Life is Strange

 PC
User Score
8.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 3257 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2,751 out of 3257
  2. Mixed: 277 out of 3257
  3. Negative: 229 out of 3257

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  1. Harlot
    Nov 17, 2015
    9
    Biggest suprise of the year for me. Great narrative, relatable story, awesome music and visual style (dem saturated sunsents!). Anyone who claims this game is an SJW wet dream clearly didn't play it. For fans of the genre and time travel, this is a must have title :).

    Warning: Might make you cry like a little **** :P.
  2. Jantje
    Nov 15, 2015
    10
    Brilliant. Well written story always curious what comes next. Great atmosphere, music and atmospheric sounds. Creative piece of art. A fiction novel in which you play your own part as a story character.
  3. josephmclean29
    Nov 11, 2015
    10
    A beautiful game in both a story and visual sense. Simple control mechanics and a user determined pace allow you to become invested with such ease that it's hard to stop playing and exploring every inch of Arcadia Bay. Amazing cast and a tear enduing score/soundtrack.

    If I could only recommend one game this year, it would be "Life Is Strange".
  4. a_neat_guy
    Nov 15, 2015
    9
    Great game with a fun interactive story that many can relate with great music and characters to go with it. Not much in the game play department though
  5. Michalina
    Nov 18, 2015
    10
    Fantastic game, I encourage everyone to play in it.

    Well played characters, cool graphics style and beautiful music.
    Well showed history and consequences of my decisions.
  6. teddy1984lt
    Mar 13, 2016
    9
    Fantastic game I love it. I thought episode 3 was a ok episode But that other episodes are fantastic.
    Episode 1 - Good
    Episode 2- good
    Episode 3- Decent
    Episode 4- Great
    Episode 5- Fantastic
  7. Shiroe
    Nov 28, 2015
    10
    Square Enix brings as always a masterpiece of gaming on the PC and in fact the story of Max is spectacular begins with a similar storyto a Yellow and turns slowly and has a gameplay that is totally
  8. maartendc
    Jan 31, 2016
    10
    A masterpiece of storytelling.

    II loved everything about this game: - The storytelling is beautiful and well done. It doesnt fall into the pitfalls that a lot of time-traveling stories fall into. It all feels logical, and the story is a beautiful melancholic tale. - The graphics are not "great graphics"in the traditional sense, but the cinematography and artstyle is just amazing. -    A masterpiece of storytelling.

    II loved everything about this game:
    - The storytelling is beautiful and well done. It doesnt fall into the pitfalls that a lot of time-traveling stories fall into. It all feels logical, and the story is a beautiful melancholic tale.
    - The graphics are not "great graphics"in the traditional sense, but the cinematography and artstyle is just amazing.
    - The soundtrack is beautiful, and captures and enhances the moments of the story very well.
    - The voice acting is superb. I love the emotion and character each voice actor put into his / her work.
    - The choices you make in the game actually feel compelling. Even though the general outcome of the story will always be very similar, as in most choice heavy games, at least in this story, the choices dont feel 'tacked on"but actually part of the story.

    If I have to find some negative points, they would be very minor.
    - The facial animation of the characters could have been done better. Their lips dont move well with the dialogue at all, which detracts from the strength of the scenes a bit.
    - The 'freedom' which you get to explore the world is zero. But this is always a choice of storytelling over player freedom. I cannot blame the devs for making this choice, I actually prefer it. Not every game has to be open world. But it would have been nice for at least some freedom in exploring the map or something.

    Overall, I truly recommend this game. One of the best games I have ever played. If you love story-driven games, please give this game a shot!    … Expand
  9. Cheesebooy
    Dec 15, 2015
    9
    If you support social justice and progressive gaming, this is just for you and its a must play.

    If you don't, it still a very enjoyable story similar to heavy rain and twin peaks.
  10. MagwitchOo
    Dec 25, 2015
    10
    Did i just make an account to give this a 10? Yes
    Does it deserve it? Totally
    For length, This game is around 3 times longer than a Telltale game but for the same price and (imo) has better content. Some episodes can easily take over 3 hours. I played multiple episodic games and while they were somewhat enjoyable they left a bad aftertaste due to the lack of actual choice, so i    Did i just make an account to give this a 10? Yes
    Does it deserve it? Totally

    For length, This game is around 3 times longer than a Telltale game but for the same price and (imo) has better content. Some episodes can easily take over 3 hours.

    I played multiple episodic games and while they were somewhat enjoyable they left a bad aftertaste due to the lack of actual choice, so i was hesitant while picking this up but oh god i wonder why i haven't heard about this sooner. I am the type that never cries and not really emotional but i am so glad i picked this one up.

    Note that this game is heavy emotionally, might not be the best choice for younger kids.    … Expand
  11. julenansa
    Dec 26, 2015
    10
    A beautiful game with a fantastic story which maybe has not a lot of gameplay, but honestly, I don't think it needs more. The characters are charming, even if the most are the typical teenagers. Twisted, heartbreaking, disturbing, and even funny, this game is one of the best games I've played in PC. If you like games with great story, definitely check out this one.
  12. boe15
    Mar 24, 2016
    9
    This game has a great storyline and very lovable and distinctive characters, a unique art style, and gameplay mechanics that I have never seen in any other games I've played. The characters are also really well voice acted and life like and made me emotional at times.
  13. akronim
    Jan 2, 2016
    10
    This game was one of the best experience in my life. Amazing story, great characters, epic music in all episodes. Best game 2015 for me. I love and recommended it.
  14. nathaniel_b
    Jan 2, 2016
    9
    Dontnod Entertainment has developed a fantastic, hand-drawn video-game with many unique twists that can be relatable to almost everybody. The game allows you to choose your decisions, making it impossible to resist playing it again to see the other outcomes of the game. My favourite sections of the game are at the end of each episode, because there is always something different from theDontnod Entertainment has developed a fantastic, hand-drawn video-game with many unique twists that can be relatable to almost everybody. The game allows you to choose your decisions, making it impossible to resist playing it again to see the other outcomes of the game. My favourite sections of the game are at the end of each episode, because there is always something different from the previous episode and the next episode, although everything seems to make sense as you watch the last two episodes.

    I think only let down of the game would be at the end of the last episode, because it didn't really summarise the game or show why some things happened.    … Expand
  15. 0serg
    Jan 7, 2016
    10
    This is a masterpiece, it's as simple as that. It does not just makes you think and gives a lot of emotions during play, but makes you think and feel for long time after a game is over.

    It's a brilliant, smart and completed story that progresses from a nice, but simple and even sometimes boring Episode one towards a better Episode 2, excellent Episode 3, amazing Episode 4 and a good    This is a masterpiece, it's as simple as that. It does not just makes you think and gives a lot of emotions during play, but makes you think and feel for long time after a game is over.

    It's a brilliant, smart and completed story that progresses from a nice, but simple and even sometimes boring Episode one towards a better Episode 2, excellent Episode 3, amazing Episode 4 and a good ending in Episode 5. It's like a brilliant film, but with a deeper immersion. Square Enix found a great way to make you feel exactly what Max feels and it's a huge emotional experience

    And yes, there's plenty of drawbacks. In a game that is all about choices the story is very linear and hence number of choices is actually quite limited (and most of them do not change much). I guess it was simply far too difficult to fit such an amazing story into a non-linear world. The game does it's best to hide this problem and does it really, really well, but the problem is still there and it's visible sometimes. The visuals are nice, but character's faces in a game that is all about humans aren't visualized perfectly. The game deep immersion method means that when Max will be in trouble or frustrated, you'll be in trouble or frustrated as well (face a difficult or frustrating puzzles). But it all doesn't really matter. There's so much good in the game that all these problems are barely affecting gameplay after the few first hours. 11/10, it is sad that it'll be too difficult to expect another game that is that good anytime soon.    … Expand
  16. ZoDiAc_EnIgMa
    Jan 22, 2016
    8
    Good game but it has set Square Enix in a the episodic genre, and they are now doing it with the soon to be released Hitman. Square Enix does not have the experience, nor the skill to make every game franchise episodic. They should leave that to a more veteran company in the genre such as Telltale Games.
  17. ishadow
    Feb 7, 2016
    8
    It's a unique story and an unique game. It's very good or even outstanding compared to modern games but it's just average compared to classic point&click adventure games.
    Life is Strange is all about story and characters. Puzzles are non-existent, just talk to everyone and find one or two items in a room. It's very easy most of the time. All the effort went into dialogs and you have to    It's a unique story and an unique game. It's very good or even outstanding compared to modern games but it's just average compared to classic point&click adventure games.
    Life is Strange is all about story and characters. Puzzles are non-existent, just talk to everyone and find one or two items in a room. It's very easy most of the time. All the effort went into dialogs and you have to often make a choice, rewind time and make another one if you upset someone.
    Life is Strange is even simpler than Telltale games and nowhere near as playable as Broken Sword, The Longest Journey or classic Lucas Arts adventures, but it's not a bad game.
    It all depends if you'll like the characters or not. It's like a TV Show, go ahead download demo or buy first episode. If you liked it, you will like whole game.

    The story is good and characters are likable. There are some great moments and the ending is good. The ending is actually the best part of the game. I would give 6/10 but ending is just a masterpiece. Can't tell anything about it, but it's not a typical ending and it's very emotional. It's like the game was preparing player to face the truth.
    You can summarize ending in 3 words: Life is Strange.    … Expand
  18. renault757
    Feb 3, 2016
    10
    Gran juego, jugabilidad, historia, drama, personajes, gráficos, voces 10/10 SquireEnix gran calificacion, espero una segunda parte de este gran juego-
  19. JazzTheMan
    Feb 5, 2016
    10
    Graphics (Artistic Style), story, gameplay is all just excellent and well done. One of the best episodic games I have ever played. This game is definitely worth your money.
  20. yourarse
    Feb 10, 2016
    9
    This is an amazing game and you can actually change the story with your choices. It has an original concept too. The color palette is pretty nice. You should probably buy this game.
  21. GelgasX
    Feb 15, 2016
    10
    Best Game I've ever Played, Story About Friendship, Mystery, All in one. the ending just right in feels. awesome soundtrack obstacles by syd matters. This game totally change my life :) Max
  22. ttwk
    Mar 19, 2016
    9
    Narrative (4.5/5)

    Max may at first seem like a run-in-the-mill female teenage protagonist. The not-quite an introvert teen who initially gains courage extrinsically (through her powers and BFF, Chloe) and later intrinsically after a couple of epiphanies. Relations between Apollo and Dionysus complicated by circumstance and other archetypal teen characters. The story as told by Mighty    Narrative (4.5/5)

    Max may at first seem like a run-in-the-mill female teenage protagonist.
    The not-quite an introvert teen who initially gains courage extrinsically (through her powers and BFF, Chloe) and later intrinsically after a couple of epiphanies. Relations between Apollo and Dionysus complicated by circumstance and other archetypal teen characters. The story as told by Mighty Max from her humble pedestal.

    Fortunately, this is (mostly) not the case. Characters are revealed to Max by conversing, nosing around and reversing time to unravel additional options. Depending on Max's interactions, she is able to find either redeeming or damning qualities in the characters she meets. There are times when not noticing someone could be of consequence, even if insignificant to the main story.

    This game truly shines because of the script and character development. The way characters are interwoven keeps the player engaged in the story. Time moves on, but is never the arbiter of events. Even so, Max, with her powers, struggles to make the right decisions. All thanks to Chaos theory. I.e. Jerking off can diverge into infinite possibilities that are vastly different from the initial conditions and impossible to accurately predict (dead kittens, blinded kids, pregnant nuns or crusty socks?). In this case, a blue butterfly, screwing up time and space somehow equals colossal tornado (a reference to the butterfly effect).

    Maxine is a self-conscious perfectionist who doubts her talent and rather skip submission for her photography assignment than to risk being seen as a wannabe. She is highly empathetic, observant and curious. Perfect for a click and explore graphic adventure game.

    As characters are the focal point, part of the allure of this game are the trinkets of insight into the lives of Max and her peers within each locale. There are a few hints as to what is to come in later episodes. Most are just tidbits of information, whilst others are a little more open to interpretation. An example would be her low GPA for someone fairly smart. One could assume that she is probably either too focused on her pet subject (photography) or she has not been submitting her assignments due her aversion to failure.

    Chloe is a almost a walking cliché. The gist of her story is that an accident killed her father. Max and family moved out of town soon after. Chloe is angry. Gets involve in drugs, sex and becomes a school drop-out. Nonetheless, Chloe is essential to Maxine's development as a character. She is the catalyst and the only person Max truly confides in.

    Sadly, the finale barely farts an impression. It pales in comparison to the final scene between Clem and Kenny in TWD Season 2.

    Choice 1: F**k off Chloe. No Lesb*
    Choice 2: F**k the world. P*ssy grind now.

    Game-play (4/5)

    Time warp does enhance the story and game-play experience. Given that choices are key to providing such a game with some semblance of players' agency. Time reversal complements well with Maxine's character. Unsure!? Reverse!! But screws up anyhow.

    The task of adding to the collection of photos in Max's diary is a nice touch. Many of which would be missed if a player rushes the game. This means the game has an element of openness to each locale.

    I bought the full game 5 months after Ep 5 was released, so I am guessing most of the bugs would already have been fixed. All except a moment when Max showcased her awesome ventriloquist skill in the finale.

    Graphics (5/5)

    The art is pretty stunning. The lighting and ambient color palette is visually balanced without being overly vibrant and definitely not as dull as Telltales' comic book art style.

    The game brings out the mood using autumn red. The calm before the fan, spinning at full speed, comes loose and hits the floor already piled high with sh*t

    Music (4/5)

    Original score - Nice.
    Licensed music - Very Nice.
    The way a song is heard from Max's perspective using her headphones and hi fi is noteworthy. Great music that goes well with Max the Lovable Hipster. That's a compliment.

    Final Verdict: 4.5/5

    Ave Maxine The Great.    … Expand
  23. lostgrey
    Mar 30, 2016
    10
    this game had a hugggge impact in my life. for days after playing it i still cried thinking about it, and by listning to its soundtracks, it literly changed my life, its true that a spark makes fire ...
    this game has the best story i ever read and saw in any game or movie, also there r so many theories about it , everyday i find a new theory about it on youtube.
    u get sooo conected to    this game had a hugggge impact in my life. for days after playing it i still cried thinking about it, and by listning to its soundtracks, it literly changed my life, its true that a spark makes fire ...
    this game has the best story i ever read and saw in any game or movie, also there r so many theories about it , everyday i find a new theory about it on youtube.
    u get sooo conected to charecters it realy pains u to see them get hurt or ...
    tbh for my last word i must say , this is our duty to kinda encourage other people who havent played this game to play, this game can change many people's life and mybe even save lifes, even if the change is small( dont forget in butterfly effect small can be very big), and i sugest this game to every1 in the world no matter who , depressed people to hyped and super happy people , it has things for every1    … Expand
  24. theponcho
    Apr 5, 2016
    10
    I played this game with my girlfriend, we were both very touched with the story and characters, you fall in love with them in a way only videogames are capable making you fall in love with fictional characters.
  25. ViniciusZimmer
    Apr 24, 2016
    10
    One of the best games I've ever played by far. The history is awesome, characters are very nice and the game mechanics are very interesting. I do recomend this game for everyone who has brain.
  26. MrFeelingMan
    May 15, 2016
    9
    If you havent played this game, please do now!
    I absolutly love this game from the very beginning to the end.
    I love the game art, style, the characters and more of this game, it is like playing an beautifull art game. The soundtrack is amazing and fitt the game situation perfectly. As you progress deeper into the game, you starting to discover more of the game, the bright side as well    If you havent played this game, please do now!
    I absolutly love this game from the very beginning to the end.
    I love the game art, style, the characters and more of this game, it is like playing an beautifull art game.
    The soundtrack is amazing and fitt the game situation perfectly. As you progress deeper into the game, you starting to discover more of the game, the bright side as well as the darkside of life.
    Because when i first play this game, i was like ''oh here we go again with high school doing stupid things and now she has rewind power? '' first i thought it was all happy game, but when i go deeper in the game, i notice that it isnt always sunshine and rainbow and that is life too. maybe that is why life is strange?

    My verdict of this game is that this game is a solid art! and a true life lesson, you are more open minded and all the emotions getting throwed at you not knowing if you can handle all this. and that is life.
    So if you havent played this game yet, you should absolutly play it!!!    … Expand
  27. PedroLvPs
    May 22, 2016
    9
    When i saw this game on Steam i didn't even really want to play but after i played, oh boy, I have never played a game that gave me this much of feelings! One of the best of 2015. 8.9/10
  28. PixelPigeon
    Jun 28, 2016
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Life is Strange is by far one of my favorite games, it has a great story, the mechanics are wonderful and blend perfectly with the story, and the characters are great. This game's story is amazing, telling the story of a young woman learning about life. I don't want to go into the story that much because the best way to experience the game is by going in blind. The twists are memorable, and the story is touching and a emotional roller coaster. The gameplay is pretty good, the puzzles are fun to engage in and to solve. Although I feel like there more could ave been done with it, I still feel like what we are given is great. The telltale like gameplay is also great with the choices you make actually making a difference in the story, although in the last episode *spoiler* I feel like the last choice deciding the ending is a bit disappointing. This game is all around wonderful.… Expand
  29. ThunderClap220
    Jul 6, 2016
    9
    This game is amazing! You really feel connected to all of the characters and every decision you make impacts them and you throughout the rest of the game. Being able to rewind time is a awesome concept which is executed perfectly and makes for some really cool and intense gameplay.

    On a side note I really like the achievement system of finding hidden spots to take pic. I highly    This game is amazing! You really feel connected to all of the characters and every decision you make impacts them and you throughout the rest of the game. Being able to rewind time is a awesome concept which is executed perfectly and makes for some really cool and intense gameplay.

    On a side note I really like the achievement system of finding hidden spots to take pic.

    I highly recommend this game even if you are not the biggest exploration/narrative fan.    … Expand
  30. reviewfrom19842
    Aug 30, 2016
    3
    Great game. the 3rd episode is not very good but the rest episodes are really good.

    Episode 1 7/10
    episode 2 8/10
    episode 3 6/10
    episode 4 8/10
    episode 5 9/10
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Awards & Rankings

32
#32 Best PC Game of 2015
8
#8 Most Discussed PC Game of 2015
19
#19 Most Shared PC Game of 2015

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
83

Generally favorable reviews - based on 15 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 15
  3. Negative: 0 out of 15
  1. Softpedia
    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.
    Read full review
  2. PCWorld
    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.
    Read full review
  3. IGN Spain
    Jan 18, 2016
    86
    Life is Strange is a brilliant concept that you will love if you forget prejudices.
    Read full review
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