Max is back in Life is Strange: Double Exposure with new powers and a fresh mystery, but does this sequel capture the same magic as the original?
The original Life is Strange revolutionized narrative-driven gaming when it launched episodically in 2015, bringing players into a rich, emotional story filled with teenage angst, moral dilemmas, and a unique time-rewind mechanic.
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The original game, developed by Dontnod Entertainment, introduced Max Caulfield, a high school student with the ability to manipulate time, as she confronted issues of friendship, love, and life-altering choices in the small town of Arcadia Bay. Its critical acclaim paved the way for more stories in the series, but not all managed to resonate with the same impact. Titles like Life is Strange 2 and True Colors had their moments, but fans have been eagerly awaiting a return to Max’s story. Now, with Life is Strange: Double Exposure, Deck Nine brings her back—yet the question remains: can it recapture the raw emotional connection of the original?
A New Plotline in Familiar Territory
In Double Exposure, we catch up with Max a decade after Arcadia Bay. Now living in Vermont and pursuing her dream of photography as an artist-in-residence at Caledon University, Max is pulled back into supernatural territory when her friend, Safiya Llewellyn-Fayyad, meets a tragic fate. Devastated, Max taps into an evolved version of her powers, this time allowing her to “Shift” between two timelines: a “Living World” where Safiya is still alive but threatened, and a “Dead World” where her friend’s life has already ended.
The story unravels as Max tries to piece together the mystery behind Safiya’s circumstances, navigating both timelines to find answers and, ultimately, try to prevent her friend’s demise. This two-world mechanic weaves a complex, haunting story that keeps players engaged, with each timeline revealing more about the characters and their motivations.
Living World Meets Dead World: New Gameplay Mechanics
Double Exposure introduces a dual-reality mechanic that is refreshingly different from Max’s time-rewind ability. By moving between the Living and Dead Worlds, players use the “Shift” ability to solve puzzles that affect both timelines. For instance, manipulating objects in the Dead World might create unexpected outcomes in the Living World, forcing players to think critically and creatively.
This mechanic is both challenging and engaging, adding layers to the gameplay that set Double Exposure apart from its predecessors. The dual timelines create a gripping experience as players toggle between two versions of reality, shaping the story with every decision they make.
A Well-Developed, Intriguing Cast
The cast in Double Exposure is wonderfully varied and well-acted, each character carrying their own backstory and depth. Max’s interactions with her fellow students, professors, and friends breathe life into the world, making each character feel believable and relatable. Some characters, like Safiya, add a heartfelt dimension to the story, while others, such as Diamond, present more of a challenge with her cocky, overly confident attitude.
Despite this, the writing and performances are strong enough to ensure that players empathize with each character’s journey, grounding the story in a way that makes even the smallest moments feel impactful.
Cinematic Quality and Visual Aesthetic
One of the standout elements of Double Exposure is its cinematic storytelling. With meticulously crafted visuals and art direction, the game gives off a distinctly filmic vibe, drawing players into each scene with an almost palpable atmosphere.
Deck Nine has paid great attention to details in facial expressions, lighting, and scene composition, making every moment feel purposeful and carefully executed. This level of visual quality not only enhances immersion but also evokes the emotional weight the series is known for.
Soundtrack to Set the Scene
From the opening chords of “Somebody Was Listening” by dodie, Double Exposure hooks players with a soundtrack that perfectly complements its tone. Throughout the game, the original score and handpicked tracks deepen the emotional impact, aligning seamlessly with key moments.
The music, a hallmark of the series, elevates the experience and keeps players emotionally connected to Max’s journey, making every encounter and discovery feel weighty and resonant.
Controversial Themes and Divisive Choices
True to the Life is Strange brand, Double Exposure doesn’t shy away from exploring controversial topics. Themes of social justice, LGBTQ+ representation, and even political ideology surface, sometimes drawing on real-world parallels. The narrative boldly includes quotes from Karl Marx, sparking debate on its alignment with pro-communist ideas.
While this social commentary adds dimension to the game, it may divide players, especially with the return of a contentious choice: deciding whether Chloe, Max’s best friend from the original, lived or died. For many diehard fans, Chloe’s death was a definitive ending, and allowing players to alter that fate may lessen the emotional stakes.
A Welcome Return with Some Familiar Flaws
Despite its beautiful visuals, immersive gameplay, and well-acted characters, Life is Strange: Double Exposure doesn’t quite hit the same emotional highs as the original. Fans who connected deeply with the first game might find this sequel lacks that same intensity, though they’ll still be pleased to reconnect with Max and experience her continued journey. While Double Exposure may not set a new visual benchmark compared to other titles like Dragon Age: The Veilguard, its cinematic elements, soundtrack, and atmosphere raise the series’ standard, creating a gorgeous, contemplative experience.
Disclosure: We received a promotional copy of Life is Strange: Double Exposure from Square Enix for the purposes of this review.