Life is Strange 2: Episode 1 - Roads

 Xbox One
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 14 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 14
  3. Negative: 0 out of 14
  1. Critical Hit
    Feb 15, 2019
    70
    Episode 1 can be guardedly recommended, then. It stumbles in parts, sure, but it also proves that DontNod has some ambitious ideas for this installment of its teen adventure series. On top of that, it ends intriguingly enough to ensure that many who play through it will want to see what the next episode holds.
  2. TrueAchievements
    Oct 12, 2018
    70
    Unfortunately the episode is let down by the less than subtle way it deals with delicate subjects like racism, as well as gameplay that means this episode feels like quite a slow start to the story. There are several hints throughout the episode to suggest the gameplay may be spiced up in the future, and it may need it if players are going to make it through to the end of the story.
  3. GameSpew
    Sep 28, 2018
    70
    The gameplay feels a little too one-dimensional at this moment and really required an added twist. But Roads sets up some intriguing plot points which I’m really excited to see unfold in later episodes of Life is Strange 2.
  5. Jeuxvideo.com
    Sep 26, 2018
    70
    Life is Strange 2 does not take advantage of the choices that would bring forth different situations during the episode 1. All the focus is put on the "education" that we bring to our little brother but, for now, it's impossible to define the consequences of it.
  6. SomosXbox
    Sep 28, 2018
    69
    Life is Strange 2: Episode 1 forgets what made the franchise great and proposes a slow and clumsy introduction. Loaded with a strong political message the game forgets to work on its main plot.

Awards & Rankings

49
#49 Best Xbox One Game of 2018
83
#83 Most Discussed Xbox One Game of 2018

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
5.5

Mixed or average reviews- based on 58 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 27 out of 58
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 58
  3. Negative: 25 out of 58
  1. Kenocartel
    Oct 20, 2018
    0
    Feels more like a far-left ideological propaganda piece than a game. I'm not averse to political themes as long as the developers let theFeels more like a far-left ideological propaganda piece than a game. I'm not averse to political themes as long as the developers let the players make up their own minds. This game does no such thing. It is written with the sole purpose of indoctrinating people to left wing causes, rather than provide opportunities for players to think critically and independently. Now we know where the NPC meme came from, because no independent thinking person could play this game without having his or her intelligence insulted.… Full Review »
  2. Hallowsend666
    Oct 18, 2018
    0
    This is a terrible follow-up to Life is Strange, Before the Storm and even Captain Spirit.

    Basically nothing that made people fall in love    This is a terrible follow-up to Life is Strange, Before the Storm and even Captain Spirit.

    Basically nothing that made people fall in love with the previous games is left here. This is an empty shell that clearly has the name "Life is Strange" attached to it to make people pick something up they would not have bought otherwise.

    Instead of a great, engaging and lovingly told story you are bombarded with political messages all the time (which I agree with, but that is not the point). Where Life is Strange drew it strength from subtlety to make you think this here offers nothing in comparison - you get told what is correct.

    Apart from the politics the characters are weak, the voice acting is sub par and not even the music can compare to the first season - it is a shame when a previous title in the series completely destroys the facial animations and lip sync in this one.

    The plot is you wandering around with your brother (not really a spoiler since that happens after 20 minutes) with forced interactions and "on the nose" tests on morality. I find it hard to believe that this is actually the same team that created Life is Strange - the story quality in this one is so far below the first one that it hurts. This is enforced by that not only the whole triggering event but also almost every single decision taken by the characters is stupid beyond belief and can´t be explained just by their age.

    Speaking of decisions, none here matter at all - I can live with narratives not branching wildly. But when I have the option to walk away from a fight and I choose to just leading to me being insulted again and then starting the fight away its just lazy. This is basically true for every major decision offered - there is not even a slight variation.

    I would have not expected Dontnod to fail so hard.    … Full Review »
  3. Generalkidd
    Sep 29, 2018
    10
    Amazing game so far! Can't wait for the rest of the episodes! The narrative, graphics, and overall gameplay are much improved from theAmazing game so far! Can't wait for the rest of the episodes! The narrative, graphics, and overall gameplay are much improved from the previous games. I definitely loved the previous ones as well but I'm really liking Sean and Daniel's story more than Max's story from the first. It's a lot deeper and more emotional for me, very touching. There's a lot of tough choices and decisions to be made though throughout the episode. It's a great game for any fan of the Life Is Strange series!… Full Review »
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