Life is Strange: Before The Storm Game Review

Introduction

"Life is Strange: Before The Storm" is a prequel to the critically acclaimed "Life is Strange" series. Developed by Deck Nine and published by Square Enix, this episodic graphic adventure game was released in 2017. The game focuses on Chloe Price, a rebellious teenager, and her evolving relationship with Rachel Amber.

Character Dynamics and Decision-Making

One of the primary concerns with "Before The Storm" was whether playing as an already established character like Chloe Price would undermine the choice-making mechanic. Chloe's character is well-defined in the original game, making it challenging to offer choices that feel authentic to her persona.

Authenticity in Choices

Deck Nine faced the daunting task of ensuring that Chloe's decisions remained true to her character. For instance, during a concert scene, Chloe's attempt to apologize for spilling beer on someone comes off as snarky with a simple "My bad, dude." This moment highlights the difficulty in balancing player choice with character consistency.

However, the game does succeed in several areas. In an argument with her mother, Joyce, Chloe can choose to either continue arguing or show respect. This choice is believable because it aligns with Chloe's complex emotions—anger at the world but also a desire not to hurt her mother.

Nuanced Interactions

Another example of nuanced character interaction is Chloe's relationship with David, Joyce's boyfriend. In the original game, Chloe's disdain for David is evident. However, in "Before The Storm," Chloe can thank David for driving her to school. This interaction is portrayed as a sincere yet casual gesture, reflecting Chloe's attempt to get along for her mother's sake.

Gameplay Mechanics

The game retains the core mechanics of the original series, focusing on narrative-driven gameplay and player choices. However, it introduces new elements such as the "Backtalk" feature, where Chloe can use her wit to provoke or manipulate others.

Backtalk Challenges

The "Backtalk" challenges add a layer of strategy to conversations, requiring players to choose responses that match Chloe's rebellious nature. This feature enhances the gameplay experience by making dialogues more engaging and reflective of Chloe's personality.

Visuals and Soundtrack

"Before The Storm" boasts impressive visuals and a captivating soundtrack. The game's art style remains consistent with the original, featuring hand-painted textures and a unique aesthetic. The soundtrack, featuring artists like Daughter, complements the emotional tone of the game.

Reception and Impact

The game received generally positive reviews, with critics praising its narrative, character development, and emotional depth. According to Metacritic, "Before The Storm" holds a score of 77/100 for the PlayStation 4 version source.

Interesting Stats

• Player Engagement: Over 3 million players have experienced "Life is Strange: Before The Storm" since its release source.
• Critical Acclaim: The game was nominated for "Best Narrative" at The Game Awards 2017 source.

Conclusion

"Life is Strange: Before The Storm" successfully expands on the original series by providing a deeper look into Chloe Price's character. Despite the challenges of maintaining character consistency, Deck Nine delivers a compelling narrative with meaningful choices. Whether you're a fan of the original game or new to the series, "Before The Storm" offers an emotionally rich and engaging experience.

Additional Resources

For more insights and reviews, check out IGN's review and GameSpot's analysis.

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