Life is Strange

[V4S]

let the countdown begin...

[Algonquin Assassin]

 

The anticipation is just too damn high.

[V4S]

Haven't completed episode 1 yet, only got up Blackwell. Its great to be back in Arcadia Bay but boy are things different! Having no rewind power is tough, I'm finding myself having to reload to a check point >.< thanks to the new Backtalk System which is pretty stressful with the timer uggghhhh. You'd think it'll be easy being sassy! I've experienced many emotions so far, excitement, laughter, sadness, and frustration. There's so much more in store for this awesome journey, I wanted to share some of my favorite moments so far that I was able to capture. I'll put them in spoiler tags just in-case but they're not really spoilers, you'll encounter them eventually early in the game.

 

 

 

Welcome back "Step Douche"

Play the Table top game, its worth the extra time!

Also, Skips mixtape is pretty fire hehe

 

Edited August 31, 2017 by V4S

[trip]

Sorry. Sorry. Sorry.

Not a fan of the new VO for Chloe.

[Algonquin Assassin]

Only played the first 20 minutes or so. I agree it's great to be back in warm and soothing Arcadia Bay.

 

I never really paid much attention to the game pre-release, but I don't mind Rhianna's voice acting for Chloe. It's better than the giant shift in voice/tone that Jack Marston had in RDR over a three year period IMO.

 

She sounds familiar with just enough distinguishable aspects to encapsulate a younger Chloe. I've only played a very small part, but it already feels nostalgic. Makes me want to play through the main game in conjunction.

[trip]

I have some quality time in now. Not sure how close to the end of ep 1, but I must be close.

 

VO change isn't killing me anymore. I think it was just the initial shock during the opening (playable) scene.

 

A lot of time I don't feel 'right' playing this game. I'm like an old man gamer after all. A bit creepy for me to play the role of a high school girl.

 

One of my greatest concerns was squashed. This game feels properly connected to the game/story even though it isn't from Dontnod. It doesn't feel like a disconnected cash grab.

 

I sense this genre will be rising quick. The 'choose your own adventure' games. I predict that soon they will stop shoehorning in gimmick mechanics and we will just be walking through long movie style plots with dialog options.

 

E:

I finished ep 1 and it felt like Life is strange. Thank goodnes - they didn't f*ck up.

Edited August 31, 2017 by trip

[WildBrick142]

Started playing the minute it released, but real life got in the way and I couldn't stay up all night playing. Anyway, completed the introduction and I love it already. I can clearly hear the difference in VA, but that doesn't bother me that much. Backtalk is pretty fun and it looks like it will be hilarious at times (like in the very beginning), so I'm looking forward to more events like that. Chloe's diary is interesting to read too...

I tried rewinding for the laughs and I unexpectedly got this lmao

Also barely five minutes in I was presented with a tough choice

 

[PoeticWhisper]

Great first episode. Set the scene so well. Only disappointment so far is hat we have to wait for episode 2. It was very emotional, and really let you see the underside of Chloe she didn't let completely out to Max in season 1. Her journal entries or "letters to Max" are kinda heartbreaking. She misses her best friend so much, and Max has just ignored her so much she doesn't even send them. I felt really bad for Chloe in this episode.

 

the part in the junkyard was insanely heart wrenching. When she tells Rachel that she just can't be alone anymore, I almost cried. And then when she saw Williams car. My god. It was just, a lot. Decknine did a fantastic job

 

 

Also my outfit packs aren't working. Mixtape mode works, and I have both packs installed, but the outfits do not work. Unless I'm trying to change in the wrong place, but they really only give you one opportunity to do so. Anyone else have this problem?

Edited September 1, 2017 by PoeticWhisper

[V4S]

Also my outfit packs aren't working. Mixtape mode works, and I have both packs installed, but the outfits do not work. Unless I'm trying to change in the wrong place, but they really only give you one opportunity to do so. Anyone else have this problem?

You can only change clothes when you're in the Price residence. You go to Chloe's drawer and I had a had time figuring it out just wiggle that right analog stick around and it should let you select from about 4-5 different outfits. If you see my .gifs in my post up there you'll see I'm wearing the classic Chloe outfit.

 

Finished the rest of Episode 1, I love the dialog and story so much and I'm slowly getting used to Backtalk now. Had to go back for graffiti #9 and #10, a bit tricky those, I was expecting some harder to get ones after seeing some in the first LiS.

 

 

 

Got stuck for way too long with that viewfinder portion because I thought it had something to do with chasing the birds and squirrels away. Didn't know it was as simple as talking to Rachel to get the file then taking off the plaque off the bench ai ai ai~

 

I'm also loving that the main characters in the game might be bisexual/gay? (Bi because we know Rachel dates Frank from the first LiS, but Chloe might be straight up gay) Don't think I've ever seen this in a game!

 

[PoeticWhisper]

 

Also my outfit packs aren't working. Mixtape mode works, and I have both packs installed, but the outfits do not work. Unless I'm trying to change in the wrong place, but they really only give you one opportunity to do so. Anyone else have this problem?

You can only change clothes when you're in the Price residence. You go to Chloe's drawer and I had a had time figuring it out just wiggle that right analog stick around and it should let you select from about 4-5 different outfits. If you see my .gifs in my post up there you'll see I'm wearing the classic Chloe outfit.

 

Finished the rest of Episode 1, I love the dialog and story so much and I'm slowly getting used to Backtalk now. Had to go back for graffiti #9 and #10, a bit tricky those, I was expecting some harder to get ones after seeing some in the first LiS.

 

 

 

Got stuck for way too long with that viewfinder portion because I thought it had something to do with chasing the birds and squirrels away. Didn't know it was as simple as talking to Rachel to get the file then taking off the plaque off the bench ai ai ai~

 

I'm also loving that the main characters in the game might be bisexual/gay? (Bi because we know Rachel dates Frank from the first LiS, but Chloe might be straight up gay) Don't think I've ever seen this in a game!

 

I know that's where you do it. But the only short it let me choose was the Raven shirt. I couldn't even choose the firewalk shirt that I stole. I tried wiggling the stick but nothing worked. My friend who played on PS4 said he had the same problem. A friend who plays on Xbox One like me, did as well.

[V4S]

I know that's where you do it. But the only short it let me choose was the Raven shirt. I couldn't even choose the firewalk shirt that I stole. I tried wiggling the stick but nothing worked. My friend who played on PS4 said he had the same problem. A friend who plays on Xbox One like me, did as well.

That's really unusual I'm on PS4 and I'm just using the right analog stick. I made a .gif to show you what outfits there are in case you were curious. Hope you find a fix if not, I'm sure in Ep.2 you'll get another chance to change your clothes and it'll work then.

 

[Algonquin Assassin]

Finished the episode.

 

 

I knew after the kiss between the man and the woman at the park and Rachel getting moody it must've been one of her parents.

 

The argument at the junkyard and Chloe discovering her dad's car has me choked up something hardcore.

 

 

Can't wait for the next episode. Btw I had my Chloe in the Jane Doe punk outfit.

[Gremlin Sombra]

Just wondering, but would that mix tape that comes with the Deluxe edition happen to have songs from the first season in it?

[chronic lumbago]

Think I'll replay the first game before buying. I do like all the player feedback on the first episode. It's tempting to get it now but I think I'll rather wait.

 

Not sure if I should just go with the standard edition or the deluxe. New outfits are just okay and imo not worth spending extra money for. Mixtape mode is just soundtrack right? Not really interested either.

 

Only thing that's worth it to me is the special episode but paying almost 10 bucks just for one episode? It could be a very short one.

[PoeticWhisper]

 

I know that's where you do it. But the only short it let me choose was the Raven shirt. I couldn't even choose the firewalk shirt that I stole. I tried wiggling the stick but nothing worked. My friend who played on PS4 said he had the same problem. A friend who plays on Xbox One like me, did as well.

That's really unusual I'm on PS4 and I'm just using the right analog stick. I made a .gif to show you what outfits there are in case you were curious. Hope you find a fix if not, I'm sure in Ep.2 you'll get another chance to change your clothes and it'll work then.

 

Right stick huh? I only tried using left. Lmao. I'll have to try that. If that's seriously the only thing I missed I'm gonna be very upset with myself.

[trip]

 

I knew after the kiss between the man and the woman at the park and Rachel getting moody it must've been one of her parents.

The argument at the junkyard and Chloe discovering her dad's car has me choked up something hardcore.

 

Can't wait for the next episode. Btw I had my Chloe in the Jane Doe punk outfit.

Yeah, I guessed that see knew of the kissing couple - the man because she didn't say anything when it was just the chick there.

 

And...don't you want to play the first game again to see if you can see the car in junkyard? As powerful as that scene was it felt a bit forced. I'm only saying that because what are the chances that her dad's car would be there.

 

 

I went with the raven shirt.

Edited September 1, 2017 by trip

[Shaytan]

I'm really looking forward to get this game, it's already tradition for me to buy games on sale so I'll see if I can get a good deal till Christmas. I know it's being sold for a very decent price (mainly considering its publisher and being a much awaited title...) but still, every buck less is a buck saved.

[PoeticWhisper]

 

 

I know that's where you do it. But the only short it let me choose was the Raven shirt. I couldn't even choose the firewalk shirt that I stole. I tried wiggling the stick but nothing worked. My friend who played on PS4 said he had the same problem. A friend who plays on Xbox One like me, did as well.

That's really unusual I'm on PS4 and I'm just using the right analog stick. I made a .gif to show you what outfits there are in case you were curious. Hope you find a fix if not, I'm sure in Ep.2 you'll get another chance to change your clothes and it'll work then.

 

]

Right stick huh? I only tried using left. Lmao. I'll have to try that. If that's seriously the only thing I missed I'm gonna be very upset with myself.

I'm so stupid. Thank you for this. I'm gonna go jump off a bridge real quick.

[Algonquin Assassin]

 

 

I knew after the kiss between the man and the woman at the park and Rachel getting moody it must've been one of her parents.

The argument at the junkyard and Chloe discovering her dad's car has me choked up something hardcore.

 

Can't wait for the next episode. Btw I had my Chloe in the Jane Doe punk outfit.

Yeah, I guessed that see knew of the kissing couple - the man because she didn't say anything when it was just the chick there.

 

And...don't you want to play the first game again to see if you can see the car in junkyard? As powerful as that scene was it felt a bit forced. I'm only saying that because what are the chances that her dad's car would be there.

 

 

I went with the raven shirt.

 

 

 

I have to disagree here. Even though it's unlikely the car would be in the main game's junkyard we have to remember this is three years before. You could theorise that it's probably been wrecked or it's been sold for parts or something by 2013. A continuity error perhaps, but a very minor one IMO.

 

[Creed Bratton]

I still think it's a pointless prequel. But there's nothing else quite like LiS, so I'll play it. But I'll wait until all the episodes are released. Yeah, it will be a while. I know.

[trip]

 

 

 

I knew after the kiss between the man and the woman at the park and Rachel getting moody it must've been one of her parents.

The argument at the junkyard and Chloe discovering her dad's car has me choked up something hardcore.

 

Can't wait for the next episode. Btw I had my Chloe in the Jane Doe punk outfit.

 

Yeah, I guessed that see knew of the kissing couple - the man because she didn't say anything when it was just the chick there.

And...don't you want to play the first game again to see if you can see the car in junkyard? As powerful as that scene was it felt a bit forced. I'm only saying that because what are the chances that her dad's car would be there.

 

I went with the raven shirt.

 

 

I have to disagree here. Even though it's unlikely the car would be in the main game's junkyard we have to remember this is three years before. You could theorise that it's probably been wrecked or it's been sold for parts or something by 2013. A continuity error perhaps, but a very minor one IMO.

 

I think you misunderstood my original thought there. I was suggesting it would "be fun"...I wasn't trying to suggest there are continuity issues. Jeepers.

 

I said forced' because:

 

a car in that serious of an accident wouldn't end up in a general junk yard. But...like any plot heavy fiction we (including cynical me) have to suspend disbelief.

 

Edited September 2, 2017 by trip

[Kirsty]

 

I loved it, but not without some reservations. Some of the dialogue seems off and considering it's meant to be choice based, it seems for some decisions it ends up with the same outcome regardless of what you choose, but it's nitpicky. I can't wait for the next episode and I need it now! Post BTS depression has already set in.

I enjoy backtalk even though it's pretty OP and you can win every one lol. Apparently it's not a good idea to do it every time as it'll bite us in the ass later. I don't like the timer as much because without rewind you can't change your mind, but I guess it reflects as it should because Chloe is a lot more quick tongued than Max would have been (giggity).

The dungeons and dragons style game with Steph and Mikey was fantastic. I love these two new characters.

I like Rachel, but I'm not sure I want to like her at the same time; my headcanon after the first game was that she was there for Chloe but manipulated her because she was in love with her, and brought out her more destructive side through that. I hope the game shows more of this somehow, that she's not as perfect as the people at school thought she was.

The angst is turned way up, but I think they've captured Chloe's snark really well. The gayness is way up as well lol. Like it's great, but it's definitely not as subtle as the first one like I expected. Chloe is fallin' hard in only a day and Rachel seems to be reciprocating (whereas I thought it was always a one sided affair, but that might tie in with the manipulation thing).

Max totally ghosting Chloe with those texts is upsetting. I know it can happen and Max had her own anxiety issues which probably lead her to avoiding replying, but it's now canon that it's basically all her fault they lost contact, and it's sh*tty to think about The first game made it out like it was both of them that failed the friendship, but not anymore. Her absence from this game is felt heavily through the journal and the internal dialogue, it's just sad.

The junkyard scene, woah. I could have done without the "smash" on every item thing but soon as she got to breaking the camera and finding her dad's car, it was so f*cking heartwrenching I just lost it :'( One thing about this game is that it makes Sacrificing Chloe ending sooooo much sadder as well, as if it could get any sadder, in that she would die not knowing she rekindles with Max and what happened to Rachel. It's also so tragic for Rachel to hear her talking about her future and what she wants to do in life when we know that her fate is doomed by perverts 3 years later.

What's with the wind at the end though? It was said Rachel won't have powers but it definitely seemed intentional to me? Some kind of supernatural stuff going on with that raven...

 

[Algonquin Assassin]

 

 

 

 

I knew after the kiss between the man and the woman at the park and Rachel getting moody it must've been one of her parents.

The argument at the junkyard and Chloe discovering her dad's car has me choked up something hardcore.

 

Can't wait for the next episode. Btw I had my Chloe in the Jane Doe punk outfit.

Yeah, I guessed that see knew of the kissing couple - the man because she didn't say anything when it was just the chick there.

And...don't you want to play the first game again to see if you can see the car in junkyard? As powerful as that scene was it felt a bit forced. I'm only saying that because what are the chances that her dad's car would be there.

 

I went with the raven shirt.

 

I have to disagree here. Even though it's unlikely the car would be in the main game's junkyard we have to remember this is three years before. You could theorise that it's probably been wrecked or it's been sold for parts or something by 2013. A continuity error perhaps, but a very minor one IMO.

 

I think you misunderstood my original thought there. I was suggesting it would "be fun"...I wasn't trying to suggest there are continuity issues. Jeepers.

 

I said forced' because:

 

a car in that serious of an accident wouldn't end up in a general junk yard. But...like any plot heavy fiction we (including cynical me) have to suspend disbelief.

 

 

 

Sorry mate. I just read over it again and I understand what you mean now.

[Spider-Vice]

 

 

For a game as dangerous as a prequel, made by some fans who happened to be game developers, Before the Storm is a masterpiece when viewed that way. Considering this fact, I think it's pretty darn impressive what they did. Everything was believable, the story was top-notch, and a few moments in this game rivalled moments from the ORIGINAL game! Reception has been overall extremely positive and it's great, considering I was wary because of it being a different company and thinking Square Enix was going to just cash in on the Life is Strange IP.

 

Boy, I was wrong. The level of detail, symbolism, the mechanics, they pretty much are on-level if not actually rival DONTNOD's. They managed to wreck many hearts already in the first episode. Of course there are some things that might seem off, but the same can be said about the first Life is Strange. There was cringey dialogue on that one too, and there was the lack of lipsyncing and actual facial expressions in some parts which are present in this game. We also have to consider that the dialogue will be automatically more cringey just because this is Chloe three years younger. She's a depressed 15 year old going through some f*cked up sh*t.

 

BackTalk is pretty fun, and it's not as linear as it seems because apparently you can lose arguments. For instance, I didn't use it with Principal Wells when he caught Chloe stepping on the stage at Blackwell because I know he'd wreck me.

 

As for the voice actors, blame SAG-AFTRA for that. At least Ashly Burch was around to write this game with Deck Nine. The new Chloe VA grew into me within the first 30 minutes of the game. Her monologues sound a bit different but actual dialogue and emotional dialogue is spot on.

 

Needless to say this game f*cking destroyed me in the first episode, like the previous one didn't. Everything is believable and very real. The fact that you can't rewind makes everything much more real and genuine, because you have to live with this, these are your choices. Even if some become redundant, but the same feeling was had about the first game until people started getting different outcomes for the Dark Room and other stuff. After all it's still a video game, it has to contain some linearity.

 

All in all, D9 freaking did it. This is an amazing game, they did it all right when compared to most diehard fans' expectations when comparing it to DONTNOD's original piece, actually rivalling it in many moments. The ending though, that God damn ending, that's a lot of people's situation right there, both Chloe's dad's part and the argument she had with Rachel about friends... One could feel her angst when she was breaking stuff. And then when she dropped the bat after what she saw, Jesus.

 

And the tension between Rachel and Chloe tho!

 

Edited September 3, 2017 by Spider-Vice

[Jonesizzle]

 

so is Rachel suppose to be Sindel of the LiS universe? The whole screaming scene gave me that vibe.

 

 

How long did it take for LiS to release all episodes?

Edited September 3, 2017 by DOOM!

[trip]

My concern is (as Kirsty alluded to in a spoiler) there is just so much angst. I hope they don't feel compelled to pack in 'what they consider' emotional highs throughout ever upcoming episode.

 

IMO this entire genre of 'living in highschool' choose your adventure doesn't require magnified(or manufactured) emotion(s) to be a successful game. IRC highschool is enough of a rollercoaster to carry a game...we don't need to shoehorn in 'too' much extra drama.

 

Still...very much enjoyed ep 1...looking forward to ep 2...still, fingers crossed that they don't f*ck up a good thing.

 

For the record: I graduated high school in the mid 80's. I hope your highschool time 8s/was as crazy as mine. I know damn sure mine could have translated into a game...that is why I say/hope that they don't feel the need to shoehorn extra emotional crap in.

Edited September 4, 2017 by trip

[chronic lumbago]

Ready for the moshpit shakah brah

 

I bought the standard edition for now. Think I'll just play the prequel first and replay the main game later.

[trip]

Yay for the release of episode 2. Installing now.

 

Thought:

If this game takes place during highschool years and does a good depiction of people in highschool...why is it rated 17+ ? Shouldn't the people it depicts be able to comfortably handle the content...?

[Spider-Vice]

Episode 2 releases on the 17th If you're on PS4, it's a PS4-specific patch that was released today, adding Pro support.

Edited October 13, 2017 by Spider-Vice

[WildBrick142]

If you're on PS4, it's a PS4-specific patch that was released today, adding Pro support.

I legitimately thought it was the new episode and got hyped when I saw the notification. Then I got disappointed when I read into the patch notes