Life is Strange 2 - Episode 1: Roads Reviews
Sean gets to offer us a new way of interacting with drawing challenges but I found them clunky to use and not that much fun while also breaking immersion as Sean is far too brooding, too much on his mind as he tries to lead them to safety to care about drawing right now.
Roads' is a fantastic first episode in what promises to be one of the best episodic series the games industry has ever seen
Following on from Max and Chloe's time-twisting adventure was always going to be a tricky task, but Dontnod have pulled it off with aplomb in Life Is Strange 2's first episode. Sean and Daniel's relationship, the tragedy that sends them on the run, the contrasting people that they meet and the supernatural twists on a modern day drama all come together in wonderful fashion.
Life Is Strange 2 kicks off with a diverse cast of strongly-defined characters, a narrative shaped by real-world sociopolitical issues, and the love between two brothers at the root of it all.
A well-written story that doesn't quite gel together properly and a lack of actual things to do make this a sub-par start to this potentially great sequel.
Life is Strange 2 is a fantastic start to a new journey. While you can see elements of the original, Sean's journey is different to the point where he isn't another Chloe. Even though Roads establishes an unsustainable story, it will be interesting to see where Sean's journey ends. Whether it's something happy, sad or just simply discovering the importance of family and becoming the hero his brother needs, the journey should be quite interesting. Sure, right now we have more questions than answers and maybe some things won't be explained but based off this episode it looks to be going in the right direction.
Returning fans of Life Is Strange will find this sequel refreshing, but not unfamiliar. With its brand new setting and story, Life Is Strange 2 is also a great point of entry for any new players. As a fan of the series, I'm excited to follow the Diaz brothers on their new adventure.
The first episode of Dontnod's Life is Strange 2 promises a bigger, more complex story than told by its predecessor, charting a cross-country road trip across Donald Trump's America. Though its social criticisms feel broad and rather clumsy so far, its core story of brotherhood and fraternity between two believable characters is already enormously touching. Like the original, Life is Strange 2 Episode 1 makes time for small details and quiet moments, and when it does it's capable of a beauty we rarely see in video games.
A slow start and and a shifting tone give way to a strong central relationship and some tough choices. The road ahead intrigues.
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.
Life is Strange 2: Episode One - Roads is a sluggish beginning of a new season, which lacks depth of the original Life is Strange story. It can turn into something big in the following episodes, but right now it feels like something from Telltale Games and not Dontnod Entertainment.
Review in Russian | Read full review
It starts badly for the characters, but very well for the players. It's a sad story for Sean and Daniel. And we already know with some sequences of this episode that Life is Strange 2 has a chance to be a successful heir to the first season, thanks to its unique atmosphere, well-written characters and some tough choices to make. Potential is here. It's clear DONTNOD has the power to fulfill it.
Review in French | Read full review
The relationship between the two brothers feels genuine and meaningful, and their uncertain circumstances make for a gripping story
Life Is Strange 2's debut episode, despite its faults and its slow-moving pace, starts the series off compellingly, setting off on a road trip adventure that I'm sure will bear more hardship for the two brothers than unlikely friendships.
‘Roads' is a heart-breaking leg of an emotional journey that never feels limited by its medium. I've played seasons of other choice-driven narrative games that had less emotion and heart than this five-hour odyssey. With Life is Strange 2, DONTNOD has upgraded and refined every element that made its forebear successful, whilst sprinkling some magical new additions into the mix to create an essential genre-pushing experience that isn't just for fans.
Life is Strange 2: Episode 1 – Roads is a strong introduction to Sean and Daniel's characters and story.
A solid start! Episode One of Life Is Strange 2 takes us out of the Bay and introduces us to new characters but retains the emotion and beautiful narrative of the first game. Gameplay and graphics are improved, however, it's too soon to tell if the brothers Diaz are the perfect spiritual successors to Max and Chloe, but I can't wait to find out.
The net result is that we immediately care about Life is Strange 2. There's no getting-to-know-you phase where we're slowly and steadily introduced to conflict. Nope, it's immediate and it's painful. And it makes both Sean and Daniel immediately-sympathetic characters. Developer Dontnod used this first episode as an opportunity to get right at the themes of Life is Strange 2. There's no time wasted and that's an effective way to get our attention. This is going to be a roadtrip that's worth looking forward to, even if it's born out of some of the most tragic circumstances imaginable.
I found there was plenty of emotion, story, and action to keep me interested in what happens next. I'm not a fan of the episodic nature of the game, as I would rather play it all at once. But I look forward to the rest of it.
Life Is Strange 2 Episode 1 is a decent introduction this new season. It stumbles and succeeds in the same areas as its predecessor, but those stumbles are a bit less severe and those victories are a tad more successful.