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. Official Xbox Magazine UK
    Nov 21, 2018
    90
    Instantly arresting and emotional. An almost flawless start to the series. Recommended. [Dec 2018, p.90]
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  2. DarkStation
    Sep 26, 2018
    90
    Directors Raoul Barbet and Michel Koch have gone the extra mile to create better realized characters, a more believable setting, and continue to tackle sensitive topics - elements that once again separate Life Is Strange from other games in this genre. Roads delivers a strong first impression and bringing the DONTNOD band back together for another run has gone a long way to make this episode feel as special as the first season. Life Is Strange is back and it’s off to a great start.
  3. AusGamers
    Oct 10, 2018
    85
    Life is Strange 2 features a story that packs real emotional weight, and one that surprisingly deals with real-world issues in a way that feels like a milestone achievement in interactive storytelling. But, by that same token it is indeed more of an interactive piece of cinema than traditional game. Here’s hoping that the next few episodes provide real tangible ways to interact with the world, from puzzles, to traversal, to even some form of action.
  5. MondoXbox
    Oct 2, 2018
    85
    An even stronger and thought-provoking experience than the first game, with a brilliant soundtrack and improved graphics, while Dontnod reaffirms their storytelling ability. A must have for any narrative adventure lover and a great beginning for this new episodic season in the series.
  6. Destructoid
    Sep 26, 2018
    85
    The net result is that we immediately care about Life is Strange 2. There's no getting-to-know-you phase where we're slowly and steadily introduced to conflict. Nope, it's immediate and it's painful.
  7. Xbox Tavern
    Oct 3, 2018
    84
    Episode 1 really is a journey that tugs on your heartstrings and plays with your emotions, so much so that I can’t wait to see how the brothers and their relationship develops over the coming episodes. No doubt there will be many more horrific challenges in their way, but I am eager to see how things pan out. Life is Strange 2 is off to a great start.
  8. TheXboxHub
    Oct 12, 2018
    80
    The indie soundtrack that accompanies your time with Life is Strange 2 Episode 1 is both melancholic and atmospheric, matching the mood of the story perfectly. As to be expected from a Life is Strange game, the dialogue and voice acting are spot on and I felt fully immersed in the lives of Sean and Daniel.
  9. XGN
    Oct 9, 2018
    80
    All in all, Roads is a good entry into the Life is Strange 2 series. It brings back the things fans love about the series and builds an entirely new story around this. Some things could be done better, but these are only small points of critique.
  10. IGN
    Sep 26, 2018
    77
    Though its social criticisms feel broad and rather clumsy so far, its core story of brotherhood and fraternity between two believable characters is already enormously touching.

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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