The Unwritten Rules of Life is Strange Explained

As a seasoned gamer with over two decades under my belt, I can confidently say that Life is Strange has become one of my all-time favorite series. From its intricate storylines to the beautifully crafted characters and immersive environments, it’s easy to get lost in this captivating world.

As we eagerly anticipate the upcoming release of “Life is Strange: Double Exposure,” now seems like a great opportunity to ponder over the unspoken guidelines that have shaped this popular series. Since its debut in 2015, the “Life is Strange” franchise has made a significant mark on the interactive adventure genre with its choice-driven narratives. Each new installment brings a fresh tale while preserving the intricacy and moral nuances that are signature to the series, the latest being 2021’s “Life is Strange: True Colors.

In the Life is Strange series, there are six main games so far, making it challenging to establish very detailed franchise rules. Interestingly, only two games primarily feature Max Caulfield or Chloe Price, but this will change with the arrival of Life is Strange: Double Exposure on October 29. Nonetheless, as players delve into the emotionally intense universe of Life is Strange, they should bear a few key points in mind.

Minor spoilers for the
Life is Strange
series ahead.

How To Get the Most Out of Life Is Strange

The Play Order of Life is Strange Matters

Playing the “Life is Strange” series in a tailored sequence rather than release order can optimize your narrative experience. Here’s a recommended play sequence:

Life is Strange – 2015
Life is Strange: Before the Storm – 2017
Life is Strange: Before the Storm Farewell DLC – 2019
Life is Strange 2: Episode 1 – 2018
The Awesome Adventures of Captain Spirit – 2018
Life is Strange 2: Episodes 2-5 – 2018-2019
Life is Strange: True Colors – 2021
Life is Strange: Double Exposure – 2024
Life is Strange: Double Exposure Wavelengths DLC – 2024
Life is Strange: Remastered Collection (includes Life is Strange and Before the Storm remastered) – 2022

As a fellow gamer, I’d suggest diving into the world of Life is Strange in the most authentic way possible: Start with Max’s story in the original Life is Strange. You might find the town of Arcadia Bay and its colorful inhabitants more engaging this way. After finishing the first two games and their additional content, subsequent installments like Life is Strange 2 can be enjoyed independently, although they frequently reference Arcadia Bay and its characters.

Read the Notebooks

The Unwritten Rules of Life is Strange Explained

In the game Life is Strange, each primary character maintains their personal journal. While delving into these journals isn’t essential to finishing the game, they offer enlightening perspectives on the protagonist’s thoughts and intentions. For example, Max Caulfield’s diary entry reveals that her parents frequently remind her she has “all the time in the world,” which might hint at Max Caulfield’s supernatural abilities.

Max’s diary in
Life is Strange
contains 73 pages in total.

Further information: On the preceding page, Max discusses having borrowed the book The October Country, authored by Ray Bradbury. By conducting a simple investigation, players will discover that this work is a compilation of eerie short stories delving into the chilling aspects and innermost fears within humankind. Notably, these topics are remarkably similar to those present in the game.

Explore As Much As Possible

In summary, when playing a game, it’s advisable to thoroughly investigate every corner, engage with various characters, and interact with your surroundings extensively. Doing so can provide useful insights that help make future choices. Sometimes, revisiting certain locations is beneficial as they might undergo changes. While exploring, keep an eye out for minor details because some of these could hint at upcoming events, like the modified graffiti on Chloe Price and Rachel Amber’s hideout in Episode 2.

For characters lacking Time Rewind abilities such as Max, actively participating within their surroundings becomes crucial when seeking the correct solutions at the right moments. To provide an example, because Chloe doesn’t possess supernatural talents, her strength lies in her skill of manipulating others through conversation. It is worth noting that certain dialogue options in Chloe’s Backtalk confrontations can only be accessed by interacting with specific items within the environment.

Avoid Reading Guides

To fully immerse yourself into the world of Life is Strange, it’s best to enter with minimal prior knowledge. This way, you can experience the story as intended without any spoilers ruining key moments for you. If you’re keen on exploring different endings based on choices made within the game, it’s recommended to do so only after completing your initial playthrough to preserve the surprise and impact of the original ending.

Use Collectible Mode

Each game in the “Life is Strange” series comes with a “Collectible Mode,” a handy feature that debuted in the original release. Typically found within a distinct menu or tab, this option might not be immediately noticeable to new players. This feature is incredibly useful for completionists in video games, as it lets them replay the game without worrying about missing any achievements during their initial playthrough. Furthermore, it provides an opportunity to explore the consequences of various choices without affecting the original decisions made.

2024-10-16 19:04