Life is Strange: Double Exposure Review: Max Caulfield Charms in Sequel

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As a fan who has journeyed through the enchanting world of Life is Strange for years, I can confidently say that Max Caulfield’s return in Double Exposure was a heartwarming yet bittersweet experience. While it didn’t quite capture the magic of the first game, this sequel still managed to prove that Max remains an engaging protagonist.

The initial Life is Strange held players spellbound for almost an entire year due to its episodic format. As fans speculated about potential events and formed connections with characters, particularly lead character Max Caulfield, the community expanded naturally. Fast forward nearly ten years, and Max returns in Life is Strange: Double Exposure. Although it doesn’t fully recreate the enchantment of the first game, it offers an intriguing sequel that demonstrates Max remains a suitable protagonist.

Life Strange primarily focuses on Max’s unique power to manipulate time, which has significantly weakened due to disuse over the past ten years. When Max’s close friend, Safi, tragically meets her end (Safi seems to have a knack for attracting misfortune), Max acquires an enigmatic new time ability that enables her to move between alternate realities where Safi is either alive or deceased. This intriguing plot twist distinguishes it from the initial game and offers novel challenges, as you’re required to switch between these two dimensions to solve puzzles (albeit, some solutions are presented a bit too explicitly, leaving less room for satisfaction).

In contrast to being released as a whole, Life is Strange: Double Exposure is divided into five separate episodes by developer Deck Nine Games. The structured core mystery is engaging, with each episode ending on suspenseful cliffhangers that keep you hooked. However, the rapid pace of progression means there’s little room for surprise or theory-building, as players are often propelled forward to the next installment. Unlike the initial game, I didn’t feel as emotionally invested in the events unfolding, mainly because Safi didn’t capture my heart like Chloe did in the original. Additionally, the plot loses its footing during the final act, with the climax falling short of the original’s impact and failing to evoke similar emotional responses.

A significant concern arises due to the fact that most of the secondary characters in Lakeport aren’t particularly amusing or engaging. The only exception is Moses, the nerdy friend. I didn’t find anyone else enjoyable enough for casual interactions, let alone deep conversations. This includes the two potential romantic interests as well. The male character is written in such an annoying manner that it seems unlikely anyone would find him endearing, while the female romance option is entertaining but so childish that it feels out of place for Max’s maturity level. Given that many fans prefer Max with Chloe from the first game, it might have been wiser to avoid a forced romance during a murder investigation altogether.

Comparing Double Exposure to the original series’ game is unavoidable, given that Max is back. This comparison is inevitable, and while the overall story may not have been captivating for me, Max’s witty remarks and endearing quirks make the experience enjoyable. The dialogue, although not my favorite, still shows a good writing touch and retains some charm, even if it doesn’t reach the level of ‘so-bad-it’s-good’ gaming dialogue. I found myself more invested in the occasional mentions of Arcadia Bay and the text exchanges between Max and Joyce than in most of the new story developments. Seeing Max again and witnessing her personal growth was a delight, but I wish the circumstances were better as she now works at a university surrounded by difficult individuals.

Life is Strange: Double Exposure Review: Final Verdict

Life Strange: Double Exposure doesn’t quite capture the same enchantment as Max Caulfield’s initial journey, nor does it match the quality of Deck Nine’s previous work, True Colors. Instead, it finds itself in a somewhat awkward position – offering a charming experience, yet ultimately falling short of expectations. It’s delightful to spend more time with Max and witness her growth, but the central mystery and secondary characters aren’t as impactful or enduring as those encountered at Blackwell Academy.

SCORE: 7/10

According to ComingSoon’s review guidelines, a rating of 7 signifies “Good.” This means it’s an enjoyable piece of entertainment that you might want to watch or experience, but it may not resonate with everyone.

Disclaimer: We received a digital copy of the PlayStation 5 version 1.002.000 of Life is Strange: Double Exposure for this review, courtesy of its publisher.

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2024-10-28 19:11