Malkav_Garcia Life is Strange: Double Exposure Review

A Misstep for Life is Strange, Trading Character Depth for Superpowers Life is Strange: Double Exposure feels like a departure from what made the original series so compelling. The choice to shift focus from character conflicts and consequences to the spectacle of powers feels like the game has lost touch with its roots. The heart of Life is Strange has always been in the characters—Max Caulfield’s choices, her trauma, and the emotional weight of her journey. But Double Exposure sidelines these essentials, leaving Max’s character with strange inconsistencies and unresolved trauma, almost dismissing her past choices and the relationships that shaped her. It raises a troubling question: do the creators truly understand the original games? A glaring example is Max’s relationship with Chloe. Regardless of how players ended the first game—as friends or as partners—the bond between Max and Chloe was forged under life-altering circumstances, from the storm to the destruction of Arcadia Bay, all wrapped in a promise to stand by each other. But Double Exposure could have explored how unresolved trauma impacts their bond; instead, it trivializes this by ending their 10-year relationship within the first ten minutes. Rather than showing us the tensions and fears that led to the breakup, the game only uses reminders to reinforce what’s lost. The missed opportunity here is huge: instead of merely telling the player about Max’s fears or Chloe’s suspicions, why not show it? Show Max hesitating to tell Chloe about the strange events in Caledon. Let Chloe express her fears, feeling that Max is hiding something. A “show, don’t tell” approach would have made their bond and struggles feel real, giving the player a chance to understand and empathize. This sudden erasure of a decade-long relationship not only feels abrupt but also alienates players and is a stark reminder of the disconnect between gameplay experience and narrative design. In failing to explore Max and Chloe’s relationship, Double Exposure also diminishes the significance of the player’s final choice from the original game. Whether Max sacrificed Arcadia Bay or Chloe, the weight of that decision has shaped her trauma. If she sacrificed Chloe, the trauma revolves around losing her best friend or partner and the moral weight of that sacrifice. If she saved Chloe, the trauma centers on witnessing the storm’s destruction and what they both survived. Instead of exploring these distinct traumas, Double Exposure homogenizes both choices, making the story only about Max missing Chloe—whether due to the sacrifice or their abrupt breakup. By not addressing the unique conflicts each ending would bring, the game reduces that climactic decision, missing an opportunity to continue Max’s journey in a meaningful way. Adding to the disappointment is the Early Access model, which has hurt the reception of the story in more ways than one. Early releases have led to rampant leaks and wild speculation, making it hard to stay engaged without risking spoilers or a piecemeal experience. This episodic, uncertain model feels more predatory than player-friendly, feeding into a fear of missing out and compromising the story’s impact. For a series known for its cohesive storytelling, this approach does the game no favors. That said, there are still positives. The voice performances are fantastic—Hannah Telle brings depth to Max, Olivia AbiAssi shines as Safi, and Blue Allen’s Moses adds new energy. Their expressions, captured with top-notch motion capture, are beautifully detailed and help keep some emotional weight alive. The soundtrack, too, is a highlight, adding layers to each scene. But it’s the ending that leaves the most concerning impression. Rather than tying back to Max’s journey, trauma, and the impact of the original game, we’re left with a cliffhanger aimed at setting up sequels, giving a “superhero-inspired” continuation that feels out of place. Life is Strange is about characters, their conflicts, choices, and consequences—not a superhero saga. While Double Exposure offers spectacle, it ultimately feels like an unsatisfying deviation for longtime fans.