Introduction to Life Is Strange: Before The Storm
Life Is Strange: Before The Storm, developed by Deck Nine Games and published by Square Enix, is a prequel to the highly acclaimed Life Is Strange series. Released in August 2017, this episodic graphic adventure game invites players to explore the backstory of Chloe Price, a beloved character from the original game. Set three years before the events of Life Is Strange, Before The Storm delves into Chloe’s turbulent teenage years and her relationship with Rachel Amber.
In this review, we will explore the game’s narrative, gameplay mechanics, graphics, soundtrack, and overall impact. We will also address common questions about the game to provide a comprehensive analysis for both new and returning players.
Narrative and Storytelling in Before The Storm
Exploring Chloe Price’s Backstory
Life Is Strange: Before The Storm excels in delivering a compelling narrative centered around Chloe Price’s experiences. As a prequel, the game offers a deep dive into Chloe’s life before she met Max Caulfield, the protagonist of the original game. Players witness Chloe’s struggles with her father’s death, her strained relationship with her mother, and her rebellious nature. The story’s emotional depth and character development are enhanced by strong voice acting and poignant dialogue.
The Dynamic Between Chloe and Rachel Amber
One of the game’s core relationships is between Chloe Price and Rachel Amber. Before The Storm explores the complexities of their friendship, revealing how Rachel’s presence impacts Chloe’s life. The game’s writing and voice performances bring this relationship to life, making it a central element of the narrative. Players experience the highs and lows of their connection, including moments of joy, conflict, and heartbreak.
Gameplay Mechanics and Features
Choices and Consequences
Life Is Strange: Before The Storm follows a similar gameplay structure to its predecessor, emphasizing player choice and consequence. Decisions made by players influence the story’s direction and the relationships between characters. The game features a variety of dialogue options, allowing players to shape Chloe’s personality and interactions. The choices players make can lead to different outcomes, adding replayability to the experience.
The ‘Backtalk’ Mechanic
A unique gameplay feature introduced in Before The Storm is the ‘Backtalk’ mechanic. This allows Chloe to engage in verbal confrontations with other characters, using wit and persuasion to achieve her goals. This mechanic adds a layer of depth to the dialogue system, giving players more control over Chloe’s interactions and outcomes in various situations.
Exploration and Puzzles
In addition to dialogue choices, players can explore various locations in the game and solve puzzles. Exploration allows players to uncover hidden details about the story and characters. Puzzles, though not overly complex, provide a break from the narrative and add variety to the gameplay.
Graphics and Art Style
Visuals and Art Direction
Life Is Strange: Before The Storm maintains the distinctive visual style of the original game, featuring a blend of realistic and artistic elements. The game’s graphics are characterized by their painterly aesthetic, with vibrant colors and detailed environments. The art direction enhances the storytelling by creating a visually engaging experience that complements the narrative’s emotional tone.
Character Models and Animation
The character models in Before The Storm are well-designed, capturing the essence of each character’s personality. The animation, while not flawless, effectively conveys the characters’ emotions and actions. The game’s visual presentation contributes to the overall immersion and helps players connect with the story and characters.
Soundtrack and Audio Design
Music and Atmosphere
The soundtrack of Life Is Strange: Before The Storm is a standout feature, featuring a mix of licensed tracks and original compositions. The music enhances the game’s atmosphere, setting the mood for different scenes and moments. The carefully curated soundtrack complements the narrative and adds to the emotional impact of the story.
Voice Acting and Dialogue
Voice acting plays a crucial role in Before The Storm, with strong performances from the cast. Chloe Price is voiced by Rhianna DeVries, who brings depth and authenticity to the character. The dialogue is well-written, and the voice actors effectively convey the characters’ emotions and personalities.
Impact and Reception
Critical Acclaim and Player Feedback
Life Is Strange: Before The Storm received generally positive reviews from critics and players alike. The game was praised for its compelling narrative, strong character development, and emotional impact. However, some critics noted that it did not quite reach the heights of the original Life Is Strange game. Despite this, Before The Storm successfully expanded the universe and provided fans with a deeper understanding of Chloe Price’s character.
Comparisons to the Original Life Is Strange
Comparing Before The Storm to the original Life Is Strange reveals both strengths and weaknesses. While Before The Storm offers a rich and engaging story, it lacks the time-manipulation mechanics that set the original game apart. However, the focus on character-driven storytelling and the exploration of Chloe’s backstory offer a valuable and enjoyable experience for fans of the series.
Conclusion
Life Is Strange: Before The Storm offers a rich and emotionally engaging experience that expands on the Life Is Strange universe. With its compelling narrative, strong character development, and unique gameplay mechanics, the game successfully explores Chloe Price’s backstory and her relationship with Rachel Amber. While it may not surpass the original Life Is Strange in all aspects, Before The Storm provides a valuable addition to the series and is worth playing for fans and newcomers alike.
FAQ About Life Is Strange: Before The Storm
What is Life Is Strange: Before The Storm about?
Life Is Strange: Before The Storm is a prequel to the Life Is Strange series, focusing on Chloe Price’s life three years before the events of the original game. It explores her relationships, particularly with Rachel Amber, and her struggles with personal issues.
How does Before The Storm differ from the original Life Is Strange?
Before The Storm differs from the original game in that it does not feature time-manipulation mechanics. Instead, it focuses on dialogue choices and character interactions, with the addition of the ‘Backtalk’ mechanic for verbal confrontations.
Is Life Is Strange: Before The Storm a standalone game?
While Before The Storm is a prequel and can be enjoyed independently, it is recommended to play the original Life Is Strange for a complete understanding of the series’ universe and characters.
How long is Life Is Strange: Before The Storm?
The game is divided into three episodes, each taking approximately 2-3 hours to complete. The total playtime for the entire game is around 6-9 hours, depending on the player’s choices and exploration.
Can I play Life Is Strange: Before The Storm on different platforms?
Yes, Life Is Strange: Before The Storm is available on various platforms, including PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC. It is also available on macOS and Linux through Steam and other digital distribution platforms.
Are there any significant choices in Before The Storm that affect the ending?
Yes, the choices made throughout the game influence the story’s direction and the relationships between characters. The ending of Before The Storm can vary based on the player’s decisions, though it remains consistent with the established canon of the Life Is Strange series.
Will there be a sequel to Life Is Strange: Before The Storm?
As of now, there are no announcements regarding a direct sequel to Before The Storm. However, the Life Is Strange series continues with other entries that explore different characters and storylines within the same universe.
