Life Is Strange 2 (2018)

Disappointing story overall. Spoilers: There are four major possible endings, are which are unsatisfactory in their own ways. We have never learned about Daniel's power in entirety - we don't know where it really comes from, whether it has any purpose in his life, or any origin - none of them are known even at the ending.

The only saving grace is the realism presented by the story - unfairness, racism, incompetent cops all rings too well in our life today, and it's really heartbreaking seeing Sean and Daniel having to face all of that.

But then - a series of bad choices by Sean (which are outside player's hands) does not make this game any better. This game deals more with our role as a big brother towards Daniel. However I expect more about a story about paths in life, major choices that impact their life. I don't need a choice between confronting spoiled Daniel or the jerk neighbour. I want a choice between running away from cops or wait for the cops! I want a choice between punching or not punching the neighbour. I also wished for a choice to abandon Daniel midway in our journey, but alas, that is not an option.

INTERACTIVE DRAMA - Sean and Daniel Diaz embark on a cross-country journey, grappling with a newfound supernatural ability and with the consequences of a tragic event.

PROS:

++ Sean and Daniel. The relationship between the brothers, Sean & Daniel, was incredibly heartwarming and heartbreaking. Seeing their ups and their downs made me really feel for them, and want the best for them. And I love the focus on being able to shape Daniel's character and showed that how we personally act will have greater influence on others compared to what we say.

++ Believable side characters. The other characters felt like real people that you could come across in life which made them interesting to engage with. My favorites were Cassidy, Karen, and Eric.

++ Sense of adventure. The whole story was an adventure that took you all over America, and you see the gradual changes in Sean and Daniel.

++ Great ending. Incredibly satisfying ending that made me beam with joy, and it was nice to know that there are three other potential endings.

++ Great environments.

CONS:

-- Little gameplay. Even less than Life is Strange 1 since Sean doesn't have any powers himself.

-- Lip-syncing. Lip-syncing is still below average, and is often misaligned with the dialogue.

-- Facial expressions. The facial expressions don't always line up with the emotion of the scene.

-- Episodes 3 & 4. Just didn't enjoy Episodes 3 & 4 as much as the other three.

Finally got around to playing and finishing it! It was a very emotional journey. I loved the bond between Daniel and Sean, and I particularly loved how more impactful the choices can be in this game compared to this first one, especially regarding Daniel. It had a much stronger political tones to it in some moments, not that that necessarily takes away.

Definitely recommend!