Metascore
81

Generally favorable reviews - based on 33 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 28 out of 33
  2. Negative: 0 out of 33
  1. 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. May 22, 2015
    90
    Dontnod created a stroke of genius with the ending of Episode 3: Chaos Theory, leaving an open-ended cliffhanger that is nothing short of the best jaw-dropping conclusion to any episodic title to date.
  3. May 21, 2015
    90
    Those who like mysteries and point-and-click adventures do not want to miss what Life is Strange has to offer.
  4. May 21, 2015
    90
    Life Is Strange has already proven itself to be capable of making an interesting story out of its premise, but it’s in this third episode that it has begun to develop a real level of confidence in its narrative.
  5. 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.
  6. Games Master UK
    Aug 5, 2015
    88
    Charming, beautiful and shocking. [Aug 2015, p.76]
  7. May 20, 2015
    88
    Chaos Theory vastly surpasses previous episodes, offering a unique and thrilling experience that fans of graphic adventures and great stories won't want to miss.
  8. May 20, 2015
    87
    This chapter really shines, showing the screenplay's quality in its full extent. Life is Strange is becoming more and more interesting, and might turn out as one of the best narrative experiences of the year.
  9. 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.
  10. May 25, 2015
    86
    Dontnod is proven with Life is Strange that has the capability to create an excellent game based on narrative. The third chapter let us know more about its interesting characters and has one of the best finals in the game and in the genre.
  11. Nov 25, 2015
    85
    Focused on Chloe and Max, and relatively calm if you compare it to the past chapters, Episode 3 is a narrative masterpiece thanks to its final phase and the emotions it can instill in the player. This is definitely an episodic adventure you should keep on your radar.
  12. May 26, 2015
    85
    Dontnod outclasses its former self with the best episode of Life is Strange yet. You'll be thrown on an emotional rollercoaster that won't leave your head anytime soon. On to the next!
  13. May 19, 2015
    85
    Episode 3 falters in some areas but it was never enough to hurt the overall experience. With heartfelt moments and an incredible climax, this game proves that it can stand tall amongst the giants in the genre. I felt a bit disheartened by the incredibly slow and slightly boring second episode, but this one proves that this game is still hella awesome, and yes, I just said hella.
  14. Playstation Official Magazine UK
    Jul 17, 2015
    80
    I genuinely don't know what's going to happen next, but I can't wait to find out. [Aug 2015, p.94]
  15. Jun 2, 2015
    80
    By now Max's powers have stopped to be impressive and some puzzles are quite annoying, but the story seems to take off from this point.
  16. May 29, 2015
    80
    Life is Strange takes a hard turn with Episode 3 as Max's supporting cast gains a bit more nuance and depth. So far, each episode of Life is Strange has improved upon the foundation laid by the last one. With Episode 3, the developer makes the player really think about the scope of Max's powers and actions. Great stuff.
  17. 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.
  18. May 25, 2015
    80
    Life is Strange Episode 3 Chaos Theory definitely challenges mainstream gaming with a quaint almost Twin Peaks meets Veronica Mars like experience that is filled with emotion, excitement and real-world drama.
  19. 80
    Despite having a rushed feel and under appreciating some pretty large issues, Life is Strange: Episode 3 is highly intriguing, entertaining, and surprising.
  20. May 19, 2015
    80
    The people at the center of this story are so engaging that I’m starting to outright ignore awkward dialogue, because the emotional gravity of its storytelling is so much stronger than the irregular out-of-place line or questionable dialogue delivery.
  21. 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.
  22. 80
    Life is Strange Episode 3 is another thrilling entry in this intriguing adventure series, featuring some of the best plot development to date.
  23. May 19, 2015
    80
    The chapter ends with a huge revelation linked to Max’s powers that is insanely cool. Without spoiling anything I would say the episode title is apt. It also makes waiting two months for the next installment unbearable.
  24. May 18, 2015
    80
    There’s a lot of downtime at the start, but another shock ending does little to dilute what is the best piece of interactive storytelling so far this year.
  25. 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.
  26. May 18, 2015
    80
    We weren't particularly sold on the first two episodes of Life Is Strange, but we could see the kernel of potential that was hiding beneath the surface. Episode 3 – Chaos Theory is where that promise finally bursts to the forefront, delivering an almost perfect balance of tense storytelling, organic dialogue, and improved gameplay – all while setting up a potentially brilliant follow-up episode.
  27. Sep 1, 2015
    77
    Life is Strange: Chaos Theory moves the series' plot forward, if awkwardly at times. The third chapter makes up for the weak decisions players have to make by maintaining a superb production quality and delving into increasingly mature issues.
  28. May 18, 2015
    75
    So, episode three is your typical middle episode, then. Full of exposition for the most part and then giving you a twist that makes you wish episode four was out tomorrow.
  29. May 21, 2015
    74
    I hated every single puzzle it threw my way, and couldn’t stand how I had to brute force my way through most of it. But the story was still so good and the ending was superb.
  30. May 28, 2015
    70
    The twist at the end of “Chaos Theory” is nothing less than staggering in its audacity.
  31. May 26, 2015
    70
    Chaos Theory can’t escape the shadow of its superior predecessor, but that’s not to say it’s a bad experience. Once you power through the dull fetch quests and irritating Chloe Time, it manages to provide some powerful moments and the best ending of any episode so far.
  32. May 19, 2015
    70
    In the shadow of the incredibly powerful second episode, the midpoint in the series is a solid episode that felt for large parts like it was waiting for the next big thing to happen. Thankfully, Dontnod did just that with an almighty twist in its final few scenes that has you on tenterhooks with the seemingly infinite possibilities the story now holds.
  33. 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.
User Score
8.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 234 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Negative: 28 out of 234
  1. 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.
    Full Review »
  2. 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! Full Review »
  3. 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.
    Full Review »