Life is Strange: Episode 5 - Polarized

 PC
User Score
8.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 348 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 274 out of 348
  2. Mixed: 36 out of 348
  3. Negative: 38 out of 348

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  1. Revolos
    Oct 20, 2015
    10
    Dontnod Entertainment and the people behind it have done something no one would have expected when this game was announced. They have crafted the best episodic adventure game yet. Episode 5 cemented Life is Strange as an exceptional piece of storytelling that should be played and experienced by everyone.
  2. nima1990
    Feb 8, 2016
    10
    I wish I could return to when I started playing episode 1 so I could play it once again and I could experience this masterpiece from the beginning once more. Graphics, artistic style, everything is stellar and lip sync can be easily forgotten without any hesitation.
  3. TheLewdOne
    Dec 1, 2015
    3
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. As someone who really liked the series up to this point (besides how the writers handled the teen dialogue which was pretty awful at the start) this last episode was really disheartening. The fact that it's getting so many nines and tens astounds me considered how many things are blatantly just...wrong with this episode.

    The David "puzzle" is a complete joke, it has the most warped logic as to what will make a difference and is frustrating in all the ways a good puzzle shouldn't be. Going through an apocalyptic Arcadia Beach was cool to begin with until the puzzles for saving people started kicking in...I honestly didn't see the point of saving anyone beyond the people in the diner since Max was obviously not going to let this future stay (more on that later). The "dream" sequence was also something that started out interesting and had a few highlights even later on that do a good job of showing Max's insecurities but it drags on FAR to long, especially the walking down memory lane with Chloe part.

    And the ending...My god the ending. This ending is the personification of your choices having no meaning. This is mass effect levels of disappointment except with one less option. Time is depicted as a thinking force that is actively out to hunt down Chloe since she is "destined to die"...but she never would have been saved in the first place if time had never given Max her power? Max has visions of the storm BEFORE she has her first time travel incident, before she even saves Chloe. Also, when Max goes back in time and saves William from dying on the day he was supposed to the storm never came at him like a bat out of hell. It seems to still be coming years later but why did he get a delay when Chloe didn't? Is the storm really just about teaching Max a lesson? A lesson Max...wouldn't really have needed to learn had she not received these powers in the first place?

    This ending reeks of plotholes, invalidates all of your previous decisions no matter what path you go down and yet people still praise it. I can only assume they are blinded by "feels" as I might have been years ago when I was fresh to the story driven game genre and while I did find one of the endings to be particularly sad the path leading up to it had me feeling more upset and betrayed than anything else.

    I might have given this episode a 7/10 and the series as a whole a solid 8 if not 9 had the ending been even just decent, but I can't stress enough how important an ending is to a game based around telling a story. Overall I give this episode a 3 for all the reasons I stated above, the only things saving it from any lower is some interesting and well-handled scenes and imagery. For the series as a whole I give it a 6/10. I would no longer refer this series to someone based on it being an excellent game in it's genre, I would only refer it to someone who has already played a lot of adventure games and was just looking for more.    … Expand
  4. Jerm
    Dec 17, 2015
    9
    Life is Strange starts with a mumble and ends with a bang. Admittedly, there were a few times that the story hit rather close to home and pulled my heart strings (Chloe's debacle). Shy of a 10 only because of a slightly rushed Mass Effect-style ending, a few spots of inaccurate lip syncing, I would still recommend LiS to anyone as one of the best games of 2015.
  5. Gwenchlan
    Oct 22, 2015
    7
    I had high expectations for this final episode. Some were fulfilled, some were not. There are 2 or 3 sequences which are looking like "flood" in this episode. There are not necessary, it sounds fake. But, otherwise, the final plot with the murderer (no spoil :p) is well managed. And the end is a cruel dilemma. *shared a tear*

    I think I'll re-do this game later, in a one-run. I'll try to    I had high expectations for this final episode. Some were fulfilled, some were not. There are 2 or 3 sequences which are looking like "flood" in this episode. There are not necessary, it sounds fake. But, otherwise, the final plot with the murderer (no spoil :p) is well managed. And the end is a cruel dilemma. *shared a tear*

    I think I'll re-do this game later, in a one-run. I'll try to change the choices I did, just to see what changes it's making.

    Life is Strange has a great soundtrack, too. This fifth episode has nice songs too.

    Definitively a great game. I love it. Thank you DontNod.    … Expand
  6. Fonjask
    Oct 31, 2015
    2
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Such an absolutely great first 4.5 episodes, and then this. What a **** awful ending to such a great game. What the actual **** You HAVE to save the Bay, since choosing Chloe is the dumbest **** ever since that doesn't actually solve the issue of the tornado and disasters existing in the first place, and Chloe will still have to die by like another tornado or whatever. I went on /r/LifeIsStrange and they're all talking about Bae>Bay and it's the dumbest **** ever. **** this ending. I'm removing this episode from my mind and making my own ending, where we go back to the first photograph, simply keep standing in the toilets so Chloe's life gets saved without abusing Time Travel, save Kate, and still bust Jefferson/Nathan. Boom, best ending to the game. What the **** was this **** God...… Expand
  7. Aiden_Cora
    Oct 21, 2015
    6
    The pacing is very uneven and it's 70% filler, only 2 choices for the ending. Both of which feel rushed, especially the one where you save Chloe, that one feels tacked on in the last minute.
  8. Chapa9dj
    Oct 22, 2015
    4
    It's like Mass Effect 3 all over again, minus the reapers.
    Absolutely disgusting, i cannot believe i fell for it, and all the time and effort i have wasted in this just to reach to awful conclusions.
    Horrible last episode and stupid endings. Way to ruin a franchise.

    4/10
    Now if only i could get my wasted time and money back.
  9. De_santa
    Oct 21, 2015
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I thought that no other movie or game, would disappoint me more than the end of Mass Effect 3. But, the day 19 of October comes the end of Life is Strange, that simply ignores all your choices during gameplay and with two sloppy, however, the journey of Maxine Caulfield and too good for a less than seven.
  10. Absydion
    Oct 22, 2015
    10
    This game deserves acclaim. Yes, the stealth sequence is silly, and yes, the villain's exposition is a bit excessive, but the heart of the game is about Max's relationships and the choices she has to make. People have complained about the last choice you have to make, but I think the developers have done something quite clever here.

    [Potential spoilers ahead, but without specific    This game deserves acclaim. Yes, the stealth sequence is silly, and yes, the villain's exposition is a bit excessive, but the heart of the game is about Max's relationships and the choices she has to make. People have complained about the last choice you have to make, but I think the developers have done something quite clever here.

    [Potential spoilers ahead, but without specific details.]

    If you choose one ending, what you get feels hollow, unsatisfying, and "wrong." Players can easily go back into the menu, start the game from that last branch, and choose the other ending. Basically, players can use Max's powers to go back and put things right ... but the game makers don't force you to do that. They leave you to come to that conclusion on your own. When you finally make the right choice, you have to live with the decision just as Max does. It's brilliant!

    [More overt spoilers ahead]

    It's not clear if Max knows at the end that she even has time-traveling powers. The entire game seems to be about Max coming to terms with and accepting Chloe's death. It's a game about loss, denial, mourning, acceptance, and maturity. It is truly a coming-of-age story, and it's beautifully done.    … Expand
  11. Centrey
    Oct 30, 2015
    6
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The ending of Square Enix's attempt at an episodic story driven game. The previous episodes had been good, they had depicted a college student's life with relative success - 'hipster' is the only way to describe the atmosphere. The game then took a darker turn to then finally end up with this episode. I would describe more of the game but the reason I won't is because there is literally no point. There are two endings to the game and only one of which feels like the 'correct' one. Kill everyone in your town besides you and your bestfriend or kill your bestfriend. Any sane person chooses the first one, but therefore every single episode before this one is meaningless. In short, this game has wasted your time making a story that results in it all being destroyed physically or not even existing in the first place.… Expand
  12. RaistClaster
    Oct 21, 2015
    8
    A conclusion that is just what it needed to be. The emotional roller coaster that started in chapter 4 continues with a final decision that will make your heart shatter in a million pieces or make it as hard as a beautiful diamond filled with sadness and happiness at the same time.
  13. TheTitan84
    Oct 20, 2015
    10
    This has been one of the best games of my life. The last choice..... will not spoil, but there IS a choice. There is ALWAYS a choice. Best game ever. It cost like 2 movie tickets (in Sweden at least) and is worth infinity that.
  14. plount
    Oct 21, 2015
    4
    Meh. It could have been the episode that transformed this game into a good, or a great game, not sunk it into mediocrity. You have even less gameplay here, so you're basically watching a movie. That would have been ok, if the movie was good, not an incoherent fantasy full of cliches. And the ending while isn't Mass Effect 3 level of bad (which is something probably impossible to achieveMeh. It could have been the episode that transformed this game into a good, or a great game, not sunk it into mediocrity. You have even less gameplay here, so you're basically watching a movie. That would have been ok, if the movie was good, not an incoherent fantasy full of cliches. And the ending while isn't Mass Effect 3 level of bad (which is something probably impossible to achieve again), it's pretty bad and somewhat in the same line. Not gonna spoil it more than telling you that one of the choices you have in the end is to make everything you did in this game useless. The other is choosing to be an inconsiderate **** which is out of Max character. Good job, devs. :(… Expand
  15. Kururin11
    Oct 20, 2015
    9
    This is probably the best game I've played all year . It was so intense. The Storytelling, the music, the atmosphere and characters were awesome. Kudos to DONTNOD entertainment.
  16. f0zZy
    Oct 28, 2015
    10
    One of the best endings of the game. Wonderful hipster story of little girl Max. Interesting way to show time in different dimensions!

    ha ha P.S. I chose left option ;)
  17. MihneaCalin
    Oct 29, 2015
    10
    The fact i'm still crying 30 minutes after ending this game proves it all... Definitely the greatest emotional impact a game had on me since Walking Dead part 1. The action in this episode will be surreal at times, as we finally experience what being 'beyond dimensions' feels like, while the final choice of the game plays with your expectations beautifully. You might know (or feel) whereThe fact i'm still crying 30 minutes after ending this game proves it all... Definitely the greatest emotional impact a game had on me since Walking Dead part 1. The action in this episode will be surreal at times, as we finally experience what being 'beyond dimensions' feels like, while the final choice of the game plays with your expectations beautifully. You might know (or feel) where this is going, yet the interactions between the characters are done so delicately and so majestically at times that the ending still delivers a blow... The kind of blow you see coming yet avoiding it is impossible. From my point of view, there could be no other way for the game to come to its conclusion, as there can be no truly happy endings when playing with the fabric of time and life itself. Any other sort of ending would have probably only weakened the fantastic emotional power of the game...… Expand
  18. Rem
    Dec 2, 2015
    6
    As the conclusion of Max's story comes to a close, the themes of lifelong friendships and destiny come full circle and the game ends with those ideas hammered in your head, and most truly as people have said, the ending is polarizing. What cannot be debated however is how the rest of the episode is panned out, many of the sections of the game not meshing or congealing with what the otherAs the conclusion of Max's story comes to a close, the themes of lifelong friendships and destiny come full circle and the game ends with those ideas hammered in your head, and most truly as people have said, the ending is polarizing. What cannot be debated however is how the rest of the episode is panned out, many of the sections of the game not meshing or congealing with what the other episodes excelled on. Gone are the well paced events that drive the story. In the beginning of the game Max picks up right from where she left off, in the clutches off the supposed antagonist. While I was concerned over the tone shift at the final quarter of Episode 4, they handled it well without being overbearing. The villain in the first 30 minutes could hardly be more "psychopath murder villain" token. He hardly adds to the plot and is just there to give Max a situation of peril. He's bland to put it simply. What hurts however is the whole sequence in the Dark Room, where much of your time is spent listening to the token dialogue and minimal interactivity, it's painfully slow for what should have been an explosive start.

    LiS really utilized the reverse time mechanic very well even for the most menial of tasks throughout the first four episodes, but in EP5, Max uses it for simple, but awful stealth sections, trial and error (in a bad way) fight scenes, and meaningless choices. And speaking of meaningless choices, Polarized probably summed it up the best. It's easy to understand that DontNod aren't big time developers and not everything will see come to a close, but absolutely everything, Rachel's story, Victoria's fate, Nathan's fate, Max's powers, the storm, and even Jefferson's motives, see little to no closure whatsoever in addition to the few dozen other choices that you have made throughout the series. If you played LiS's last 5 minutes, you would've played the entire game as your choices have no effect on the binary endings, both if which sell the concept well enough, but choice is disappointingly thrown out of the window.

    What really drove the events of the game was the craftsmanship of Max and Chloe's relationship, whether platonic or romantic, there was no denying it was the driving force of the series and the reason LiS is so amazing in the first place. Here, it takes a smaller backseat to a more "meta-nightmare-introspect" of Max overusing her powers, which is best summed up with the mixed bag of a nightmare sequence. On one hand, the final sequence of the game really presents the final two choices in the game with polarizing evidence that makes the choice much tougher to swallow for many players, but getting there was a chore. LiS didn't need to break the fourth wall b/c it had a world/atmosphere beautifully developed that was one of the main sticking points, and to abandon that in favor of an annoying stealth section paired with pseudo time travel wackiness that hurts more than peaks interest.

    Chloe's character arc, imo, is the most interesting in the game, as her tragic backstory and her relationship with Max is what drives the game forward, but the writing takes a dip. Most dialogue exchanged consists of Max prioritizing Chloe and putting her above anything else, which is compelling, but the dialogue with Jefferson, Victoria, David, Warren, and hell even herself felt lower quality. Knowing that the writing of the beautiful intro of Episode 4 has dropped is gnawing.

    Other than that there exists nitpicks. The Warren romance subplot feels shoehorned in without proper context, the many red herrings the game teases like Rachel and the doe, how one ending throws logic out of the window, how Nathan's character takes a sudden 180 turn just to satisfy fans, and the amazing music is sparse. Many can disagree on these minor infractions, but what cannot be denied is that Polarized is a disappointing conclusion to what might've been one of the best narratives told in gaming.

    LiS is still an excellent series, and the first four episodes are some of my favorite experiences, despite them not being plot concluding as episode 5, they understood what people loved most, the gentle world building/atmosphere and the small moments between the game's two protagonists that is among the most fleshed out in gaming. Polarized is still an emotional roller coaster in bursts, and the open ending actually works better than an overexplained one, but there was so much that could've been done better. As for the ending? Bae over Bay.    … Expand
  19. Steeldude
    Feb 8, 2016
    10
    In the final Episode of the series, you will be a victim of a series of alternate realities thanks to which you will hopefully save Arcadia Bay from harm. Will you actually be able to do anything, though?

    I loved this episode because of the clever writing and because of uncertainty - you will constantly wonder if you are doing the right thing or not and that is what counts in a game    In the final Episode of the series, you will be a victim of a series of alternate realities thanks to which you will hopefully save Arcadia Bay from harm. Will you actually be able to do anything, though?

    I loved this episode because of the clever writing and because of uncertainty - you will constantly wonder if you are doing the right thing or not and that is what counts in a game like Life is Strange. Get ready to play with time for the one last time ... and do your best in saving as many people as you can from the horrible disaster that lies in wait.    … Expand
  20. raorian
    Oct 25, 2015
    4
    as other reviews say. great series overall. the writing to this episode is shameful (not all of it) to what the other episodes left behind.
    the ending was meh. and i liked mass effect ending.
  21. Tallas75
    Oct 22, 2015
    10
    A very unique game that I have to recommend with all my heart. It is quite simply fantastic. I love every aspect to this game even the quirky dialogue I find adds character to the experience. I found the final episode to be a nice way to end the series, despite it being fairly easy to predict. It was just pulled off so well. Just play the damn game, it's fantastic!
  22. mik123abc
    Oct 20, 2015
    5
    I deeply loved my journey through Life is strange but sadly the Finale Ending was very disappointing to me,
    it was very "Lackluster" & felt rushed, I also noticed that the Lips animation were not really matching with what the character were saying.

    OVERALL: Amazing game, poor ending.
  23. Crackfarmer
    Oct 20, 2015
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Kinda disstatisfied with the ending. I prefer the previous Episodes over these, like randomly scrambled contents of the previous episodes to replay in this Episode and less "new" content. The Ending decision is kinda dry, all die and chloe is safe, or chloe dies and the rest is safe. ****… Expand
  24. kryfionka
    Oct 21, 2015
    7
    Game is just AWESOME and this episode broke my heart. Sad, sometimes even scary but really good. Such a shame i can't give 10, because still some important questions have no answers, to MANY important questions.
  25. sinhartigan
    Oct 21, 2015
    10
    The final episode was more than I expected It to be. In our desperate attempt to make everything right we truly learn what meddling with time and destiny can lead to, that we can not always have it our way and that we need to bear and accept the consequences that come along with our decisions.
    We get to explore the main protagonists true self, her feelings, her fears, how she grew as a    The final episode was more than I expected It to be. In our desperate attempt to make everything right we truly learn what meddling with time and destiny can lead to, that we can not always have it our way and that we need to bear and accept the consequences that come along with our decisions.
    We get to explore the main protagonists true self, her feelings, her fears, how she grew as a character. And what friendship truly is.
    All this is delivered with some really heart-wrenching moments and powerful lines (the voice actors did an astonishing job here!).

    While I understand that the ending may not live up to some peoples expectations I am satisfied with the way the game ends.
    The way that we play and experience the main protagonist, all the choices that we make along the way (and how little their impact may seem at times, but it is there) ultimately boil down to this one final decision that concludes all the amazing character development that both main protagonists went through over the course of the five episodes.
    I do feel that only one of the two possible outcomes is the way the story truly was meant to end. In retrospect that is the only valid conclusion that the story build-up along with all its foreshadowing led us to.
    And it was done in a delicate way - with powerful scenes and a wonderful soundtrack.

    It gave me closure. I am satisfied. And that is all I asked for after this wonderful journey.

    I am truly glad for this beautiful experience that is 'Life is Strange Season 1' and I envy those who have not yet played it but hopefully will.    … Expand
  26. TenchuuKhan
    Oct 20, 2015
    4
    And another great storytelling gets killed by its finale.

    It starts out with lengthy, boring dialogues, a few jumps in time and things just get weird because the characters say things that make no sense at all. Then comes a lengthy "dream" part with surreal judgement dialogues which makes one hope for some decent explanation. But there isn't one. Ever wondered about why the doe is    And another great storytelling gets killed by its finale.

    It starts out with lengthy, boring dialogues, a few jumps in time and things just get weird because the characters say things that make no sense at all.
    Then comes a lengthy "dream" part with surreal judgement dialogues which makes one hope for some decent explanation.
    But there isn't one.

    Ever wondered about why the doe is hopping around? No explanation
    Max' nosebleeding? No explanation
    Why the weird dream sequence? No Explanation
    Why do characters outside the dream sequence talk nonsense in E5? No explanation

    There were so many things they could do with the story but they had to go with: here's some nonsense... go think up your own explanation.
    It actually feels like someone else wrote the finale.    … Expand
  27. Gamebeating
    Oct 20, 2015
    5
    I loved the game so much up to this point and it saddens me to say that I am a bit disappointed by the ending.
    The gameplay doesnt change much, soi I will stick to the story for this one.
    Its just average. It leaves a lot of questions unanswered and the plotholes are painingly obvious by the end. If you run through the whole game without investing too much time into the story, it might    I loved the game so much up to this point and it saddens me to say that I am a bit disappointed by the ending.
    The gameplay doesnt change much, soi I will stick to the story for this one.
    Its just average.
    It leaves a lot of questions unanswered and the plotholes are painingly obvious by the end.
    If you run through the whole game without investing too much time into the story, it might seem to make sense, when it really doesnt.
    The way the game ended was called since the release of episode 1, but nobody actually believed it.
    Seeing that it is reality it leaves a bitter aftertaste to an otherwise superb game.
    Only a 5/10 for this one, I'm sorry.    … Expand
  28. ragnarokew
    Nov 10, 2015
    6
    Impressive story with interesting characters i really enjoy the game but i don't know something missing there is too much space in scenario and i don't like the ending other episodes was better or i expect too much for finale.

    At the end 6/10
  29. AndySwaggly
    Oct 23, 2015
    2
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Going to post my steam review here..

    By the time episode 5 came out, I was genuinely excited.. we just had, that cliffhanger, how was the main character going to get out of this one? and she got out of it the way the bulk of the fan base thought she would.. a picture. sorry but it really annoyed me how it was the first thing I guessed and they went with it, it was quite linear, again this may just be me but I found that cliffhanger utterly pointless, it could’ve been the character we all thought it was and it wouldn’t have changed a **** thing, we just needed an “oh **** moment so more people would buy the game of course.. It added nothing to the overall story for me at least felt quite half arsed.

    But then I went back in time in episode 5.. and then I was introduced to the most consistent filler that I have ever witnessed in a video game. I wasted 1 hour, doing **** all in this episode. literally, walking. that was the experience. I walked for an hour, or looked at something that I’d already seen. That’s filler. that’s boring and I don’t care. I found myself actually saying “I don’t care, get the plot moving” more in this game then any other game I have ever played. Maybe that’s because I don’t buy into this whole teen drama sub plot.. or was it the main plot? Wait, we have a character who can go back in time and change **** Why can’t we see her do something cool instead of revolving the game around 1 person.. her unlikeable (according to me) friend, chloe. I get it if you like that sort of thing but here’s the thing, I like escapism, I get enough of that boring bull**** that people call “teen drama” which I quite frankly hate putting those 2 words in my real life, I don’t want to sit down and play a game about something that goes on all the time, OH NO I MADE A FRIEND ANGRY I NEED TO MAKE THEM HAPPY SO THEY LIKE ME AGAIN, I like fiction. not teen drama with a touch of time travel, why not just ****ing TIME TRAVEL? I’m sure a lot of people would’ve been happier if they saw this character go back to historical moments and change the events taking place so they never happened, and how the world would be different now. That would be really interesting. however we’re greeted with a tweenie drama ****ty thing. yes I understand the appeal but comparing what I like to what this game is, you can understand why I dislike the premise.

    Anyway, back to episode 5. the thing that pissed me off the most was the ending that most of you are calling good. if you don’t want this game to be spoiled. stop reading. You can either choose to save your friend or the town. I chose to save the town because I found Chloe annoying. and My god, I picked the potentially biggest **** YOU to the audience I have seen since Breaking Dawn Part 2, I mean all twilight movies sucked but that was a general **** you. it ends with everything you’ve done being rendered pointless, everything, sure you have to decide, can you let your friend die, but the fact of the matter is, you can choose, save everyone, including warren one of your other best friends. save chloes family, let chloe die which she’s fine with and let everyone beside chloe’s step dad and mum be happy. However everything you have done over the previous 5 episodes holds no ****ing weight whatsoever, if you didn’t save your friend at the beginning of the game, (if you had the choice) the game would be over in 5 minutes.

    I’m sorry, what’s the moral of this story? all I got was “if you get time travelling powers don’t go back and change the past because bad stuff will happen” and in the other ending it’s “choose your friend over saving a town because 1 friend is more important than everyone” what the **** all in all I disliked the finale to this series, there should in NO WAY be a second series, NO WAY. I hate all the loose ends sure, but it’s done now, the whole thing is over I don’t want to see more, chloes dead, I don’t care anymore. The episode is still a **** TON more enjoyable than the 2 hour head scratcher the walking dead season 2 episode 5, but I just didn’t like it. Sorry if you did, I just really couldn’t get invested in this episode. I liked the other ones but the conclusion really let it down for me..

    Overall, yeh it was an okay build up.. a massive let down in this episode though. and I really really wanted to like it, I didn't find any of the other episodes bad, it's just this one really let me down and I don't want others to be let down too.    … Expand
  30. Dozangames
    Oct 20, 2015
    1
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. i really like this game but in this episode i was disappointed so hard. the tramma is the same of start It has no evolution, and in the end realy ? only two finals ? all this way and elections for this sorry but is the same error of teattel made… Expand
  31. RShackleford
    Oct 22, 2015
    0
    Once again, this game is derivative garbage.

    Bioshock Infinite does Bioshock Infinite much better than Life is Strange does Bioshock Infinite. Horrible writing, shallow teenage-dream stock characters, and that holier-than-thou "high art" atmosphere, what a bunch of crock. If the purpose of this game is to satirize, parody, and make fun of it's own playerbase/ subject (    Once again, this game is derivative garbage.

    Bioshock Infinite does Bioshock Infinite much better than Life is Strange does Bioshock Infinite.

    Horrible writing, shallow teenage-dream stock characters, and that holier-than-thou "high art" atmosphere, what a bunch of crock.

    If the purpose of this game is to satirize, parody, and make fun of it's own playerbase/ subject ( Millennials), than I recant and give it a 10/10!

    (PC)    … Expand
  32. Dimanches
    Oct 23, 2015
    9
    Games about choices and consequences are quite popular in this year. Tales from the Borderlands, Game of Thrones and now - Life is strange. It is atmospheric, sensitive and dramatic story about teenager Max Caulfield with a power of rewind time. I bet somebody thought " What if I choose now that and rewind after to see another side of this?". Sometimes It was really hard to choose one fromGames about choices and consequences are quite popular in this year. Tales from the Borderlands, Game of Thrones and now - Life is strange. It is atmospheric, sensitive and dramatic story about teenager Max Caulfield with a power of rewind time. I bet somebody thought " What if I choose now that and rewind after to see another side of this?". Sometimes It was really hard to choose one from many choices to proceed further. The final episode will answer to all of your questions about what happened exactly, with a portion of drama and unexpected vision of alternate reality, but truth hurts the most. The final choices were really hard to decide: decisions,decisions everywhere .But the game isn't perfect as it supposed to be - the ending was both obvious and well-made but these factors won't break your sense from game. 9/10!… Expand
  33. Watersson
    Jul 23, 2017
    10
    This game is one of the best games I have ever played. This game made me cry. This game is f**king awesome and you can't disagree. LIS has an awesome soundtrack and breathtaking story. You must give Life is Strange a chance because it really deserves it. It was the first game which gave me feelings like that. I was crying like 5-yrs old girl at ending... I never thought that video gameThis game is one of the best games I have ever played. This game made me cry. This game is f**king awesome and you can't disagree. LIS has an awesome soundtrack and breathtaking story. You must give Life is Strange a chance because it really deserves it. It was the first game which gave me feelings like that. I was crying like 5-yrs old girl at ending... I never thought that video game would affect my emotions like LIS has done...… Expand
  34. gyigyo2
    May 18, 2016
    9
    positive: I loved the characters and yes even mr Jefferson, I would love to see more lesson by him like start of ep1. Music is perfect I chosed to sacrifice arcadia bay because arcadiabay was already rotted by Prescott family and most of people was left the town, and who left that is already wanted to move on. plus syd matters obstacle. Now chloe and max can leave the town and start newpositive: I loved the characters and yes even mr Jefferson, I would love to see more lesson by him like start of ep1. Music is perfect I chosed to sacrifice arcadia bay because arcadiabay was already rotted by Prescott family and most of people was left the town, and who left that is already wanted to move on. plus syd matters obstacle. Now chloe and max can leave the town and start new life.

    negative:forced cutscenes(cant skip), forced to be good with warren. Both chloe and max behaviour changed in episode5

    The best episode is still: Episode1
    and Episode2,    … Expand
  35. runner
    Oct 31, 2015
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This is possibly the strongest episode in the game.
    Hard to talk about it without spoiling anything, but things got twisted and I loved it.

    This one is a bit different than the other episodes in terms of gameplay but not in a bad way, and serves as a great conclusion to the series, in my opinion.

    Except for the very end.
    I chose not to trash the game for its disappointing ending because Life is Strange doesn't deserve it. It's really a great game, I had such a good time playing it and even waiting from episode to episode.

    Too bad the ending is almost unforgivably weak and narrowed down, with all of your previous deeds just not counting, and, (STOP NOW BEFORE A SPOILERS COME) are wiped out and thrown out of the window by either your own doing or a a big destructive storm, which is, apparently, your own doing as well.

    The main problem with Life is Strange turned out to be that it just raises your expectations so high, and then washes them away.
    The conclusion is rather simplistic, all the choices you had to make (and there were a lot!) don't have the slightest impact in the end, and moreover, we don't get answers to some of the big questions which were floating upon our minds throughout the entire game: How did Max even got those powers in the first place? What's their source? And how did she manage to create the horrible storm? (Except for the poor reference of the butterfly effect), and what do all these does have to do with that twisted plot?

    I guess that's starting to sound like a negative review, but it is really about the very last moments of the game.

    It's still a 810, the entire game was greatly done, the ending was moving even if weak, and I hope DONTNOD would create more qualitative products such as this.    … Expand
  36. papeadojhon
    Nov 8, 2015
    7
    My expectations of this last episode were very high, and... well, it wasn't bad, the endings are in many ways what I did imagine, but the whole rest of the episode was confusing and weird, in some aspects I liked it in others I didn't, I expected an epic conclusion, an epic episode for an epic game, but after all it was just fine.
  37. Lapis
    Oct 25, 2015
    9
    The storyline and plot is amazing. Despite that disappointing ending, I still enjoyed the entire game and episode. The ending choices felt a little too rush, however, Life is strange was already low on budget and they were pressured to release the game early, that's most likely why for the rush endings. But for a game with a low budget to start, it's beautifully and amazingly done up.
    The    The storyline and plot is amazing. Despite that disappointing ending, I still enjoyed the entire game and episode. The ending choices felt a little too rush, however, Life is strange was already low on budget and they were pressured to release the game early, that's most likely why for the rush endings. But for a game with a low budget to start, it's beautifully and amazingly done up.
    The song fits the mood, the character development was great, the whole storyline left me so empty afterwards but no game has ever made me feel that way before.
    To make someone care so deeply for the characters and the storyline, just shows how beautifully develop the whole game is. And Life Is Strange had definitely made me feel that way. After playing Life Is Strange episode 5, I couldn't get over is for days. I don't regret playing this game at all, not a single bit. This was time well spent.    … Expand
  38. Ajstorey456
    Oct 28, 2015
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I feel like there was a simpler solution than completely changing the time line to save your girlfriend, such as writing everything max would need to know in her own journal to prevent anything bad from happening. Like bold letters: Mr Jefferson did this, the town is in danger, evacuate and enjoy your relationship with Mrs. Punk Rock. But I guess that would just make the story dry. I also feel they overdid it with Jefferson as to his psychotic tendencies. While it does have to be emphasized he's a lunatic, it was just over the top stereotypical for the psycho to be how he is, especially as compared to how collected and calm he is through the other episodes. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed the series and wouldn't know how to conclude it myself, but I'm gonna go with the other people in saying that it could have been better.… Expand
  39. JesseLluvia
    Nov 2, 2015
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. El primer final es el mejor. La forma en que se despiden Max y Chloe en el segundo final es, emotiva, super épica, algo que quedara en nuestros recuerdos y corazones, pero por eso mismo creo que el Canon es que Max decidió salvar a Chloe, lo que ambas sienten es muy grande como para tomar una decisión racional en base a que muchas vidas valen más que una. Después de todo Max jamas pidió tener esos poderes y se activaron cuando ella decidió salvar a Chloe en el baño, sin duda salvar a Chole era la prioridad numero uno de Max. .

    Ps: El episodio 5 debió titularse "Hell"    … Expand
  40. cosmictherapy
    May 9, 2016
    9
    The thrilling conclusion to our emotional roller coaster of a game. This episode ties up some loose ends but also leaves a bunch of loose ends up for interpretation. The entire game basically leads up to one decision at the end of the game which decides which ending cut scene you see. Honestly I was kinda disappointed that there were only two endings but i guess they didn't lie about yourThe thrilling conclusion to our emotional roller coaster of a game. This episode ties up some loose ends but also leaves a bunch of loose ends up for interpretation. The entire game basically leads up to one decision at the end of the game which decides which ending cut scene you see. Honestly I was kinda disappointed that there were only two endings but i guess they didn't lie about your decisions having an influence on the story. Another criticism i have is the dream sequence. Honestly i just don't like dream sequences in games, but that's just me. It feels kinda irrelevant.… Expand
  41. Andromeda707
    Mar 19, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. 9.6/10
    Ну что сказать. Финальный эпизод Life is Strange должен был поставить жирную точку в этой потрясающей истории, напряжение в которой нарастало с каждым мгновением, и он это сделал. Каких-то интересных геймплейных развлекательных решений и головоломок мы здесь не увидим, зато увидим потрясающую постановку и сюжет, достигающий своего логичного завершения в потрясающем финале. Вот только жаль, что потрясающий финал - всего один, хотя их подразумевалось два, но второй финал едва ли можно назвать потрясающим. Самая главная особенность игры - сила выбора, в концовке игры кажется скорее слабостью, чем особенностью, иначе говоря, лучше бы этого выбора не было, так как игроку даётся возможность выбрать абсолютно нелогичную (да и по правде говоря, выглядящую совсем "не канонично") концовку вместо очевидно напрашивающейся и логичной. Но в целом финальный эпизод сам по себе настолько хорош, что даже придираться к этому не хочется. На фоне повторяющихся событий (да, очередные хитросплетения со временем) видно, насколько большой жизненный путь прошла Макс за такой короткий (казалось бы) промежуток времени, и это ощущается отлично во всём нарративе эпизода. А предфинальная сцена (напоминающая и бэд-трип из Far Cry 3, и некоторые серии Коня Боджека или финальные серии Мистера Робота, кто знает, тот поймёт) ещё надолго войдёт в моё сознание, как одна из самых впечатляющих и будоражащих сцен в игровой индустрии.    … Expand
  42. geekslayer
    Nov 10, 2020
    7
    Плюсы:
    - в чем игра не изменяет себе абсолютно во всех эпизодах, так это в поднятии тяжелых извечных проблем. В частности, пятый эпизод активно муссирует тему одиночества. Честен ли ты с окружающими, достаточно ли внимания уделяешь родителям - это лишь одни из немногих тем, которые задевает эта игра.
    - на определенном этапе Life is Strange приобретает отчетливые нотки саспенса, а    Плюсы:
    - в чем игра не изменяет себе абсолютно во всех эпизодах, так это в поднятии тяжелых извечных проблем. В частности, пятый эпизод активно муссирует тему одиночества. Честен ли ты с окружающими, достаточно ли внимания уделяешь родителям - это лишь одни из немногих тем, которые задевает эта игра.
    - на определенном этапе Life is Strange приобретает отчетливые нотки саспенса, а проходить некоторые моменты и вовсе придется в стелс-режиме. Кое-какие локации порождают желание поскорее смыться отсюда и больше никогда сюда не возвращаться. И это немного странно, ведь во всех предыдущих эпизодах хотелось наоборот смаковать и наслаждаться прекрасными уровнями. Глядя на эти странные локации, понимаешь, насколько многогранные геймдизайнеры работают в Dontnod.
    - пожалуй, моменты с разрушенным городом - одни из самых сильных в игре. Разработчики не постеснялись уничтожить милый американский городок практически до основания, завалив его улицы трупами людей, тушканчиков и даже китов (ничего святого).

    Минусы:
    - на определенном этапе от бесконечных временных переходов начинаешь уставать и немного теряешь связь с историей. Порой доходит до того, что ты тупо не понимаешь, в каком ты сейчас времени, кто из твоих друзей жив на данный момент и что вообще происходит.
    - главная проблема в том, что у нас здесь интерактивная драма, на финал которой, по заверениям самих разработчиков, должны влиять твои действия, совершаемые на протяжении всего сезона. А этого нет и в помине! Ни одно из твоих предыдущих решений в расчет не берется! Вот тебе «плохой» и «очень плохой» варианты развития событий - нажми кнопочку, пожалуйста. Стыдно, Dontnod.
    Факт остается фактом - финал получился смазанным. Достаточно посмотреть в сторону такой студии, как Telltale, чтобы понять: финальные эпизоды сезонов всё же можно делать эффектными и логически завершенными.    … Expand
  43. Ciocolici
    Aug 5, 2023
    10
    "Life is Strange" has firmly secured its place as one of my all-time favorite games, ranking alongside the legendary "The Walking Dead." This remarkable journey has provided me with a truly unique and profoundly emotional experience, thanks to its brilliantly crafted narrative.

    Episode 5, the final installment, proved to be the most heart-wrenching and poignant chapter of them all. From    "Life is Strange" has firmly secured its place as one of my all-time favorite games, ranking alongside the legendary "The Walking Dead." This remarkable journey has provided me with a truly unique and profoundly emotional experience, thanks to its brilliantly crafted narrative.

    Episode 5, the final installment, proved to be the most heart-wrenching and poignant chapter of them all. From the very beginning to the end, I was immersed in a rollercoaster of emotions. The storytelling reached new heights, leaving me captivated and emotionally invested in the characters' fates.

    This episode expertly balanced heartbreak and chilling moments, adding an extra layer of complexity to the overall experience. The emotional impact of the story continued to resonate, and there were instances where I found myself deeply moved, a testament to the game's ability to elicit genuine feelings.

    The narrative mastery on display is truly a work of art. Every aspect of this episode was thoughtfully crafted, leaving a lasting impression on me. The culmination of the series in Episode 5 provided a fitting and satisfying conclusion to an exceptional gaming experience.

    As I reflect on the entirety of "Life is Strange," I can't help but feel grateful for the journey it took me on. This game has touched me in ways few others have, making it an unforgettable and transformative experience.

    In conclusion, Episode 5 of "Life is Strange" is a masterclass in storytelling and emotional depth. It brought the series to an emotionally charged and unforgettable conclusion, leaving me in awe of its brilliance. The combination of heartbreak, creepiness, and artistry makes this episode a true masterpiece. I wholeheartedly recommend this game to anyone seeking an exceptional and emotionally impactful gaming experience. "Life is Strange" will forever hold a special place in my heart, and it has left an indelible mark on my gaming journey.    … Expand

Awards & Rankings

36
#36 Best PC Game of 2015
65
#65 Most Discussed PC Game of 2015

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
83

Generally favorable reviews - based on 8 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 8
  3. Negative: 0 out of 8
  1. Games.cz
    Nov 4, 2015
    90
    Grand finale of an unconventional adventure is a success and the whole game has truly the one of the best stories of this year.
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  2. RPG Fan
    Oct 26, 2015
    90
    The entirety of Episode 5 pulls at the soul, using the series' history as a catalyst for existential query.
    Read full review
  3. Multiplayer.it
    Oct 26, 2015
    80
    Life is Strange: Polarized is a brilliant pay off. All the choices we have made, along with the awkward narrative style finally make sense. And we are confronted with issues much deeper than expected.
    Read full review
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