The prequel to Life is Strange focuses more on life and less on what’s strange.

Here is our review.

Life is Strange: Before the Stormdoesnt really seem interested in whether you like it or not.

Article image

At first, that must seem like an odd position for a game to take.

Get a Free Trial of GameFly on Us!

Before the Stormfocuses on the normal life of 16-year-old Chloe.

Article image

That first season of the game reminds me a lot of the CW showRiverdale.

These sequences can also suffer fromBefore the Storms iffy dialog and so-so voice acting.

Those unemotional pieces of dialog have a bad habit of taking you out of the moment.

Article image

Before the Stormis an unabashed high school drama.

There may be a general concern that a high-school drama will not appeal to a large enough audience.

Its not all awkwardness, of course.

Article image

These range from little qualities (your objectives are scribbled on Chloes hand) to unforgettable scenes.

The best example of the latter that isnt a big spoiler is certainly Chloes choice-basedD&Dgameplay session.

Meanwhile, other iconic aspects ofLife is Strangemake their untarnished return in this prequel.

Article image

Its soundtrack is still an eclectic and exciting mix of indie songs with a few surprises thrown in.

This is still a story that will likely make you cry.

Its just that its really tough to recommendBefore the Stormto those who didnt absolutely loveLife is Strange.

Article image

Even then, some fans may feel like this is a step back in terms of scope.

Its hard to argue against that point.

Rating:

3.5 out of 5