PlayStation 4 Critic Reviews

Two episodes in, and I’m absolutely astonished at just how good Life is Strange: Before the Storm is.

Although many fans were initially worried about Deck Nine taking the helm for the prequel to Life is Strange that fear now seems totally unjustified. Their vision for the series, as showcased in the first episode, is proof positive that the much loved characters are in safe hands. Brave New World is yet another piece of lovingly crafted evidence that should banish any lingering doubt about the developer. They are a highly capable team and a near perfect fit for this series.

Life is Strange: Before the Storm – Episode 2: Brave New World is an excellent entry in the series. It’s an emotional roller-coaster from beginning to end and an experience that will leave you with questions answered and tears in your eyes. Anyone who enjoyed the first episode, or even the original game, will love it. Seeing Chloe gain so much characterization here while also growing as a person with Amber is a minor revelation. The more grounded nature of Before the Storm remains one of the biggest advantages it has over the original game and helps it stand out tonally as well. The same visual issues abound, but the animation and overall sound design combine with the writing to make a story that hooks you at all times.

There’s an underlying trend of thought in our culture which disregards teenage turmoil, romance, and general experience as an emotional exception that’ll give way to reason and stability once it’s over. I don’t find that particularly helpful, and neither does Life is Strange. The stereotypes of delinquency the game brands Chloe with are only there to be circumvented by how authentic the experiences are that spawned such behaviour. Chloe’s story is relatable because it is simply human, and not simply another teenage story with a set of pre-defined adolescent tropes in a self-contained genre.

Life is Strange: Before the Storm has so far been consistent in its delivery of a heartfelt story with lots of wiggle room for players to craft their own emotional journey. The final episode can’t come soon enough.

Although it might not be as strong as Episode One, Episode Two builds in confidence and understands exactly what we want out of this story. Sad, happy, heartwarming and heartbreaking, Episode Two is an emotional experience.

One of the best episodes of the entire Life is Strange franchise to date, Brave New World is a captivating episode full of heartwarming moments and top-notch writing.

Life is Strange: Before the Storm – Brave New World is a great middle installment to the three-part series, and it offers a nice balance of gameplay, tough choices and gripping story that I found interesting and fun to play through. Despite its shortcomings in the area of puzzle challenge and the integration of the Back Talk mechanic, the narrative momentum is strong enough to overcome any of these. Although I know, from playing the first series, that Rachel and Chloe’s relationship cannot end on a positive note, I still can’t wait to see the tempestuous conclusion nevertheless.

Life is Strange, it always has been, but just like life, don’t let this pass you by.

Slow, but interesting... The second episode of Life Is Strange: Before The Storm is a classic slow burn that rewards the patient souls among us.