Video Game Review: ‘Life is Strange Episode 3: Chaos Theory’ Propels the Series Forward

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Average: 5 (1 vote)

CHICAGO – After playing Life is Strange shortly after its launch, I thought it was the type of game that would make a minor splash then fade relatively quickly into obscurity. The concept was genius, but the execution, particularly in terms of visuals and dialogue, was severely lacking. These issues took the forefront in the second episode. Thankfully, Dontnod Entertainment stepped up their game quite literally with “Life is Strange Episode 3: Chaos Theory.”

HollywoodChicago.com Video Game Rating: 4.0/5.0
Video Game Rating: 4.0/5.0

I’ll get into some spoilers later (you’ve been warned), but let’s start with some major improvements that have been necessary since episode 1. The dialogue here is vastly improved, especially between protagonist Max Caulfield and her best friend Chloe. Dontnod even makes funny references to the artificial tween dialogue. “You say hella now?!” Chloe asks Max in a genuine and comical moment.

Puzzles are also massively upgraded in this episode. Max’s limited time travel ability finally feels natural both to her and the player. She uses it to outsmart authorities while she’s snooping or to creatively circumvent enemies. As opposed to last episode, in which puzzles were a low point, “Chaos Theory” had me grinning every time I was presented with a challenge. One scene had Max and Chloe sneaking into the school for a dip, then sneaking around again to avoid detection. Simple evasive navigation was much more fun with the ability to reverse time.

Life is Strange is available now on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and PC
“Life is Strange” is available now on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and PC.
Image credit: Dontnod Entertainment

The visuals still struggle, especially given the power of the new console generation, but I’m willing to make that concession for such improvement in the game’s problem areas. The aesthetic finds its way to the screen despite a subpar engine, and the sensory experience is complemented by excellent sound design and fun world building.

All those fixes are great, and they go a long way in changing my mind about this series. But the real kicker was the ending sequence. Max discovers a new power; she gazes at years-old photo of herself, Chloe, and William (Chloe’s dad, who passed away) and travels back in time to when it was taken, which happens to be the very day Chloe’s father passed away. Armed with the knowledge of what is about to happen, Max, guided by the player, hides William’s keys. He opts to take the bus to pick his wife up and lives. While Max travels back to the present, we see images of the alternate reality.

Life is Strange is available now on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and PC
“Life is Strange” is available now on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and PC.
Image credit: Dontnod Entertainment

In the final cutscene, Max is in the popular Vortex Club, where membership primarily consists of people she hated in the old timeline. Blackwell Academy is largely the same, but its populace is not. David Madsen, the evil stepdad and security guard, is now a bus driver. Max, struggling to take it all in, travels to Chloe’s house and knocks on the door. William answers and brings Chloe out. Just before the credits roll, we see Max’s best friend bound by a wheelchair, but with a smile on her face.

That narrative gut-punch is a fantastic way to end the middle episode of this 5-part game. At this point, I’m eagerly awaiting the next installment rather than reluctantly building my excitement. “Life is Strange” is now a truly great game supported by a fantastic concept and fun gameplay instead of a mediocre experiment. Now it’s just a matter of waiting to see where Dontnod takes with wonderful experience next.

“Life is Strange Episode 2: Out of Time” was reviewed on PlayStation 4. It is available now on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. The game was released on March 24, 2015. “Life is Strange” is rated “M” (Mature 17+) for Violence, Blood, Sexual Themes, Drug Reference, Strong Language, Use of Alcohol and Tobacco.

HollywoodChicago.com video game critic Cole Rush

By COLE RUSH (AKA Crush)
Video Game Critic
HollywoodChicago.com

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