User Score
8.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 3257 Ratings

User score distribution:

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  1. Nov 15, 2015
    9
    Awesome Game! Awesome Game Atmosphere from the selected characters and the soundtrack and finishing with style of storytelling and the relationship and the internal evolution of Max and Chloe.
  2. Feb 3, 2015
    10
    A fantastic game from Squire Enix
    1.Graphics is just awesome.Color combination used here is just perfect and capture the true American theme...what is more, the attention given to graphics is insane ..even the little things are done with care....(10/10)
    2.Main character Max is likable person...they should give little more attention to side characters and story (7/10) 3.interesting
    A fantastic game from Squire Enix
    1.Graphics is just awesome.Color combination used here is just perfect and capture the true American theme...what is more, the attention given to graphics is insane ..even the little things are done with care....(10/10)

    2.Main character Max is likable person...they should give little more attention to side characters and story (7/10)
    3.interesting game mechanic...
    4.F**k you IGN for misguiding people with this game...this a fantastic effort
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  3. Mar 22, 2015
    9
    One of the most carefully crafted games I've played. With a great, engaging story and good character development, episode 1 had me wanting episode 2 right from the get-go. If the other episodes are half as good as this telltale inspired episodic drama, then we're in for a treat.
  4. Jan 30, 2015
    9
    Here is a game very promising and with a different proposal. It's not like the psychological thriller of walking dead (yet?), with choices of life and death (maybe yet), but its a game that make you sympathize with the problems and obstacles that Max have to deal with, maybe because the environment of high school and teenager problems. The plot is very good and has the potential to be aHere is a game very promising and with a different proposal. It's not like the psychological thriller of walking dead (yet?), with choices of life and death (maybe yet), but its a game that make you sympathize with the problems and obstacles that Max have to deal with, maybe because the environment of high school and teenager problems. The plot is very good and has the potential to be a very impressive story.

    I really enjoyed the high school problems, even being a cliche its made in a different way than the usual thanks to the possibilities of change the course of action and I hope the next episodes will bring the impact of the choices in the first chapter.

    The soundtrack is amazing and I'm not ashamed to say that I bought the game thanks to the trailer and the soundtrack in it. The graphics are beautiful and not too heavy, there is no try to make a perfect graphic, instead there is an art concept and is gorgeous.

    I know its only the first chapter, but I'm too anxious to the next to come, please March come fast!
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  5. May 23, 2015
    8
    The closest you get to a Western slice-of-life game. A solid mix of and interactive film and a slice-of-life game with more gameplay and dignity than Telltale titles, decorated with powerful cinematography and ambience.
  6. Feb 8, 2015
    9
    Fantastic game, with a soundtrack that fits "guardians of the galaxy" well. Its visual style is appealing to me, if not cutting edge. Its not really that kind of game. The characters are like able and I'm interested to see where the story goes. The dialogue can get a bit cringe-inducing at times but if you can get past all the hellas the its pretty solid. Ignore that fool YungDizuck's badFantastic game, with a soundtrack that fits "guardians of the galaxy" well. Its visual style is appealing to me, if not cutting edge. Its not really that kind of game. The characters are like able and I'm interested to see where the story goes. The dialogue can get a bit cringe-inducing at times but if you can get past all the hellas the its pretty solid. Ignore that fool YungDizuck's bad review as he Obviously didn't play the game. There are No QTEs, which I found to be refreshing. Expand
  7. Mar 31, 2016
    8
    As you first boot up the game, the loading screen advertises a strong, deep story and meaningful choices. In my opinion, the game is only partially successful in those two endeavors. Sure, we come to like and dislike certain characters, and there's a lot of juicy drama and character building going on, but oftentimes the storytelling came across as something written by an amateur. TheAs you first boot up the game, the loading screen advertises a strong, deep story and meaningful choices. In my opinion, the game is only partially successful in those two endeavors. Sure, we come to like and dislike certain characters, and there's a lot of juicy drama and character building going on, but oftentimes the storytelling came across as something written by an amateur. The script is very accessible and emotive, but also comes off as melodramatic (especially so in episode 5) and falling prey to cliche stereotypes (episode 1 and 2).

    When it comes to the visuals, the game sports a kind of cartoon like art style, which I can't help but feel is Dontnod's attempt to offset or cover up the otherwise poor texture quality and non-existent lip syncing. It looks adequate at best, but its nothing special to gawk at for sure. Sound design is pretty good, with solid voice acting and suitable soundtracks playing for specific scenes.

    Episode 1 and 2 mainly serve as an introduction to the world of Arcadia Bay and its inhabitants. Every now and then, we also get to play around with time travel in order to explore different outcomes and solve little puzzles. It's a neat little mechanic that nicely accompanies all the walking and talking. The pace of these first two episodes does a feel a bit slow though. The plot only really starts to pick up during episode 3 and 4, which I consider to be the strongest episodes of the game. Beneath the peaceful veneer, lies the darker side of Arcadia Bay and its the job of you and your BFF to piece together what's going on.

    Lots of tension and anticipation is built, which to my disappointment feels rather wasted in episode 5 when the 'big' reveal is made. It throws out a whole lot of contrived revelations without proper explanation or any convincing reason. In its rush to conclude all the plot points, the game lazily confers a big chunk of its storytelling responsibility to this abstract and supposedly deep concept of "chaos theory" and "it's destiny". After a contrived dream sequence, the game ends with a binary choice that as implied by the episode title should've left me polarized. Well Dontnod, I'm afraid to say that I was not polarized at all and the choice was a very easy one to make.

    Overall, get Life is Strange if you like character progression, drama and Telltale-like gameplay, but don't expect to be impressed by the underlying narrative and poorly dealt with themes.

    Individual episode ratings
    Episode 1: Chrysalis - 7.3/10
    Episode 2: Out of Time - 7.5/10
    Episode 3: Chaos Theory - 8.0/10
    Episode 4: Dark Room - 7.8/10
    Episode 6: Polarised - 7..1/10

    Overall rating - 7.5/10
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  8. May 3, 2021
    9
    Excelencia pura en cuanto a aventuras graficas se refiere, Life is Strange es un juego que juega con los sentimientos humanos como si de una montaña rusa se tratase.
    Los personajes son simplemente brillantes, y la forma en la que este juego hace que tus decisiones tengan un peso narrativo es simplemente magia. De los guiones mejor trabajados que he visto en el genero.
    Musicalmente es
    Excelencia pura en cuanto a aventuras graficas se refiere, Life is Strange es un juego que juega con los sentimientos humanos como si de una montaña rusa se tratase.
    Los personajes son simplemente brillantes, y la forma en la que este juego hace que tus decisiones tengan un peso narrativo es simplemente magia. De los guiones mejor trabajados que he visto en el genero.

    Musicalmente es un deleite, visualmente el juego tiene un estilo vintage y unos entornos que fácilmente podrían ser wallpapers de lo bonitos que son. El final es impactante y creo que haría llorar a cualquiera cuyo corazón no sea de piedra.
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  9. Aug 29, 2016
    10
    I have to admit, this is superb masterpiece in genre of adventures. I'm man but cried almost all game long, it's goes deep in heart, the story, characters, friendship. I can't say anything bad on this game, I have fully enjoyed how story is told and how you can change your mind, rewind time. More games like that!!! Supergirl just fly ...

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-6drNP4GIs
  10. Apr 13, 2020
    8
    Played on PC.
    Gameplay: GREAT.
    Story: GREAT.
    Graphic: GREAT.
    Music/Sound: GOOD.
    Dialogue/Voice Acting: GOOD.
  11. Aug 19, 2016
    10
    The ability to make you feel is the true sign of a game, movie, or story with great writing and this game has that in spades. Life is Strange over the course of the 5 episodes had me laughing, crying, and, at times, panicking, all over fictional characters who I had only known for a few hours. To say that is incredible is an understatement. It's very rare to find myself so invested in aThe ability to make you feel is the true sign of a game, movie, or story with great writing and this game has that in spades. Life is Strange over the course of the 5 episodes had me laughing, crying, and, at times, panicking, all over fictional characters who I had only known for a few hours. To say that is incredible is an understatement. It's very rare to find myself so invested in a story that I begin to respond, out loud, to different events taking place. For those looking for a game with ridiculous fight scenes or different ways to level up, this is not for you. However, if you want to sit down and listen to a great story and have your heart broken and put back together over and over again, this is the perfect game for you. I hope this game will be remembered as one of the greats. Expand
  12. Jul 19, 2017
    8
    This game definitely has its ups and downs. On the one hand it has some issues with its narrative, especially how Max has these visions of a hurricane tearing apart Arcadia Bay yet that never really seems to be a concern for her. Also I feel the story of Rachel Amber could have been handled better. The lip syncing was also not perfect, although it was improved upon it still is a littleThis game definitely has its ups and downs. On the one hand it has some issues with its narrative, especially how Max has these visions of a hurricane tearing apart Arcadia Bay yet that never really seems to be a concern for her. Also I feel the story of Rachel Amber could have been handled better. The lip syncing was also not perfect, although it was improved upon it still is a little disjointed at times. Also the ending is probably the biggest issue given that all your choices are ultimately pointless as you are given two choices at the end that does not change regardless of your decisions up to that point. For a game that appears to be giving this much weight to your choices and how they impact other characters, it was quite disappointing.
    But that being said, the game is really, overall a beautiful game. The art for the game is amazing and I absolutely love the feel that it gives. Also the interaction between characters is really what drives the game. It feels real, and even though I am not a female teenager, I was able to relate to the character of Max. The time travelling aspect, although unexplained did add an extra element to the game that was refreshing and helped make the game feel more like a game rather than a story.
    The game focuses heavily on the friendship between Chloe and Max and it helps you build a connection to both these characters unlike any I have previously experienced within a game. The fourth and fifth episodes were the most emotionally challenging experiences that I have ever encountered in a game. I have never cried in a game, movie or television show before yet for this game i genuinely wept. The characters of Chloe and Max were crafted beautifully and you can understand what the writers were trying to achieve throughout the last two episodes which makes the emotional impact very saddening, but it not gratuitous. Although Chloe and Max was certainly the focal point of the narrative, the interactions between other characters made the game more emotionally intense and more relatable.I could keep going on about how beautiful this game is, but I feel like it really does need to be experienced.
    I had a difficult decision deciding what to rate this game, because I believe it is truly fantastic and one of my favourite games ever because of the character interaction and the time travel mechanics. This game has an intense emotional impact that really resonated with me, however it does have some glaring. Overall, I recommend this game but with caution because I was feeling the effects of this game months after I had finished it
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  13. May 30, 2017
    10
    Absolutely Beautiful game. From the characters, to the story, to the gameplay, to the thematic graphics. It was a total joy and honorable pleasure to indulge myself in what I now consider, to be one of the greatest games of all time.
  14. Jun 7, 2017
    9
    Life is Strange
    Some of the best story telling in gaming history
    Life is strange is a 10 hour long interactive choose your own adventure game like the telltale games but with much more polish.. Here you play as aspiring photographer max… she has a vision of impending doom for the town of arcadia, and soon after she discovers she has the ability to rewind time after she saves her best
    Life is Strange
    Some of the best story telling in gaming history
    Life is strange is a 10 hour long interactive choose your own adventure game like the telltale games but with much more polish..
    Here you play as aspiring photographer max… she has a vision of impending doom for the town of arcadia, and soon after she discovers she has the ability to rewind time after she saves her best friend Chloe from being killed…
    The game is spread up into 5 episodes, and each episode does a great job of leaving you wanting more and feeling like self-contained stories…
    You feel like you’ve accomplished everything in each episode.. none felt filler
    You do play as a high school senior, and the game does a great job of feeling like you’re a high school girl, dealing with bullies, dealing with students having crushes on you, balancing friendships… and dealing with some pretty heavy emotional situations you’d expect from a bunch of high school kids
    if you have a heart, you will cry playing this game, multiple times…
    Where things get interesting is the rewind ability…
    This is still an adventure game but not a nonsense adventure game…
    it’s pretty easy knowing what to do in a situation, though one puzzle in a later episodes gets a little too complicated and slows the game down a bit…
    But puzzles are found both in the environment and in dialog…
    As you have to make sure you don’t say the wrong thing to someone while trying to get information out of them that you need…
    or if you don’t like a reaction they had, you can rewind time and try something else…
    As well as outcomes of a few important situations.. The game will indicate that a choice you made will have consequences and you can decide to deal with those consequences or go for a different outcome and deal with tem... but by time you learn what these consequences are, its too late to go back and change... so while I was worried at first.. This makes your decisions and choices still matter in the game…
    much like the telltale games, I wasn’t a fan of the sections that I had to walk around and interact with items in the environment…
    Most did add to the story…
    But a few did annoy and frustrate me and felt like they were there to just drag the game out
    10 hours of pure story though... definitely does get exhausting…
    so this isn’t really a finish in one sitting kind of game.. especially with the at times poor pacing…
    but the story telling here is so good that even if you do get tired you want to keep pushing to see what’s behind the next corner and what twist the game is going to throw at you next…
    People have been recommending this game to me since it came out, and I’m glad I finally got around to experiencing it
    The gameplay isn’t the best, but the powerful story telling makes Life is Strange a must experience game…
    I give Life is Strange
    an 8.5/10
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  15. Jan 29, 2017
    9
    I don't usually play videogames so that's why I'm so late. I really enjoyed this game because I think I've never played something like this. The plot is really interesting and making decisions is a very unique idea, in my opinion. The only thing I didn't like much was that sometimes the game lagged and I had to restart, but aside from that, really good.
  16. 4y4
    Feb 15, 2020
    10
    Unique story, great graphics and nice gameplay. I would recommend this to everyone.
  17. Apr 28, 2016
    8
    First 4 episodes were amazing. Last episode seemed too out of the place and ruined the whole experience for me. Otherwise, the gameplay is nice, art and soundtrack are super-cool. Makes you think to go outside and take some good photos.
  18. Sep 8, 2016
    10
    This game was amazing. I envy those who are now able to play all the episodes at once instead of waiting months in between. I have always loved deep emotional story lines. This is one of the games that you play through the story. This is a much more immersive experience than just watching a movie. The depth of the story grows to be epic. The mellow music at the end had me to tears as IThis game was amazing. I envy those who are now able to play all the episodes at once instead of waiting months in between. I have always loved deep emotional story lines. This is one of the games that you play through the story. This is a much more immersive experience than just watching a movie. The depth of the story grows to be epic. The mellow music at the end had me to tears as I watched the final cut-scene. This is one of the best games I have played and only one of the few that really left me emotional. Expand
  19. Sep 21, 2016
    10
    This game "hella" rocks! I really don't know where to start. Soundtracks? CHECK. Story? CHECK. Gameplay? CHECK. All of the characters' psychologies are well-reflected. Once you hate a character, then you can cry for him. This game is story-based, so for some players it may be bored, but if you search for a STORY RICH game then you definitely buy it. You will be addicted to it.
  20. Oct 15, 2016
    9
    Просто превосходно! Эта игра действительно покажет какого быть на шаг впереди любого персонажа или даже события. Это один из шедевров игровой индустрии, который показал мне всю прелесть подобного жанра! После такого, конечно, хочется окунуться в подобные игры с головой, но, наверное, это единственный такой представитель! Лучшая игра, в которую я играл за последний год - точно! СочетаниеПросто превосходно! Эта игра действительно покажет какого быть на шаг впереди любого персонажа или даже события. Это один из шедевров игровой индустрии, который показал мне всю прелесть подобного жанра! После такого, конечно, хочется окунуться в подобные игры с головой, но, наверное, это единственный такой представитель! Лучшая игра, в которую я играл за последний год - точно! Сочетание прекрасной рисовки с превосходнейшим сюжетом... Я бы с удовольствием поиграл еще в игры такой франшизы и очень надеюсь, что разработчик на этом не остановится, ведь есть результат. По крайней мере, бешеное количество положительных отзывов об этом говорит и мой не станет исключением.

    Всем, кто еще не играл в эту игру - настоятельно рекомендую установить первый эпизод, он бесплатный и покажет вам всю прелесть! Хоть это и верхушка айсберга, но этого достаточно, чтобы полюбить эту игру также, как полюбил ее я! Спасибо разработчику и издателю за проделанную работу и за то удовольствие, которое я получил за эти 17 часов, тем более, я в состоянии реабилитации после небольшого игрового кризиса, в который меня загнала парочка компаний (в этом обзоре хочу говорить исключительно о положительном, поэтому продолжать не буду xD ). Цена этого продукта просто смешна, она действительно того стоит!!! Если вы думаете, что ваши удивления закончатся первым эпизодом и жалеете свои денежки на остальные, то вы очень заблуждаетесь, господа. Каждый эпизод полон сюрпризов, переворотов и самых неожиданных событий, все они очень разнообразны и по-своему хороши, в особенности, собственно, могу выделить пятый, который можно было разделить на парочку отдельных игр. Не каждый проект может похвастаться таким разнообразием. Повторюсь, что я в полном восторге! :-)
    Единственное, что подводит, это концовка, которая ставит огромный крест на отношениях в игре, т.е. как бы я не выбирал ответы в диалогах - в конце все равно я увижу лишь одну из двух концовок... а жаль, бюджетненько... Но это не мешает ей быть шедевральной!
    В общем, вы услышали мой месседж, я ставлю игре уверенные 9,2/10 с намеком, что готов отдать свою первую десятку, но поберегу высокий балл в надежде, что какой-нибудь еще шедевр сможет меня также приятно удивить!

    PS к этому обзору отлично подходит фраза "нет слов - одни смайлики", которую Максин пишет в одной из своих записей. Я действительно не нахожу слов, чтобы передать свой восторг. Наслаждайтесь :-)
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  21. Apr 19, 2020
    10
    One of the very best and most memorable gaming experiences of my life. I played it in 2015 and I can't get it out of my head to this day and probably never will. The characters, the story, the music, the atmosphere, the world created in game. Everything is perfect. I don't remember being so moved multiple times during walkthrough in ANY other game I played in my life. A masterpiece. Can'tOne of the very best and most memorable gaming experiences of my life. I played it in 2015 and I can't get it out of my head to this day and probably never will. The characters, the story, the music, the atmosphere, the world created in game. Everything is perfect. I don't remember being so moved multiple times during walkthrough in ANY other game I played in my life. A masterpiece. Can't say it about LiS 2 however... Expand
  22. Jul 27, 2017
    10
    Life is Strange tells a story about Max and Chloe's journey to finding out the secrets of Rachel, a dear friend of theirs. The game has great graphics, underscores the touching theme of friendship, and the twist is so thrilling it even bests many movies.
  23. Sep 17, 2017
    9
    HELLA cool expirience. Chloe's in my heart forever. Visual style and lighting are high. Music too. Controls on PC could be better, but that's a trifle. And also I've noticed some plot holes and I try not to think about it.
  24. Jan 25, 2018
    9
    A great game with curious graphics and an ending very limited, but all the pieces that create this video-game together work perfectly.
  25. Apr 16, 2018
    10
    Estoy en shock, en estos momentos gente. Muy pocas veces he sentido algo así por un videojuego...primera vez que LLORO DE VERDAD por un videojuego. Por lo cual, estoy hablando de la que es, para MÍ, la mejor aventura gráfica de su generación, de la actual y de la siguiente XD. Madre mía, QUÉ HISTORIA, QUÉ PERSONAJES...no he visto nada más entrañable y emotivo en este campo; las decisionesEstoy en shock, en estos momentos gente. Muy pocas veces he sentido algo así por un videojuego...primera vez que LLORO DE VERDAD por un videojuego. Por lo cual, estoy hablando de la que es, para MÍ, la mejor aventura gráfica de su generación, de la actual y de la siguiente XD. Madre mía, QUÉ HISTORIA, QUÉ PERSONAJES...no he visto nada más entrañable y emotivo en este campo; las decisiones que tomas te hacen replantearte mucho tu sentido de la moralidad y la ética; absolutamente todo condicionará al futuro de la trama, incluso las cosas más tontas que hagas XD, es un juego con una gran multitud de detalles y con una sensación de estar todo tan vivo y lleno de alma que es que es una maravilla. La BSO merece una especial mención porque es FANTÁSTICA, simplemente ver a Max tocando la guitarra es un gozada para los oídos y los temas finales de los capítulos están a muy buen nivel.

    Si nos ponemos hablar a nivel jugable, esto NO TIENE NADA QUE VER con los juegos de Telltale Games. Tampoco es que sea una aventura gráfica de la vieja escuela...NI POR ASOMO, pero sí que es verdad que te da una libertad de exploración que les hace quedar en ridículo cualquier juego del mismo género que se hace hoy en día. Los puzzles son sencillos, pero como muchas veces pasa en otros juegos, el encanto no reside en la dificultad sino en las mecánicas jugables que utilices para la resolución de estos y os puedo decir que el rollo de manejar el tiempo a tu antojo es una gozada y hace que sean muy entretenidos en su resolución.

    Gráficamente es hermoso, realista y con una paleta de colores vivos otoñales que en conjunto hace que este juego tenga una apartado técnico muy especial.

    Y bueno...creo que lo dejaré aquí porque no quiero spoilear nada más ni de la historia, ni de la jugabilidad. Solo decir que si sois aquellos que os gustan aquellos juegos que vayan más allá del entretenimiento y os gustan las experiencias emotivas fuertes en ellos...de parte de un tío que siempre ha sido más de diversión que de historias...este juego es una O-BRA MA-ES-TRA. Y que voy a empezar otra vez la historia tomando otras decisiones, NO SÉ CUANDO, pero lo haré XD. Por lo menos probar el primer capítulo...que en Steam ES GRATIS.
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  26. Aug 18, 2019
    10
    The best game i've even play.
    1. Well good story
    2.Good and easy to remember characters that I empathize throughout the game
    3. Perfect calm soundtrack
  27. Aug 23, 2019
    10
    My friend someday just told to me to search more about "Life is Strange" so i saw what the first episode was free on steam and i play it and i loved, all the characters, all the history is awesome this game is so far the best "storytelling" game what i have played in my life
  28. Dec 17, 2019
    9
    A really moving game. Dialogue is a bit cringy but lovingly so. The chemistry between Max and Chloe is really essential to the quality of this game. The side characters are also great with your opinions on them changing throughout. The choices really make you think but the final choice was a bit anticlimactic for me.
  29. Apr 15, 2020
    9
    Фантастическая история, которая помогает хоть немного понять женщин. Всем играть!
  30. Jul 13, 2020
    10
    Oynadığım en iyi hikaye tabanlı oyunlardan biri here o ah keşke geri alıp şunu seçsem diyenler için paha biçilmez bir zamanı geri sarma yeteneğı olması karakterin beni kendine bağlaması ayrı yer tutuyor.
Metascore
83

Generally favorable reviews - based on 15 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 15
  2. Negative: 0 out of 15
  1. Jan 28, 2016
    85
    Life Is Strange is an imperfect video game and the actual mechanics of playing it, including the time rewind, can become annoying of frustrating, especially when the development team tries to borrow from another genre. But the game makes it easy to create a connection with Max and to care about her choices and trials, a rare feat, and that means any fan of narrative-driven experiences should try it out to see how he deals with the feelings of the protagonist and the impact they have on Arcadia Bay.
  2. Jan 19, 2016
    80
    Life is Strange is flawed, but this paranormal coming-of-age story is nevertheless refreshing proof that small stakes can still feel important, given strong characters.
  3. Jan 18, 2016
    86
    Life is Strange is a brilliant concept that you will love if you forget prejudices.