a side-story prologue. The emotional journey of Chloe is both sad and heartwarming, providing a captivating experience throughout.

    As someone who cherished every moment of this game, I am beyond satisfied with the overall experience. Deck Nine managed to turn Chloe's dreams into a reality, crafting a compelling and touching story.

    However, I must warn you, the last scene after the credits took an emotional toll on me. Kudos to Deck Nine for breaking my heart with that impactful ending.    … Expand
  2. Krazee8
    Jul 18, 2023
    10
    Amazing ...................................................................
  3. clem666
    Apr 22, 2023
    8
    Terrific experience just as the first opus is. They succeeded in offering us something different but with the main features that makes the core of the franchise. Here, no more time travelling, just the rigorous consequences of the choices you have made.
    Amazing soundscape and soundtrack based on 'Music Before the Storm' from the Daughter band, and some other miscellaneous artists. Special    Terrific experience just as the first opus is. They succeeded in offering us something different but with the main features that makes the core of the franchise. Here, no more time travelling, just the rigorous consequences of the choices you have made.
    Amazing soundscape and soundtrack based on 'Music Before the Storm' from the Daughter band, and some other miscellaneous artists. Special thanks for Wolf Alice's apparition in a time when they were far less popular than now. The music really is appropriate to the scenes in the game and never feels too much. The game lets you the ability to have some moments of contemplation lulled by a soft music. Furthermore, the pace is enhanced by spaces of silence or graphic scenes that bring real depth to the whole. These were some of the best moments in my opinion.
    I liked the 'fight by provocation option' available in some conversations, even if the translation makes it a bit more difficult to succeed.
    The story is quite interesting, even if sometimes it feels like we have to consciously make pointless or foolish choices. In addition to that, some decision absolutely doesn't fit in the expected consequences, which makes the playtrough vaguely unpredictable. On the other hand there is no doubt that we embody teenagers in their worst phases of opposition, constant questioning and in a way rebellious and extreme behaviors. These behaviors, however, do not make it difficult to see where the story is going.
    I especially enjoyed the number of protagonists we can interact with, and the small things they all add to the atmosphere. I found the character development of Elliott and James to be particularly noteworthy. Unfortunately, I can't deny the fact that some other roles are relatively unidimensional.
    The bonus episode ('Life is Strange: Before the Storm Farewell') definitely sums up the game as brilliantly as intensely.    … Expand
  4. KinimodYunmi
    Apr 16, 2023
    10
    Ein sehr gutes Spiel, ist wirklich heftig.
    Vom Gameplay her gefällt es mir sogar mehr als die Telltale Spiele.
    Edit: bereitet einem ein ordentliches Gefühlschaos aber es ist wunderschön zu durchleben!
  5. Bogdan008_Meta
    Apr 14, 2023
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Вчера я допрошел Life is Strange (Before the Storm), и остался с большим количеством положительных эмоций. Хороша написання история, с нужным количеством романтики, драмы и тоски. Начинаешь понимать персонажей, и сочувствовать им.
    В игре показано, как один человек может поменять твою жизнь, и стать тебе очень близким человеком с которым готов пойти на край света. И в особенности, это показано во втором эпизоде. Когда Хлоя и Рэйчел хотели сбежать из Аркадии Бэй. И даже в конце третьего эпизода, я смог пустить слезу.

    Life is Strange (Before the Storm) замечательная игра с отличней историей и персонажами. И поэтому, в неё стоит поиграть.    … Expand
  6. AlisonOliveir4
    Feb 11, 2023
    0
    Embora seja apenas um spin off da serie principal, before the storm consegue entregar uma qualidade tão grande quando o primeiro jogo, aqui diferente do primeiro você consegue se apegar aos personagens secundários um pouco mais, por se tratarem de serem pessoas já conhecidas, o mais incrível a se destacar e o quão bom o jogo consegue apresentar uma historia com a limitação de roteiro queEmbora seja apenas um spin off da serie principal, before the storm consegue entregar uma qualidade tão grande quando o primeiro jogo, aqui diferente do primeiro você consegue se apegar aos personagens secundários um pouco mais, por se tratarem de serem pessoas já conhecidas, o mais incrível a se destacar e o quão bom o jogo consegue apresentar uma historia com a limitação de roteiro que foi colocada pelo primeiro. A penas uma obra prima… Expand
  7. renyw
    Dec 19, 2022
    9
    great great great great great great great great great great great great great
  8. basic123
    Oct 18, 2022
    8
    Not as good as the main game but still very enjoyable with a good story. You need to play the main game first to understand the plot.
  9. Gliphy
    Oct 7, 2022
    7
    Честно, я был крааайне разочарован этой игрой. После восхитительной первой части, мне дали какую-то словесную перепалку с гопниками. Это было не так уж и плохо, но даже близко не уровень первой части
  10. kinsang
    Sep 12, 2022
    6
    เป็นเนื้อเรื่องก่อนเรื่องราวของภาคแรก ถึงแม้จะไม่ได้มีอะไรเท่าไหร่ แต่แฟนๆที่เล่นภาคแรกมาต้องชอบอย่างแน่นอน
  11. Gwend
    May 27, 2022
    7
    Интересный сюжет, хоть и слегка уступающий первой части, да и сама игра намного короче. Немного жалею, что не начал проходить знакомство с Life is Strange именно с этой части, а начал играть часть с Макс. 7 из 10
  12. Christian_TV
    May 27, 2022
    8
    Life Is Strange: Before the Storm is a Great,Great Game. A prequel truly worthy of its predecessor who goes to explore the difficult Story of Chloe. It doesn't deserve the highest rating because it doesn't give you the same emotions in my opinion.
  13. delaware80
    May 16, 2022
    5
    The biggest strength of the game is to make choices which have an impact.
    The characters and there relationships are also worked out well.
    Greatest weakness of the game is that there are too less thrilling or action moments; therefore you can get bored.
  14. DarisW
    May 11, 2022
    4
    Game started promising but the forced romance, cringe dialogs and bad writing (especially ep.3) becomes unbearable fast. Though bonus episode Farewell were heartwarming for me, it was nice to see Max and Chloe as a kids
  15. cdpr_pidary
    Apr 26, 2022
    0
    Шлак редкостный. С оригинальной игрой и рядом не валялась. Игру превратили в кучу унылых тупых диалогов, которые хочется побыстрее пропустить.
  16. AmberAnk2000
    Apr 6, 2022
    8
    I like this game, but what getting more give it what getting is that it doesn't stay canon to what is stated as canon from the first game. This game breaks many moments that got confirm as canon in first game. Doesn't mean that I hate this game. Just don't like how it ruins the canon.
  17. Moein7
    Feb 16, 2022
    7
    to be honest, this one is a downgrade compared to the last game "life is strange"; the lack of engaging game play mechanics alongside a simple story with predictable plot-twists, makes you wonder if you're playing a game or watching an animated movie! in-game choices and dialogues are not that effective as they used to be; on the contrary, it is a fun game to play and it makes you deeplyto be honest, this one is a downgrade compared to the last game "life is strange"; the lack of engaging game play mechanics alongside a simple story with predictable plot-twists, makes you wonder if you're playing a game or watching an animated movie! in-game choices and dialogues are not that effective as they used to be; on the contrary, it is a fun game to play and it makes you deeply understand Chloe and Rachel chemistry and sympathize with Chloe under the crushing weight of tragic matters happened to her. give it a try if you had the time.… Expand
  18. SaQ1_Mixr
    Feb 8, 2022
    9
    Great story addition to the first LiS game. But to be honest, it is not as good as Life is Strange 1. Doesn't quite live up to its predecessor, but still an outstanding video game.
  19. izlee
    Dec 28, 2021
    6
    Ciekawy prequel, nie wiem, co mogę o tej grze napisać więcej, jest dla mnie nijaka, grało mi się w nią przyjemnie
  20. TudorPopescu
    Dec 25, 2021
    10
    Life is Strange 1 being an amazing game, naturally it would be difficult for a prequel to live up to its name. And yet, Before the Storm does that brilliantly. It is absolutely a worthy prequel with new (and old) interesting characters, twists and an emotional story. Especially when you consider the events of the first game, which makes everything more tragic. Damn, it hit me hard. ThisLife is Strange 1 being an amazing game, naturally it would be difficult for a prequel to live up to its name. And yet, Before the Storm does that brilliantly. It is absolutely a worthy prequel with new (and old) interesting characters, twists and an emotional story. Especially when you consider the events of the first game, which makes everything more tragic. Damn, it hit me hard. This game actually made me feel much more than the first game.… Expand
  21. cepini7686
    Nov 17, 2021
    10
    I’m really amazed by the fact that Chloe has no super natural power yet the story feels soo strong. A good prequel for a wonderful game
  22. 1scon
    Oct 17, 2021
    3
    По сравнению с 1 частю игра слишком плоха.
  23. Alexander_1996
    Sep 27, 2021
    10
    I finished "Before the Storm" yesterday but I still can't get over the fact it is the end - no more Max and Chloe in my life. I think the best way to describe my feelings right now is to compare them to the feeling of losing a friend, a real friend in real world - I have never lost a friend in my life (until now) but I bet it feels exactly the same way. Of course the story is superb, theI finished "Before the Storm" yesterday but I still can't get over the fact it is the end - no more Max and Chloe in my life. I think the best way to describe my feelings right now is to compare them to the feeling of losing a friend, a real friend in real world - I have never lost a friend in my life (until now) but I bet it feels exactly the same way. Of course the story is superb, the graphics are cool, the music is excellent, the gameplay is perfect but I don't think I want to say much about it besides what I've already said - all what you need to know is the fact that by the end of the story you will see the main characters as your best friends - how many games can boast that?… Expand
  24. Atyne
    Sep 17, 2021
    8
    +characters and relationships
    +badass moments
    +story twists
    +as atmospheric as first LiS

    -the ending was unfinished/sloppy
    -story wasn't as interesting as in the first LiS
  25. Bloodnes
    Aug 20, 2021
    8
    Занимательная история, в целом как и вся серия игр, сюжет держит до конца, много мыла, но есть и развязки. 8/10 обязательна для прохождения любителям жанра
  26. Danzanza1
    Jul 23, 2021
    10
    This game is powerful and disturbing. It's more of a cinematic game, with a beautiful soundtrack, just like the first game. if you are interested in playing this game, you have most likely already played the first game, meaning you're gonna spend most of the time with a lump in your throat, considering the huge amount of foreshadowing. So, in conclusion, should you buy this game?This game is powerful and disturbing. It's more of a cinematic game, with a beautiful soundtrack, just like the first game. if you are interested in playing this game, you have most likely already played the first game, meaning you're gonna spend most of the time with a lump in your throat, considering the huge amount of foreshadowing. So, in conclusion, should you buy this game? Absolutely. This game was soul crushing for me, and I'd give anything to experience this and the first game for the first time again.… Expand
  27. Dariya
    Jul 2, 2021
    9
    Summary:
    Strong, great game, an interesting exploration of Rachel's and Chloe's past.
  28. Sinmaker
    Jun 9, 2021
    6
    Info:
    - It's a prequel to the Life is Strange.
    - In 3rd person - Slow pace - Themes in game: suicide, drugs, philosophy, crime, real life, bullying. - Difficulty: easy. - Game time to finish: 10 hours - Audience: teenagers and adults. --> Positive points: . Deepens and explains the relationships of some famous characters from the original game. Example: Chloe. . It introduces    Info:
    - It's a prequel to the Life is Strange.
    - In 3rd person
    - Slow pace
    - Themes in game: suicide, drugs, philosophy, crime, real life, bullying.
    - Difficulty: easy.
    - Game time to finish: 10 hours
    - Audience: teenagers and adults.

    --> Positive points:
    . Deepens and explains the relationships of some famous characters from the original game. Example: Chloe.
    . It introduces some characters important to the series' lore. Example: Rachel

    --> Negative points:
    . When the game was made there was a voice actors strike going on. With that there was an entire new cast of voice actors and
    unfortunately they didn't do as good a job as the voice actors in the original.
    . Weak lore. It was possible to solve all the problems in the story just by talking honestly with each other. Example: If Rachel's father had told the truth to Rachel none of the **** would happened.
    . **** characters
    . They wanted to take advantage of the excellent performance of the original to sell more games, but this prequel was rushed and didnt do a great job.    … Expand
  29. 444days
    May 19, 2021
    9
    do u people ever stop comparing previous titles??!?!? ._. it's better than the original imo... i think everyone misses the old life is strange and honestly whatever, this is a whole new vibe for the series tho just as good. besides seeing wlw relationships in big games is alalways amazing. i think ppl are way too harsh on this game
  30. A-Kratonos
    May 8, 2021
    7
    Una precuela que sabe complementar de manera decente al primer juego, pero que termina intentado replicar la misma esencia sin capturar toda la magia de este ultimo.
    El conflicto principal en general es mas melodramático que serio, el final es un poco incongruente, y la falta de poderes hace que sea significativamente menos interesante de jugar.
    Pero a pesar de todo, es una aventura    Una precuela que sabe complementar de manera decente al primer juego, pero que termina intentado replicar la misma esencia sin capturar toda la magia de este ultimo.
    El conflicto principal en general es mas melodramático que serio, el final es un poco incongruente, y la falta de poderes hace que sea significativamente menos interesante de jugar.

    Pero a pesar de todo, es una aventura disfrutable, y su DLC Farewell es simplemente lo mejor.
    Aunque no tenga mucho sentido que tenga menos capítulos que el primer juego, y a la vez cobre un dólar extra por ellos.
    Es un juego inferior al primero que cuesta 5 dólares mas, lo que hay que tener en cuenta.    … Expand
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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.
    Read full review
  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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