Life is Strange: Before the Storm
“Sometimes when you
meet someone who’s going to change your life, you just know it, I guess…”
Most of us remember our teen years (if we aren’t still in
the midst of them) as a time of drama and angst and, well, often some less than
desirable events. But the one thing we know coming out the other side is that
there is an end to it, there is hope, and those problems seem so unimportant
once you’re beyond them.
This is a truth that is still very far away for school
rebel, Chloe Price.
When Deck Nine brought us Life is Strange they threw us into
the world of shy and awkward Max- a girl brought back to her home town and
trying to pick up the pieces of the friendships she once had. She discovers that
her actions have consequences, and very strong ones- at times even fatal. So
when she finds out she can augment time and retract those actions it’s a power
she’s unsure if she really wants.
But the friendship that meant the most to Max was that of
Chloe Price, her childhood best friend. Things are not good for Chloe after the
loss of her father and life steadily went downwards for her in Max’s absence.
All Max really learns is that Chloe found a bond in the school’s once popular
and talented student, Rachel Amber.
Before the Storm is a rewind to the events that transpired
in Max’s absence and a deeper insight into Chloe’s life in that time. We get to
see the fallout from Chloe’s dad’s passing, the tensions between Chloe and her
mother’s new man, and the powerful reality of Rachel Amber’s presence in Chloe’s
life. But importantly this story doesn’t end where the first began…
If this is all sounding like a day time drama, bear with me.
Because Life is Strange: Before the Storm has a bigger story to tell than a
teen soapy.
Based on the same choice/consequence system as its
predecessor, Before the Storm will make you think carefully about the choices
you make. Effects of your decisions vary from immediate to very long lasting,
and often unknown until much further into the story. But unlike Max, Chloe does
not possess the ability to augment time. Instead she has to rely completely on
her wits and sharp tongue to get her through- she’s on her own, as Chloe would
see it.
Chloe’s tough as nuts attitude and IDGAF demeanour are everything to her and will have her evading as well as creating problems. At times the dialogue options will offer you a Challenge- choose the right sequence of dialogue and you win the battle and secure your objective, but fail and you’ll be backtracking for other solutions.
The controls of the Life is Strange series are simple, and
for good reason, because it’s the story and artwork of every scene that will demand
your full attention. And it is beautiful… I mean, who makes a rubbish tip look
this good?!
Precise and perfect use of lighting, colour and texture
create a varied and enchanting backdrop while remaining unobtrusive. Mini-cut
scenes can let you breathe it in and enjoy the world and Chloe’s place within
it, or pull you into Chloe’s mind as she battles herself and finds guidance from
an unexpected place. Oh, and did I mention there’s a game of D&D in there?
Is that a fourth wall?
The soundtrack- we need to mention this soundtrack. Crossing
from punk rock head-banging mosh pits, to soothing and sorrowful melodies, this
soundtrack says everything about Chloe’s personality and what she is facing. As
if you weren’t already feeling invested enough, that music will make you feel
every bit of Chloe’s anger at the world and then pull you back to her crushing
realities. It’s a rollercoaster ride, but a strangely enjoyable one.
The story is so well written and its power to draw you in
and take you through the motions is incredible and so utterly deceptive. The
start of the game will feel sluggish and you’ll be chomping at the bit for
action, but before you know it hours have passed and you’ve barely noticed. The
steady rise and fall of compounding conflict with little resolution builds the
experience to something truly memorable. 
Experience…that’s the word I would best use to describe
Before the Storm. Requiring only very basic controls while enveloping you in
the story and emotion is something special. It’s about the journey you take
with Chloe and Rachel. And when the end of that first chapter hits you in the
face, you’ll be left thinking...how long until I can do this all over again?
If you love a great story or experience in gaming then Life
is Strange: Before the Storm is one I highly recommend to you.
Life is Strange: Before the Storm, Episode 1- "Awake" is available on Xbox One, PS4 and PC now.
-Rem