Life is Strange 2 – Episode 1

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Life is Strange 2 – Episode 1, a distressing secret and an otherworldly power.

[/vc_column_text][vc_message icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-steam-square”]Purchased: Steam
Achievements: Yes, indeed
DLC: Yes[/vc_message][vc_column_text]Well, after playing the first Life is Strange, the follow-up with Chloe, and then the short but sweet Captain Spirit, I just had to get my hands on this one.

It just took me a little while to do so.

I wanted so badly to watch a variety of let’s plays to see what goes in and everyone’s different reactions, but I held off on it. One of my friends was claiming it to be very good, and, I think before the end of 2018, I was able to purchase and play.

I wasn’t too terribly disappointed, either.[/vc_column_text][vc_message message_box_color=”warning”]This post has affiliate links within it, which means if you happen to make a purchase or go to said link I may earn a small commission with no extra charge thrown your way.[/vc_message][vc_zigzag color=”peacoc”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]

Pros:

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  • Storyline
  • Improved graphics
  • Soundtrack

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Cons:

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  • Less opportunities for decision-making
  • Main character does not have superpower

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Navigation

You’ve got set areas to walk around in as well as view the several objects around you. While you do have free reign on where you want to wander around, there are set perimeters until you advance the story. This usually involves engaging in a conversation with someone, or even following a task someone’s placed upon you.[/vc_column_text][vc_message message_box_color=”juicy_pink” icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-youtube”]I’ve recorded a Let’s Play of Life is Strange 2 – Episode 1 over on my YouTube channel! It’s about 7 episodes long, if I’m not mistaken, and damned if I don’t do several things wrong, because that’s just how I am regarding video games and dealing with kids.[/vc_message][vc_zigzag color=”peacoc”][vc_column_text]

Graphics

The graphics seemed to have improved over time. Adding a bit of smoothness to the textures, but still retains the lovely style of the other Life is Strange games. I seriously like the graphics, because they certainly stand out from other games in how they look.

It’s hard to say anything about the graphics. If you haven’t played a LiS game by now then go buy one and admire the graphics. They’ll grow on you if you’re put off at first.

Does that make it sound bad? It’s not.[/vc_column_text][vc_message message_box_color=”violet” icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-twitch”]I livestreamed this game over on my Twitch channel. If you’re ever interested in watching me play a game live and would like to enter a chill area where I throw salt everywhere, check it out and hit the follow.[/vc_message][vc_zigzag color=”peacoc”][vc_column_text]

Gameplay

LiS 2 – Episode 1 starts off with some serious action in a cutscene, and damned if it doesn’t make you want to play the game to find out what exactly happened.

From there, things get even more intense as both the brothers have to live (temporarily) on the run–though only one of them knows why and he’s keeping that secret close to heart.

You’ve still got a variety of things you can collect and place in your backpack, just like the photographs in the first game, and graffiti in the Chloe version. (I know, I know. Prequel, TGEXP, prequel).

Almost every choice gives you something new to go on, but at times, it doesn’t matter your choice, because it still turns out the same. Which I thought was odd, but I think people were saying it was a play on racism.

In any case, the gameplay is all about looking at everything you want, trying to find the things to collect (for fun), and making choices.[/vc_column_text][vc_message message_box_color=”peacoc” icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-video-camera”]I stream all my gameplay–be it recorded walkthroughs and guides or let’s plays with Streamlabs OBS software. It’s completely free and something that’s very useful with everything it can do if you’re into the streaming life.[/vc_message][vc_zigzag color=”peacoc”][vc_column_text]

Audio

As with the other games (I swear I’ve been saying this too often in this review, and I’m sorry for it, but it’s true), there are parts in LiS 2  where you can have a moment to sit down and enjoy the music.

Incidentally, DONTNOD decided to put in a checkbox in the settings to not allow copyright music to play. This is for those that have YouTube channels and want to monetize their gameplay without getting flagged for the audio. This means there are awfully quiet moments, but hey, it’s thoughtful of them.

I like the different characters, but their banter in the beginning can be a bit cringey with the different “lingo”. Y’know kids these days and the whole trying to fit in and sending texts with abbreviations.

Yeah, it’s fitting–I won’t say it’s not–but it’s borderline eyeroll, sort of.[/vc_column_text][vc_zigzag color=”peacoc”][vc_column_text]

Overall

I thought the first episode was truly a good start to the series. It very much makes me want to continue forward to see how the story progresses. If just to see what other challenges the brothers have to deal with while being on the run.

A lot of people have angst about it having political themes, but, c’mon. It’s a game. About people, in a world–which means politics and racism and angsty teens exist.

If you don’t like that, then don’t buy it.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]