How Life is Strange Still Shapes Narrative-Driven Games Ten Years Later

Posted by By our-little-miss-is-home January 30, 2025 3 Views 11 Min Read
How Life is Strange Still Shapes Narrative-Driven Games Ten Years Later
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On January 30, 2015, the first episode of Life is Strange introduced the world to Max Caulfield and her life-changing ability to rewind time. Developed by Dontnod Entertainment and published by Square Enix, the game quickly captivated audiences with its blend of supernatural storytelling, relatable characters, and choice-driven gameplay. Its focus on queerness, predominantly female protagonists, and socially conscious themes set it apart, creating a ripple effect that continues to shape narrative games today.

At its heart, Life is Strange was more than a game about superpowers—it was about navigating the complexities of life as a teenager. Max’s return to Arcadia Bay, her reunion with Chloe Price, and the unraveling mystery of Rachel Amber’s disappearance laid the groundwork for a deeply emotional journey. The player’s ability to rewind time not only underscored themes of regret and consequence, but also made each choice feel intensely personal. This innovation solidified Life is Strange as a game that transcended its medium.

rachel amber

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I’d Sell My Soul for a Life Is Strange Game From Rachel Amber’s Perspective

Rachel Amber has always been my favorite character due to how complex and intriguing she seemed to be. Known to be a talented actress, she so often seemed to be wearing a mask, as if there was so much more going on inside that head of hers. I would absolutely kill to see things from her perspective, ideally in a game that takes place between the events of Before the Storm and leading up to her death – though a game set in an alternate timeline would also be fairly interesting. I just want to know so much more about some of the decisions she made and the people she aligned herself with – was she being manipulative and simply using people as she needed, or was she a lost soul who became so desperate to leave Arcadia Bay that she latched on to anyone she believed could get her there? I would love to hear her inner monologue and thoughts that we can’t touch on through the perspectives of other characters.

Expanding the Life is Strange Universe

Over the years, the Life is Strange series has expanded its universe with entries that pushed boundaries while staying true to its roots. Life is Strange has introduced players to some great characters along the way.

Before the Storm

In 2017, Deck Nine took the reins to deliver Life is Strange: Before the Storm, a prequel that explored Chloe Price’s life before Max’s return. The game introduced the Backtalk mechanic, a dialogue-based system that reflected Chloe’s rebellious nature and gave players more meaningful choices. It also delved into Chloe’s relationship with Rachel Amber, bringing new depth to the character whose absence haunted the original game. Through their bond, players witnessed a raw exploration of grief, anger, and the desire for connection.

The Awesome Adventures of Captain Spirit

Released in 2018, The Awesome Adventures of Captain Spirit was a short but impactful game that bridged the gap between Before the Storm and Life is Strange 2. Focusing on a young boy named Chris and his imagination-fueled escape from a troubled home life, the game introduced emotional storytelling mechanics that would become central to Life is Strange 2. Chris’s world, tinged with both wonder and sorrow, resonated with players as a poignant metaphor for resilience.

Life is Strange 2

In 2019, Dontnod shifted focus to new characters with Life is Strange 2, which followed Sean and Daniel Diaz, two brothers on the run after a tragic encounter with the police. Daniel’s telekinetic powers added a sci-fi twist to their journey, while the game tackled themes like racism, police brutality, and immigration. It was a bold departure from Arcadia Bay, proving the series could address broader social issues while maintaining its emotional core.

True Colors

In 2021, Deck Nine returned to helm Life is Strange: True Colors. This entry introduced Alex Chen, a young woman with the ability to sense and manipulate emotions. Set in the picturesque town of Haven Springs, the game combined stunning visuals with deeply personal storytelling. Alex’s journey of self-discovery and her relationships with the townspeople showcased the series’ commitment to empathetic narratives. The inclusion of a more cohesive, single-episode structure marked a new chapter for the franchise.

Life is Strange: Double Exposure, The Next Chapter and Needed Shift

Fast forward to 2024, and Life is Strange: Double Exposure returned to Max Caulfield’s story, bringing the series full circle. Set nearly a decade after the events of the original game, Max is now a photographer-in-residence in Lakeport, Vermont, struggling with the emotional scars of her past. The introduction of her new ability to “pulse” between parallel timelines adds a fresh layer of complexity, allowing players to navigate two distinct realities while unraveling a murder mystery.

Max’s investigation into the death of her friend Safi Llewellyn-Fayyad demonstrates how Double Exposure balances the supernatural with the personal. The evolving dynamic between Max and the world around her reflects not only her growth as a character, but also the growth of the series. By revisiting Max’s story, Deck Nine pays homage to the series’ origins while exploring new narrative possibilities. Long time fans are rewarded with a story that both taps into nostalgia but also addresses the bittersweet understanding that time always flows forward.

Reception for Life is Strange: Double Exposure, however, has been mixed, and has prompted some shifts within Deck Nine. Max, standing as a symbolic bookend of the decade-long Life is Strange saga, is now a representation of a crossroads for the series. Tough decisions like where the series should go from here linger in 2025. Arguably adding to the bittersweet nature of Max’s recent journey, Deck Nine and Square Enix will need to further make changes to the beloved series in order to keep its head above water.

Collage Of Life Is Strange Title And Characters Max And Chloe

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The dialogue in Life Is Strange is part of what makes it so beloved by fans. You only need to look at these quotes to see why.

Life is Strange Has Completed a Decade of Narrative Impact and Reflection

Regardless of the struggles the series continues to face, its impact on the gaming world continues to be felt. Over its ten-year history, the Life is Strange series has become a cornerstone of narrative-driven games. Its focus on diverse representation, social issues, and emotional storytelling has left an indelible mark on the industry. From Max and Chloe’s journey in Life is Strange to Alex Chen’s empathic exploration in True Colors and now Max’s return in Double Exposure, the series has consistently pushed the boundaries of what video games can achieve.

Looking ahead, fans are left to wonder what’s next for Life is Strange. The original Life is Strange story featuring Chloe and Max was remastered as part of the Life is Strange Arcadia Bay Collection in 2022. The ending of Double Exposure reveals to fans that Max’s story will continue. To what capacity is yet to be seen. There were also hints that one of the more minor characters may take the lead moving forward. With Double Exposure closing the loop on Max’s journey, the series serves as a reminder that, while it’s not possible to rewind time, it matters to cherish the moments that shape one’s life.

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