Life Is Strange 2 (2018)

Life Is Strange 2

I won't lie; I had some expectations after playing the first season and Before the Storm, but the story disappointed me greatly!

Narrative and Characters

The plot starts off promisingly, with ​a tragic event that forces brothers Sean and Daniel to flee their home. However, its ​execution falls into clichés and predictable moments. Throughout the journey, we meet interesting characters, but they often feel underdeveloped and transient.​

While I understand that the focus was on ​exploring the relationship between the brothers and Daniel's growth, I felt a lack of depth and engagement in this dynamic.​

Gameplay and Mechanics

The gameplay also failed to excite. The main mechanic is functional but lacks innovation or impact. Having the option to ​directly control Daniel's powers would have been much more interesting, especially considering their potential.​

Another disappointing aspect is the limited interaction with the environment. It would have been more engaging if choices during explorations impacted important dialogues, as in Before the Storm, but here you can only discuss or react superficially.

Technical Issues

Unfortunately, I also encountered some bugs that hindered the experience. The most irritating was Daniel's AI, which would sometimes disappear or get stuck walking in place without following me. There were also some visual bugs, but nothing as severe as the AI problem.

Conclusion

Despite featuring some unique characters, which were one of the few positive points, Life Is Strange 2 fell short in almost every aspect. The story had potential, but the choices didn't carry the weight I expected, and the ending was disappointing.

Overall, it's an enjoyable game at times, but I wouldn't recommend it to those expecting something on the same level as the previous titles.

Rating: 6/10

I have played the first Life is strange a few times. I just love the characters, story, powers, and overall aesthetics. I was afraid of the sequel knowing it would go in a new direction with new characters.

I was not disappointed.

I ended up loving Sean and Daniel just as much as Chloe and Max. The story also has a ton of social commentary executed with spectacular writing. The one difference between the first game and this one is that due to the brothers being on the run a lot of the supporting characters are only for one episode unlike the original where we saw full-fledged storylines that you influence.

However, the overall traveling adventure from Seattle to Mexico was filled with beautiful scenery, amazing music, and great storytelling. Life is strange is a great series and one I hope keeps pushing the boundaries of point-and-click games, especially when they have something meaningful to say.

In Life is Strange 2 I truly hoped that Dontnod returned successfully to the well that brought a new lease of life to the developer (they weren’t in a great place financially after 2013’s Remember Me, a game that came out very near the end of the life of the Xbox 360, so was overshadowed as all eyes was on the next gen consoles) with a proper sequel to their fabulous mega-hit Life Is Strange. Unfortunately, this has more in common with the studio’s Tell Me Why (which is essentially a Life Is Strange game sans the title) than it does with the fantastic first outing in the series.

It’s hard to believe that this game was written by the same team who brought us Max and Chloe. In this second game we again follow two characters: this time its brothers Sean and Daniel. After a brief confrontation with a trigger-happy cop their life is thrown into disarray and the two go on a five-episode road trip to escape. Just as with ‘Tell Me Why’ it pains me to give the game such a low score as the point they are trying to make, the themes the developer are covering are subjects that are crying out to be explored by a good narrative focused videogame (in Tell Me Why it was focused on being transgender with a trans actor in the main role and Life Is Strange 2 stumbles through ever present racism in modern day America) however the writing is so inconsistent, the story is so all over the place and the characters feel forced it’s incredibly hard to enjoy.

My criticisms with this game is every episode, after episode 1, starts and we are immediately playing catch up with the characters, who we are supposed to be invested in, due to an amount of time passing, this stops me engaging with the characters who are in a place that may be familiar to them but not to the player so when each episode starts with tasks you are have to quickly learn your new surroundings when in fact the boys themselves have been there for some time. When this is combined with the fact that I never felt in control of any major decisions; I was constantly aware of being herded towards the point in which the developer wants the characters to get to instead of feeling in control of the destiny of the characters, everything feels like minor dialogue choices and you end up exactly where everyone else playing will. This isn’t massively different to other games in the genre (any of Telltale’s games for example) however I always aware that I was merely a passive witness to the game as it does its own thing. Kind of takes the game out of the videogame and you end up with an indie melodramatic road trip movie. They are minor things and very easily overlooked and by looking at the individual Metacritic scores possibly something that people playing the game on its original episode release dates didn’t feel as much but it’s noticeable when played in one chunk back-to-back.

The other pitfall the game falls into is the old little kids are annoying trope. It’s incredibly hard to pull off and Dontnod doesn’t. I was ready to leave Daniel and head to Mexico by myself halfway through the game and that’s coming from someone that has kids. By the time you get to episode 4 I struggle to believe I am in the minority in feeling that.

Episode 4 is something I have to talk about separately. Without getting into spoilers episode 4 feels like it comes out of nowhere and goes in a completely different direction before it gets back on track in the last episode. It doesn’t feel like a natural follow on from episode 3, the way that they separate the two brothers feels stupid, very forced and the fact that Daniel is happy to move on in the blink of an eye damages the character more than the way that they write Daniel in this episode. The return of another family character in this episode again feels like it comes out of nowhere. If I’d have to title episode 4 it would be called “Whiplash” as that’s how I felt. I could not quite believe what I was watching time and time again.

Would I recommend this game? Only if you have played Life is Strange and want to continue in this universe (there are some nice nudges to the events in Arcadia Bay and a late game cameo) however this is a big miss for story focused adventure games. To talk about the positives, the game is pretty, I had no technical issues (unlike a Telltale game) and the voice acting is good but ultimately, I didn’t engage in the characters or their story. I have buying the Life is Strange comic to continue Max and Chloe’s story however here I was glad to see the platinum trophy pop so I could uninstall the game and move on.

I applaud the developer for covering the subjects they are bravely focusing on that other mainstream games just aren’t, but just because they’re important topics that are relevant to the world today doesn’t mean they have crafted an engaging videogame. Full marks on their choices, no marks on their execution outside of their art department.

I’ve yet to play Vampyr or The Mirror but at this stage I am to be persuaded that the original Life is Strange was a one hit-wonder. I hope I am proven wrong.

I find it rare for a game company to make an emotionally compelling narrative, and even rarer for the same company to do it twice without dipping back into the same well.

Life is Strange 2 does everything right that Life is Strange did, but manages to do it completely differently, but in a way that feels like it was done by the same people, you feel me? I appreciate that it didn't rely on nostalgia and previously-established characters and relationships to make an emotional impact in the new story.

This kind of game isn't for everyone. But for people who enjoy this kind of interactive story, this one gets top marks.

I really did not think I would enjoy this game as much as the first one. The first game having a female protagonist in an artsy high school setting seemed right up my alley and a sequel about boys in the woods just didn't appeal to me. BUT, by the end of the first chapter I was hooked. I loved the relationship between the brothers and all of the choices seemed to be so much more high stakes, the story was intense all the way through. I am always on edge knowing every choice has both positive and negative consequences for yourself or others in the world.

I really enjoyed all of the different settings you experience and meeting new characters. I really got a sense and longing for "freedom" which the game contrasts with being on the run, with the train hoppers and the Away commune. I didn't mind the "political-ness" of the story, I thought it helped ground it in real life.

The music as always, was amazing. And decorating your backpack with the collectible souvenirs was a nice touch. And 2 different love interests!

Cons compared the first game

• Less puzzles and going around getting conversation clues from different characters/ objects.
• There really was no chance of 'dying / game over', where in the first game you would definitely get to a game over situation and have to rewind.
• No licensed track in any of the end cut scenes.

This game left me with even more feelings than the previous two in the series and was the first one that I did an entire second playthrough instead of using collectible mode to just replay certain chapters. Cannot wait for LIS 3!

Every episode of Life Is Strange 2 has something that you will always take back with you. Touching upon some of the most complex storylines in a most simplistic fashion, the experience will leave you in absolute awe, shedding many tears.

I don't know how the writers do this with every LIS game. Fantastic writing. You really connect with the characters. Phenomenal voice acting. A must play game.

I LOVED the first season of LIS. I thought the prequel was fine, good but just fan service. This one I have more complicated feelings about.

I think most of episode 1 and 3 are beyond great! There are sublime moments in every episode but I think episode 4 is an AMAZINGLY bad episode. It does basically everything wrong and really had me worried about them sticking the finish.

In the end, I really liked my ending and feel like it fit with the story "I told/chose". It took me watching all the endings

to realize it.

My main issue is the "morality" system. My morals do not align with the game's so I felt like it was trying to make me feel bad for doing this or that when I strongly did not agree. Seeing all the endings really reinforced how narrow the scope of its morality was.

I know it is not really my story but LIS 1 was much more satisfying to me. That said, I did really like this one for trying and I would be day one in for another season!

PS: The ending I got was....

SPOILERS

Parting Ways (Cross The Border - High Morality) | Sean with Cassidy

SPOILERS

I almost want to give this five stars for two reasons:

1. I can’t help but admire the sheer ambition of this game. The developers and writers took a real chance going with a story so far removed from what the original was. A story that is surprisingly more personal than the original and still bigger in scope; yet lacking the interesting exploration of sci-fi tropes or exciting mystery/adventure element.

2. I also have to point out that when this game is good, it’s really good. Just as with the original, there are plenty of moments where the consequences of your actions are perfectly surprising and felt. The final decision was a real tough moment for me (which indicates the writers had again built towards a great lesser of two evils dilemma). Emotionally the game does pack some punches.

Ultimately though, I can only conclude it inferior to the first game. The pacing is really uneven, with episode two being the worst offender. The flow of the story from episode to episode feels very jilted, due to the nature of the narrative (lots of characters coming and going, constant jumps forward in time, etc.). The dialogue is also pretty dang bad at times. It’s pretty obvious when Dontnod’s writers are trying to sound like they have their fingers on the pulse of teenage lingo...and it’s very apparent that they just don’t...

I’m really impressed this game exists and I’m glad it isn’t just a clone of what made the first one so special. Another mystery involving serial abductions and time travel in a small town would’ve left a bad taste in my mouth that would’ve, in my opinion, sullied the Life is Strange brand.

This is, sorry for the pun, a strange type of sequel. But perhaps for all the right reasons. (I just wish they’d polished up the dialogue a little more and worked out a better paced overall narrative).

me, seeing no one has yet written a single review for this game

cracks knuckles “Time to get the job done.”

Now let us talk about Episode 1 because no way in heck I'm waiting for the whole thing to go out so I can bare my soul and feelings to this analysis/review/ramble.

Me, adoring this game and its new characters and its story, was the most pleasant surprise. Like many more, the moment I heard there was going to be a legit sequel, I immediately thought “Nah man, If Max and Chloe ain’t in this one, I ain’t playing it.” And I was soooOOOOoO wrong, as you've probably already noticed. When I saw some of the playthrough, I completely changed my mind and immediately fell in love with the new characters and like, everything else. (Then I played and replayed it like 5 times already and I'm still replaying it)

I really like the direction where they’re going. It’s a fresh new story with new people and new powers. I soon enough realised Max and Chloe’s story is complete, wrapped up neatly in a colourful bundle of eMoTIONs and anGST and whatever ending you chose and whatever interpretation you want to make of it. That’s the past. Now we get to explore what else this universe has to offer. And it’s great, you should totally give it a chance, esp if you loved the original.

It has the same charm of consequences that will haunt you in your sleep, moments of calm to reflect on how sad and miserable your life is, lovable and so damn relatable characters (with great tastes in music, just throwin’ that out there), beautiful world, worth sitting down for a few moments to appreciate the aesthetics, which I think really gives you a perspective of how beautiful and cruel the world could be simultaneously.

~Now for some basic info if you by any change have no clue what the heck is going on~~~

(I’m not really good as summaries so bear with me) You’re playing as Sean, 16 years old, just your regular teen who strongly dislikes parties, sucks at math, is super-duper awkward around his crush and is even willing to go to the party where she would be. He has a best friend, called Lyla, and she’s the best damn character in the whole world, fight me on this. (Also their friendship is sooooOoOoO pure and good and precious and and I adore it and will always protect it with with my non-existing soul). His little brother is a little shit cough, but an endearing one, who’s mischievous, super curious - you’ll see this yourself, his AI is really smart, believe me - and like really likes chocolate desserts. He also trusts you with his heart and will obviously learn all from you on your journey together. Speaking of journey, a tragic accident happens because apparently LIS has a thing of killing the best dads in existence and so you and your little bro are thrown out on the road, a long looooong road ahead of you to a destination where you would be save.

~And now for some not-so-basic info~~~

The game’s about brotherhood, and can I say, we really needed more games getting deep into this theme, seriously people, it’s so pure and good and presents so many opportunities for character and relationship development, personal growth, learning to take care of the ones who need you and whom you need. I know it doesn’t seem that appealing as romance and edgy teenagehood and sTUFF but hear me out, brotherly love is just as important and could be just as fun and emotionally traumatizing to explore and develop a relationship of such.

The dynamics between the brothers are great and feel realistic, makes me wish I didn't grow as an only child. For me it's a cool experience because I don't actually know what that's like. But now I feel their connection and realise why it's so special and why siblings love and care so much for each other, even when they appear to be a bother to the other at first glance. The extreme situations the game puts the brothers in shows just how much they need and must rely on each other to live.

Growing up too fast is the most personal conflict you can find in this game and sadly is an often occurrence in real life, too (like all things presented in the Life is Strange universe). Being thrown into practical adulthood when you’re still just a kid, being forced to learn on the road where every step costs you time, energy and money - things you should be super aware of how you’re spending. Not to mention having to take care of another child, when you have no idea where to go and what to do to barely survive. Things you’ve been taking for granted are mercilessly thrown out of your life, one knows for how long. If I could add a subtitle to Life is Strange 2 it would be “Childhood’s end” (I know, not so slick Automata reference). I know the game deals with many more issues, but I’d like to focus mainly on that, which I’m sure is going to impact me most.

Man, there is so much to this game that I can’t just cover in a few words. The small details are the most important thing for me. There are so so many great, funny, endearing, sad, nostalgic moments of pure love and support, both physical and emotional, and I’m just writing this when only Episode 1 is out. It’s best to find out what I’m talking about for yourself, so I won’t get too much into detail.

In a matter of overall quality: The world is beautiful, as always. The music is fantastic and I listen to it on daily basis, it has a specific feeling to it that really fits LIS 2, I can't describe it, but it's there. The quality of voice acting, facial and overall movement animation are much, much better than the first game, and they’re quite good, if I could say (I'm not really an expert tho). Ooor maybe I’m just too biased shrugs. NAh, it’s good, honestly.

The story got me wondering day and night how it's going to progress, if we'll even reach our final destination (because let's be honest, something terrible is oughta happen or this game isn't called Life is Strange), what hard choices are awaiting for the future. So, yea, it's shaping up to be very good, it definitely has a lot of potential - we're on the road after all, we'll probably meet all kinds of people, as we already have in Episode 1. It's nice for a change - instead of having a week of getting to know the people in your home-town in LIS 1, now we are on the run for months, maybe ever years for God's sake, and that means new places, new people and the ever present danger of being treated like a non-human being for things you can't change. And also treated like piece of garbage and blamed for crimes you didn't do.

As I said, small details you accidentally stumble upon are the best part and I really appreciate the attention given to them. Like how Sean would sing along to “The Streets” in his room. How Daniel would often roam around and look at stuff, even if you stand still. How you two are constantly holding casual convos while travelling. And how your relationship will be influenced by the decisions you make and how well you’re getting into the role of the big brother.

Also instead of photography now you have drawing and Sean’s a pretty good artist. You get to sketch the environment around you in some moments of calm as a cool mini-game and collectibles, I like it.

TL;DR: play it, it’s gud, then come cry with me in the corner over how precious these boys are

P.S. DONTNOD, if a single hair falls from the head of thIS dog, I will fIND YoU and make you regret aLL.