Life is Strange 2

Life Is Strange 2: Episode 1 is a triumphant first chapter, featuring a narrative that fearlessly reflects the lives of two Latino brothers living in our politically-charged climate. It sets up a very different story that cares a lot of the original game’s strengths with it, and leaves some of its weaker points behind. The first episode of choose-your-own-adventure drama is an ambitious sequel that succeeds in its quietest moments. Following on from Max and Chloe’s time-twisting adventure was always going to be a tricky task, but Dontnod have pulled it off with aplomb in Life Is Strange 2’s first episode. Sean and Daniel’s relationship, the tragedy that sends them on the run, the contrasting people that they meet and the supernatural twists on a modern day drama all come together in wonderful fashion. The storytelling is done well, where you learn a little bit at a time about the characters, their background, and the larger context for things that are happening around them. Dontnod does a great job at introducing these new characters and fleshing them out, and it will be interesting to see how Daniel comes to terms with his life-changing powers. Overall, Life is Strange 2 was not only better than I expected, but I believe it would have been a hit even if no one had ever heard of the first game. It was beautiful, with the mechanics all improved on the original and the choices more meaningful than ever. Life Is Strange is back and it's off to a great start.