In 2015 I published on the pages of our website an overview of the wonderful game Life is Strange, which was originally not even planned to write. It’s a fabulous story, full of mystery, drama and emotion from the first minute won my heart. It was unusual all: elegant ambiance, wonderful written characters, unusual visuals and, of course, a fascinating story, telling about the mysterious events unfolding in the Academy Blackwell. I want to share my joy with you: in sale the first episode of the prequel of this game with the subtitle Before the Storm. And he’s damn good!
Game: Life is Strange: Before the Storm
Platform: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows
Genre: Adventure
Release date: August 31, 2017.
Developer: Deck Nine
Publisher: Square Enix
It must be said that the prequel Life is Strange has developed are not the authors of the original Paris Dontnod Entertainment, and the guys from a small American Studio Deck Nine. There was a good reason. After all, the French are currently working on a full-fledged sequel to the original game, and the process is very long. In addition, they are finishing work on another new game dark role-playing adventure game called Vampyr. To fans of the franchise Life is Strange is not missed, the creation of the prequel has been entrusted to US developers. I hasten to reassure you: the Americans have done on a solid five. They managed not only to preserve the fragile atmosphere of the original, but even to improve it.
Events Before the Storm takes place three years before the original game. The main character this time is a 16-year-old Chloe Price, who dwells in the deepest depression. It is not surprising, after all, her best friend, Max Caulfield moved to another city long ago stopped responding to text messages, disappearing into his new life. Two years ago in a car accident killed the father of Chloe, and now her mother began to meet with authoritarian retired military man named David, whom the teenager can not stand. Being under strong psychological pressure, Chloe begins to drink, smoke pot, skip school and all available means to seek trouble on his head.
Who knows what would have happened to the main character, not meet it with Rachel amber celebrity Academy Blackwell. Rachel is the daughter of a famous lawyer, beautiful, one of the best Actresses of the theater club, dream of the local boys. Everyone says that Rachel has a great future. However, it is not so simple as it might seem at first glance. And in fact Rachel has no less problems and inner demons than the reclusive Chloe. The game’s plot is divided into three episodes. The first player becomes the witness of how on the basis of similar problems between the girls is born a deep friendship. And if you played the original game 2015, you probably already know what the outcome of this story.
How much you want to joke about the fact that the game promotes now popular in the West, the subject of same-sex relationships, but personally, I think Life is Strange has always been above that. Yes, you hint at a “maiden’s love” between the two heroines in the game is definitely present. But there is nothing vulgar in these hints, I personally have not seen. The game is actually about something else. On the fragile inner world of man, about his fear of loneliness and misunderstanding from others, the inevitable process of growing up and parting with a cosy childhood, when the trees were large and we were small. In Life is Strange: Before the Storm, the developers managed to create incredible atmosphere in which the player is literally sinking, the emotions of the characters, their inner world.
Unlike my friend, Max, Chloe has no supernatural abilities and is not able to manipulate time. Its strength lies in the ability to crush the opponent’s intellect mixed with insulting barbs. A sort of “rap battle” (no rap) between the two characters when the player has to quickly choose the most witty and humiliating for the enemy’s answer to conquer him in a verbal duel. Well, the system Backtalk is really interesting and sometimes very funny to see how fragile Chloe “ride roughshod over” high-handed school bullies and drug dealers. And yet the manipulation of time I missed. Especially in the moments when I wanted to change the answer or make an alternative solution.
The rest of the gameplay has remained virtually untouched. You still surf the locations, talk to characters, examine objects, read notes, posters and incoming SMS messages. Among the characters you will meet many old friends, but to talk about them I’m not going to spoil your impression of the game. Decision-making, as before, the impact on further developments. You can drink beer at a rock concert and Wake up in the morning with the wildest hangover, can steal from NPC money to pay off their debts but then you will have to answer for his actions in the future. Almost any of your decisions have consequences, and to come into force they may not immediately, but, for example, only in the next Chapter of the game, and then at the very end, when you almost forgot about the perfect you the error. This, I must say, very cool!
In the first episode, I liked almost everything. But the most memorable tabletop role-playing game Chloe plays with his fellow nerds in the courtyard of the Academy. Everything here is built in the classic rules of D&D: there are two main characters, there is a game master, there is a rich lore, including various spells, monsters and even the ability to defeat the final boss. The developers certainly spent a lot of his time. But this will nastolko it is not necessary to play. The player can easily abandon it and go past. And this wonderful Life is Strange: Before the Storm. It is woven from the hundreds and thousands of tiny details that are emerging in the stunning overall picture.
In the original game, Max is not parted with his camera and constantly took pictures for his personal creative project. Chloe can’t boast photography skills, so Before the Storm, it just leaves a different graffiti in the form of drawings and texts on the walls. Remember to explore the world in this game is vital. Because the only way you will be able to unlock some answers and questions in dialogues with key characters. Again, no you to this oblige. However, if you be not careful, you can voluntarily deprive yourself of the very interesting pieces of the plot. And so the plot in this game is just wonderful. By the way, if you are going to buy this game, I highly recommend to buy the Deluxe edition. Buying it you will 100% receive a fourth bonus episode “Farewell”, in which we talk about the separation of touching characters Chloe and Max.
Visually, the game resembles the original, and this despite the fact that the graphics engine has been replaced with Unreal Engine more simple in all respects Unity. For myself, I noted that the animation of the faces was much better. As for the rest – we still have a very nice, bright image with perfectly chosen colour palette and love to detail. The interface of the game remains the same. The menu, created in Notepad format, you will examine sketches of Chloe, a variety of stickers, concert tickets, Max unsent letters, full of resentment and despair. Objects that can interact with the main character, drawn by a bright white outline. In General, getting accustomed to the game you just do not have. Clicking a certain button (on PlayStation 4 is L2), Chloe can see her left hand, where a marker recorded its main task at the moment. This is done to ensure that the player forgot where he was going.
Traditionally, the game is pleased with the selection of music and acting. Especially for Life is Strange: Before the Storm the British band Daughter recorded an entire album. Singer Elena Tonra have created an incredible sonic palette and adorned her in a gentle voice. In addition to the Daughter in the game and tracks in other groups. Well I remember a song Through The Cellar Door an indie band Lanterns On The Lake. Despite the fact that Ashly Burch, the voice for Chloe in the original game, refused further work with the character, it came to replace Rihanna DeVries coped with the challenge just fine. Her acting unconditionally believe. Before the Storm gives a great surround sound that is fully revealed only in quality headphones. Do not take the money and get yourself such. It’s worth it, because the thrill of the game in this case vary dramatically.
The cons of the game, of course, also exist, but they are not so serious to spoil your impression. The main disadvantage is the notorious episodic distribution model. You passed the first episode, the story ended on a cliffhanger, and continue to wait for God knows how long. Although the developers promise to release the remaining two episodes as quickly as possible. Let’s hope that we do not cheat. Sometimes in the game there are of dubious quality arts. For example, pictures of Chloe and Max from the past that seem painted by a drunken teenager. Fortunately, these “finger paintings” do not occur very often. Still I was somewhat irritated by the fact that it is impossible to speed up or skip dialogue. Accidentally poked the wrong button and listen to the character again from the beginning to the end.
Pros:
- A very strong script and brilliantly written dialogues.
- The new protagonist is largely superior character from the original.
- Nice graphics, wonderful work with the palette and lighting.
- The system allows Backtalk urabotat opponents with words alone.
- Still unspeakable emotional atmosphere.
- Bought the Deluxe edition of the game will receive a bonus mini-episode.
- Wonderful music and acting.
Cons:
- Oh, this episodic distribution model.
- Dialogues cannot be accelerated or skipped.
- In the game there are of dubious quality arts.
Life is Strange: Before the Storm – a wonderful gift for fans of the original game 2015. Chloe Price, becoming the main character, has managed to open up to the players. Before the game’s release, many fans feared that Chloe would not be as interesting as Max. In fact, it turned out that bully is an outcast in many ways superior to his girlfriend. I remember one wonderful phrase from the game: “genius is 1% inspiration and 99% of LSD”. So this game consists of inspiration 100%. This is probably the best to date method for an adult for a while once again feel like a teenager. Highly recommend this adventure to educate all those who missed the sequel to the original story, as well as individuals who are tired of the monotony of the modern gaming industry. I put the game 9 out of 10.
Game review Life is Strange: Before the Storm
Sergey Grey