Life is Strange: Episode 2 - Out of Time

1. icarus42

   Mar 26, 2015

   10

   This is the first review I've ever written, so bear with me.
   
   This game is, quite honestly, one of the best games that I have ever played.This is the first review I've ever written, so bear with me.
   
   This game is, quite honestly, one of the best games that I have ever played. Before I get into the review I just wanted to say, though, that it's very possible you've heard something about the social justice undertones in this series. I can confirm these. On multiple occasions the protagonist mutters phrases like "wow, I should volunteer for [save the bay effort]", or have hints that the best friend wouldn't use hair products with animals in it, or that guns should only be for women, etc. The protagonist herself is very reminiscent of a hipster, for a number of reasons too.
   
   Even will all of this, I can still say that the story is one of the best I think I have ever experienced. Throughout the day you make large and small decisions - never quite knowing if you made the right one. This creates some great self-narrative. The protagonist will mutter to herself "oh wow, that was really bad. I should probably change what I said" which makes the narrative really immersive, since you have to make decisions but still have control over the consequences you'll get since you can change what you said. This dynamic is really very cool. I'd really hate to spoil anything about the story, and since you definitely should have played he first episode you should know what you're getting yourself into anyways. Suffice to say the story is really amazing, and that every decision you make matters in the end.
   
   Onto the dialogue. It was pretty poor. There were some moments where a line was delivered and I felt bad for whoever had to voice-act it. It was just so simplistic at some points. I can't exactly put it into words. Also, the banter is compeletely out of touch. I heard the word selfie over and over and over again I just couldn't get it out of my head. Writers- please stop it. Nobody takes selfies all the time. Nobody uses a camera as old as the protagonist does. Nobody in california, where I live, uses the word "brah" unironically. Stop sterotyping your characters. Not everybody is a) a cheerleader/athlete b) a jock c) a geek d) a skater. That's just not how cultural dynamics are anymore, and also saying that bullies are a serious issue is a cliche too. I feel like, when I am playing the game, I am playing an anime or the sims. I really wish that the less serious moments weren't just guided by these cliches.
   
   The graphics are decent. The optimization could be improved, though (I could run this game max settings at about x2 MSAA at ~45 FPS, but on Battlefield 3 I get a full 60 on ultra...) The game does not look anywhere as good as BF3, of course. Still, if you have a nice machine this should be no problem. Everything looks strikingly like the sims, I have to say. That can be a good or a bad thing.
   
   So it should really speak volumes that I still love this game - every bad element can be overlooked easily. There are flaws, sure. But the serious issues that are confronted during the story and the way that you can effectively set up the ending you want throughout is just amazing. So to everybody reading this, I would say go buy the full series. It is a story you won't want to miss out on. To the devs... well.. don't mess this up now! I have faith in you, just don't end up finishing out a great series like mass effect 3. You really have something going right now.
   
   Who cares about this review anyways. You should start with the first episode, hopefully this review just tells you to go out and get this one too, and the rest of the series! Full price is absolutely worth it. You can pirate the first episode first too as a demo, too, if that's your cup of tea. But these devs do deserve your money.
   
   And before I go, one last thing. I think it was really cool that the devs put in elements that not necessarily every player was going to see. That sort of thing is dying out, but these guys really went the extra mile. I'll say it's something similar to how GTA has it's electric cars switch from gas to electric depending on your speed- it builds immersion but almost nobody'll know that. That attention to detail is just amazing.… Expand

   • 8 of 12 users found this helpful
2. Ciocolici

   Aug 5, 2023

   10

   Episode 2 of "Life is Strange" proves to be an incredible continuation of the already amazing first episode. The story unfolds withEpisode 2 of "Life is Strange" proves to be an incredible continuation of the already amazing first episode. The story unfolds with unparalleled brilliance, and the characters continue to captivate my heart. I can't help but fall deeper in love with this game as I progress through its enthralling narrative.
   
   The storytelling in Episode 2 is nothing short of extraordinary, effortlessly carrying on the emotional weight and intrigue set by the first episode. The depth and development of the characters add a layer of authenticity to the experience, making them feel like genuine individuals with their own dreams, fears, and struggles.
   
   As I delve further into the game, my connection to the world of "Life is Strange" deepens, and I find myself becoming more emotionally invested in the fate of the characters. Their dilemmas and challenges resonate deeply with me, stirring a myriad of emotions that keep me engaged and eager to uncover more.
   
   The seamless continuation of the Telltale-inspired style is commendable, giving players the power to shape the course of events with meaningful choices. It's a testament to the game's ability to draw players into its narrative and make them active participants in the storytelling process.
   
   In summary, Episode 2 of "Life is Strange" is a masterful installment that seamlessly carries on the magic of the first episode. The captivating story and well-crafted characters have ensnared my heart, making me even more enamored with this game. I can't wait to see what the future episodes have in store and how the journey of these characters will unfold. "Life is Strange" continues to be a remarkable and unforgettable experience that has left an indelible mark on my gaming journey. I eagerly await the next chapter of this extraordinary tale.… Expand

   • 0 of 0 users found this helpful
4. Gwenchlan

   Jul 28, 2015

   10

   The first episode was quite interesting, placing characters and gameplay. This second episode is growing our interest for the characters.The first episode was quite interesting, placing characters and gameplay. This second episode is growing our interest for the characters. Especially with the last game sequence which pushed me to replay the episode in a different way. Then, I was waiting to see how it modifies the story. Interest is still growing ; where will it lead ?… Expand

   • 1 of 1 users found this helpful
5. 1sonicthe

   May 9, 2015

   8

   Its a really cool game episode, well, at the end of it, you will be crying or tremendous, really incredible experience, BUUUTT as usual, thereIts a really cool game episode, well, at the end of it, you will be crying or tremendous, really incredible experience, BUUUTT as usual, there are some freaking boring parts, such as finding some random bottles! SOOOOOO FUUUUUNNN!… Expand

   • 0 of 0 users found this helpful
6. luketeddy

   Jul 29, 2015

   8

   This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Better then the first episode. in the first one I did not really care for the charters that much but in this episode a student dies named Kate marsh and it's really sad.… Expand

   • 0 of 0 users found this helpful
7. Rem

   Jul 10, 2015

   8

   Life is Strange Episode 2 continues the strange life of Max Caulfield as she tries to go about her everyday life while trying to stop aLife is Strange Episode 2 continues the strange life of Max Caulfield as she tries to go about her everyday life while trying to stop a tornado that will wipe out Arcadia Bay. DontNod once again nails the mood and atmosphere of the setting with soft guitar strums and moments of idleness punctuating the best parts of the game. While the game inevitably turns into a five bottle fetch quest halfway through, it's still captivating because of the charming, immature nature of each character which are fleshed out even further in this episode which hits a fantastic conclusion. While the lip syncing is still way off, your choices still have an impact in this game, and the simple gameplay makes it really easy to begin enjoying this rather short episode. Take your time when you play and you'll see the charm and exquisite details hidden in this beautifully realized world and the characters that inhabit it.… Expand

   • 0 of 0 users found this helpful
8. dannieeddie2008

   Apr 13, 2015

   1

   This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Life is Strange Episode 2 - Out of Time. In my opinion isn't a very good episode, the first episode is a little better but still isn't a great game.
   The graphics of the game look nice. I also like how they have done 'some' of the characters, some of them are too stereotype. For example, Victoria being the bully but is nice to you when she wants something out of you.
   I found this game to very boring and you are just in a walking simulator at the end of it. You don't have many choices to choose from (as this is a choice based game), I feel like you only have two choices and nothing in between.
   
   I am giving this a 1/10 because of the story, the characters and just the way the game is set.… Expand

   • 0 of 4 users found this helpful

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