PlayStation 4 Critic Reviews

The best thing about Episode 1 is that you can jump in with the series here and still fall in love with it. The core formula remains so good that you can either play the series chronologically with this first or go in release date order as many will do and still have a lot of fun. For anyone who loved the first, get the season pass and have fun as each release comes out. For newcomers or those who dabbled in the series a bit, at least try out the first episode and experience a dramatic narrative that will make you a fan of the franchise.

Before the Storm’s first episode is an excellent starting chapter for this prequel. With a strong, endearing protagonist in Chloe, a deeper choice and consequence system than the original, and some intriguing mysteries surrounding the story, I found myself invested in Arcadia Bay once again, and it feels hella good.

Chloe’s enhanced angst might grate a little, but there’s no denying Before the Storm is going to be another brilliant Life is Strange game.

Life is Strange: Before the Storm Ep. 1 sets up an intriguing story that lives up to the franchise’s name. Even though its not flawless, the prequel delivers an experience worth living.

Before the Storm is a glimpse into a struggling mind. It is a not a blank canvas to create your own character, but the story of one person meeting another. Beautiful and flawed.

Life is Strange Before The Storm: Awakening sets the stage for what promises to be a more than worthy prequel to the acclaimed Life is Strange.

Episode 1 succeeds as one of the most poignant stories in episodic gaming. In just a few short hours you’re prone to a cacophony of emotions which all stumble and fumble together into a narrative which feels like it was never written, because it feels plausible. Such is the story’s persuasive power. However this is not a game for those with a grudge against passive experiences. There’s probably even less meaningful interactivity here than usual, and is probably the most film-like episode I’ve played since the genre was resurrected.

Despite feeling hesitant going into Before the Storm, Deck Nine Games’ rendition of Arcadia Bay quickly reminded me of why I loved the series and its characters in the first place. Any fears of this being a cash-in on a beloved game melted away, and I was able to fully enjoy Awake without any second thoughts. I’m excited to see where Chloe and Rachel’s story goes from here, even if I already know how tragic it ultimately ends.

Life is Strange: Before the Storm gets a lot of things right about Life is Strange, and I for one am hella excited to ride this train with Chloe and Rachel right to the end.

Deck Nine has produced something tremendous in Before The Storm's first episode. Life is good. [Nov 2017, p.66]