Life is Strange: Episode 3 - Chaos Theory

 PlayStation 4
Metascore
81

Generally favorable reviews - based on 33 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 28 out of 33
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 33
  3. Negative: 0 out of 33
  1. Kill Screen
    May 28, 2015
    70
    The twist at the end of “Chaos Theory” is nothing less than staggering in its audacity.
  2. GamesBeat
    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.
  3. 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.
  5. Cheat Code Central
    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.
  6. TheSixthAxis
    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.

Awards & Rankings

42
#42 Best PS4 Game of 2015

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 234 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 184 out of 234
  2. Mixed: 22 out of 234
  3. Negative: 28 out of 234
  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.    … Full Review »
  2. 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!… Full Review »
  3. 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.    … Full Review »
See all user reviews »