Life is Strange: Episode 1 - Chrysalis

 PlayStation 4
User Score
8.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 523 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 409 out of 523
  2. Mixed: 58 out of 523
  3. Negative: 56 out of 523

Review this game

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. ekolet
    Jan 30, 2015
    10
    Amazing game overall. It plays exactly like telltale adventures, but actually very good.

    Pros: Interesting story Amazing soundtracks which is in harmony with overall mood of the game and main character Maybe a little early to say, but seems like your choices actually matter. Unlike telltale games. Artwork is amazing Exteremely detailed game world, much like gone home, there are    Amazing game overall. It plays exactly like telltale adventures, but actually very good.

    Pros:
    Interesting story
    Amazing soundtracks which is in harmony with overall mood of the game and main character
    Maybe a little early to say, but seems like your choices actually matter. Unlike telltale games.
    Artwork is amazing
    Exteremely detailed game world, much like gone home, there are lots of stuff to explore

    Cons:

    Its episodic,    … Expand
  2. TenchuuKhan
    Jun 20, 2015
    10
    It was just on Steam sale for 2.50€ and I've noticed some other folks having tried it out so I thought I could give it a shot.
    What an experience. The coolest thing about it is what makes other games in that genre often annoying: you can't quickly go back and make changes. And that is actually the core feature of the game.
    Just brilliant. Now, the storytelling is super immersive, the    It was just on Steam sale for 2.50€ and I've noticed some other folks having tried it out so I thought I could give it a shot.
    What an experience. The coolest thing about it is what makes other games in that genre often annoying: you can't quickly go back and make changes. And that is actually the core feature of the game.
    Just brilliant.

    Now, the storytelling is super immersive, the plot is mysterious. It makes you want more at the end of the first episode.    … Expand
  3. FakuB20
    Jun 23, 2015
    9
    No esperaba mucho de este juego, lo empece a jugar solo por curiosidad pero tengo que admitir que esta en mi TOP 10 de los juegos del año. Es increíble lo que hicieron, la historia es maravillosa y la genialidad del poder del personaje como podes jugar con eso para cambiar la historia lo hace único. Los gráficos son simples pero me gustan, le dan un toque bonito al juego.
    Cada decisión    No esperaba mucho de este juego, lo empece a jugar solo por curiosidad pero tengo que admitir que esta en mi TOP 10 de los juegos del año. Es increíble lo que hicieron, la historia es maravillosa y la genialidad del poder del personaje como podes jugar con eso para cambiar la historia lo hace único. Los gráficos son simples pero me gustan, le dan un toque bonito al juego.
    Cada decisión que tomes influye a diferencia de los juegos de Telltale Games pero eso es otra historia.
    Juego recomendado.    … Expand
  4. cosmictherapy
    May 9, 2016
    10
    Life is Strange is a narrative driven choose your own adventure game. The first episode is an introduction to the strange world and it sets the scene for the next episodes to take place.

    The writing is a bit awkward at times but it looks great visually.The soundtrack is A+. It has interesting characters and a cool, if not a bit cliche main plot. This type of game might not be every    Life is Strange is a narrative driven choose your own adventure game. The first episode is an introduction to the strange world and it sets the scene for the next episodes to take place.

    The writing is a bit awkward at times but it looks great visually.The soundtrack is A+. It has interesting characters and a cool, if not a bit cliche main plot. This type of game might not be every ones cup of tea, but at only 5 dollars, why not give it a shot.    … Expand
  5. RoxStryke
    Jan 30, 2015
    10
    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 from 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.
    March come fast please!    … Expand
  6. benderrodriguez
    Feb 10, 2015
    8
    Definitely a hipster chic video game. Solid story, but you can kind of guess where the story is going to ultimate head. The story itself reminds me a lot of Alan Wake but from a teenager's view. Definitely worth a shot and I'm not even a great fan of story games like this.
  7. Zoidy3942
    Feb 22, 2015
    10
    The game is amazing. its like a telltale adventure game with rewinding time which is the coolest mechanic and the main focus of the game.

    Pros: Interesting story - Its only the first Episode and I can tell the story is going to get very interesting Great soundtrack Likable character - Its subjective but I really dig her :) Nice looking art style Collectibles in form of a photos    The game is amazing. its like a telltale adventure game with rewinding time which is the coolest mechanic and the main focus of the game.

    Pros:
    Interesting story - Its only the first Episode and I can tell the story is going to get very interesting
    Great soundtrack
    Likable character - Its subjective but I really dig her :)
    Nice looking art style
    Collectibles in form of a photos

    Cons:
    Weird lip-sync - I hope they fix it, but its not that bad that I would give it less than a 10/10    … Expand
  8. SkillJam
    Jan 31, 2015
    10
    THIS GAME! Gameplay like Telltale games, story and atmosphere like Gone Home with mysterious superpower thing. I love games, that will make you feel something for characters and you actually care about them. Really great writting, atmosphere and i am really curious what will happen next. Awesome soundtrack!
    Main Story - 2 hours
    Main Story + 100% complete - 3,5 hours
  9. RedDraken
    Feb 19, 2015
    10
    Wonderful game with a wonderful story and wonderful characters.
    But keep in mind this is a game about US students seen by French Devs so it could be the reason why some US players may find them, different..
    Maxine look very French too me. This game is a piece of Art not a simple game, but sadly the episode one is way too short, you will play it in 3 hours. For me this is by far the    Wonderful game with a wonderful story and wonderful characters.
    But keep in mind this is a game about US students seen by French Devs so it could be the reason why some US players may find them, different..
    Maxine look very French too me.
    This game is a piece of Art not a simple game, but sadly the episode one is way too short, you will play it in 3 hours.
    For me this is by far the best adventure game ever and i seriously hope to see more games like this one.

    Btw the soundtrack is a wonder, Angus and Julia Stones are wonders and the same is true for Syd Matters.    … Expand
  10. adammackowiak
    Jan 30, 2015
    8
    just finished episode 1 of the new 'Life is Strange' (a la Walking Dead StoryTelling kinda) game, as much as I don't dig the whole photography artistic mood, it's actually a really interesting look on school life and.... time travel, if you loved the Butterfly Effect, you should defo try this, so interesting to see how your choices affect life around you (And you can compare yourself withjust finished episode 1 of the new 'Life is Strange' (a la Walking Dead StoryTelling kinda) game, as much as I don't dig the whole photography artistic mood, it's actually a really interesting look on school life and.... time travel, if you loved the Butterfly Effect, you should defo try this, so interesting to see how your choices affect life around you (And you can compare yourself with the rest of the world at the end!). Excellent music, great mood in general, graphically average but it's all about the story here, I believe the first episode costs only like 3quid so give it a chance if you fancy :)… Expand
  11. Chapa9dj
    Feb 2, 2015
    9
    Pleasantly surprised, honestly, this game is amazing.
    I only bought 1 episode because i wasn't sure about it, but now do i do, i am definitely getting all the episodes.
    The gameplay is pretty similar to games such as The Walking Dead: Season 1 & 2, Game Of Thrones or The Wolf Among Us, except that you can reverse time and change the way to play the game or make different decisions. It    Pleasantly surprised, honestly, this game is amazing.
    I only bought 1 episode because i wasn't sure about it, but now do i do, i am definitely getting all the episodes.
    The gameplay is pretty similar to games such as The Walking Dead: Season 1 & 2, Game Of Thrones or The Wolf Among Us, except that you can reverse time and change the way to play the game or make different decisions. It reminds me of The Butterfly Effect.
    Story and characters are pretty interesting, in fact the acting feels natural and real. I got hooked as soon as i started playing it. You can explore, look at things, pick stuff or take photos in certain moments. The world feels really alive and very well animated
    I love the visuals and the artwork, it looks beautiful. The music is also great and adds a to the mood of the game.

    The only cons for me is that it's an episodic entry, but that's all.

    I higly recommend this. What a great way to start 2015    … Expand
  12. Enforcer122
    Jan 31, 2015
    9
    Utterly interesting game with wonderful game play mechanics. When I first picked it up, I wasn't a fan of the idea of being an 18 year old school girl. But the game is so much more then that if you look past it. Play the demo, and buy the game. You won't regret it.
  13. Sjalka
    Feb 8, 2015
    9
    This game is very well done, less classic adventure, where - in the worse cases .. some puzzle breaks the storytelling immersion - and more interactive story.

    I particularly liked how they went for a watercolour visual rather than some super HD photorealism or cartoony look; it fits the game and story well The protagonist as well as the other characters are done well enough to care    This game is very well done, less classic adventure, where - in the worse cases .. some puzzle breaks the storytelling immersion - and more interactive story.

    I particularly liked how they went for a watercolour visual rather than some super HD photorealism or cartoony look; it fits the game and story well The protagonist as well as the other characters are done well enough to care about them ... but rather stereotypical, no surprise there.

    the rewind mechanic is a nice feature - but feels limited - along with the dialogue options, which felt limited, too.

    In terms of feeling - it feels to me more like Dreamfall/Dreamfall chapters than the recent Telltale games - meaning i feel like i do have more freedom and control over my character (slightly) - but especially compared to those titles, it misses the depth of those. Only with following chapters the character will have a chance to develope more - from a cockie cutter protagonist to a more wholesome persona.

    But aside from that - the game offers a great story, good controls (which i was surprised about, considering it was square enix) good music and an overall good experience. - more than worth the money.    … Expand
  14. DoUEvnLft
    Jan 31, 2015
    9
    This game came out of nowhere for me, I remember seeing a trailer for it a while back and I kinda shrugged it off, but it appeared on the PlayStation Store and I thought I'd give it a shot. Frankly, I absolutely love it. The premise, setting and characters are all fairly unique and interesting, definitely nothing I've seen done in a game previous to this. I'm genuinely excited to play theThis game came out of nowhere for me, I remember seeing a trailer for it a while back and I kinda shrugged it off, but it appeared on the PlayStation Store and I thought I'd give it a shot. Frankly, I absolutely love it. The premise, setting and characters are all fairly unique and interesting, definitely nothing I've seen done in a game previous to this. I'm genuinely excited to play the second episode now. Good job Squeenix.… Expand
  15. inventive_mind
    Feb 10, 2015
    10
    "Heavy Rain"+"Butterfly Effect"="Life is Strange". This is my favorite game in 2015. Episode 1 is a masterpiece. Art, music, visual style, nonlinear intriguing and mystic story, charismatic characters... Genial game! Legend!
  16. chargerfan
    Feb 11, 2015
    9
    When I first heard of this game I thought it would be a Telltale rip off but I bought it anyway thinking I might as well give it a chance. To be honest the game happily surprised me though it does share a lot of components of a Telltale game it has it's few game mechanics that makes it it's own. I really like the story so far and can't wait to see where it goes from here and it does lookWhen I first heard of this game I thought it would be a Telltale rip off but I bought it anyway thinking I might as well give it a chance. To be honest the game happily surprised me though it does share a lot of components of a Telltale game it has it's few game mechanics that makes it it's own. I really like the story so far and can't wait to see where it goes from here and it does look like our choices in game will aquatically make a difference in the story. Buy the game its worth the 5$ even if your not a fan of point and click games… Expand
  17. tiffanylaww
    Mar 17, 2015
    10
    Bought this game yesterday and finished in about 3 hours. Quite interesting and the dialog is quite funny too. Looking forward to the release of Episode 2 :)
  18. xThexEvilxLordx
    Jan 31, 2015
    8
    Ok Life is strange = awesome
    Soundtrack is amassing
    Story for now is very interesting
    Graphic are great
    Acting voice is very great
    In overall play the game
  19. Agarwel
    Feb 3, 2015
    10
    Awesome game. Great graphics. Great atmosphere. Interesting story... it has slow beggining (but it will give you time to get to know each NPC and I believe this will help you immerse better into world in the future episodes - they are not anonymous NCPs anymore) but then starts pretty good. It is not possible to say how it will develop or what will be your main goal. But so far you getAwesome game. Great graphics. Great atmosphere. Interesting story... it has slow beggining (but it will give you time to get to know each NPC and I believe this will help you immerse better into world in the future episodes - they are not anonymous NCPs anymore) but then starts pretty good. It is not possible to say how it will develop or what will be your main goal. But so far you get some strange events, shady characters, you will be curious about few events... all in all the game will leave you wanting more. So far I find it better than TellTale games (and I love these), little more interesting than Beyond and we will see how it will go in the end compared to Heavy Rain. Reccomended for anyone who wants good story in games.… Expand
  20. Furtin
    Feb 2, 2015
    10
    This game oozes atmosphere. The soundtrack accompanies the gameplay perfectly and gives a "TV series" atmosphere like never seen before. No need for hires graphics here - this game is sneeking up on you and will hit you with it's love for atmosphere. - but only if you don't rush it!

    Take it slow and you will fall in love with "Life Is Strange"

    (this game is not for everyone of course ...)
  21. Gamexpert
    Jan 30, 2015
    10
    I played it now for a while, and im totally shocked about how good this game is.
    This Feeling that you could screw everything up when you bend time, its amazing.
    And i cant understand how anyone can be pissed just because you have to play a girl Oo
    Year 2015, so please guys....
  22. TomasLacerda
    Feb 1, 2015
    10
    One of the best storytelling you will ever see in a game.
    The controls are good, the visual is gorgeous, and the mood is absolutely fantastic.
    Please, do try this one out.
  23. Cometer
    Jan 31, 2015
    9
    Really great game. Takes a cue from Telltalle Games, but more true to the adventure game genre. This is a must have. The first episode is more of a intro into the world and the game mechanics. So it is a bit slow paced. And that is good. The game reminds me a lot of the movie "Juno" and similar come of age movies.
    In all honesty companies should invest more in these interactive    Really great game. Takes a cue from Telltalle Games, but more true to the adventure game genre. This is a must have. The first episode is more of a intro into the world and the game mechanics. So it is a bit slow paced. And that is good. The game reminds me a lot of the movie "Juno" and similar come of age movies.
    In all honesty companies should invest more in these interactive storytelling type of games.
    One thing that shows the games limited budget is facial animation. The game looks great but I can't stop imagining how much more immersive it would be if they had the budget to do some high quality facial motion capture similar to what we see in games like Ryse or The Last Of Us.
    I can´t wait for Episode 2.    … Expand
  24. HeartLiara
    Feb 1, 2015
    9
    In 2015 some big games are coming out. Life is strange can become one of the big games.It's the 1st of a 5 episode series. Visually the game looks great. The characters are likable.It has an intriguing story. Game play feels solid although i would have loved to have more to do with my time reversing ability. But this is the 1st episode and hopefully they will take it up a notch. StoryIn 2015 some big games are coming out. Life is strange can become one of the big games.It's the 1st of a 5 episode series. Visually the game looks great. The characters are likable.It has an intriguing story. Game play feels solid although i would have loved to have more to do with my time reversing ability. But this is the 1st episode and hopefully they will take it up a notch. Story telling of the game is good.but a little bit of more story elements would have been better.
    Overall its a good game. As the 1st episode, it definitely delivers the essence of the story and game play.    … Expand
  25. theodorethebear
    Jan 31, 2015
    8
    The game has an interesting story and set your mood in the right way, but I still feel the pace is quite slow (I don't know if I make it to the end). Except some character, the rest is, how should I say, quite fake. What I mean is about the voice actor, it feels to stiff and stumble here and there.
  26. mmrventricle
    Feb 5, 2015
    9
    What makes Life is Strange superior to other "interactive movie" games is that its affordable. Now instead of paying $60 for something you have no clue on whether you will enjoy or not, you only pay $5 for each episode. While this comes at the cost of the game being not much of a looker, there really is not much reason to not try something new - given you like the story. Try out the demoWhat makes Life is Strange superior to other "interactive movie" games is that its affordable. Now instead of paying $60 for something you have no clue on whether you will enjoy or not, you only pay $5 for each episode. While this comes at the cost of the game being not much of a looker, there really is not much reason to not try something new - given you like the story. Try out the demo if you haven't already, and decide for yourself whether this is worth your 5 bucks.… Expand
  27. Deck96
    Feb 20, 2015
    9
    A great start to an adventure game that I can't wait to see the end of. Great tone and storytelling throughout the two and a half hours that it took me to complete the episode, as well as interesting character development through varied dialogue. I get very strong feelings of 'Heavy Rain' meets Alan Wake when I play this game which is an awesome combination. My only gripe with the game isA great start to an adventure game that I can't wait to see the end of. Great tone and storytelling throughout the two and a half hours that it took me to complete the episode, as well as interesting character development through varied dialogue. I get very strong feelings of 'Heavy Rain' meets Alan Wake when I play this game which is an awesome combination. My only gripe with the game is that the lip-syncing can sometimes be off which hinders immersion, but the game is so different to everything else out there that this is no a real problem. The reverse-time ability makes this game really stands out and I can't wait for the next episode in March.… Expand
  28. natetheartist
    Feb 14, 2015
    10
    Fantastic premise, music, and a wonderfully voiced female lead. 10/10. If you like story, emotionally captivating experiences, or if you've ever known what it's like to wonder through a cumbersome and troubled adolescence, get this game. I am blown away.
    Absolutely wonderful! Breathtaking.
  29. TheDestroyer
    Oct 24, 2015
    10
    With all that has happened, I'd be surprised if Life is Strange didn't get nominated for game of the year - 2015. So many things are done right here despite not being up to par with graphics. It goes to show you though, you don't need good graphics to make an amazing game. The positives outshine the negatives by far. It's best part is the game's story, and the way it manages to keep theWith all that has happened, I'd be surprised if Life is Strange didn't get nominated for game of the year - 2015. So many things are done right here despite not being up to par with graphics. It goes to show you though, you don't need good graphics to make an amazing game. The positives outshine the negatives by far. It's best part is the game's story, and the way it manages to keep the player involved. You feel the weight behind some of the decisions you make during the game, some being heavy enough to make you want to come back and experience more.

    Episode 1 starts somewhat slow, painting you a picture for the orgasm to come.
    Episode 1 - 10 out of 10    … Expand
  30. Jimmy_Rinser
    Feb 9, 2015
    10
    I really loved this game. Looks amazing, very chilled and square enix really make you feel alot for the character. Really looking forward to the next episode. Similar to TellTale games but I think alot better, not rushed to make desicions and can think about it alot better. Would say though, the part when you speak to the skaterboards I don't think they could of made skaters look any more lame lol
  31. kafkanian
    Feb 2, 2015
    10
    As a great fan of the movie "Butterfly Effect", I really enjoyed the premise of the game!
    Although my PC only handled it on Low Settings, I can say the graphics are pretty impressive and the gameplay is smarter than the previous Telltale Games. The story telling is wonderful and makes you really care about the characters involved (Chloe is just amazing!).
    Solid start for the game!    As a great fan of the movie "Butterfly Effect", I really enjoyed the premise of the game!
    Although my PC only handled it on Low Settings, I can say the graphics are pretty impressive and the gameplay is smarter than the previous Telltale Games. The story telling is wonderful and makes you really care about the characters involved (Chloe is just amazing!).
    Solid start for the game! Telltale Games rockin' as always!

    PS: The soundtrack is the best yet from Telltale Games.    … Expand
  32. tiagodantas
    Feb 24, 2015
    9
    Amazing game. Amazing soundtrack. Enjoyable atmosphere. The only "bad" thing that I could point is the duration: the episode one is too short and there is a huge hiatus among the episodes.
  33. indigo2north
    Mar 13, 2015
    10
    Wonderful game. SOOO atmospheric. Plays like a telltale game but with a better narrative that really draws you in. The world feels a lot deeper and more thoroughly fleshed out. Well done Square Enix!
  34. Jim222001
    Mar 3, 2015
    8
    I found this game truly unique and fun. It's the best of it's kind since the Walking Dead games and the under-rated Beyond Two Souls. If you don't like a choice you made in the game you can rewind time and change your choice. Which makes for a pretty cool game.
    Despite it kind of feeling like an after school special from the 80's or 90's giving a lesson about how tough it can be to be a    I found this game truly unique and fun. It's the best of it's kind since the Walking Dead games and the under-rated Beyond Two Souls. If you don't like a choice you made in the game you can rewind time and change your choice. Which makes for a pretty cool game.
    Despite it kind of feeling like an after school special from the 80's or 90's giving a lesson about how tough it can be to be a teen. And how to make the right choices. And how your choices have different consequences. Still I enjoyed this melodrama of a game a lot.    … Expand
  35. SoulBackUp
    May 27, 2015
    10
    Huge game. Honestly, what I liked the most about this game its that your choices actually MATTERS and will change stuff as you go on. It doesn't have that much gameplay, however it's like watching a movie or reading a book. Strongly recommended to anybody.
  36. sevenw1nters
    May 24, 2015
    8
    Life is Strange is a episodic point and click adventure game released by Dontnod Entertainment on PC, Xbox 360, Xbox One, PS3 and PS4. As of the date of this review three of the five episodes have been released.

    As far as point and click adventures go Life is Strange doesn’t bring much new to the table besides the ability to go back in time. You’ll use that power to fix conversations    Life is Strange is a episodic point and click adventure game released by Dontnod Entertainment on PC, Xbox 360, Xbox One, PS3 and PS4. As of the date of this review three of the five episodes have been released.

    As far as point and click adventures go Life is Strange doesn’t bring much new to the table besides the ability to go back in time. You’ll use that power to fix conversations that have went awry or to help solve puzzles but ultimately I feel like the idea was underused and underdeveloped.

    The graphics kind of look like they have a pastelle or water color filter to them but do look aesthetically pleasing. The sound track and voice work is truly top notch, my only complaint is they didn’t even try to match up the lip syncing whatsoever, it’s actually some of the worst I’ve ever seen and on occasion it did take me out of the experience.

    You play as Max a 18 year old photography student who’s moved back to her childhood town to attend a class by a renowned photagrapher. Very quickly your mundane initial concerns like how to deal with the obligatory school **** or reconciling with old friends will take a back seat to dealing with discovering your ability to rewind time or haunting visions of the town being destroyed by a mega tornado.

    As a story oriented game the story takes front and center and for the most part they do a very good job with it. You’ll legitimately feel like you’re dealing with real problems that would come along with being a teenage girl. The whole female protagonist Gamergate fiasco isn’t a topic I want to discuss but even as someone who identifies as a hardcore male gamer I still enjoyed playing a game with both a female protagonist and a more dialogue driven game and would very much like to see more games explore these kinds of narratives.

    At $5 for the first episode the barrier of entry for this game is very low so it’s difficult not to recommend at least checking it out to even the most cynical readers.

    My overall score is 7.5 / 10.    … Expand

Awards & Rankings

97
#97 Best PS4 Game of 2015
61
#61 Most Discussed PS4 Game of 2015

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 43 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 27 out of 43
  2. Mixed: 16 out of 43
  3. Negative: 0 out of 43
  1. games(TM)
    Mar 11, 2015
    70
    Enigmatic in parts, frustrating in others, Dontnod demonstrates it can fuse the domestic with the supernatural with a deft hand, and succeeds in creating a pastel world brimming with intrigue in about three hours.
    Read full review
  2. Playstation Official Magazine UK
    Mar 7, 2015
    70
    A world worth inhabiting; one full of intrigue and murky consequences. [March 2015, p.92]
  3. DarkZero
    Feb 27, 2015
    70
    Someone once told me to not buy things for what you want them to be, but buy them for what they currently are. Based on that sound reasoning, I would recommend holding off on Life is Strange for a while, but keep an eye on how well future episodes are received.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »