Life is Strange: Episode 3 - Chaos Theory

 PlayStation 4
Life is Strange: Episode 3 - Chaos Theory Image
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81

Generally favorable reviews - based on 33 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 234 Ratings

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  • Summary: In the third installment of Life is Strange, Max & Chloe ramp up their investigation to find out what exactly is going on at Blackwell Academy and the whereabouts of Rachel Amber. Secrets will be uncovered and Max will find another use for her power.

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Life is Strange - E3 2015 Trailer

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 28 out of 33
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 33
  3. Negative: 0 out of 33
  1. games(TM)
    Jun 24, 2015
    90
    Episode 3 ups the stakes and takes narrative risks that we rarely get to see: it expands the game’s universe not only forward, but outward… and the very last scene makes you question every single decision you’ve made so far, even down to the random photos you’ve taken around the Bay. We say that without a hint of hyperbole, without a hint of drama. Chaos theory in action, indeed.
  2. NZGamer
    May 26, 2015
    89
    All of this has me very eagerly waiting for the next episode, and wishing it wasn’t six weeks away. But the thing behind most of that anticipation is the thing I can’t talk about - one hell of a cliffhanger ending, that I never saw coming.
  3. COGconnected
    Jun 1, 2015
    86
    Realization, heartbreak, and shock are not just the elements that form the basis of Life is Strange Episode 3, but also what makes it uniquely spectacular.
  4. DarkZero
    May 18, 2015
    80
    Taken as a singular entity, Chaos Theory is not Dontnod’s best work, but there are still some interesting moments to be had should you choose to play.
  5. Arcade Sushi
    May 27, 2015
    80
    Prior to this episode, the pace of Life is Strange was a bit all over the place with a very slow first episode and a rushed, but exciting, second chapter. With this third episode, Dontnod seems to have found the balance in character development and furthering plot points.
  6. Vandal
    May 19, 2015
    80
    Dontnod strikes backs with yet another great episode. Many blank spots of the plot are filled here, but also leaves room for new mysteries to unfold.
  7. The Digital Fix
    May 26, 2015
    60
    Chaos Theory has two big things going for it, the character of Max and its final cutscene. If it wasn’t for these two factors, our time of enjoying Life Is Strange may have been up. Its gameplay has become rather tedious and the lack of elaboration in Max’s time travelling usage is a severe let-down.

See all 33 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 13
  3. Negative: 0 out of 13
  1. EABanBoy
    May 30, 2015
    10
    The good: Astounding game that made me feel all sorts of emotions, I'm completely invested in the story and characters, and I would say thatThe good: Astounding game that made me feel all sorts of emotions, I'm completely invested in the story and characters, and I would say that Dontnod does the formula better then telltale. Going off of telltale I have not experienced any immersion breaking graphical glitches (unlike telltale games where you will have body parts/ weapons fading through clothing etc) and the game tries to keep it so that the information you need to remember is provided within each episode (with one exception), which is handy since the business model has the episodes coming out every 2 or so months. The time travel mechanics are also very fresh (and thus unclear) and makes me wonder at the possibilities for time travel in future games.

    The bad: Some have pointed out issues with lip syncing but I have not noticed, also there is one exception to what I previously stated in that you do need to remember how the time travel mechanics work (which isn't very clear in the first place) from previous episodes, for example there were two puzzles in episode 3 which had me stumped for a good 10-15 minutes each, the first puzzle relies on using time travel mechanics in an unconventional way that you may or may not figure out as the game doesn't tell you (or if it does I don't remember it telling me which is a fault in clarity and guiding the player as several others have experienced this problem). The second puzzle I can't really get into without spoiling, but it was a failure in terms of game design, but not one that relies on the time travel mechanics.

    The ugly: Now for the business model, I abhor this business model (the episodic business model) and is one of the oldest tricks in the book in terms of television, it makes you want the next episode encourages you constantly thinking about it throughout the weekly, month;y or yearly, release schedule. This is a common marketing ploy used to keep you thinking about a product and is very effective in making you want more. However I am still willing to give this game a 10, which I suppose speaks to its effectiveness.

    TL:DNR Great game, while not a "game changer", like games such as Telltales the Walking Dead, it is still one of the finest examples of the genre and of storytelling in video games.    … Expand
  2. PaladinofFarore
    Jul 12, 2015
    10
    Easily one of my favorite games of the year.
    It's something new, with great characters and a fantastic atmosphere.
    The dialogue is a bit    Easily one of my favorite games of the year.
    It's something new, with great characters and a fantastic atmosphere.
    The dialogue is a bit weird in the first two episodes, but other than that, the character development is superb.
    Everyone, give it a shot.    … Expand
  4. bowenliu
    May 20, 2015
    10
    [Minor Spoiler] My God! The story line twisted so surprisingly and this game is now my favorite game forever! I really appreciate all the[Minor Spoiler] My God! The story line twisted so surprisingly and this game is now my favorite game forever! I really appreciate all the details in the objects scattered in the game, and Max's ability to rewind just never gets old and now just got upgraded!… Expand
  5. rodericrinehart
    May 19, 2015
    9
    The only adventure game I like better than Life is Strange would be The Wolf Among Us. I think they have a gem of a game here and I love it.The only adventure game I like better than Life is Strange would be The Wolf Among Us. I think they have a gem of a game here and I love it. I'm hoping for more entertaining games like this as I have lost all faith and fun in puzzle-driven games likes Broken Age and Grim Fandango. I just want fun experiences and these games are perfect fits between deep RPGs, challenging turn based strategy games, and good action-adventure romps.… Expand
  6. GameRiderTom
    May 24, 2015
    9
    Episode 3 has been probably my favorite episode of Life is strange. It has a lot of action, not that many choices that impact the future toEpisode 3 has been probably my favorite episode of Life is strange. It has a lot of action, not that many choices that impact the future to make a lot, and there have been 2 or 3 moments where I was stuck and didn't know what to do. Overall I really enjoyed Episode 3.… Expand
  7. TheWitcherAb
    May 21, 2015
    9
    This game always make a good ending that keep you on this game and want you to wait for the coming episode.this game is brilliant fun andThis game always make a good ending that keep you on this game and want you to wait for the coming episode.this game is brilliant fun and amazing good job!!… Expand
  8. TheDestroyer
    Oct 24, 2015
    8
    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 doneWith 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 fret 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.

    Unfortunately, episode 3 isn't as good as the ones before it due to the change of theme. It also feels like the episode is shorter compared to the others. And then there's the consequences of your decisions which feel absent. Nevertheless, it is still a worthy treasure to be stored.
    Episode 3 - 8 out of 10    … Expand

See all 13 User Reviews

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Awards & Rankings

42
#42 Best PS4 Game of 2015