Life is Strange: Episode 3 - Chaos Theory Reviews

Life is Strange: Episode 3 - Chaos Theory is ranked in the 79th percentile of games scored on OpenCritic.
GameZone
Top Critic
Unscored
May 25, 2015

With just two episodes remaining in Life is Strange (at least the first season), I'm more lost than ever; but, it's a good lost. Though not without risks, introducing this new wrinkle in Max's powers has left me both heartbroken and ecstatic for Episode 4.Lill

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6 / 10.0
May 18, 2015

Chaos Theory has two big things going for it, the character of Max and its final cutscene. If it wasn't for these two factors, our time of enjoying Life Is Strange may have been up. Its gameplay has become rather tedious and the lack of elaboration in Max's time travelling usage is a severe let-down. The lip syncing issues are worse than ever, and when the technical problems are combined with monotonous gameplay, it's clear that Dontnod have a lot of work to do if they want to re-engage us for the penultimate episode. Max and the episode's finale are the saving graces of Chaos Theory, and they are the main reasons that we still hold hope and optimism for the fourth episode of Life Is Strange.

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7.8 / 10.0
May 22, 2015

Unlike Max, I can't see where this game is going. I think it's too late now for me to hope for a "less is more" level of storytelling or a take on teen romance that's grounded in characters and conversation rather than inexplicably overdramatic stakes. I don't know if Life is Strange can handle topics like rape, murder, suicide, homosexuality or disability in a responsible way—but maybe responsibility just isn't what Life is Strange is about.

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74%
May 23, 2015

A Telltale-esque title set in suburban America that hints at maturity.

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8.5 / 10.0
May 19, 2015

Life is Strange has always been about showing us the collisions between the past and the present, and with an ending set to turn the series on its head, there's no way of knowing just where to look back.

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6 / 10.0
May 19, 2015

A disappointing second act, dragged down by the mundane but saved with an unexpected and game-changing twist.

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Unscored
May 21, 2015

The development team at Dontnod have successfully crafted a story that explores the mental strain of growing up. The subject matter is mature, but because of its stark exploration of humanity rather than shocking violence. After three episodes, "Life is Strange" rivals some of the most intriguing prime time dramas on television.

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May 21, 2015

Life is Strange has beckoned players to think about their decisions because just when you think a choice is for the good, something bad or unexpected happens. Thus far, Life is Strange has been a fine portrayal of life, there are no black and white realities, only gray areas, and it is in the shades of light that we experience our true happiness. Life is Strange is turning out to be a revolutionary game that everyone must experience.

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8.5 / 10.0
May 19, 2015

Life is Strange Episode 3 falters in some areas but it was never enough to hurt the overall experience. With heartfelt moments and an incredible climax, this game proves that it can stand tall amongst the giants in the genre. I felt a bit disheartened by the incredibly slow and slightly boring second episode, but this one proves that this game is still hella awesome, and yes, I just said hella.

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8 / 10.0
May 19, 2015

But, despite having a rushed feel and under appreciating some pretty large issues, Life is Strange: Episode 3 is highly intriguing, entertaining, and surprising. Even though it offers up a different type of gameplay experience than the first two episodes, it still holds its own against the larger story.

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8 / 10.0
May 27, 2015

Though "Chaos Theory" doesn't pack quite as much of an emotional punch as the previous chapter, Max's search for the truth in Arcadia Bay does take some startling turns.

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May 18, 2015

Although it plods along for quite a while, Life is Strange: Episode 3 - Chaos Theory culminates with game-changing activity. As such, those who've invested themselves into this storyline won't want to miss it.

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7.7 / 10.0
Sep 1, 2015

Life is Strange: Chaos Theory moves the series' plot forward, if awkwardly at times. The third chapter makes up for the weak decisions players have to make by maintaining a superb production quality and delving into increasingly mature issues.

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ACG
Top Critic
Unscored
May 19, 2015
Life Is Strange Episode 3 Review video thumbnail
86 / 100
Jun 1, 2015

Let me just say, after playing episode 3 you'll wish episode 4 was already available.

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8 / 10
May 17, 2015

We weren't particularly sold on the first two episodes of Life Is Strange, but we could see the kernel of potential that was hiding beneath the surface. Episode 3 – Chaos Theory is where that promise finally bursts to the forefront, delivering an almost perfect balance of tense storytelling, organic dialogue, and improved gameplay – all while setting up a potentially brilliant follow-up episode. This series is finally delivering what we always thought it could, and that makes us hella happy.

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8 / 10.0
May 19, 2015

Life is Strange Episode 3 is another thrilling entry in this intriguing adventure series, featuring some of the best plot development to date.

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Drew Leachman
Top Critic
9.5 / 10.0
May 27, 2015

With the power to rewind time and choose what happens it always comes with a price; it could be good or bad, but in the end it will always affect us. Life is Strange has shown that in a spectacular way, and I highly suggest it to anyone reading this review.

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May 25, 2015

Life is indeed strange. Meddling with time is not as easy as you would think and this engaging story does a great job of driving that point home. The moral decisions that players make really do have an affect on the story's future. The game's time-rewinding mechanics mean that all options can be considered and those all-important decisions need not be rushed. While the story so far has followed a fairly predictable path, the events of Episode 3 have really turned things on their head. Dontnod has the potential to mix things up in Episode 4. Will they stick with this new direction or will we be turned back onto the path that we have been treading so far? Only time will tell.

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Jun 7, 2015

'Life is Strange Episode 3: Chaos Theory' packs an emotional wallop that, despite the occasional missteps, shows that this game won't be easily forgotten.

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