Life is Strange: True Colors (2021)

As always, the latest LiS game takes place in a cozy little town. As far as Everytown, America go, this one could be the most inviting ever made. You'll really want to live there. That's because of the very effective use of colors and topography. The sights are breathtaking and the decent amount of bloom effect adds to the warmth of the place.

The characters inhabiting this town aren't the most interesting bunch, however, they don't necessarily need to be, because the place feels amazing nevertheless. One thing that's quite bothering, though, is the cringeworthy remarks the protagonist, Alex, often makes in her head. Her monologues at the end are in stark contrast with the laconic, vacuous thoughts she has throughout the game.

But that's alright, since the story she's the hero of will make you like her, and probably even remember her for many years, anyway. It is your typical story of Everytown, America, but with its own color to be remembered by.

Of course, a LiS game has to use superpowers as a plot device and game mechanic. For the most part, Alex's "telempathy" doesn't seem particularly relevant as a plot device and, as a game mechanic, it only implies pushing one or two buttons. Like her psychiatrist, you even doubt her power is real, as it's not much better than your regular cold reading done by charlatans. However, in the last chapter, it is made pretty clear that the power is real.

This last chapter, while asking a lot of your suspension of disbelief, draws everything together, so that, by the end, it becomes a really good story filled with tragedy, courage, and the greatly satisfying feeling of belonging there, in that most pleasant small town.

I am glad this is not a numbered entry. I ADORE the first one and I think LIS2 improved upon it in every aspect! This is an obvious step back.

That is not to say that I regret my time with it. I would still suggest it to fans of the series but if I had to choose one for someone who had never played any I would push LIS2.

The biggest problem is the story is very simple, predictable, and occurs without your input whatever you choose. This could be said about the series as a whole, but the numbered ones do a much better job of hiding it and making it seem more "your choice".

Also, this game is a step backwards in terms of representation and "realism" (for lack of a better way to put it). The story ignores any conflict in location, race, gender, and sexuality to focus on its crime/revenge story. Which would be fine, but for a LIS game... Nah, you got to mix that shit in!

I really like the characters though and the VO was probably the best it has been in terms of sounding naturalistic and "like people actually talk". In addition, this is a beautiful game, at least on par with LIS2.

To me, LIS is: superpowers, sleuthing, social commentary, sexuality, and indie-pop... 3 out of 5 ain't bad.

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EDIT: So I just listened to the Vice Games spoilercast on the game: https://play.acast.com/s/vicegamingsnewpodcast/episode430-lifeisstrange-truecolorsspoilercast

They are largely more positive on the game than I am but it is an interesting chat and it unlocked something in my mind to give some context to my feelings. This is a very specific thing but, as a first-gen American LIS2 addressed my first-gen Latinix side (mum's side) and enriched the game world with that point of view respected and represented but not as the "plot" as much as a flavour in the roux.

This game is marketed explicitly about its queer first-gen Asian-American lead, SAME (father's side). But there is nothing in-game that makes it mean anything. It is set dressing in a way that makes me wish they just did not bother with including it as a detail.

I do not need misery porn or the series to be "BIG ISSUE" about all this stuff but it is only helped by existing in what seems like our world and not this Isakei fantasy.

Final rant, the way this game treats/hides its one openly trans character is so shitty it really would have been better to just not bother!

It's like a mature, more intense and physical experience of Inside Out lol. Also, I am in love with her journal entries! The experience reminds me a bit of those in TLOU2 (and apparently LiS1 but it's been so long I've forgotten about that lol), but instead of sketches, we get lyrics and accompanying chords or music notations. I'm genuinely curious if the songs are actually playable.

It was nice and so heartwarming to see Alex's reaction but honestly also so sad that she didn't seem used to getting the "Happy" aura.