Life is Strange is a phenomenal video game series that takes a strong, narrative-driven approach utilizing a choice-based system in which our actions may influence the events of the story. The Life is Strange games are special for the cast of lovable characters, relatable protagonists, and interesting powers woven throughout each story.
Ahead of the Life is Strange: Reunion release, which sees old partners in time, Chloe and Max reunite, I’ve spent some time diving back into this much-loved franchise and world. Without further ado, here is every Life is Strange game, ranked.
*This list will of course be updated with Life is Strange: Reunion once a playthrough has been completed and I can fairly evaluate the experience.
6. Life is Strange: Double Exposure (2024)
The announcement of Life is Strange: Double Exposure was a moment of hype for many fans of the series, seeing Max Caulfield return years down the track from when we first got to witness her in the protagonist role. Unfortunately, Double Exposure really fell short in a lot of areas. There were some significant gameplay issues and bugs on release. Max’s return was met with mixed reactions despite being such a well-adored character, and the narrative direction and storytelling have received heavy criticism.
I must admit, while I went into the game open-minded and optimistic, I can say pretty confidently that this title just doesn’t compare to the other Life is Strange games. I love the direction of revisiting characters in the world after time has passed through new entries. In fact, some of my favorite LiS moments have been from simple appearances, such as Steph playing a love interest in True Colors, or David potentially showing up in LiS 2. Max’s return should have been unforgettable, gripping, emotional, and everything that made the original LiS tale so special.
Instead, we’re left with an open story conclusion that feels like a cop out and fails to bring those same feelings of high stakes and impact through the final choice. Sadly, it is the only Life is Strange game that has had me throw my hands up and call out ‘aw, what the hell?!’ at the screen when the credits roll, rather than weep over a devastating choice (as I did in LiS 1), or sit with a sinking feeling in my gut as the final scene cuts out, because I know what comes next – shoutout to Before the Storm.
5. The Awesome Adventures of Captain Spirit (2018)
The Awesome Adventures of Captain Spirit is a brilliant little game, for what it is. While not a fully-fledged title, Captain Spirit offers a short couple of hours of gameplay as Chris Erickson, a character Sean and Daniel (the protagonists of LiS 2) cross paths with during their adventure.
Chris’s story is emotional, heartwarming, and tragic, all in one. His father is an abusive alcoholic who struggles to cope with the tragic passing of his wife/Chris’s mother, in a car accident. Chris has a love for superheroes, and much of the game involves stepping into his imagination to become one.
While the story and gameplay are lovely and reminiscent of any previous Life is Strange title, the game truly relies on the context of a LiS 2 playthrough to be fully appreciated, as the stories happen within the same timeline and have overlap. Despite this, it’s a game with a lot of heart and a tale that perfectly balances that beautiful yet gut-wrenching feeling a classic LiS game is known for.
4. Life is Strange 2 (2018)
Life is Strange 2 is the first complete title that steps foot outside of Arcadia Bay and introduces a brand-new cast of characters and locations. LiS follows teenager Sean, and his little brother, Daniel, who flee on the run following the awakening of Daniel’s telekinetic powers – an event that unfolds in chaos and unpredictability, resulting in the death of the boys’ father and an unnamed police officer.
In Life is Strange 2, you’re on the run and trying to make your way to Puerto Lobos. As Sean, you need to mind your decisions, as each one will directly influence Daniel’s thinking and actions as he grows up on the road alongside you. From managing money and food to staying hidden from threats, leaving important people behind, and making unexpected friends along the way, Life is Strange 2 is an emotional and memorable tale that at its core, showcases a beautiful sibling bond.
Perhaps the best thing about this game is the amount of endings that can occur, in comparison to other Life is Strange titles. It truly makes your decisions and influence on Daniel feel that much more crucial, and it is an approach I wish more games in the series would find ways to include. In a brutal sort of comparison, I firmly believe that even with six years between them, LiS 2 stands head and shoulders above Double Exposure. The narrative, character dynamics, and emotional impact are miles apart.
3. Life is Strange: True Colors (2021)
Life is Strange: True Colors was a curveball of an entry that hit me rather unexpectedly. I was beyond excited for a new title, but a little skeptical, knowing it was yet another new cast and location. However, the game hit me hard with the emotional direction of the storytelling, and I found Alex Chen to be an incredibly human character – perhaps the most real and relatable LiS protagonist to date, personally.
She’s highly empathetic – so much so that she can literally read people’s emotions like a superpower. Yet, she has a storm of her own issues that she just can’t seem to work through. A fresh start in a new town is where the story kicks off, Alex reuniting with her brother Gabe and meeting new townspeople. There’s even a familiar face in the crowd with the return of (the now grown-up) Steph Gingrich, from Before the Storm, which was a familiar and nostalgic touch.
True Colors felt slightly different from other titles, more in your face with dark themes, which I actually rather enjoyed. Rather than the tale of a newly-formed misfit friendship or a slowly unraveling missing person crime mystery, the game starts with a light, happy, wholesome approach, and then drops you into the depths of crushing grief following the conclusion of Episode 1.
This completely changes the mood of the game in the following episodes, and because of this drastic effect, I really enjoyed the emotional, unguarded interactions you could have with people around town. Alex manages to assist countless times in helping others work through grief and loss, and it was a very beautiful thing to experience. Honestly, I was unable to put the game down, and I’d gladly like to see Alex or Haven Springs return.
2. Life is Strange: Before the Storm (2016)
Remastered in 2022
Before the Storm is the prequel game to the original Life is Strange, set three years before the events of the first game. In this title, you play as Chloe rather than Max, and your so-called ‘power’ is, well, your mouth – thanks to Chloe’s unique backtalk mechanic. First of all, I absolutely adored this feature. It made me laugh on numerous occasions with Chloe’s witty jokes and sarcastic remarks, and truly highlighted those same characteristics we see in her during the original title.
The story is fascinating, to say the least, as it involves a glimpse into Rachel Amber. This is the aspect of Before the Storm that absolutely captivated me, because in Life is Strange, Rachel isn’t there. We don’t know her, we can’t meet her, and all we know of her are Chloe’s never-ending high praises. To be fair, Chloe is pretty much in love with her, so in her eyes, Rachel was close to perfect.
Before the Storm kind of proves otherwise, though. Throughout my entire paythrough, I found myself absolutely dying to get inside of Rachel’s head and figure out what she was truly thinking or feeling. So many times, even with Chloe, she’s such an enigma, a mysterious, ‘say one thing, do another’ type of character. This is backed up in Life is Strange, where Chloe is shocked and disappointed with some discoveries she makes about Rachel, perhaps indicating they weren’t as close and open with one another as she had thought.
Rachel Amber is an incredibly complex character, and other than getting a game set between Before the Storm and LiS 1 where we actually play as her, leading up to her disappearance, I don’t think we’ll ever fully know exactly what was going on in her head at times. Before the Storm did a great job at making me think about the characters under a different light – not only with Rachel, but also with characters such as Nathan, and even younger Max, too. Plus, the Farewell episode DLC is the exact kind of devastating emotional uppercut that you’d expect it to be, really adding perspective to how Max leaving must have felt from Chloe’s perspective.
Before the Storm tells a brilliant story that any fan of the original game should take the time to play. Plus, the ending scene is just…well, gut-wrenching, leaving that feeling of impact that ties back into the first game. You’ll know when it comes.
1. Life is Strange (2015)
Remastered in 2022
Sometimes, the magic of the original just can’t be beaten, and Life is Strange may be one of those circumstances. There’s something about this title that creates a masterpiece of an experience. It’s the type of game that can be life-changing when played for the first time, and an emotional rollercoaster of a narrative, at that (in the best way).
Having returned to Arcadia Bay, protagonist Max Caulfield discovers she has awakened time-traveling powers. She then unexpectedly reunites with her childhood best friend Chloe, whom she previously abandoned. Together, they chase the mystery of the disappearance of Chloe’s more recent best friend, and the golden girl of Arcadia Bay, Rachel Amber. It’s a hugely impactful story where every new discovery matters, full of emotional turmoil, growing pains, and an absolutely beautiful friendship.
Max’s time-bending powers are also one of the most unique video game mechanics of all time. They enable the player to go back in time and change the outcome of decisions they have previously made in the story through their dialogue and actions. Those decisions can then alter things down the line. For example, your decisions with Victoria Chase throughout the story will determine if she remains spiteful and mean towards Max or if the two become friends in the end. It truly does make your decisions feel like
The soundtrack is perfect for the mood and environment of the game. The characters are very well-written, each with their own flaws and shortcomings. The story unravels very disturbingly, yet the satisfaction in getting closer and closer to the truth keeps players hooked the entire way. When it comes to the Life is Strange franchise, there truly is no topping the original…At least for now!