Life is Strange: Episode 3 - Chaos Theory

 PlayStation 4
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

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  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 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 toThe 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. 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 details in the objects scattered in the game, and Max's ability to rewind just never gets old and now just got upgraded!
  3. 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. 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 basedThe 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
  4. 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 weird in the first two episodes, but other than that, the character development is superb.
    Everyone, give it a shot.
  5. 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 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.
  6. 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 and amazing good job!!
  7. runner
    May 30, 2015
    8
    A pretty good episode, not a significant innovation over the previos episodes, so most things I said back there are relevant for this one as well.

    It is somewhat improved though, the story is more interesting and has a better pace in my opinion, there's a bit more a action, and although the choices in this episodes fell a little forced and not very influential like in EP 1 and 2 - just    A pretty good episode, not a significant innovation over the previos episodes, so most things I said back there are relevant for this one as well.

    It is somewhat improved though, the story is more interesting and has a better pace in my opinion, there's a bit more a action, and although the choices in this episodes fell a little forced and not very influential like in EP 1 and 2 - just when you think it gets boring and tedious it twists unexpectedly, and, in other words, the ending ROCKS and is really worth playing all episodes + expecting what's yet to come.    … Expand
  8. Nobilis1984
    May 19, 2015
    9
    Wonderful episode
    After the good first episode and weaker seconds the play takes in episode 3 properly drive up.
    New possibilities come and the end of the episode is brilliant as well as a cliffhanger of the best goodness.
    Now the play comes only properly to journey and I am glad about episode 4.
  9. 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 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 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 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
  10. Grabpants
    Jun 10, 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 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 toThe 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.… Expand
  11. payohday
    Jun 13, 2015
    10
    This is truly the episode of Life is Strange that proves the potential the game really has. Episodes 1 and 2 were a little lack luster in my opinion, but still continued to improve. This episode is much more engaging and throws in some big plot revelations into the mix. Now is a better time than ever to begin playing the series. I personally can't wait for episodes 4 and 5.
  12. RandomCritique
    May 26, 2015
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Life is Strange: Episode 3 - Chaos Theory is by far and so far, the best episode of Life is Strange (In my opinion) You must be asking, why? Beware of spoilers as well! Don't say I didn't warn you! Starting off with the beginning was a bit slow where Max appears to be sneaking out to meet Chloe out by her dorm in the middle of the night was a slow start but only made the following so much better as Max and Chloe snuck into the principal's office to find evidence and they did. There was a joke Chloe had made about taking the principal's chair because it was so comfortable and that made me grin. I like the relationship between Max and Chloe as they reunited in the second half of the first episode to present and how they're basically buddies again. There was a part where Chloe dared Max to kiss her and they give you a choice, kiss her or refuse? It's obvious most people would choose Kiss her. But I thought it was too expected for Chloe just to randomly bring up, "I dare you to kiss me." Because I'm sure people wanted that since they have such a good friendship but it was too obvious and expected to happen. Then, I was like, "This is just getting boring." Then, Max looked at a picture of her and Chloe when they were 13 and went back to that point where Chloe's dad was alive (Btw, he died in a car accident on the day of the picture of Max and Chloe) Then, you were able to withdraw Chloe's dad from driving so he couldn't get in the car accident he was in before. He took the bus. But everything changed and not in a good way, Max appears in the Vortex Club with Victoria and she's all like, "I need to go." and so she did to Chloe's house to see what had happened and as she knocked on the door. Chloe's dad's alive but when you see Chloe, she's in a wheelchair and has a tube in her throat and the episode ends with that suckerpunch of a cliffhanger! When the credits were rolling, I was mad and curious. That's why the episode was such a good one, boring and all in the beginning then total cliffhanger in the end and I was like, "I have to wait 2 months for the next episode?!" I really appreciated this episode and I only have the courtesy to give Life is Strange: Episode 3 - Chaos Theory a thumbs up!… Expand
  13. BrainAndSoul
    Jun 13, 2015
    10
    One of the most exciting episodes in all history of this genre. It can be compared with masterpieces like 2nd episode of Walking Dead or To the moon's plot. They made a fantastic groundwork for the final of the season - I am waiting already

Awards & Rankings

42
#42 Best PS4 Game of 2015

Critic Reviews

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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. SpazioGames
    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.
    Read full review
  2. GameCrate
    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.
    Read full review
  3. Games Master UK
    Aug 5, 2015
    88
    Charming, beautiful and shocking. [Aug 2015, p.76]
See all critic reviews »