amazon Life is Strange Before the Storm reviews
Life is Strange: Before the Storm Ep1 did not start as expected. According to the Metacritic Review, Awake scored only 78/100. This achievement is far less than the 85/100 predecessor of Life, Life is Strange 1 launched in 2015. With a title game ranked as blockbuster Life is Strange, this can be considered as a setback.
“Life is Strange: Before the Storm Ep1 focuses on themes of depression and loss. There is a slight ripple that does not match what was supposed to be excellent in the original version. The relationship between Chloe and Rachel has many confusing knots. Maybe we have to wait for the following to be able to give a fair comment about this game, “the lines are quite strict from the pen of the DualShockers, along with the score can not be “bitter” than 65/100.
Summary score of Life is Strange: Before the Storm Ep1 from other prestigious magazines:
– GameRadar +: 90/100
– GameSpot: 80/100
– Game Informer: 80/100
– Usgamer: 70/100
– Trusted Reviwes: 60/100
Although the beginning is not convincing, but luckily Life is Strange: Before the Storm will have two episodes, “Brave New World” and “Hell is Empty” to improve the situation. Given what Dontnod Entertainment has done in part 1, whether Deck Nine can continue the success of this second installment, let’s wait and allow more time to get the best answer.
where can you get a Life is Strange Before the Storm online
Life is Strange: Before the Storm Deluxe Edition – PS4 [Digital Code]: Buy it now
Life is Strange: Before the Storm – PS4 [Digital Code]: Buy it now
Plot Summary
“Life is Strange: Before the Storm” is set three years prior to the events of “Life is Strange.” The game follows Chloe Price (voiced by Rhianna DeVries), a rebellious teenager dealing with the aftermath of her father’s death and her strained relationship with her mother. The narrative centers around Chloe’s tumultuous friendship with Rachel Amber (voiced by Kylie Brown), a popular and enigmatic student whose disappearance is central to the first game’s story.
Story Overview
The game begins with Chloe grappling with her grief and frustration over her father’s death. Her relationship with her mother, Joyce, is strained, and she finds solace in her friendship with Rachel Amber. As Chloe and Rachel grow closer, they embark on a series of adventures that reveal deep-seated personal struggles and unearth secrets that will impact their lives in profound ways.
Inciting Incident
The inciting incident occurs when Chloe discovers Rachel’s troubled home life and the challenges she faces with her family. This revelation sparks a series of events that push Chloe and Rachel closer together, leading them into situations that test their friendship and personal values. Their journey involves dealing with issues such as family conflict, identity, and the desire for escape from their oppressive environment.
Character Development
Chloe Price
Chloe Price is the central character of “Before the Storm.” Her development is pivotal to the game’s narrative, and players are given a chance to explore her motivations, fears, and desires. Chloe’s character is portrayed as complex and multifaceted, dealing with grief, rebellion, and a search for identity. Her interactions with other characters and her decisions throughout the game provide insight into her personality and the challenges she faces.
Rachel Amber
Rachel Amber is a crucial figure in “Before the Storm,” serving as both a friend and a catalyst for Chloe’s growth. Her character is enigmatic and charismatic, with a troubled past that gradually unfolds as the story progresses. Rachel’s relationship with Chloe is central to the narrative, and her influence on Chloe’s life is a key aspect of the game’s emotional depth.
Supporting Characters
The game features several supporting characters who play significant roles in Chloe and Rachel’s lives. These include:
- Joyce Price: Chloe’s mother, whose relationship with Chloe is strained due to the recent death of her husband. Joyce’s character adds depth to Chloe’s family dynamics and provides context for Chloe’s behavior and emotions.
- David Madsen: Joyce’s new partner, whose relationship with Chloe is antagonistic. David’s presence in the household creates additional conflict and tension for Chloe.
- Frank Bowers: A local drug dealer who has a complicated relationship with Chloe. Frank’s interactions with Chloe reveal aspects of her rebellious nature and the darker side of Arcadia Bay.
Gameplay Mechanics
“Life is Strange: Before the Storm” retains many of the gameplay mechanics from the original “Life is Strange,” with a focus on narrative-driven choices and character interactions. However, there are some notable differences and additions.
Choice and Consequence
The game is built around the concept of choice and consequence, with player decisions impacting the story and character relationships. Players must make decisions that influence the outcome of various situations, affecting Chloe’s relationships with other characters and the overall direction of the narrative.
Dialogue System
The dialogue system in “Before the Storm” allows players to choose responses during conversations, shaping the flow of interactions and the development of relationships. The game features a range of dialogue options that reflect Chloe’s personality and attitudes, adding depth to the storytelling.
The “Backtalk” Mechanic
One notable addition to “Before the Storm” is the “Backtalk” mechanic, which allows Chloe to use her wit and sarcasm to influence conversations and gain advantages in certain situations. This mechanic adds a layer of strategy to the dialogue system, enabling players to use Chloe’s rebellious nature to their advantage.
Exploration and Interaction
Players can explore various locations in Arcadia Bay, interact with objects, and engage with other characters. Exploration is encouraged, with players able to uncover secrets and gather information that contributes to the story’s depth and context.
Visual Design and Art Style
“Life is Strange: Before the Storm” features a visually distinctive art style that complements its narrative and thematic elements. The game’s visual design is characterized by its use of color, lighting, and character design.
Art Style
The art style of “Before the Storm” is similar to that of the original “Life is Strange,” with a focus on realism and emotional expression. The game’s environments are richly detailed, capturing the atmosphere of Arcadia Bay and the various locations Chloe and Rachel visit.
Character Design
Character design in “Before the Storm” is notable for its attention to detail and expression. The characters’ appearances and animations reflect their personalities and emotions, adding to the immersive experience of the game.
Audio Design and Music
The audio design and music in “Before the Storm” play a significant role in enhancing the game’s atmosphere and emotional impact.
Voice Acting
The voice acting in “Before the Storm” is a standout feature, with performances that bring the characters to life. Rhianna DeVries as Chloe Price and Kylie Brown as Rachel Amber deliver compelling performances that add depth and authenticity to the characters.
Soundtrack
The game’s soundtrack features a mix of indie and alternative music that complements the emotional tone of the story. The music enhances key moments and helps to create a sense of immersion in the world of Arcadia Bay.
Themes and Messages
“Life is Strange: Before the Storm” explores several themes that resonate with players and contribute to its emotional depth.
Friendship and Identity
The game delves into the theme of friendship, particularly the relationship between Chloe and Rachel. Their bond is central to the story and highlights the importance of connection and support in navigating personal challenges. The exploration of identity, as both characters grapple with their sense of self and their place in the world, adds depth to the narrative.
Grief and Healing
Grief and healing are central themes in the game, as Chloe deals with the loss of her father and the impact it has on her life. The game portrays Chloe’s emotional journey with sensitivity and nuance, exploring the ways in which grief affects her relationships and decisions.
Rebellion and Authority
Chloe’s rebellious nature and her conflict with authority figures, such as David Madsen, are key elements of the story. The game examines the motivations behind Chloe’s defiance and the consequences of her actions, providing insight into her character and the struggles she faces.
Critical Reception
“Life is Strange: Before the Storm” received generally positive reviews from critics and players. The game was praised for its strong character development, engaging narrative, and emotional depth.
Critics’ Opinions
Critics appreciated the game’s focus on character-driven storytelling and its ability to delve into Chloe’s backstory. The voice acting and music were highlighted as standout elements, contributing to the overall impact of the game. Some reviewers noted that while the game’s narrative was compelling, it occasionally relied on familiar tropes and did not offer as much gameplay innovation as the original “Life is Strange.”
Player Reactions
Players who were fans of the original “Life is Strange” enjoyed the deeper exploration of Chloe Price’s character and the opportunity to experience the events leading up to the first game. The emotional resonance and character interactions were well-received, though some players felt that the game’s pacing and structure could have been improved.
Legacy and Impact
“Life is Strange: Before the Storm” contributes to the broader “Life is Strange” franchise and adds to the narrative depth of the series. The game’s exploration of Chloe Price’s character and the prequel’s impact on the overall story enrich the player’s understanding of the world of Arcadia Bay.
Franchise Continuity
The game serves as an important addition to the “Life is Strange” series, providing context for the events of the original game and expanding the lore of Arcadia Bay. It enriches the player’s understanding of the characters and their motivations, creating a more comprehensive narrative experience.
Influence on Narrative Design
“Before the Storm” demonstrates the effectiveness of narrative-driven gameplay and character development in creating an emotionally engaging experience. The game’s focus on personal stories and relationships highlights the potential for video games to explore complex themes and deliver impactful storytelling.
Conclusion
“Life is Strange: Before the Storm” is a compelling and emotionally resonant prequel that provides a deeper understanding of Chloe Price and the world of Arcadia Bay. The game’s strong character development, engaging narrative, and thoughtful exploration of themes contribute to its overall impact.
With its focus on friendship, identity, grief, and rebellion, “Before the Storm” builds on the foundation of the original “Life is Strange” while offering a unique and meaningful experience. The game’s visual design, voice acting, and soundtrack enhance its storytelling and emotional depth, making it a noteworthy entry in the “Life is Strange” franchise.
Overall, “Life is Strange: Before the Storm” stands as a testament to the power of narrative-driven games and their ability to create immersive and impactful experiences. It offers a valuable exploration of character and theme, enriching the broader story of Arcadia Bay and providing players with a memorable and engaging journey.