Life is Strange 2 - Episode 1: Roads Reviews
With a mix of real life drama and supernatural elements, there's certainly a story in here that even newcomers to the series can enjoy. For longtime fans, you may even notice some cool references if you pay close enough attention. Sean and Daniel have a long road ahead full of twists and turns, and as the brothers seem to have already learned, life is most certainly strange.
Since its debut, the Life is Strange series has gained an acclaimed reputation for providing an intense and deeply emotional narrative full of dark and heartfelt moments. Life is Strange 2 Episode 1: Roads continues this theme by providing a gripping tale of 2 brothers who must depend on one another for strength.
The first episode of Life is Strange 2 is impressive in both the small changes it makes to the formula of the original game, and the influences it allows from our current tumultuous news cycle. Though it may not bowl you over, it is certainly an excellent start to this new episodic series.
Life is Strange 2 starts off fine with some interesting characters and emotional moments, it does however have some pacing problems.
Dontnod has crafted an intriguing tale of two brothers that never sticks in one setting for too long, and I’m really looking forward to seeing this relationship between two brothers when Life is Strange 2 continues.
Life is Strange 2: Episode 1 is all about the story. You shouldn’t really come into this expecting an experience heavy on gameplay, because if you are then it won’t be for you. Episode 1: Roads is a tale of brotherhood and education, with both siblings supporting and growing from each other. This is only the beginning though and based on what’s come so far it’s only going to get a lot better.
With improved interactions, fearfully relatable situations, and choices that feel consequential, Episode One is already one of my favorite episodes of the series.
With all that said, Life Is Strange 2 really is an exciting and emotional adventure that leaves me wanting more. While there’s not too much growth gameplay wise from the last one, DONTNOD have added more ways to have fun and bond with Sean and Daniel. I feel like I’ve bonded with these characters already, and I can expect to see them growing together, and breaking my heart even more over the next few episodes. A truly well done opener episode.
An excellent start to the series, Life is Strange 2 improves upon its predecessor in many ways and has me excited for the remaining four episodes.
The first episode of Life is Strange 2 already begins to tackle a lot of tough themes but is a bit empty gameplay-wise, even for a Life is Strange game. Despite this, it's a great start and leaves me with high expectations for the next episode.
Life is Strange 2 is a brave choice for DontNod who had a hit with the first season. They could have done much of the same again here but chose to do something very different with the story of Sean & Daniel. I applaud it. Judging from the premiere episode their story is going be an interesting, hard and emotional one in ways I may not be prepared for and yet, I can't wait for the next episode.
I already find myself invested in the characters, itching to know what happens next, how this will all be resolved. The episode gets its presentation right from start to finish, with the voice acting being excellent.
A rocky start shows a promising adventure. Please don't mess up, DONTNOD.
Life is Strange 2 Episode 1 was short, boring and overall forgettable and felt like a bad opening to a new season.
Verdict time! I can give this an 8/10. Yeah, why not. It was a good start to the second installment of the Life is Strange franchise and I am actually looking very optimistic about this game. Hopefully, it will not only keep up with this pace, but get even better. Life is strange 1 had this downfall of starting out strong and finishing as a tired horse … I really hope this isn’t the case for Life is Strange 2.
Life is Strange 2, while off to a rocky start, has potential for its future episodes I am interested to see how the events that Sean and Daniel have been through intertwine with the lives of Chris and his abusive, alcoholic father. Ultimately, both stories seem to be leading to one conclusion and it will definitely be an emotional and gut-wrenching journey for all of the main characters going forward.
Overall, Life is Strange 2 — Episode One: Roads does well to open up a brand new story. Where it’s going, it’s hard to say at this point, but the characters are strong and the options bountiful.
Life Is Strange 2 is everything a good sequel should be: It builds on what makes the first game great, establishes a thrilling new storyline and, ultimately, is far more comfortable taking risks. It still retains the first game’s issues, but this is ultimately a bold new step for Dontnod’s beloved franchise.
Getting used to Life is Strange 2 characters takes a lot of time and the game might not be able to get your attention as much as the first series. But after playing for half an hour you will notice that LIS 2 is still an emotional and effective game and Dontnod still hasn't lost his skills as a writer and director. With the usual issues with episodic video games, experiencing the first episode of Life is Strange 2 will not be amiss.
Review in Persian | Read full review
Fans of the original and anyone with empathy for the human condition will line up to check out the sequel and fall in love with an all new cast of characters.