Life is Strange: Double Exposure

Life is Strange: Double Exposure truly is a new benchmark for a franchise that is close to my heart. A superb thought-provoking tale spearheaded by the exquisitely voiced Max, make this game stay in the mind and heart for years to come. A diverse and well rounded cast help propel the story to new heights whilst new gameplay mechanics make this the most interactive and immersive game in the series. Industry leading graphics and the best soundtrack of the year make this a strong contender for end of year awards. Only minor sound issues and overall story length hinder this spell binding tale. I laughed, I cried and now I long for more.

Life Is Strange: Double Exposure is a triumphant return for a matured Max Caulfield, a character-driven paranormal mystery that old fans and newcomers should embrace.

Life is Strange: Double Exposure features a very good story that kicks off with a strong start. Its climax will make you want to replay the game multiple times. The English voice acting is fantastic, and the narrative is outstanding. It's a great work worth enjoying from beginning to end, uncovering all its secrets.

Life is Strange: Double Exposure follows Max's adventures, ten years after the first chapter, in an incredibly compelling narrative.

A familiar but defining moment for Deck Nine, Life Is Strange and Max Caulfield alike; Life is Strange: Double Exposure is a high point for the series, and given the chance, will surely resonate with fans.

As warm, deep, and emotionally engaging as it ever was, Life is Strange: Double Exposure delivers another great adventure for beloved hero Max Caulfield. With a great new cast of interesting characters, a banger of a mystery, and enough ethical dilemmas to fry your brain, Double Exposure continues putting players through the wringer in the best possible way. A few minor technical issues cannot distract from the great story and beautiful visuals.

Life is Strange: Double Exposure brings back Max Caulfield for a new adventure, allowing Deck Nine to incorporate everything they’ve learned from the series so far. It captures the raw emotion of True Colors and the intriguing mystery of Max’s inaugural journey. But even with new powers, the emotional stakes are the same as ever for Max and the player as Double Exposure proves life can always get stranger.

Life is Strange: Double Exposure is a triumph. Deck Nine has crafted a game that’s grown with its audience, resulting in another entertaining larger-than-life narrative that somehow, despite its dizzying heights, manages to tap into the messy nuances that come with being an adult - covering all of the varying and wide-ranging emotions that don’t simply stop when our teenage years end. This is a more mature take on the series when compared to that original release, but it’s just as, if not more, fun and heartwarming. In overhauling Max’s powers and increasing player agency, Deck Nine only deepens our connection with the story, making us feel the highs and lows all the more vividly. Life is Strange: Double Exposure is a welcomed reminder that life can be strange, but that’s okay.

Life is Strange: Double Exposure is filled with the same powerful moments as the original, with fresh new characters and clever gameplay.

Life is Strange: Double Exposure is one of the best stories ever told by a video game, with a clever mix of mystery and science fiction. All the characters are credible although stereotyped, and the twists chase each other unpredictably while maintaining coherence with the narrative. Excellent technical realization, editing worthy of a television series and good acting support the plot that requires important decisions capable of influencing future events and personal relationships. The excessive ease in the progression could discourage those looking for a challenging game, but perhaps it is time to turn the page and embrace the new generation adventures.

This L.G.T.B.Q.-friendly supernatural thriller presents unsettling moments from the get-go. The effect of moving to a parallel timeline in Life Is Strange: Double Exposure is like opening a glowing golden curtain to another dimension.

Life is Strange: Double Exposure does a generally fantastic job of following up on Max’s story despite the plotholes and an ending that left me wanting. However, it still pulls off a (mostly) satisfying narrative while exploring trauma and interpersonal relationships via sci-fi elements. It’s a great continuation for existing fans, but I’ll say again that newcomers should definitely start with the original Life is Strange — still an excellent play!

In Life Is Strange, Maxine Caulfield makes a successful return in another exciting crime adventure with supernatural elements. Despite the timeline mechanics, the gameplay remains shallow. However, the game effortlessly makes up for this shortcoming in terms of narrative and atmosphere.

A superb second chapter to Max's story that hints at big things for the wider Life is Strange universe.

Double Exposure is a gripping mystery-thriller with well-written dialog and characters. In terms of gameplay, however, Max's second adventure takes you too much by the hand.

Life is Strange: Double Exposure is a classic adventure with elements of detective about a brave and strong heroine with a special gift. The progressive bias spoils the overall picture a bit, but the new game is still the best thing that happened to the franchise in the last few years.

With Life is Strange: Double Exposure, Deck Nine delivers a worthy successor to Max Caulfield's story. Despite the absence of a recap and the sometimes directive nature, the story manages to captivate and surprise. This is largely thanks to the strong acting, emotional music, and cinematic scenes.

Double Exposure handles an adopted legacy with care, and crucially always feels like it's shifting the needle in a direction that's personal to you, which makes the smattering of lacklustre puzzles a frustrating but ultimately forgivable sin. [Issue#404, p.110]

Life is Strange: Double Exposure is a very easy game to recommend. If you have enjoyed previous games in the series, this is doing enough of the same to scratch that same lowkey mystery vibes itch. The ability to shift between timelines can become a touch overwhelming at times, but there's several things in place across the UI, accessibility options, and narrative flow to keep the gameplay smooth. What’s more, I think this game might have redeemed Max Caulfield for me too, so take that how you will.

Life is Strange: Double Exposure is not the perfect follow-up to Max's original story, and truly nothing could have been. But, as is mirrored by Max's own character arc, the intention here is clearly to look forward rather than backward, to a future that is bound to be messy and experimental, but meant to be approached with curiosity about what's to come rather than regret over what's been and gone. As ever with Life is Strange, the vibes of this game are perfectly suited to the story it sets out to tell — even if the details get muddled sometimes.

Life is Strange Double Exposure is not only a delight for long-time fans, it's also a game that's well worth the journey. It captivates us with an intrigue that manages to surprise us, even when we think we've got it all figured out... It's a very appreciable tour de force that should leave a strong mark on the IP as a whole. The lore is growing and new possibilities seem to be opening up for the future. Of course, not all the features are perfect. The game is beautiful, without being overpowering, and bears witness to technical limitations that Deck Nine will have to correct in future iterations to demonstrate that it is capable of surpassing itself and taking the license even further. In any case, after this new installment, the Life is Strange IP could be approaching a tipping point in its formula and approach to writing. So we can't wait to discover what the sequel has in store for us. In the meantime, however, we've already got one thing on our minds: relaunching LiS 4 to explore all the alternative twists and turns. It's clear that Max Caulfield has made a successful comeback as a heroine.

Life is Strange: Double Exposure is a highly competent game, featuring engaging characters, a thrilling storyline, and captivating plot twists. However, with the return of Max Caulfield as the protagonist, it's challenging to separate this new installment from the original Life is Strange released in 2015, which may pose a dilemma for longtime fans.

Life Is Strange: Double Exposure is a great point-and-click adventure. One of the best in the dramatic genre, however, we expected a bigger revolution with the return of Max Caufield. His new powers, although attractive, do not offer much depth in terms of gameplay, and the plot, which is always one of the fundamental pillars of the saga, has certain ups and downs. However, it is a great story with extremely charismatic characters that we will not forget. The best of all is that the promise is firm, Max will return, and we hope that next time he will do so with an adventure that lives up to what this character deserves.

A slightly more grown-up Max might not always seem believable, and there's a good chance that a few choices made in Life is Strange: Double Exposure might annoy you. But overall, this new instalment into the Life is Strange series is a success: its story will keep you guessing, its puzzles are fun to solve, and Max's new powers are a lot of fun to play around with.

Life is Strange: Double Exposure tackles the difficult task of continuing the story of a beloved character and successfully executes it in a way that respects the series’ legacy while pushing the franchise forward. With strong writing and a cast of compelling characters, this science-fiction murder mystery will keep you engaged with every twist and turn. While closely connected to its predecessors and a finale that may be divisive, this extension of Max’s story showcases Deck Nine’s expertise as one of the industry’s leaders in narrative-driven games.

Life grows ever stranger in Life is Strange: Double Exposure, but with its hook-filled narrative buoyed by excellent performances and writing – not to mention a beautiful, reflective indie soundtrack – the game unravels with style and aplomb. Max deserves the world, and in Double Exposure, it’s great to see her getting another chance to shine.

Life is Strange: Double Exposure offers not only a wonderful opportunity to follow Max's story as an adult but also hints at a broader expansion of the universe. However, it’s uncertain if this will align with what fans have been hoping for. Like a double-exposed photograph, excitement and apprehension intertwine.

Life is Strange: Double Exposure's sense of surprise doesn't hit with the same force as Life is Strange did nine years ago, but it has managed to re-engage me for a few hours to catch up with a character I've long wanted to see, and leave me with a sense of personal enrichment after playing it. A tempting title for anyone in need of a story in the cold autumn nights ahead.

Deck Nine’s delivered their best Life is Strange game to date with Double Exposure. Barring some bugs and narrative nitpicks, Life is Strange: Double Exposure is a great continuation of Max Caulfield’s story, taking the series in an interesting direction while ensuring the bones of what makes the series so memorable remains intact.

Life is Strange: Double Exposure pulls you back into the world of Max Caulfield only this time, it has matured into a deeper storyline that provides more welcome gameplay than previous titles so if you're a fan of the series then you won't want to miss this one.

Max Caulfield is back and she's stronger than ever. A narrative game in the vein of Quantic Dream's works, but with its own identity, Life is Strange Double Exposure is an astonishing experience. While managing to emancipate itself, the game narrates a different poetry for a result that does not leave you indifferent. Despite a somewhat slow pace and some events that are a little too disjointed, nostalgia works and we become attached again to the one who was a teenager at Blackwell. Without being revolutionary, the formula, tinged with parallel worlds and temporal powers, manages to move us. Without going all the way with its intentions, this long-awaited sequel opens a door to new adventures of the very charismatic Maxine. Can't wait for her return.

Life is Strange: Double Exposure features a seductive storyline that quickly grabs you thanks to the gameplay novelty: travel between realities. However, the lack of variety and innovation in the gameplay means it can't stand out as much as it would like to.

Life is Strange: Double Exposure manages to keep the player engaged in its first episodes, but the final part is disappointing. Having Max back (although with different powers) is a positive thing. It is a fact that the title is one of the most beautiful and polished in the series at its launch, even if some bugs and texture issues are present. Finally, despite being short, it is interesting to play it more than once.

Max's return is worthy of a new Life is Strange. Despite some rough edges in the story and performance, the game's gameplay and atmosphere are sure to impress more than just die-hard series fans.

Life is Strange: Double Exposure is a work that welcomes the most nostalgic players in a vortex of reassuring and melancholic atmospheres, and at the same time tries to shake up the status quo of the saga with ambitious narrative choices. Re-embracing the iconic Max Caulfield represents a pleasant dip into the past, especially because the guys at Deck Nine have managed to respect the traditional elements - narrative and artistic - of the first Life is Strange. But the return of "Super Max" did not entirely convince us, with subplots that were not particularly brilliant and twists that at times seemed exaggerated. Although the gameplay formula is interesting, the game framework then stumbles into some naivety. The best Life is Strange by Deck Nine is still the one that takes place before the storm.

Despite its shortcomings, Life is Strange: Double Exposure is a promising gift for fans. Its dark mystery narrative requires you to keep track of two separate timelines at most intervals. But there's enough breathing room to enjoy the usual heartfelt moments of the series. Although the final chapter parallels the first game's events in a way, it sets up an unexpected follow-up sequel, leaving much to be desired from its characters. On the plus side, the series' staple elements, from the soundtrack to the puzzle-solving sections, are executed perfectly. Deck Nine could've handled the Max and Chloe dynamic more appropriately, but there's still enough fan service that most Life is Strange fans will adore this game.

A brilliantly directed interactive film awaits you, with an engaging and often surprising plot, a galaxy of expressive characters whose fates you will sincerely care about, and excellent audiovisual setting. If you like to explore and “max out”, you will also find a lot of side content to discover here (I estimate the whole thing at a minimum of 15-20 hours of play). Just don’t expect mind-stimulating puzzles, difficult moral choices, “brain-scraping” or a reunion with Chloe, and everything will be fine.

Double Exposure brings a nostalgic return to the world of Life is Strange, but lacks the depth and emotional connection that made the original so special.

Life is Strange: Double Exposure introduces an intriguing dual-reality concept, bringing fresh gameplay mechanics through the shifting perspectives. The return of Max Caulfield and the atmospheric university setting will certainly appeal to series fans, though it falls short in offering greater freedom of choice and impactful decisions. While the story maintains suspense until the end, it doesn’t quite escape the shadow of the original, and the final choices leave a lingering sense of missed potential.

Especially if you are already a fan of Life is Strange, Double Exposure is worth playing. It will stir up emotions in you again, and your feelings will go in all directions. Max is still the Max we love, although this is not always a plus.

Quotation forthcoming.

Life is Strange: Double Exposure feels like the definition of an unnecessary sequel. It doesn't feel like a natural continuation of Life is Strange, and in many ways, it is kind of a step backward for the characters. At the same time, it doesn't have enough of its own voice and ends up feeling weaker than True Colors or Life is Strange 2. It's nice to see Max again, but fans would've been happier if she hadn't shown up again. Taken entirely on its own merits, Double Exposure is a relatively fun little mystery, but it's too bogged down for its own good.

A compelling return for Max Caulfield with a gripping story and emotional depth, held back by technical issues and repetitive environments.

As modest as it is, it still accomplishes what it set out to do. It's a good, fun Life is Strange game, and there isn't much else like that. It maintains the delicate balance between campy and comforting throughout, but you just can't help but notice that the tightrope is only a few feet off the ground.

Max is back and fights her past demons while trying to save her friend Safi. Chloe is missed dearly in a game in which decisions don't have such a huge impact as in other LIS games.

Life is Strange Double Exposure draws you into a mystery full of intriguing twists and turns in a fresh university setting. The new shifting ability that allows for parallel timeline hopping works well in the context of a murder investigation, but can make it harder to feel like you're truly connecting with the characters. Overall, Max's return feels like it finds its feet towards the end, and is building towards something bigger.

When Life Is Strange: Double Exposure focuses on telling a personal story about trauma and regret it soars. When it focuses on being a teaser for future entries with its supernatural spectacle, it unravels. This balancing act unfortunately causes the latter to cannibalize some strengths from the former. Still, Max’s characterization and emotional journey remain the prominent highlight, offering a heartfelt and bittersweet thematic throughline at how the wounds of past guilt and grief scab over time. For the game to win me over despite my initial skepticism, that’s a pretty strong achievement, flaws and all.

Life is Strange: Double Exposure won't make any friends with its decision to leave Chloe behind. The ten year older Max is portrayed extremely well, and the supernatural story is delightful. Still, the writing varies in quality a lot due to an inconsistent tone and characters that make illogical decisions.

Life is Strange: Double Exposure is a game that fails to capitalize on its premise. Although the soundtrack and occasional moments of intrigue are commendable, they are overshadowed by poor character development, confusing plot choices, and a lack of polish. The technical issues, combined with the short length and unresolved storylines, make this entry feel rushed and incomplete. Longtime fans of the series might find themselves disheartened, as they may genuinely dislike the narrative choices that diverge from what they loved about the original. While some may find enjoyment in revisiting the world of Life is Strange, for many, this game could feel like a disappointing misstep.

Life Is Strange: Double Exposure is an interesting and partly successful attempt to recall what the first instalment of the series captured players with - full of well-written characters, with excellent voice acting and an atmospheric soundtrack.

Except for the expected technical advancements, the sequel did not really develop in any other of its segments. One could even say that it got degraded in certain aspects. The main mechanics of the game stagnated and brought nothing truly fresh to the table. When everything is taken into account, this sequel is a game just slightly above an average experience.

Visually, the series takes big leaps forward, and the winter setting makes this a perfect game for the end-of-year period. It feels like a warm, familiar blanket. But a beautiful setting is nothing without a good story. This time you and Max must solve a murder, and today she has a new superpower: a peek into a universe where that murder never happened. Not a bad find, but it's never deployed as creatively and cleverly as rewinding in the original game. The further you get, the more the plot also seems to lose its pedals. Bummer.

The gameplay itself and choices made to affect the branching storyline are a little too subtle and rarely taxing. It’s really there to aid the storytelling and build out the lore, like an interactive movie. As such there can be long stretches where the story slows or gets bogged down and it feels a little chore-like to keep grinding on.

There’s much to enjoy in this sequel to the trailblazing female-led narrative game, but inconsistent characterisation lets it down.

Life is Strange: Double Exposure aspires to great heights but ultimately struggles to reach them. There are some exciting ideas behind Deck Nine's last work. Still, the execution is undermined by plot inconsistencies, gameplay that only marginally considers the player's actions, and an ending that seems to steer the series in a direction that ultimately betrays its own foundations. The game has moments of brilliance, mainly due to the charisma of its lovable protagonist, a strong art direction, and a few interesting characters, but at no point does it feel like Max Caulfield's new adventure enhances the overall experience.

Where the first two chapters are strong, the game does not manage to keep that up in the subsequent chapters. The story is stalled, scenes do not make sense and a certain character does not come across as believable at all due to over acting. Still a shame, because this makes the return of Max Caulfield as the protagonist a bit of a disappointment. Despite these drawbacks, it otherwise plays away nicely, so fans of the franchise can definitely consider the game.

If it seems like we’re dogging on this latest outing for the series, it’s only because we know just how unique and entertaining it can be. Double Exposure isn’t a bad game, it’s just not the series at its best. It loses some of that inviting atmosphere with Caledon paling in comparison to Haven Springs or Arcadia Bay, and its narrative suffers from an overreliance on the supernatural. But we’d be lying if we said it wasn’t great to see Max Caulfield return and we still think it's worth checking out if you’re a fan of the series.

Despite its incredibly beautiful characters, the unique puzzles, and weaving the tale of a truly engaging murder mystery, Double Exposure severely misses the landing and falls completely flat in its final act.

Life is Strange: Double Exposure is a huge fumble for an otherwise fantastic series. What began with a promising opener only really leads to a great big pile of disappointment and heartbreak. It’s filled with visual and audio bugs and a mystery that turns baffling and misdirecting in abominable ways while also being downright disrespectful to its lore, canon and cast. It is a painful thing to watch my favourite franchise destroyed in front of my very own eyes. Worst of all, the game teases that follow-up ventures are only going to follow suit even more. Not even the adorable Max Caulfield and her sapphic ventures could save me from having a good time in the snowy, miserable Midwest. Like many media you can point to today; just because you can bring something back, doesn’t mean you should. Like our superpowered best friend in her endless searches across timelines, I’m left wondering where the hell it all went wrong.

An initially wonderful return to Max Caufield comes entirely undone with competing narrative priorities and nonsensical attempts to build Life is Strange into a cinematic franchise. Despite the game’s stunning animation work and sincere queer writing, Double Exposure is an overexposed mess.

Despite a fantastic soundtrack and interesting characters, the game’s lack of player choice and clunky writing fails to live up to the gravitas of the series.

Failing to take the franchise into new territory and held back by its ties of the past, there’s simply nowhere for Life is Strange: Double Exposure to go except aimlessly in circles.