Life is Strange - Episode Two

And episode two is out now, and goddamn was that really a huge improvement over the original episode.  I already loved episode one of Life is Strange for its quirky, Wes Anderson, indie type setup, characters (though none are as unrealistically quirky as Anderson’s) and setting and for its inventive time mechanics that add a little spice to its Telltale era adventure game setup, but damn, episode two really takes the love even further.

For starters, the writing is admittedly sharper.  I didn’t have an issue with the first game, as I take it the characters sort of exist in their own universe.  They have modern technology and assets, but they’re not quite modern.  It’s kind of like one of my favorite childhood cartoons, Ed, Edd n’ Eddy; it’s all got modern aesthetics, but it seems to exist in its own dimension, this timeless world where outdated phrases, fads or fashions as well as present ones kind of become one.  A world where everything is modern, but nothing really is.  So with that, I can kind of get passed Chloe’s use of the word “hella” as well as “awesomesauce” and a few others.

Granted, there are still some moments though, where the writing can get a little cringe worthy; most notably the shower scene, wherein two characters gossip and talk like they’re straight out of Bitchy Prep-Teenager Academy.  It’s these moments where the characters lose who they are and just become caricatures and things break down a bit.

But, little nags aside, episode two draws you further into its narrative and further fleshes its central characters.  We still don’t know them completely, but it’s nice to get more of a feel for who they are.  Chloe’s and Max’s relationship blossoms and there are some strong moments here and there that really solidify that these two are still, and once were, great friends.  It’s touching and very real with a whole lot of heart.

On top of Chloe and Max’s interactions, there are a few plot driving instances that really hit home, especially for people suffering abuse or bullying.  It deals with some high school/college aged issues regarding bullying and sexuality, but thankfully it never really goes into that heavy handed “special episode” territory and instead takes the content seriously without preaching over doing it.  It’s definitely going to hit some people harder than others, but this episode’s got quite the emotional core.

Given the narrative aspect of the game, I won’t divulge any further in the plot details so as to avoid spoilers.  I already broke down the basic premise in the review of the first episode, so from here on in these pieces will be less a review of the game and more supplemental reaction pieces.

All I know is I’m loving it so far and it’s definitely a fresh take on the genre with some interesting characters and settings that we don’t often see in video game narratives.  It’s clear that the people behind this really have their hearts in the project and while there are some minor kinks here and there, it’s definitely hitting the rights notes and I’m looking forward to further installments.