Life is Strange is a 2015 episodic graphic adventure game developed by Dontnod Entertainment and published by Square Enix. The player takes on the role of Maxine Caulfield, who discovers she can rewind time, while solving the mysterious disappearance of a fellow student named Rachel Amber in the fictional town of Arcadia Bay, Oregon. The game features decision-making elements and multiple branching choices, with themes of teenage angst, cliques, bullying, suicide, drug abuse, and mental health, presented with sensitivity and respect. Its hand-painted art style, exceptional soundtrack, and well-written characters have earned it widespread critical acclaim and several awards.

A Journey Through Time: The Fascinating Story of Life is Strange

The video game industry has seen a lot of groundbreaking titles over the years. From the likes of Super Mario and Legend of Zelda to Grand Theft Auto and Call of Duty, gaming enthusiasts around the world have been captivated by their engaging storylines, well-developed characters, and intricate gameplay. Among these ever-evolving creations is Life is Strange, a 2015 episodic graphic adventure game developed by Dontnod Entertainment and published by Square Enix.

What is Life is Strange?

Life is Strange follows the story of a teenage girl named Maxine Caulfield, or Max for short, who discovers that she has the power to rewind time. She then uses this ability to solve the mysterious disappearance of a fellow student named Rachel Amber, while also navigating through the ups and downs of teenage life in the fictional town of Arcadia Bay, Oregon.

Gameplay

Life is Strange is a point-and-click game that comprises five episodes, each with its own climactic points and choices that will have an impact on the storyline. It features decision-making elements where the choices the player makes will have significant consequences in the game’s outcome. The game’s atmosphere is calm, and the gameplay is slow-burn, giving players ample time to think about their next steps.

Aside from the decision-making elements, the core gameplay mechanics revolve around exploring the game’s environments, taking photographs, and talking with other characters. The game has several puzzles, and the player must use time-rewinding abilities to change the dialogue outcomes or interact with environmental objects to solve the puzzles.

Storyline

The game tackles various themes throughout its storyline, including teenage angst, cliques, bullying, suicide, cancer, drug abuse, family issues, and mental health. These themes are presented with sensitivity and respect, allowing the player to empathize with the characters while also challenging their perception of morality.

The game’s narrative is nonlinear, featuring multiple branching choices and different endings. The player’s choices throughout the game will change character relationships, dialogue, and ultimately, the game’s final outcome. This nonlinearity of the game’s narrative is one of the distinct features of Life is Strange as it adds layers of replay value to the game.

Characters

The characters in Life is Strange are well written and fleshed out, with each having their distinct personalities, motivations and desires. The player takes on the role of Max, who is shy, quiet, and withdrawn, but brave in her own way. She is supported by her best friend, Chloe Price, who is rebellious, spontaneous, and has a troubled past. Other supporting characters include Warren Graham, a science geek who has a crush on Max; David Madsen, a security guard who has a strained relationship with his family; Kate Marsh, a devout Christian who is the victim of bullying and harassment; and Victoria Chase, a popular girl who is envious of Max’s talent in photography.

Visuals

The graphics in Life is Strange are stunning, featuring a hand-painted art style that adds to the game’s overall aesthetic. The game’s soundtrack is also exceptional, featuring indie folk tracks from artists such as Angus and Julia Stone, Bright Eyes, and Syd Matters. The music and visuals add to the game’s atmosphere, making it feel like a movie or TV series.

Critical Reception

Life is Strange received widespread critical acclaim upon its release, with many praising its storytelling, game mechanics, characters, and visuals. The game has won several awards, including Best Story at The Game Awards 2015, and Game of the Year at the 2016 British Academy Games Awards.

Conclusion

Life is Strange is a game that defies convention, one that challenges its players morally, emotionally and intellectually. It is a fascinating story that delicately blends themes of time, adolescence, and the complexities of life. Its characters are memorable, and its art style and soundtrack are sublime. Life is Strange is not just a game, but a masterpiece that explores the different dimensions of storytelling in gaming.