Life is Strange: Before the Storm

With the first game being a big hit a sequel was inevitable hence Life is Strange: Before the Storm. Actually, this is not a “sequel” as it is set before the events of the first game. It follows the same kind of gameplay as its predecessor, but it does have a few of its own tricks up its sleeve. If you enjoyed the first game, you will really like this, but if the first game did nothing for you, I am not sure that this will do it for you either, to be honest with you.

Young Chloe

The game is set a little while before the first game. In Life is Strange: Before the Storm, you play as the rebellious Chloe Price who was Max’s friend from the first game. She is a student at the prestigious school from the first game and she is most certainly a problem student. One night when she is trying to sneak into a concert, she after getting into trouble with a local tough guy ends up befriending Rachel Amber.

Finding Rachel Amber was a massive part of the first game and it is great to see her here. You can see why Chloe really likes her, but at the same time, there was something a bit “bitchy” about Rachel in my opinion. The two of them strike up a really deep friendship which leads to a conspiracy involving her father, mother and brings us right up to the events of the first game.

Saying The Right Thing

I would describe Life is Strange: Before the Storm as a narrative-driven game that has some similar elements to what you would find in a point and click adventure game. You control Chloe and you explore different locations, interacting with stuff as you do. A major part of the game is the talking. What you say and do can alter the way certain characters react to you. For example, you get caught with weed by your step douche (sorry stepdad) and you can lie about it or try and talk your way out of it.

The way you see Chloe Price in your mind will probably really affect the way you make her act. One area that is a tad disappointing is that there is no supernatural element in this game. It does tease that Rachel may have an ability in one scene, but there is noting like Max’s time rewind ability. Instead, Chloe can do this thing called a “talk back” which is where she can just go off on one and be prime time Chloe!

Pros:

• You cannot help but love Chloe
• It was great to see Rachel Amber
• Plenty of options when you talk to people
• The actual “mystery” of the game is really cool
• Sometimes your decisions can be pretty heavy

Cons:

• It is only four chapters as opposed to five like the original
• I do kind of wish it has a supernatural element to it