Life is Strange: Before the Storm - Episode 1: Awake

 PlayStation 4
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 53 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 40 out of 53
  2. Mixed: 13 out of 53
  3. Negative: 0 out of 53
  1. Ars Technica
    Sep 6, 2017
    Before the Storm is at its best when it focuses on the untold elements of Life Is Strange. So far, those moments capture the spirit of the original, but I’m anxious to see if it can hold up as the timelines converge.
  2. The Verge
    Sep 1, 2017
    The way Deck Nine celebrates the budding romance between Chloe and Rachel is so clear-cut that it feels revelatory. It’s an excessive game at times, but it’s done in a way that feels affectionate. It’s fan art in motion.

Awards & Rankings

92
#92 Best PS4 Game of 2017
73
#73 Most Shared PS4 Game of 2017

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.4

Mixed or average reviews- based on 188 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 130 out of 188
  2. Mixed: 18 out of 188
  3. Negative: 40 out of 188
  1. BananaLuiz
    Aug 31, 2017
    10
    Incredible and magical as it should be, charismatic characters, interesting and varied, a wonderful soundtrack and an impressive artIncredible and magical as it should be, charismatic characters, interesting and varied, a wonderful soundtrack and an impressive art direction, the game touches on delicate and controversial subjects with a lot of respect and makes the experience very immersive and magical, looking forward to the next episode… Full Review »
  2. Below_Average
    Aug 31, 2017
    4
    In my review I'll be doing my best to avoid comparing this title to the original Life is Strange, they really are in different veins. ThatIn my review I'll be doing my best to avoid comparing this title to the original Life is Strange, they really are in different veins. That said, Before the Storm's first episode feels very flat. I feel a bit of compassion for the writing team, as they're really in a corner here. The whole point of an RPG is usually to give a degree of control over a character and their story. Unfortunately, in this case we already know where the story leads and who the characters are. Thus, it's a bit bewildering to me why they've chosen to both A.) Make this a prequel and B.) Really double down on the narrative side. There are no new gameplay features to be found, other than graffiti, which is just a photo replacement, and the argument system, which doesn't do much. And story wise, this episode is sorely lacking. There's nothing to really drive it along, other than the teenage angst which very few honestly enjoyed in the first outing, and the relationship between Chloe and Rachel; which returning players already know the ending to. Honestly, going forward I'm not sure where the story wants to go, either. So far it has just gone through the motions, and I can't really say that it's worth any monetary or emotional investment. I'm hoping for an upswing in the coming episodes, but as of right now; the free first episode of Life is Strange gave us so much more than the paid episode of Before the Storm. The only really saving grace so far is the once again brilliant soundtrack, both in the original numbers and the real world artists, it shines. I'm hoping that episode two brings something new and exciting to the table. There is potential delving into the loneliness theme, as well as what may have been a slight foreshadowing of another sci-fi element at the very end, though that may have been wishful thinking.

    Episode One Ratings:
    Graphics: 2/5
    Story: 3/5
    Replayability: 1/5
    Sound Design: 5/5
    Angstiness: 6/5    … Full Review »
  3. Partygambler
    Sep 5, 2017
    1
    That Game is a huge disappointment. The Story is boring, the characters dull and sound/music is just the basic standard. I'm alreadyThat Game is a huge disappointment. The Story is boring, the characters dull and sound/music is just the basic standard. I'm already regretting the purchae and won't buy another episodes.… Full Review »
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