Life is Strange: Episode 2 - Out of Time Reviews
Dontnod have settled into the "second down" stage of this story well. Out of Time takes the strengths of the debut and runs with them, while also making a respectable effort of addressing its problems. I'm certainly looking forward to my next trip to Arcadia Bay
The most intriguing episodic we've played to date
At this point, there's a ton of sh*t going down in Arcadia Bay. It isn't until the end of the episode that you get a sense for how it's all coming together in an overarching plot. There's still a lot I'm unsure about, but a cliffhanger at the end of Out of Time has me waiting on edge for the release of Episode 3: Chaos Theory.
As interesting as exploring the ramifications of [the main character's] time-manipulation abilities are here, the most resounding moments are those centred on less fantastic issues.
Episode Two of Life is Strange really hooked me. I still want to know more about this world. I want to know why Max has her powers. I want to know why teenage girls are mysteriously disappearing. I want to know how the rich kids' families destroyed the town. I want to know how Max could possibly save the town from the impending tornado she keeps having visions of. I want to know more, because the game tugged at my heart strings, even though it simultaneously pressed my anger buttons. I supposed I could deal with a couple more hours of Bottle Finder 3000 if it means I get to see what happens next.
Out Of Time doesn't make the same impact that Chrysalis did, but it is just as good in every respect. Exploring more of Arcadia Bay and interacting with new characters made it feel like a real place that we could visit ourselves, just without the impending doom. We enjoyed exploring the new environments of the diner and the junkyard, as well as the new ways to use Max's power they introduced. Sadly the lip syncing issues haven't been ironed out and they do seem to be here to stay, but we hope the frame rate issues we experienced will be a case isolated to Out Of Time. All in all though, episode two is a fantastic follow up that expands both the gameplay and story of Chrysalis and takes it to a whole new level, where we can use Max's power in new ways and interact with characters in a different fashion. And now this leaves us and fans with the agonising wait for episode three.
Life is Strange Episode 2 once again successfully ticks all the right boxes and creates a very interesting game driven by player choice and repercussions.
Maybe at a more discounted price or if you just love a narrative but for these reasons it’s hard to see the series as anything more than okay. It hits the points it needs to, there just isn’t enough to elevate it beyond the basics.
Life Is Strange has a few more episodes to prove me wrong—and as always, I sure hope they do. They still have time, but unlike Max's, it's running out.
Dontnod Entertainment has a knack for keeping the flaws hidden in Life is Strange thanks to an engaging story. Even if pressing buttons in the right order or at the right time isn't your gaming 'thing', the Twin Peaks driven feel of the story will keep you coming back for more.
A Telltale-esque title set in suburban America that hints at maturity.
Complimented by an incredibly powerful ending that could have worked on its own as the season finale, even in only its second episode the tides are turning. Dark forces are on the horizon and new threats are appearing, yet Life is Strange is only growing brighter.
The Telltale style, successfully applied to an original, supernatural coming of age story. It's now up to Dontnod to continue the fine quality over three more episodes.
Where the first episode applied some very basic foundations for the world and the characters, "Out of Time" really lets us explore the friendship these two girls share, even though they've been apart for so long.
Just as I felt after playing Life is Strange: Episode 1, I left the second episode wanting to dive right into the next chapter. Despite some completely out of place and unrealistic reactions to things, many of the characters still had that indie movie charm and relatability about them. The core gameplay, filled with tough choices, Max's snarky comments, and artsy music and visuals stays the same, which sits just perfectly with me. While Episode 2 doesn't feature that same magical feeling that the first episode exuded, it's still a must-buy.
Life is Strange: Out of Time successfully converts the momentum of the first episode into an emotional and moral roller coaster that will have you pondering your choices for hours.
It's an improvement on episode one, but there's too much inane padding in Out of Time for it to warrant a hearty recommendation.
Life is Strange Episode 2 stumbles a bit in continuing the momentum it built up in the previous episode by introducing some needlessly mundane activities and slow story pacing, but the scenarios found near the end of the episode more than makes up for any missteps. It was great to see just how my choices affected the game till now and I look forward to unearthing more secrets in this fascinating experience.
With Life is Strange: Episode 2 - Out of Time, developer DONTNOD Entertainment has lessened the wow factor and upped its focus on development. Through this, some pacing issues are created, though the final product remains decent and has a few memorable moments up its sleeve.