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

 PlayStation 4
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

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  1. BananaLuiz
    Aug 31, 2017
    10
    Incredible 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
  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. 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.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. 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    … Expand
  3. SileSixEcho
    Sep 4, 2017
    9
    It's a great first episode and a worthy prequel. In fact, you would not really know that this is not from the same developper. I enjoyed the great dialogues, the beautiful music and the possibility to create my own version of Cloe
  4. andlz
    Sep 5, 2017
    9
    As a original Life is Strange player I loved the way Deck Nine build the Rachel character because it was very loyal to the description heard on the original game. This sounds simple but one mistake on Rachel's character and the hole franchise could go wrong since she is very important for the plot on both games.
    The soundtrack is awesome as ever and the dynamic between Chloe and Rachel is    As a original Life is Strange player I loved the way Deck Nine build the Rachel character because it was very loyal to the description heard on the original game. This sounds simple but one mistake on Rachel's character and the hole franchise could go wrong since she is very important for the plot on both games.
    The soundtrack is awesome as ever and the dynamic between Chloe and Rachel is good, besides the fast development of their relationship. The story of episode one finishes on a good pace and I can't wait to see what is to come.    … Expand
  5. Steish
    Aug 31, 2017
    10
    Deck Nine, you are my love! This is game of the year! This songs, this characters, this design. I can not present any people, who did not enjoy it. PLAY IT NOW!!!!
  6. sva9sharpteeth
    Sep 3, 2017
    10
    If you ever turn to this game you will never stop playing. The best thing is that it can really take you away for a whole day. The plot is interesting and characters are well developed.
  7. 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 already regretting the purchae and won't buy another episodes.
  8. Gonkongs
    Aug 31, 2017
    10
    WHY AM I CRYING?? THIS IS THE BEST GAME I EVER PLAYED AFTER ORIGINAL OF IT! You have to play it, you must do it. This end of episode, help me somebody! 1010
  9. gyigyo2
    Oct 21, 2017
    8
    Postitive
    -Great voice acting
    -Amazing Soundtracks
    -Interesting cutscenes,dialogs
    -Interesting adventures with Rachel and interesting places
    -Interesting Nightmares/Diary
    -RAVEN is great!
    -Arcadia Bay Radio
    -Chloe

    Negative
    -Boring gameplay
    -Ending was not shocking
    -No plot twist at all
    -Samatha
    -Eliot
  10. mfk04
    Sep 2, 2017
    10
    I didn't thought this could live up to it's predecessor. But it definitely does, with a great, emotional story, great characters and performances, and of course, great soundtrack.
  11. Aruzo
    Oct 23, 2017
    9
    Playing as Chloe is really nice with her "ability".
    You liked the first LiS? Then you will love this Game.
    And the soundtrack is such AWESOME again.
  12. MihneaCalin
    Sep 2, 2017
    10
    Just as touching as the original series, this episode is about the frailty of human interaction, but more than that, it offers a new angle to the butterfly effect scenario - I believe the ones who will make it through to the ending will understand that :) apart from that, its lines are deep, its humor and intertextuality, extremely well done, and the music is just as empathetic as i wasJust as touching as the original series, this episode is about the frailty of human interaction, but more than that, it offers a new angle to the butterfly effect scenario - I believe the ones who will make it through to the ending will understand that :) apart from that, its lines are deep, its humor and intertextuality, extremely well done, and the music is just as empathetic as i was hoping for. Looking forward to the next episode...… Expand
  13. rasuko
    Sep 1, 2017
    10
    Knowing the events in LiS, LiS BtS provide the player with story closure that they needed in terms of understanding the origins of the world of arcadia bay. Not only is the soundrack surprisingly suit its Sequel, LiS you also come to a better understanding of the Main character as the story unravels her "baggage"(HiMYM reference). So far Arcadia bay felt more open and alive in BtS thanKnowing the events in LiS, LiS BtS provide the player with story closure that they needed in terms of understanding the origins of the world of arcadia bay. Not only is the soundrack surprisingly suit its Sequel, LiS you also come to a better understanding of the Main character as the story unravels her "baggage"(HiMYM reference). So far Arcadia bay felt more open and alive in BtS than just being a regular small town in LiS. Looking forward to episode 2's release with enthusiasm and an acceptance to cry as a man.… Expand
  14. Nobilis1984
    Sep 1, 2017
    7
    Gut aber weit weg von der Klasse des Vorgängers

    Warum? Es hat nichts magisches mehr. Es wird nur eine intensive und erstklassige Geschichte zweier Freundinnen erzählt. Erzählerisch ist man weit besser wie die Spiele von Telltale Games aber es entwickelt sich im Verlauf der Episode immer mehr zu einem ähnlichen Spiel. Der 9 € teure Aufpreis für die edle Version kann man sich sparen.    Gut aber weit weg von der Klasse des Vorgängers

    Warum?
    Es hat nichts magisches mehr. Es wird nur eine intensive und erstklassige Geschichte zweier Freundinnen erzählt. Erzählerisch ist man weit besser wie die Spiele von Telltale Games aber es entwickelt sich im Verlauf der Episode immer mehr zu einem ähnlichen Spiel.
    Der 9 € teure Aufpreis für die edle Version kann man sich sparen.
    -----------------------------------------------------------------
    Well, however, far from the class of the predecessor

    Why?
    It has nothing magic more. Only one intensive and high-class story of two friends is told. Narratively one is far better like the plays of Telltale Games, however develops in the course of the episode more and more to a similar play.
    The surcharge at cost of 9€ for the noble version can save one.    … Expand
  15. SuperkenGaming
    Aug 31, 2017
    6
    Life is Strange: Before The Storm Episode 1: Awake
    No confidence in whats to come
    Before the storm is a prequel to life is strange where you play as maxs blue haired friend chloe.. though at least in episode 1, that blue hair is nowhere to be seen… This time the story focuses on her friendship with rachael amber.. the missing girl from life is strange… She saves you from a party and    Life is Strange: Before The Storm Episode 1: Awake
    No confidence in whats to come
    Before the storm is a prequel to life is strange where you play as maxs blue haired friend chloe..
    though at least in episode 1, that blue hair is nowhere to be seen…
    This time the story focuses on her friendship with rachael amber.. the missing girl from life is strange…
    She saves you from a party and the rest is history..
    episode 1 is reminding you about chloes fathers death, how much she hates school and her step dad.. and how much teen angst she has, while setting up her and rachels relationship and care for eachother..
    but by this 2 hrs long episodes end… my care was nowhere to be found…
    There is no special rewind ability here.. this is all interacting with the environment and dialog choices.. turning this into a telltale games sort of adventure..
    Appreciated though is that chloe talks to herself reminding you where items are or where you should be looking for a certain item to progress the story.. it doesn’t waste your time which is refreshing for an adventure game…
    There is also a battle system where you trade insults or come up with clever replies based on when your opponent says to get your way in a situation..
    and you have to do so quickly as youre being timed…
    this system is really the only noticeable gameplay here…
    Again there is no rewind puzzles or really any puzzles in this first episode
    aside from a few fetch questy moments finding your moms phone or an item to pry open a coinslot… the game was dialog choices with characters and a situation I just didn’t care about…
    the game gives me no reason to care about chloe and rachaels relationship…
    I asked myself while playing multiple times what is even the point of this
    There was one cool moment here where I was playing a table top game with these 2 nerds at a picnic table and had to make choices, it was fun and immersed me into the world…
    but afterwards I was just out of it, again wondering why…why does this game even exist…
    Im not sure if this is just fan service or if this game is going to actually go somewhere..
    The story so far is just not compelling
    nothing from episode 1 has hooked or intrigued me, nothing has me excited for the next episode…
    this isn’t a good sign when this game is set to take place across only 3 episodes total…
    I give
    Life is Strange: Before The Storm Episode 1: Awake
    a 5.5/10    … Expand
  16. Luc4s_L3on_
    Nov 2, 2017
    9
    This game is fantastic, the feeling that this game transmits to you is incredible, it makes you love the characters as well as the original "Life is Strange".
  17. JustLetMeReview
    Sep 2, 2017
    9
    The Story and everything overall is really good! This game is for everybody who played the first one and loved it (like me). I have nothing negative to say about this game. The only thing i don´t like is that the next episode is coming in 8-10 weeks and that is pretty long (for me at least). But overall a perfect prequel to the original! Nice Job Deck Nine.
  18. TheSlyBandit
    Sep 3, 2017
    10
    What a beautiful master piece that makes me want to REEEE right along with Rachel Amber, The story really makes me want to Km/s while listening to the puns and autismo like jokes
  19. AdmiralBoodle
    Sep 17, 2017
    5
    "I would join a biker gang...if I had any friends"

    That is a an actual quote from this game that perfectly sums up this game and should tell you all you need to know
  20. Poonishar
    Nov 27, 2017
    9
    Although the core gameplay element of time travel is absent, it's great to be back in Arcadia bay with old characters and dredging up old feelings from the last game. Also a good start to seeing how the events of the first game were set in motion. Can't wait for part 2 and 3. Amazing writing and soundtrack again too.
  21. davidplays3
    Nov 14, 2017
    10
    really, really good. When i saw the trailer i wasn't really attracted or convinced about buying this game because the best part of LiS was the rewind and i thought if you couldn't do that it would suck but after i played this i was completely blown away one of the best games i played this year if not the best, really recommend you to buy it did not disappoint me one bit.
  22. MannWithNoEyes
    Jan 8, 2018
    4
    Life is Strange: Before the Storm Episode 1 is a slow, monotonous, slog of a game which not only fails to live up to games within its own genre, but also to its predecessor, which despite the dialogue had a few emotional moments in which Life is Strange: Before the Storm fails to deliver either because of the dialogue, because of the obnoxiousness of the symbolism, or because of theLife is Strange: Before the Storm Episode 1 is a slow, monotonous, slog of a game which not only fails to live up to games within its own genre, but also to its predecessor, which despite the dialogue had a few emotional moments in which Life is Strange: Before the Storm fails to deliver either because of the dialogue, because of the obnoxiousness of the symbolism, or because of the illusion of reality being broken. The game opens with a concert, introducing the player to the general gameplay of Life is Strange: Before the Storm. Similar to a point-and-click adventure game, in every area Chloe can walk around and interact with random objects, most of them with very little significance until she interacts with the right object and the story progresses. The issue with this comes with the fact that there is no flow to any of the conversations, and can lead to extreme examples of ludo-narrative dissonance while in a supposedly tense conversation, there can be five minute pauses where the player thinks of what to say. The pacing of the story is too easily disrupted without the player doing anything in order to disrupt it. The illusion of reality is too easily shattered, and the player doesn't even have to do anything to break it. The backtalk challenges fix this by adding a timer, however, even by fixing the unnatural pacing of the conversations, the game reveals another flaw: the dialogue. The performances are passable, for example I think Chloe's voice actor despite not having a lot to work with did a decent job of capturing the voice of a the apathetic, unhappy, shallow character Chloe is. Which leads to the flaw that Chloe and her interactions with the other characters lack emotional weight and any sort of reliability, because all the characters and relationships are all very surface-level. While understanding that Chloe is not necessarily meant to be likable, the way she interacts with the different objects in the world certainly reinforce her bitterness and her frame of mind, they never expand upon her character beyond reiterating that she is unhappy. The player never learns how her mind works, or how she approaches situations other than that she approaches them from a cynical point of view, and that is it. It's not fun to play as this character because it is impossible to understand how she thinks, and therefore getting engaged with her plight is borderline impossible. For example, the player does not learn anything by clicking on the objects in David's garage. Chloe simply restates that she hates David until the player decides to progress the story. She has no emotional connection with any character besides Rachel and to an extent David, so it isn't just Chloe who feels shallow, it's the world around her, and almost every character in the game. The dialogue, like the first game, is out of touch and unnecessarily forced. The reason the slang in Life is Strange feels so unnatural is because even to the people this game is aimed towards, it ages very quickly. Now especially, things become outdated faster than ever, and by putting references to internet culture into their game, Dontnod is ensuring that the older this game gets, the worse its biggest flaw will be. Before the end of this review, I want to note that the symbolism between this game and the Tempest is an interesting touch. For as much as I dislike this episode, it does have its appeal. I understand why people enjoy watching Chloe and Rachel's relationship evolve while it is still fresh, and I feel as though this is the best the game gets in terms of visuals. So I'm going to give Life is Strange: Before the Storm Episode 1 a 4 out of 10.… Expand
  23. Griffin44
    Dec 23, 2017
    3
    Boring as **** Extremely unlikable main character, and not to mention you can't lose. You just go around in the most boring **** environment ever doing basic tasks that a 2 year old could do. This game is ass, and I don't have a clue how people actually somewhat enjoy this ****ty game. And has a overall rating of 7.6 out of 10.

Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

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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. FANDOM
    Dec 11, 2017
    80
    Even though it feels little more than a setup, it’s still an intricate setup, with a lingering promise of big emotional reward.
    Read full review
  2. Playstation Official Magazine UK
    Oct 15, 2017
    70
    The sharp dialogue and heartfelt narrative are let down by the shoehorned relationship between the lead characters. Nonetheless, it's a worthy sequel. [Nov 2017, p.78]
  3. PLAY! Zine
    Oct 12, 2017
    80
    Studio Deck Nine had the difficult job of fulfilling great expectations and they started in the right direction.
    Read full review
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