Life is Strange: Double Exposure review

Life is Strange: Double Exposure review

As a dedicated fan who grew up with Max Caulfield, stepping back into her world was like slipping on a worn-in pair of comfortable shoes. Life is Strange: Double Exposure is a testament to the power of storytelling and character development, taking us on an emotional rollercoaster that left me both teary-eyed and in awe.


It’s hard to express just how enjoyable it was to slip into Max Caufield’s shoes again. The first Life is Strange was a captivating and heartfelt narrative about two friends who found solace in each other amidst their own struggles and sorrows. It also raised the thought-provoking question of whether one could alter the course of their past. Beyond its supernatural elements, it told an exceptional story with well-developed characters that remain just as meaningful to me now as they did then. Life is Strange: Double Exposure delves deeper into Max’s growth and the maturity of its plotline. For those concerned about whether it could live up to the original, rest assured – it doesn’t shy away from delivering the same emotional impact as before.

Following the relocation to Lakeport, Vermont, Max now serves as the resident photographer at Caledon University. Since the incidents in Arcadia Bay, she’s been enjoying life alongside her friends Moses and Safi. Rest assured, this is the same Max – still a tad awkward and quirky, but significantly more mature. It’s fascinating to observe the transformation in her character while some aspects of her personality remain unchanged. Although this isn’t a tale about Chloe or Arcadia Bay, they continue to play a significant role in shaping who she is.

Life is Strange: Double Exposure review

Throughout her story, reminders of her past provoke a part of my mind that I’ve longed to ignore due to the painful final scenes from the original and the fondness I held for that quaint town in Oregon. However, Lakeport, with its snow-covered beauty and vibrant hues, offers a fresh start – a new place, a new life. From the Snapping Turtle bar to the university itself, there’s an energy here as people engage in various conversations, discussing everything and nothing simultaneously. Max finds her footing, much like her previous teachers, but when Safi, her closest friend, passes away, it seems as though some things continue to remain unchanged.

Without giving anything away, let me tell you that Deck Nine has created a story that’s full of surprises, just like the series we love. It includes those poignant moments that tug at your heartstrings, but it also offers plenty of humor and warmth to make you feel close to the characters. Interestingly, as an older viewer, I didn’t feel out of place; instead, I found myself fully engaged. The dialogue is superbly crafted, and the acting matches the original in quality.

As a passionate gamer, let me tell you, some twists in Life is Strange: True Colors left me utterly amazed! I can hardly contain my excitement to share my thoughts with fellow gamers once it’s released. Deck Nine has truly outdone themselves, crafting an extraordinary narrative that continues the journey of one of gaming’s most iconic characters – Max.

Life is Strange: Double Exposure review

Regarding the gameplay experience, it shares similarities with previous installments. You’ll engage in numerous conversations with various characters, and subtle dialogue choices can lead to significant outcomes. Moreover, there are major decisions that pause the action, requiring you to decide between two options, some of which might leave you pondering for extended periods about the best course of action. Max’s abilities may not include time rewinding, but she possesses innovative new skills, skillfully incorporated into the gameplay. She can traverse between two timelines; one where Safi meets her demise, and another where she lives on.

In this captivating game, I found myself navigating through intricate puzzles that demand switching between the Living and Dead timelines to locate concealed items or documents. The developers creatively employ these parallel worlds, and though it may initially confuse which one to focus on, the answers aren’t too elusive. At times, I got lost on where to proceed or what action to take, as there are limited prompts, especially in expansive locations that are larger than usual for a Life is Strange game. However, by engaging with characters and objects, Max often offers insights that guide me towards the correct path. Additionally, there’s an option called ‘pulse’ which allows you to see what transpires in your location within the other timeline without actually switching between the two realities.

Life is Strange: Double Exposure review

As a fan, I can tell you that this character possesses an intriguing ability that enables eavesdropping on conversations potentially useful for strategic purposes. It’s cleverly designed to keep gameplay engaging and dynamic. Another unique power she holds is the capacity to draw items from an alternate reality into our present, with unpredictable consequences. Beyond these novel additions, it maintains the familiar style of gameplay. You’ll be privy to a variety of photos and emails, manipulate various objects for insights, make observations that provide context, and engage in numerous conversations with diverse characters, all contributing to the rich tapestry of life in Lakeport.

Life is Strange: Double Exposure brims with intricate details, and each environment exudes a lived-in, lively quality. However, certain areas also subtly reflect Max’s internal struggles and vulnerability. The character animations are exceptionally realistic, from the tiniest lip movement to the briefest blink of an eye. It’s almost as if you’re watching real people. Life is Strange has always been celebrated for its music, and this installment is no exception. Several songs amplify the impact of crucial revelations and moments, such as ‘Illusion’ by Tessa Rose Jackson, and the title screen track, ‘Someone Was Listening’ by Dodie, which has been stuck in my head since I first heard it.

Life’s Strange: Double Exposure is an exceptional sequel to Max’s narrative, offering a blend of nostalgia from her past and innovative elements that make it unique. The story is its highlight, but the characters are equally captivating, featuring individuals who are relatable and endearing (Gwen is truly badass!). With an outstanding soundtrack and visuals, the world unfolds in each chapter, leaving a lasting impression. I have deep affection for Max, and I’m thrilled that Deck Nine has created something worthy of her legacy. momentarily stepping away to shed some tears into my pillow.

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2024-10-28 19:16