User Score
8.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 2178 Ratings

User score distribution:
Buy Now
Buy on

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
  1. Jun 13, 2020
    10
    Amazing game great story and characters that you would care about and beautiful music you have to buy this game
  2. Jun 19, 2020
    10
    Нереально крутая и атмосферная игра!! Музыка, история, хорошо проработанные персонажи. Играешь и будто бы смотришь короткий сериал. В общем, побольше бы таких игр с интересными необычными историями)
  3. Jul 5, 2020
    10
    I played this game in 2015 and without a doubt, to this day it is one of the best games I have ever played in my life. This game is incredible.
  4. Feb 21, 2022
    10
    Nothing to say just great game with incredible story and so easy to get all the achievements
  5. Aug 25, 2020
    10
    This is a really good game. Amazing. Looooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooool
  6. Mar 29, 2022
    10
    MASTERCLASS!!!! Ce jeux est une honte tellement qui est bon les perso son bien écrit et très attachant que tu a quasiment l'impression que c'est des vrai personne...
    La musique de ce jeux..... WOW 100% il y a juste du bon
    Graphiquement le jeux à bien vieillit mais Les animations faciales commence à être vieillotte au moins le remaster est venu sauver ça L'histoire super intéressante et
    MASTERCLASS!!!! Ce jeux est une honte tellement qui est bon les perso son bien écrit et très attachant que tu a quasiment l'impression que c'est des vrai personne...
    La musique de ce jeux..... WOW 100% il y a juste du bon
    Graphiquement le jeux à bien vieillit mais Les animations faciales commence à être vieillotte au moins le remaster est venu sauver ça L'histoire super intéressante et te tient en haleine tout le long du jeux mais c'est surtout les personnage qui font le jeux et le côté mystérieux d'Arcadia bay
    Expand
  7. Jan 12, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Jogo lindo e simples mas profundo que revolucionou a modalidade de escolhas, abordando viagem no tempo espaço e os efeitos, o jogo me fez não julgar a parte técnica por mas que não foi Boa, o jogo consegue ser muito mais. Mostrou que mesmo sem muita verba se consegue fazer uma obra de arte, Ver o que um jogo pode passar pra quem jogar ele é o que vale a pena Expand
  8. Jun 26, 2020
    10
    An amazing experience. A must play for everyone who prefers good story and decision making over complex gameplay with combat.
  9. Jun 25, 2020
    10
    Best game I've ever played in my life! Flawless narrative and soundtrack, plus a beautiful message about friendship!

    Perfect!
  10. Oct 25, 2020
    10
    Historia muy bien argumentada, los personajes están muy bien creados (en el sentido de su personalidad).
  11. Jun 27, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Despite some cringy dialogue and a slow first two chapters, this game has one of the most emotionally devastating stories I have ever seen. I know the ending is controversial becuase it all comes down to one decision, but the whole game prepares you for that moment, and it feels like a very natural conclusion. The "sacrifice Chloe" ending was the only time I have ever cried because of a video game. Expand
  12. Jun 28, 2020
    10
    the best story I found in games, my favorite game amazing writing, emotion rollercaster
  13. Feb 21, 2022
    10
    I bought it on sale, without much expectation, and it became one of my favorite video games of all time. Tremendous great game, fantastic story, but the most expextacular without a doubt is the soundtrack. 10 note well earned, just because I loved it.
  14. Jul 4, 2020
    10
    Excelente juego. La verdad muy novedoso. Tiene un giro en la trama muy interesante. Nostálgico y sencillo. El arte que tiene es exquisito.
  15. Jul 4, 2020
    10
    The only flaw of this game is the lip syncing but other than that one of the best story games I have EVER played.
  16. Jul 1, 2021
    10
    Summary:
    Life is Strange, but oh so beautiful...
    The Good: + Max and Chloe - well-written, complex, nuanced, well-acted characters that feel remarkably real. + Great songs. All of them. + Atmosphere - wonderfully melancholic and contemplative touch is felt throughout the game, beautifully capturing the joy and sadness that is youthful love and Pacific Northwest. It's a collaboration
    Summary:
    Life is Strange, but oh so beautiful...

    The Good:
    + Max and Chloe - well-written, complex, nuanced, well-acted characters that feel remarkably real.
    + Great songs. All of them.
    + Atmosphere - wonderfully melancholic and contemplative touch is felt throughout the game, beautifully capturing the joy and sadness that is youthful love and Pacific Northwest. It's a collaboration of artists, what this game is. They created something truly beautiful here.

    The Bad:
    - Not all voice acting is good - some minor characters sound very flat and acted, not natural like Chloe and Max.
    - Not all endings are satisfying. I give you that much. One ending definitely feels more canon than the other.
    Expand
  17. Jul 10, 2020
    10
    Game of the all time. I've been through this masterpiece 9 times. I advise everyone.
  18. Aug 2, 2020
    10
    I really liked the Story. The worldbuilding worked for me. The Soundtrack is outstanding and made the experience Perfect.
  19. Jul 22, 2020
    10
    Life Is Strange is the best game ever, DONTNOD, I love you, thank you by had made this game
  20. Jul 29, 2020
    10
    Maravilloso de principio a fin... Se disfruta cada segundo del juego y la decisión final es simplemente descorazonadora... Se empatiza con muchos de los personajes, sobre todo con Max y Chloe, pero también con Victoria o Kate.
    Buena jugabilidad y escenarios realmente vistosos.
    Muy buen juego.
  21. Aug 6, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Ótimo jogo,traz uma experiência única,nós faz refletir e nos dá outra percepção sobre tudo na nossa vida Expand
  22. Aug 22, 2023
    10
    mark (˘▽˘>ԅ( ˘⌣˘) (˘▽˘>ԅ( ˘⌣˘) (˘▽˘>ԅ( ˘⌣˘) (˘▽˘>ԅ( ˘⌣˘) (˘▽˘>ԅ( ˘⌣˘) (˘▽˘>ԅ( ˘⌣˘)
  23. Aug 31, 2020
    10
    Simplesmente incrível! A Dontnod realmente sabe abordar temas delicados com muito cuidado e de ótima forma. A trilha sonora e direção de arte do jogo são impecáveis, a dublagem é magnífica e a história é fenomenal. Esse jogo mudou a minha vida e é o meu favorito de todos os tempos.
  24. Sep 8, 2020
    10
    Life is Strange é uma das melhores experiências com video game, é uma obra prima em todos os sentidos, tudo é inspirador e delicado, é simplesmente perfeito.
  25. Dec 1, 2020
    10
    phenomenal video game. Feels like a Netflix show with the high school nostalgia, one the best and well executed games of this generation
  26. Nov 4, 2020
    10
    what a game. after 5 years i still look back to this game .
    on of the best games that i've ever played
    10/10
  27. Nov 10, 2020
    10
    I'm not spoilering nothing. Is just one of the best games ever. Attention. This game will leave a big print on you. Play it. I recommend
  28. Dec 2, 2020
    10
    Jogo riquíssimo no requisito história, o gráfico deixa um pouco a desejar, mas a história e o carismo dos personagens faz você se apegar no jogo de uma forma que não sei explicar. Sem dúvida é uns dos melhores jogo dessa geração.
  29. Dec 17, 2020
    10
    Beautifully moving story-based cinematic game where choices matter and affect the world around you. Characters stick and leave an impression on you, and the game remains memorable.
  30. Jan 8, 2021
    10
    Absolutely MASTERPIECE
    I've played this Game 3 times
    Characters are mysterious
    The Atmosphere of the game is Beautiful

    I love everything of this game

    Thanks to DONTNOD
  31. Nov 15, 2021
    10
    Cuando los graficos no lo son todo... joder que buena historia. Lloré todo el final. Realmente tocó mi corazón. Una experiencia narrativa inolvidable.
  32. Feb 28, 2023
    10
    Played the game recently on PS5. This was one of tremendous game I’ve ever played !!
    I totally didn’t expect this much of fun and emotions can be include in single game, amazing game and all I can say everyone to try once this masterpiece
  33. Jun 15, 2021
    10
    Life is Strange is a masterpiece, this, in my opinion is one of the only good games DONTNOD have made. Episode 1 and 2 were definitely not as good as 3 4 and 5. I believe this is due to the fact that the game is trying to introduce Chloe to the player and due to this the story was sacrificed a bit making the first 2 episodes felt weaker, but not bad by any means. Episode 3, 4, and 5 areLife is Strange is a masterpiece, this, in my opinion is one of the only good games DONTNOD have made. Episode 1 and 2 were definitely not as good as 3 4 and 5. I believe this is due to the fact that the game is trying to introduce Chloe to the player and due to this the story was sacrificed a bit making the first 2 episodes felt weaker, but not bad by any means. Episode 3, 4, and 5 are masterpieces, and I can't explain why without spoiling the game, so.... GO BUY IT NOW IF YOU HAVEN'T!!!!! Expand
  34. Aug 1, 2021
    10
    It's one of the best games I've ever played. It was very touching. For me 10/10 game.
  35. May 24, 2021
    10
    Maravilhoso.
    Uns dos melhores jogos, que eu joguei. História intrigante e emocionante,Personagens ótimos,designer gráfico que eu particularmente adorei,trilha sonora marcante.
    E uma sensação ao jogar que é única.
  36. Feb 1, 2023
    10
    um jogo lindo, com uma trilha sonora marcante, bons personagens e com uma escolha de final difícil.
  37. Dec 9, 2021
    10
    Judging by the title this 2015 Game offers nothing new like episodic release.
  38. Sep 20, 2021
    10
    Beautiful, nostalgic story and well-written girl characters. One of the best story-driven games on PS4.
  39. Sep 28, 2021
    10
    Life is Strange is an amazing game with great characters and a beautiful setting with a charming art style. It also tackles some heavy topics in a respectful way. Although it lacks strong gameplay the story, setting, and characters make Life is Strange a perfect game for those who want to just relax and get immersed in a great story.
  40. Dec 21, 2021
    10
    One of my top 5 games. It really hit my heart and made me cry. As someone who knows how loneliness and depression feels, this game really made an impact. Loved it and cannot recommend it enough.
  41. Apr 10, 2022
    10
    Life is Strange is a powerful and emotional game that covers many important topics. These topics range from everyday struggles in modern day youth, to worst case scenarios and complete nightmares.
    As a young girl who is interested in photography, this game made me feel seen, heard and understood. As well, I was able to relate to the game’s themes of LGBTQ+ people, depression, suicide and
    Life is Strange is a powerful and emotional game that covers many important topics. These topics range from everyday struggles in modern day youth, to worst case scenarios and complete nightmares.
    As a young girl who is interested in photography, this game made me feel seen, heard and understood. As well, I was able to relate to the game’s themes of LGBTQ+ people, depression, suicide and the importance of friendship. Not to mention, Life is Strange helped me understand issues that I didn’t previously know a lot about, such as environmental issues, loss, family problems, sexual harassment, and so on.
    As for the game itself, Life is Strange contains beautiful background animations, as well as a rather realistic character animation style. As well, there is a beautiful and sad soundtrack that goes along with the storyline well.
    The main character – a photography student named Max Caulfield – is quiet, shy and caring. She reminded me a lot of myself and my personality throughout most of my high school experience.
    If you haven’t played Life is Strange, I will sum it up for you: Max Caulfield is a photography student, studying at Blackwell Academy in Arcadia Bay. She leaves photography class one day and walks into the school bathroom, just in time for her to see her childhood best friend Chloe get shot by another student. Desperately trying to save Chloe’s life, Max suddenly gains a super power that allows her to rewind time. This power is used throughout the game to make important choices, which strongly impact the game’s outcome. Every action has consequences – some much larger than others. The more Max uses her powers, the more things begin to go wrong in Arcadia Bay; there are environmental changes, a solar eclipse and – depending on the player’s choices – a possible deadly hurricane. In the end, Max has to make the ultimate decision: does she save her best friend, or Arcadia Bay?
    Overall, I would highly recommend this game to anyone who wants to have an experience rather than just playing a game, or anyone who needs a good cry.
    Expand
  42. Apr 17, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I loved the game loved the story too! but I wanted you to release a continuation of Max and chloe's story because we only have Life is strange comics Expand
  43. May 12, 2022
    10
    Jogo da minha vida! Mesmo depois de 5 anos de ter jogado, ele continua sendo um dos melhores jogos se não o melhor que eu já joguei, a história é incrível e um dos finais é insuperável. Todo mundo que gosta de jogos de narrativa devia jogar esse game um dia.
  44. Jun 8, 2022
    10
    Game hay vcl, cốt truyện đỉnh, k còn gì để bàn, cuối game có plot twist nhỏ nhưng k quá ngạc nhiên, ncl 10/10
  45. Jun 8, 2022
    10
    I like to play Life is strange. The graphics are beautiful and have a well designed. The sound is awesome. The levels are interesting and easy to play, and the connectivity is immersive and realistic.
  46. Aug 7, 2022
    10
    Amazing! Everyone must play this game. Emotional, fun to play, mystery... just everything.
  47. Oct 30, 2022
    10
    damn ... such a perfect game. It was unique. One of the games that completely engages my mind for 1 month and will be remembered forever.
  48. Sep 16, 2022
    10
    this was an experience it has evryting you need in a story game play it if you want to cry ;)
  49. Dec 24, 2022
    10
    It is so emotional, and everything you make can change the future! This idea is so brilliant! The game is awesome, love it!
  50. Jan 26, 2023
    10
    Com certeza um dos jogos da minha vida, não tem nem o que falar sobre esse jogo apenas tem que ser jogado e degustado
  51. Jan 30, 2023
    10
    The first LiF was quite a surprise when it came out. I played it through several times and even though I know the whole story I can't get bored of it. I love it until this day.
  52. Feb 27, 2023
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. the game is very amazing, the story, the scenarios, everything is amazing in this work of art. mainly the characters (apart from Mark Jefferson and Nathan Prescott) hehe sorry anyway, jo Expand
  53. Jun 2, 2023
    10
    Rating: 100 (Masterpiece)

    Full Game Review: Life Is Strange is a incredible game. The gameplay is very great being able to rewind time and getting to choose your own choices which is what I like about the game. The characters are very well written especially characters like Max who is a great protagonist. The story is very well written and very engaging. Overall Life is Strange is a very
    Rating: 100 (Masterpiece)

    Full Game Review:
    Life Is Strange is a incredible game. The gameplay is very great being able to rewind time and getting to choose your own choices which is what I like about the game. The characters are very well written especially characters like Max who is a great protagonist. The story is very well written and very engaging. Overall Life is Strange is a very enjoyable game.
    Expand
  54. May 29, 2023
    10
    This game is powerful.

    For some reason, even though that's my second playthrough, I can stop being emotionally damaged by this game. Actually, knowing some stuff about certain characters made some minor decisions harder. The difference they made objectively was not high, but your perception around it is what really matters. Making someone laugh, feel motivated, or pissed. You feel all
    This game is powerful.

    For some reason, even though that's my second playthrough, I can stop being emotionally damaged by this game. Actually, knowing some stuff about certain characters made some minor decisions harder. The difference they made objectively was not high, but your perception around it is what really matters. Making someone laugh, feel motivated, or pissed. You feel all of this with them, and I love this. That's only possible because of how sensitive the creators were and how amazingly developed and relatable the characters truly are.

    Talking about sensitivity... hands down. That is one of the best soundtracks ever selected. OST included. I could listen to the main theme for hours. This game would not be that good without those tracks.

    But it is perfect? no. But that was the dev's fault? Also no. The graphics and other technical elements could be better. Facial expressions feel off sometimes and clearly characters could not express themselves the way they should. Obviously, that's a financial problem, so it's understandable. And, at least, the actors nail it. Amazing performances.

    If you still haven't played this masterpiece, what are you waiting for?
    Expand
  55. May 17, 2023
    10
    Best game I've ever played, the story is simply amazing, but the ending is not so good
  56. Jul 15, 2023
    10
    masterpiece, this game is PERFECT and negative reviews are from people who dont like this type of game or dont understand nothing
  57. Jul 13, 2023
    10
    Um dos melhores jogos de narrativa e escolhas que já joguei se não o melhor , de longe o melhor da dontnod e recomendo para quem quiser jogar outra obra prima parecida, joguem tell me why também da dontnod
  58. Jan 30, 2016
    9
    I really enjoyed this game. I am confident I will remember the game years from now, and I can only hope we find more games from all publishers like this in the future. I enjoyed the female protagonist, the Telltale-influences gameplay, and beautifully created world. It is not just a "walking simulator" like Gone Home (which I also enjoyed), and has more depth than The Walking Dead or TheI really enjoyed this game. I am confident I will remember the game years from now, and I can only hope we find more games from all publishers like this in the future. I enjoyed the female protagonist, the Telltale-influences gameplay, and beautifully created world. It is not just a "walking simulator" like Gone Home (which I also enjoyed), and has more depth than The Walking Dead or The Wolf Among Us.

    The time rewind feature adds an interesting twist to adventure gameplay. It doesn't feel like "cheating" because although you might know the immediate consequences of your decision, you can't rewind past maybe 30 seconds and you can't see how these things will affect the future.
    Expand
  59. Mar 6, 2016
    9
    Life is Strange, no quería que te acabaras ya que sabia que me quedaría el vació, de y ahora que?. La trama tan intrigante y emocional desde sus primeros minutos de juego hasta los últimos del juego. Como todas las decisiones que uno toma en el juego afectan tu pasado, tu presente y tu futuro, tu relación con cada uno de los personajes e incluso su destino. Ame a las protagonistas desdeLife is Strange, no quería que te acabaras ya que sabia que me quedaría el vació, de y ahora que?. La trama tan intrigante y emocional desde sus primeros minutos de juego hasta los últimos del juego. Como todas las decisiones que uno toma en el juego afectan tu pasado, tu presente y tu futuro, tu relación con cada uno de los personajes e incluso su destino. Ame a las protagonistas desde principio a fin Max con su personalidad tan pura y siempre queriendo ayudar a los demás y Chloe tan explosiva e impulsiva. Los múltiples juegos de palabras que mencionan en todo el juego. "Release the kra-can!", como también las muchísimas referencias a juegos, películas y series.
    El juego te enseña las consecuencias de lo peligroso que es jugar con el tiempo. Al principio del juego Max,tiene una premonición del futuro donde un gigantesco tornado va arrasar con su pueblo. Seguido de esto descubre que tiene el don de rebobinar el tiempo cuando ve como matan a una extraña muchacha de cabello y por el susto regresa el tiempo para salvarla.
    Así es como empieza esta historia donde tienes que lidiar con ser la nueva en la escuela, descubrir el misterio de la desaparición de una estudiante y tu nuevo don. Es muy difícil poderle plasmar tantas emociones, tienen que jugarlo se los recomiendo.
    El soundtrack es maravilloso.
    Expand
  60. Feb 24, 2016
    9
    This is the first ever game to make me cry!
    It somehow feels wrong to call it a game.
    There's a few niggles and a couple of boring bits, but they barely affected my enjoyment.
  61. Mar 14, 2016
    9
    *WARNING, MINOR SPOILER ABOUT THE ENDING! NOTHING SPECIFIC BUT MORE ABOUT THE MECHANICS OF IT*

    Bought this game recently and just finished up so now I feel is the best time to talk about what I think of the game! This game is definitely a breath of fresh air; it is a pretty original concept but it does have a couple of flaws. Starting with the good...The voice acting is actually
    *WARNING, MINOR SPOILER ABOUT THE ENDING! NOTHING SPECIFIC BUT MORE ABOUT THE MECHANICS OF IT*

    Bought this game recently and just finished up so now I feel is the best time to talk about what I think of the game!

    This game is definitely a breath of fresh air; it is a pretty original concept but it does have a couple of flaws. Starting with the good...The voice acting is actually pretty good, was not expecting to see performances of this level in a game like this that had little to no publicity. Characters and setting were really believable and you genuinely cared how the major decisions were going to affect them over the course of the game. Runs smooth with the seamless integration of time reversing. Music fit the atmosphere perfectly.

    I can go on and on with the good but now I feel as though I should address the bad because, being that a sequel has been confirmed, these are issues that I hope are looked at and improved upon in the future... No lip syncing, its a small issue but it can really break immersion at times. There are quite a bit of plot holes that one can easily walk through if thought about enough. The ending was pretty badly executed, I wished that my actions and decisions would culminate into a worthy ending and not just choosing which ending I want (I still absolutely loved the journey to the end, but the end itself did leave a little bit of a sour taste due to its execution).

    To sum up, I loved the game and I see the potential there for the sequel (sadly, it will have a different set of characters this time around!) and I am definitely excited to see what DONTNOD has planned for us in this potentially new series!
    Expand
  62. Mar 5, 2016
    9
    Life is Strange is much like the Telltale games, minus all the quick time events, and you have the ability to easily redo choices via the core game-play mechanic.

    Story-wise, it is very 'chill' in the first few episodes, which could be a bad thing for certain audiences but for me it was an unique experience. This is the first game that made me want to just...let the main character lay
    Life is Strange is much like the Telltale games, minus all the quick time events, and you have the ability to easily redo choices via the core game-play mechanic.

    Story-wise, it is very 'chill' in the first few episodes, which could be a bad thing for certain audiences but for me it was an unique experience. This is the first game that made me want to just...let the main character lay in bed with the sun in her face and listen to music for minutes before pressing that button to make her get up. It's all so peaceful and serene. At the same time, it is grim, dark and even straight up creepy.
    Very well written characters and script, wonderfully delivered by the VAs. Not much else to ask for in these type of games.

    If you don't hate interactive drama type of games, give this game a shot.
    Expand
  63. Apr 29, 2016
    9
    A fantastic story-based adventure with serious depth. Better than most Telltale games. It is also visually gorgeous and it has an appropriate soundtrack. Occasionally slow-paced but delivers all the way.
  64. Jul 19, 2018
    9
    Life Is Strange is a game that I like, and a tale I adore. It's a graphic-adventure game, a modern-day successor to the point-click adventure; you spend most of your time interacting with objects, talking to NPCs, solving simple puzzles, or walking around searching for the next item / NPC / puzzle. To give you an idea of what you'll be up against: in Episode 1, two of the biggestLife Is Strange is a game that I like, and a tale I adore. It's a graphic-adventure game, a modern-day successor to the point-click adventure; you spend most of your time interacting with objects, talking to NPCs, solving simple puzzles, or walking around searching for the next item / NPC / puzzle. To give you an idea of what you'll be up against: in Episode 1, two of the biggest challenges are 'get past some rude girls blocking a doorway', and 'find a place to hide from your friend's rude stepfather'. It's a very sedate game, and not an especially difficult one – certainly not if you're willing to look up solutions online, as very few of the puzzles require a skilful or speedy completion, and the punishment for failure is minimal. The graphics are pretty decent considering its low budget, as far as I'm any judge on such matters; I noticed a handful of goofy facial animations throughout the game, but otherwise there were no flaws on that front, and the overall artistic design was consistently pleasant.

    However, whilst it would be reasonable to judge Life Is Strange based solely on its gameplay and graphics, I consider them as secondary factors; the vast bulk of my affection for it is down to the narrative. The story is one of the best I've ever seen in a video-game. First of all, it actually HAS a story. Do you ever get annoyed when people describe a game as 'having a great story' or 'excellent characters', only to play it and find a list of military objectives substituted for a plot, with a cast of bland, cliche-spouting characters who never develop? Well, this game takes introduces the player to two main characters with almost diametrically opposed personalities, and sends them on a journey together that sees them both evolve over time. Without wishing to spoil too much, you play as Max Caulfield, a photography student who finds her studies taking a back seat as she finds herself beset by bullies, old friends, the mystery of a missing student, and certain supernatural shenanigans.
    Secondly, this game managed to stir up emotions within me to a degree that no other game has (and indeed, very few stories of any sort have) ever managed. I don't just mean that it's a sad story – by turns, I found it amusing, charming, and thoroughly endearing. To give you fair warning, others have criticised the dialogue for being unrealistic or too prone to puns and quips, but I don't mind the former and actively adore the latter. The choices you make throughout the game are overruled by the Final Choice in terms of 'Which ending will I get?', but they nevertheless go a long way to deciding the tone of your experience, which can range from light-hearted, hopeful, mournful or tragic depending on your deeds. Whilst Life is Strange never brought me to tears, it certainly took me pretty darn close on multiple occasions. I cared about the characters, the story is well-paced (perhaps a bit on the slow side, but I enjoyed the experience enough that I didn't mind spending more time in the game), the music is wonderful, and the overall tone was perfectly calculated to appeal to a soppy fool like myself … for the most part, at least. It does get a tad darker at some points, so if you've played Episode 1 (and it's free, so I recommend you do) don't assume that the whole game is as mild and inoffensive as the opening act.

    The mere existence of this review is something of a compliment; I rarely post reviews when my opinion coincides with that of the majority, because I'm lazy and don't see the point in adding my voice to the chorus. For this game, however, I feel obliged to join in and sing its praises. I would be delighted to think that my words might convince others to experience (and fall in love) with Life Is Strange as I have. If you do try it, I hope if proves to be your cup of tea!
    Expand
  65. Feb 13, 2016
    9
    9.5/10 Amazing game with an amazing story, it has really hard choices that puts the player on the edge, also, it is amazing to see how the game changes and how much emotions are compressed into 5 episodes
  66. Mar 12, 2016
    9
    Such a great story about great and etarnal friendship. It`s a so strong emotional story, like The last of us : Left Behind dlc. This game touch me so deep, so now... I can never forget the SuperMax and Chloe with her unforgetable blue hairs.
  67. Dec 10, 2017
    9
    A great game with a fascinating story. Very interesting characters with a fair amount of depth. While the first chapter is a little slow, the gripping storytelling from chapter 2 will keep you entertained until the very end. I had to dock points for the bad animations and (weirdly) bad running performance on my PS4.
  68. Dec 23, 2019
    9
    Life Is Strange exceeded my expectations with great writing, interesting character work and a well realised setting. While i'm not sure how wayward things can go with the decision making (just one playthrough) I was very satisfied with the choices I made and the subsequent results shown.

    The art style while interesting can feel underwhelming at times which is a shame as I was genuinely
    Life Is Strange exceeded my expectations with great writing, interesting character work and a well realised setting. While i'm not sure how wayward things can go with the decision making (just one playthrough) I was very satisfied with the choices I made and the subsequent results shown.

    The art style while interesting can feel underwhelming at times which is a shame as I was genuinely moved at times when the facial animation (or lack of) really took things down a notch for me.. (it was a cross gen release I suppose). So at times I found myself wishing for a more 'Detroit BH' or 'Until Dawn' level of facial capture, but what is here serves its purpose well enough.

    Overall it is a great addition to the 'choice your own adventure' type genre and shows how far good writing and intelligent results can really elevate the experience of playing a game like this.
    Expand
  69. Sep 6, 2019
    9
    Though I can imagine not everyone would be captivated by Life is Strange's story, it's unquestionably moving. Upon completing the game, I found myself lost in emotion for days. This is certainly one you have to play for yourself.
  70. Apr 20, 2019
    9
    this is game is so good, (not exactly a game)
    it's an immersive story with great characters with a little of gameplay elements
    yet it's one of the best games of all time because it's so immersive and so good
  71. Mar 14, 2016
    9
    First episode was a little slow but the game really picked up as the episodes progressed very likeable characters and some excellent voice acting from the whole cast while some may find the ending a disappointment I found it summed up life perfectly

    Graphics: 9/10 Arcadia Bay, Blackwell Academy and the surrounding areas look amazing character design is also top notch as well
    First episode was a little slow but the game really picked up as the episodes progressed very likeable characters and some excellent voice acting from the whole cast while some may find the ending a disappointment I found it summed up life perfectly

    Graphics: 9/10 Arcadia Bay, Blackwell Academy and the surrounding areas look amazing character design is also top notch as well

    Gameplay: 9/10

    Story:10/10 Great story that gets you hooked and eager to start the next chapter so much so I ended playing through all five episodes in the same day.
    Expand
  72. Jun 7, 2017
    9
    Life is Strange
    Some of the best story telling in gaming history
    Life is strange is a 10 hour long interactive choose your own adventure game like the telltale games but with much more polish.. Here you play as aspiring photographer max… she has a vision of impending doom for the town of arcadia, and soon after she discovers she has the ability to rewind time after she saves her best
    Life is Strange
    Some of the best story telling in gaming history
    Life is strange is a 10 hour long interactive choose your own adventure game like the telltale games but with much more polish..
    Here you play as aspiring photographer max… she has a vision of impending doom for the town of arcadia, and soon after she discovers she has the ability to rewind time after she saves her best friend Chloe from being killed…
    The game is spread up into 5 episodes, and each episode does a great job of leaving you wanting more and feeling like self-contained stories…
    You feel like you’ve accomplished everything in each episode.. none felt filler
    You do play as a high school senior, and the game does a great job of feeling like you’re a high school girl, dealing with bullies, dealing with students having crushes on you, balancing friendships… and dealing with some pretty heavy emotional situations you’d expect from a bunch of high school kids
    if you have a heart, you will cry playing this game, multiple times…
    Where things get interesting is the rewind ability…
    This is still an adventure game but not a nonsense adventure game…
    it’s pretty easy knowing what to do in a situation, though one puzzle in a later episodes gets a little too complicated and slows the game down a bit…
    But puzzles are found both in the environment and in dialog…
    As you have to make sure you don’t say the wrong thing to someone while trying to get information out of them that you need…
    or if you don’t like a reaction they had, you can rewind time and try something else…
    As well as outcomes of a few important situations.. The game will indicate that a choice you made will have consequences and you can decide to deal with those consequences or go for a different outcome and deal with tem... but by time you learn what these consequences are, its too late to go back and change... so while I was worried at first.. This makes your decisions and choices still matter in the game…
    much like the telltale games, I wasn’t a fan of the sections that I had to walk around and interact with items in the environment…
    Most did add to the story…
    But a few did annoy and frustrate me and felt like they were there to just drag the game out
    10 hours of pure story though... definitely does get exhausting…
    so this isn’t really a finish in one sitting kind of game.. especially with the at times poor pacing…
    but the story telling here is so good that even if you do get tired you want to keep pushing to see what’s behind the next corner and what twist the game is going to throw at you next…
    People have been recommending this game to me since it came out, and I’m glad I finally got around to experiencing it
    The gameplay isn’t the best, but the powerful story telling makes Life is Strange a must experience game…
    I give Life is Strange
    an 8.5/10
    Expand
  73. Feb 7, 2016
    9
    It's not a perfect game for sure, but that being said, I liked this more than I did the Walking Dead and Wolf Among Us (which I also enjoyed). It felt like a breath of fresh air in the narrative-driven adventure game series, hell, it's even an original IP. Sure, the voice acting can be a bit hit or miss, as can the lip-syncing, but to me it didn't detract too much from the experience (plusIt's not a perfect game for sure, but that being said, I liked this more than I did the Walking Dead and Wolf Among Us (which I also enjoyed). It felt like a breath of fresh air in the narrative-driven adventure game series, hell, it's even an original IP. Sure, the voice acting can be a bit hit or miss, as can the lip-syncing, but to me it didn't detract too much from the experience (plus they've released a patch to improve the performance of the game including animations so that should probably fix that up). I won't lie, I did tear up at the end (choose the right ending folks, you know which one it is when you get to it). Expand
  74. Feb 23, 2016
    9
    This is the only interactive story -type game I have ever liked. Granted, the first two episodes were mostly me trying to unstuck my permanently rolled-back eyes, Episode 3 really picked up the pace.

    That is to say, do not be discouraged by the teenage hipster BS that is Episode 1 and 2, but just play until the end. The story is superb, although heavily influenced by not so recent
    This is the only interactive story -type game I have ever liked. Granted, the first two episodes were mostly me trying to unstuck my permanently rolled-back eyes, Episode 3 really picked up the pace.

    That is to say, do not be discouraged by the teenage hipster BS that is Episode 1 and 2, but just play until the end. The story is superb, although heavily influenced by not so recent movies and books (no spoiler review). The game is not hard, or even challenging, but by the time the end credits in Episode 5 roll on your screen, you are glad you spent the 8-or-so hours on this game.
    Expand
  75. Oct 1, 2016
    9
    If you've ever played anything from Telltale Games, you know what to expect from Dontnod's Life is Strange. Wander around, talk to people, make a decision that will have consequences here and there, rinse and repeat until you beat the game.

    When the game began, I had to laugh at some of the design choices. All kids in this game are hipsters with poor fashion sense, and they all use
    If you've ever played anything from Telltale Games, you know what to expect from Dontnod's Life is Strange. Wander around, talk to people, make a decision that will have consequences here and there, rinse and repeat until you beat the game.

    When the game began, I had to laugh at some of the design choices. All kids in this game are hipsters with poor fashion sense, and they all use ridiculously bad slang. The game is littered with references to popular internet memes like doge and 'Y U NO' guy. It's gonna age terribly as a result as well. I got over that pretty soon, though, because the story is genuinely interesting. By the end of the first (free) episode I was dying to find out what happens next and quickly rushed to buy the season's pass.

    The game centers around Max Caulfield, a talented teenage photographer who suddenly gains the power to rewind time. She has to use this power and stop a giant tornado that's going to hit her home town in a few days. Of course it's not that simple, and there are many people whose lives will be changed (and potentially ruined) by her actions forever.

    The characters are a bit hit and miss. It's easy to connect with Max. She's a shy, quiet, slightly awkward loner who's being bullied by the mean popular girl. Her voice actress is also pretty good. The quality of the rest of the voice actors is all over the place. Some of them are genuinely good. Some of them sound like they've never done any voice work before. The character of Kate Marsh in particular was very annoying to me. She is one of the major characters, has a tragic backstory and is an interesting character, but her voice is whiny and her delivery unconvincing. You're supposed to feel bad and care for her, but I just wanted her to shut up every time she opened her mouth.

    The music is alright. Most of the ambient tracks feature a guitar (an instrument Max plays), and there are a few licensed songs from bands I've never heard of in my life. I'm not a fan of this style, but I didn't hate it.

    Visually LiS is less than impressive. The graphics are bad, plain and simple. It's not the ugliest game I've ever played, but it definitely doesn't look like something that was originally released in 2015. There's a lot of clipping and weird animation glitches, and the swimming pool scene in Episode 3 was so poorly done it was actually distracting. It easily looked like something from early 2000's. Again, it's the story that matters, not the graphics, but I feel it's still worth mentioning.

    Unlike TTG games, LiS offers a much greater degree of freedom. It's mostly good. You can wander around and look for meme-related Easter eggs and hidden photographic opportunities (there's a trophy for that), but there were a few moments where I was running around like a headless chicken, trying to figure out where to go next. The godawful junkyard scene from Episode 2 immediately comes to mind. Your choices also aren't set in stone. If you don't like the outcome of your actions, rewind and choose a different option.

    Overall, Life is Strange is a decent game. There are technical hiccups here and there, and - being an indie title - it's simply not as polished as a AAA game would be. In its center is a gripping story, a bunch of interesting (if poorly voiced) characters, and some real, raw emotions. Definitely worth a play.

    As a side note: if you've never played this game before and are only just considering it, please do yourself a favor and avoid anything that could contain spoilers. I had the ending spoiled for me and it did ruin the game a little.
    Expand
  76. Mar 3, 2016
    9
    Without a doubt, this is one of the best narrative and story telling games, decisions have a real impact on the history and although you can rewind back at times, you won't allways be able to.

    You may feel or not identified with the main characters, but the fact that they seem real persons with their emotions, problems and internal conflicts it's simply amazing and makes this game what
    Without a doubt, this is one of the best narrative and story telling games, decisions have a real impact on the history and although you can rewind back at times, you won't allways be able to.

    You may feel or not identified with the main characters, but the fact that they seem real persons with their emotions, problems and internal conflicts it's simply amazing and makes this game what it is, a great title.

    The art design, sound effects, the soundtrack, narrative, everything is beautiful and emotionally engaging.

    If you want to get away from your comfort zone with shooters, RPGs or other AAA games, and you have already enjoyed titles like Heavy Rain, Beyond Two Souls or Until Dawn, you should give this game a try, you won't regret it.
    Expand
  77. Dec 2, 2020
    9
    i was in a very bad state of mind when i got this game . i was actually suffering from depression . this game really helped me get through it . thank you so much square enix
  78. Feb 27, 2016
    9
    Totally recommended. The story is great, music and graphics are fine. This is a new idea of game, innovation, which is very needed now days. Worth to play it!
  79. Jan 24, 2017
    9
    This is my first review of the game here - great semi-telltale game, if you played the walking dead, you know the climate. But...it's different, in a very good way, I was not very much into the story at first, but I played, played...and last 3 episodes (of 5 in total), I just swallowed! The game makes you think what's important in life, furthermore the thrill is in the air and theThis is my first review of the game here - great semi-telltale game, if you played the walking dead, you know the climate. But...it's different, in a very good way, I was not very much into the story at first, but I played, played...and last 3 episodes (of 5 in total), I just swallowed! The game makes you think what's important in life, furthermore the thrill is in the air and the atmosphere really dense...

    Try, try definitely, cause you will lose some excellent gaming experience.
    Expand
  80. Sep 30, 2016
    9
    Erano anni che non mi emozionavo così tanto per un videogame, un'avventura grafica veramente ben fatta che lascia un segno nel profondo del cuore a chi ci sta giocando, uno dei migliori giochi della gen e sicuramente uno dei più sottovalutati.
  81. Apr 14, 2016
    9
    Juego con una merecida y esperada edición física jugada en todas sus plataformas.
    Realmente me considero amante de este videojuego debido al peso de cada decisión.
    Sólo que su final me afectó de forma negativa en el sentido de hacerme elegir entre dos catástrofes.
  82. Oct 11, 2016
    9
    After playing this game start to finish, I'm left wanting way way more lol, wow what an amazing, engaging story filled with bright interesting characters you actually give a monkeys about, the game follows the story of to young ladies, max and her best freind Chloe in the search of a missing girl called Rachael, I cant really say much more as I don't want to spoil it for anyone, the gameAfter playing this game start to finish, I'm left wanting way way more lol, wow what an amazing, engaging story filled with bright interesting characters you actually give a monkeys about, the game follows the story of to young ladies, max and her best freind Chloe in the search of a missing girl called Rachael, I cant really say much more as I don't want to spoil it for anyone, the game pritty much keeps you guessing from start to finish its just nothing short of fantastic, I really reel that telltale has some major competition in the title as anyone that has played this game will tell you there very similar in a lot of ways, which is by no means bad, if you a fan of telltale style point and click games please oh please don't miss this game it's great you would be robbing your self of a very enjoyable title. Expand
  83. May 25, 2016
    9
    Fantastic story, visuals, and choices. I haven't consumed a piece in a long time that strung a strong emotional reaction like Life is Strange did. The characters act like real people, and its easy to find one you can relate to. It is anything but a "walking simulator." The game is so much fun to play. A tip: approach this game with patience and give it your full attention. Oh, and don'tFantastic story, visuals, and choices. I haven't consumed a piece in a long time that strung a strong emotional reaction like Life is Strange did. The characters act like real people, and its easy to find one you can relate to. It is anything but a "walking simulator." The game is so much fun to play. A tip: approach this game with patience and give it your full attention. Oh, and don't forget a box of tissues :( Expand
  84. Jun 3, 2016
    9
    I am a strong man, never have wanted to cry and and rip my heart out more tha when I played this game. I was so emotionally invested in a game Icared more for them than me. Artistic and beautiful beyond words. Am must play for all story seeking gamers
  85. Feb 7, 2017
    9
    Great story and game mechanics. The graphic and art style is right on point and fits super well with the theme. What's so special about this game is the amount of details on each level. Some of the mission (for example looking for the five bottles) may seem very tedious, but it's the developer's way of encouraging the player to explore the world. You can run into stuff that give you aGreat story and game mechanics. The graphic and art style is right on point and fits super well with the theme. What's so special about this game is the amount of details on each level. Some of the mission (for example looking for the five bottles) may seem very tedious, but it's the developer's way of encouraging the player to explore the world. You can run into stuff that give you a brand new perspective to main events. Also, I am shocked by the number of choices you got to make and how big a consequence they would come to have. Expand
  86. Oct 3, 2021
    9
    One of the most intriguing stories on PS4. Do yourself a favor and don't spoil yourself anything going into the game.
  87. Oct 11, 2016
    9
    This game has very interesting gameplay. While not as much control over the story as they lead to believe. It is remarkably engaging. It felt like you were a character in the middle of a mysterious television series on Netflix. Lots of teen angst and cursing. The story unfolds slowly but once through the first episode, the pieces tie together and you are hooked.
  88. Aug 21, 2021
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. My personal GOTY for 2015. I was lucky I bought the game when there were already 4 episodes out of 5, because it would have been very hard to wait between episodes 3 and 4. The game is a great narrative adventure. Expand
  89. Jun 4, 2017
    9
    + Dramaful and emotinal story
    + Amazing main characters
    + Time bending can be solve puzzles and choices that you can change
    + Great soundtracks

    - The final episode moments make you disgusting

    It's the very great Telltale clone will ensure you feel sad.
  90. Jun 4, 2018
    9
    Amazing game, highly artistic, breathtaking story, good gameplay. The proof that even with a basic engine and without fancy graphics you can make a masterpiece.
  91. Aug 17, 2017
    9
    Life is Strange is an example of how far video games can go in artistic terms.

    While gameplay is simple and does not particularly surprise (even despite the rewind time option), the storyline is rather interesting, with some truly emotive moments. Besides, the fact that you can explore with a relative degree of freedom contributes to create a credible immersive atmosphere in which you
    Life is Strange is an example of how far video games can go in artistic terms.

    While gameplay is simple and does not particularly surprise (even despite the rewind time option), the storyline is rather interesting, with some truly emotive moments. Besides, the fact that you can explore with a relative degree of freedom contributes to create a credible immersive atmosphere in which you sympathize with the characters.

    There may be some confusing parts or puzzles, but Life is Strange is a game that really deserves to be played and enjoyed.
    Expand
  92. Feb 3, 2018
    9
    Beautiful, memorable, instant classic, has soul, great plot and characters, superb music and art, one of the best feelings ... and Final trash
  93. Apr 12, 2017
    9
    Ever wanted to get a wife or a girlfriend into gaming. This might just be the way. Thoroughly engaging writing and a unique heroine that feels more human than anything I've seen in gaming.
  94. Jul 2, 2017
    9
    Eh va be che scrivo a fare di life is strange.
    consiglio di vedere i video di dadobax a riguardo che traslano perfettamente il mio pensiero. voto 89/100
  95. Jul 11, 2020
    9
    Brilliant video game.

    Story is incredible with shocking plot twists.

    Good characters and character development, the game almost made me cry.
    Just a powerful game
    (I hated the fact that I had to wait a few months between each episodes though)
  96. Oct 21, 2017
    9
    I don't know how this game worked, but good lord. What a unique ride. It is a game not of widely sweeping, landscape-changing decisions, but little ones that have heavy impacts interpersonally and sociologically. This isn't a game for the impatient. It plays out like a slow-simmering drama. It is a game where the lead is a dorky high school girl exploring a new school-- how would that everI don't know how this game worked, but good lord. What a unique ride. It is a game not of widely sweeping, landscape-changing decisions, but little ones that have heavy impacts interpersonally and sociologically. This isn't a game for the impatient. It plays out like a slow-simmering drama. It is a game where the lead is a dorky high school girl exploring a new school-- how would that ever work as a video game that people want to play? Despite the odds, it does. The unfortunate part about the gimmick of the game is that is essentially reduces the suspense or sense of significance to the choices in most situations, and reduces replayability, but that's just a slight damper. If you power through the fairly methodical, character-establishing 2 episodes, the next 2 enter a wild ride, and the game's entirety and conclusion may haunt you and stick with you for a long time. Never played anything quite like it. Expand
  97. Feb 27, 2018
    9
    A-MA-ZING!

    Very good story. Emotional. Engaging. Voice acting... Every time I ear the soundtracks, it takes me to Arcadia Bay.

    I've played two times because of the two endings. Which one is the good one?
  98. Dec 21, 2017
    9
    Life is Strange is an emotional ride that gives you many things, a good story, plot twists within this story, and a great way to tell it, by using time reversal. You feel that everything you do has consequences and even with this power, they still make you feel powerless in many ways.

    First of all, I like the episodic take on stories if they are well implemented, like in Life is Strange
    Life is Strange is an emotional ride that gives you many things, a good story, plot twists within this story, and a great way to tell it, by using time reversal. You feel that everything you do has consequences and even with this power, they still make you feel powerless in many ways.

    First of all, I like the episodic take on stories if they are well implemented, like in Life is Strange or the Telltale franchise. And since each episode is around 2 hours long, and there are 5 episodes, you're in for a ride of a around 10 hours.

    Sure, the game also has a few flaws, like textures that are scarcely not loading on time, or lip syncing that seldom doesn't works. But these are problems that almost never happen, like 2 times in my play-through, though if they happen, it breaks the immersion.

    Now the music in this game truly fits the aesthetics of the game, you have to experience it to understand! So my advice for you, just test the first episode out, it's free now anyway. You'll probably going to love it! Enjoy!
    Expand
  99. Jul 19, 2018
    9
    Life Is Strange has an incredible, original, unravelling story with many well-written and believable characters. No game I've played in the past five years has had such an emotional impact on me. As i worked through the episodes I became more and more eager and impatient to play the next one; rarely have I been so addicted to a game. Very rarely did the game get slightly boring. ItsLife Is Strange has an incredible, original, unravelling story with many well-written and believable characters. No game I've played in the past five years has had such an emotional impact on me. As i worked through the episodes I became more and more eager and impatient to play the next one; rarely have I been so addicted to a game. Very rarely did the game get slightly boring. Its biggest flaw IMO is the bad lip-syncing (not surprising given the budget of the game but better lip-syncing certainly would've helped). User control over the core rewind power you have could also feel more responsive. The graphics and art style work together well, and I never thought the game needed much more detailed textures. Certain music in the game contributed greatly to the emotion, while still sticking to the theme of the general soundtrack. I couldn't recommend the game enough if you enjoy a really good plot in video game medium. It was once free on PS Plus, so check your purchased games to see if you purchased it at the time and can play it now for free. Expand
  100. May 22, 2019
    9
    Life of Strange has one of the best stories ever told in any game ever. It's perfectly emotional.
Metascore
85

Generally favorable reviews - based on 23 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 23
  2. Negative: 0 out of 23
  1. Feb 5, 2016
    85
    An honest, sometimes even painful, story about friendship and finding yourself. Life is Strange is played with a lump in the throat and its ability to make a grown man tear up is its true "power".
  2. Feb 1, 2016
    90
    The Limited Edition of Life is Strange doesn’t introduce anything new. The graphics are the same, as well as individual episodes that form this wonderful adventure. The art book and soundtrack are still a nice plus that could push some collectors to purchase this edition.
  3. Jan 21, 2016
    80
    Despite its obvious flaws the reactive story and compelling characters make this one of the best storytelling experiences of the current generation.