On Thanksgiving, it was announced that over 20 million players have played DON’T NOD’s Life is Strange.
Originally released in 2015 in an episodic form, Life is Strange follows Max Caulfield as she discovers she has the ability to turn back time. At first, it seems like she has just what she needs to fix all her problems and help her friends. Soon enough, she discovers that all actions have consequences, and using her powers comes with a cost.
The game earned itself a cult following thanks to its realistic depiction of teen life and the complex but beautiful relationship between Max and her rebellious friend Chloe Price. It spawned several titles, including the prequel Before the Storm which centers on Chloe.
There’ve been several Life is Strange titles since 2015 but none of them have managed to replicate the magic of the first game. The latest title, True Colors, was released in 2021 and tells the story of Alex Chen the empath. It’s worth a playthrough thanks to its marvelous use of music. You also get to explore Haven Springs which is a small town with a lot of heart.
If you want to experience Max and Chloe’s story again, or you’re new to the franchise, there is a Remastered Collection available which contains Life is Strange and Before the Storm.
More Stories by Smangaliso Simelane
