Life is Strange: Before the Storm - Episode 1: Awake Reviews
Episode 1 embarks on a new path with it's new gameplay mechanism while filling the plot holes from the original series. Despite some cheesy dialogues throughout the first episode, Before the Storm shows it has the potential to seize everything it wishes for.
Review in Persian | Read full review
My experience with Life is Strange: Before the Storm was a good one, but nothing spectacular as far as story-telling games go. It convinces with the beautifully written dialogues and voice acting, but beyond that follows a generic story with little surprises (so far). At $5.99 you can’t go wrong. Expect between 2-4 hours of playtime with multiple choices for added replay value.
Though it’s hard to call Before the Storm a necessary follow-up on the basis of this first episode, it does add some welcome shading to the characters of Chloe and Rachel.
It struggles with characterisation and motivation at times, BUT it also made me laugh out loud and furnished me with an unexpected weepy moment.
Life is Strange: Before the Storm – Episode 1: Awake starts the prequel series off strong with a narrative that makes you care about Chloe in an all-new way.
An excellent start to a prequel series that taps into the same style of sincere storytelling as the original, making a previously unsympathetic character seem vulnerable and likeable.
Awake is at its best when it focuses on Chloe and Rachel's complicated lives, making you feel each character's struggle
Life Is Strange: Before the Storm's Episode 1: Awake focus on themes of depression, loss, and the inability to fit in, which it does an excellent job at presenting throughout this first episode. Sadly, the episode's main focus on Chloe and Rachel's friendship can feel a little forced early on, but inevitably lands on plausible after learning about the mental state of each of the characters.
Before the Storm is an eagerly awaited second album, but it's one we're going to have to pay attention to before we can see what it really is.
Life is Strange: Before the Storm is an underwhelming start to a miniseries that still has plenty of promise. Deck Nine has shown it can create lovable characters and believable drama, yet fails to cohesively implement them into the experience. That being said, things could easily improve from here.
Before the Storm's first episode is an excellent starting chapter for this prequel. With a strong, endearing protagonist in Chloe, a deeper choice and consequence system than the original, and some intriguing mysteries surrounding the story, I found myself invested in Arcadia Bay once again, and it feels hella good.
Before the Storm addresses old problems through an old story, and it makes a compelling case to reconsider its divisive protagonist.
Before the Storm – Episode 1: Awake is off to a bumby start but it defintely leaves some potential open for the upcoming episodes. The new Backtalk-Feature doesn't really make any impact on the story so far and also the course of the episode feels to forced but besides that Life is Strange Fans will see some familiar faces and funny side activities.
Review in German | Read full review
Overall, Before the Storm starts on a great note with its writing, characters and soundtrack. It took me 4 hours to complete Episode 1, which is a good sign given the fact that some people had a problem with the game only being 3 episodes long. For newcomers, I strongly suggest that you play the original Life is Strange before playing this one as you might not catch the importance and significance of certain characters as quickly as previous players will. I cannot wait for the rest of the episodes to be released and I am definitely interested to see what happens next.
Chloe's enhanced angst might grate a little, but there's no denying Before the Storm is going to be another brilliant Life is Strange game.
The first episode of Life is Strange: Before the Storm is a continuist and respectful graphic adventure with the original game. A good start for the story of Chloe and Rachel who still has a lot to offer. It's time to go back to Arcade Bay!
Review in Spanish | Read full review
An honest insight into the tragedy of loss in youth.
Chloe have an outstanding character and Deck Nine did a great job replacing Max supernatural power with the backtalk ability which fits very well with Chloe as the main character. In the first episode Awake we witness Chloe and Rachel relationship develop but in general it's still missing exciting events. Life is strange still offers one of the best video game soundtracks you could ever find, it really reflects on the characters emotions making it easier for the players to connect with them. The game has a unique art style but unfortunately I didn't notice any improvement in graphics.
Review in Arabic | Read full review
Life is Strange: Before the Storm Episode 1: Awake starts off this season with a bang. It removes one of the most iconic features of the first season and yet still delivers an impactful story thanks to great writing and outstanding performances.