Life is Strange: Before the Storm

Life is Strange: Before the Storm
77
Metacritic
93
Steam
87.473
xDR
Our rating is calculated based on the reviews and popularity of the game.
Price
$16.99
Release date
31 August 2017
Steam reviews score
Total
93 (32 350 votes)
Recent
90 (82 votes)

Life is Strange: Before the Storm is a new three part standalone story adventure set three years before the events of the first game. This time play as Chloe Price, a rebel who forms an unlikely friendship with Rachel Amber in a dramatic new story in the BAFTA award winning franchise.

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Life is Strange: Before the Storm system requirements

Minimum:

  • Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
  • OS: Windows 7 or above (64-bit Operating System Required)
  • Processor: Intel Core i3-2100 (3.1GHz) or AMD Phenom X4 945 (3.0GHz)
  • Memory: 3 GB RAM
  • Graphics: AMD Radeon R7 250 or NVIDIA Geforce GTX 650
  • DirectX: Version 11
  • Storage: 14 GB available space
  • Additional Notes: Please note that 32-bit operating systems will not be supported.
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azncreed
azncreed

Now that I have finished all the LiS (except for LiS 2), I can certainly say BTS is my absolute favourite.

The character's development & back story is really well written and well paced. I haven't felt so emotionally attached to any video game characters until now.

The music is always good and fits well with the theme.

Would highly recommend this game, if you're the type of person who enjoys plot twists and emotional roller coasters.

necrxpolis
necrxpolis

if you want a repeat of LiS 1 with none of the fun mechanics of time-travel this is the game for you

kromagnus
kromagnus

Enjoyable game with a great soundtrack!

Gameplay is not overly complex, I don't think you can get stuck or get anything wrong. Just different ways for the narrative to turn out.

The Environments of this game look really nice and are fun to search through. Some places are also in the original Life is Strange.

Also as this game is a prequel I thought it would have a more tie-in to the story from Life is Strange, but that's not really the case. It's more about getting to know more of a few of the characters from it.

maefii
maefii

games that should've made me realise i wasn't straight exhibit B:
(except i was questioning my sexuality when i played this)

Zanthia
Zanthia

Another LiS game featuring Chloe Price, 'nuff said tbh. Visual novel, with minimal interaction, a bit like watching a TV-series. Very thoughtful story.

Samael
Samael

Who is that Rachel Amber?
So now I'd like to play a game from Rachel’s perspective, so this way we can learn more about her relationship with Chloe, Frank, and others, about her implied power and the days leading up to her demise. We'd like to know what happened that led her to the dark room. Like Hachiko, I am eager to wait and hope that the developers do not abandon the story for the benefit of new characters. Please. I'm begging.

Semicolon
Semicolon

Short but effective storytelling game. Emotional roller coaster that really adds more substance to the first original Life is Strange game. Recommended for any LiS fans out there who have already played the first game.

Deztroyer
Deztroyer

I've currently played Before the Storm on two separate occasions and haven't been disappointed either time. I've played Before the Storm after playing Life is Strange and then played Before the Storm first and Life is Strange after. I love Chloe and Rachel's story and am honestly really pleased with this prequel. It finds a way to pull on your heart every time and I feel makes the first one that much more emotional to play.

katiogaga
katiogaga

Rachel Amber is a character that I will never forget. A beautiful story with deeply developed characters.

Lysistratus Chrysanthos
Lysistratus Ch…

A prequel to the Life is Strange game. Explores Chloe's relationship with Rachel Amber. Does not have Max or her powers, so is different in a way, but has a new mechanic with Chloe's speech options. I think the game is really good to have to expand the story and show characters that were not seen before directly (namely Rachel). A solid game for people who enjoy the series.

darthjaywa
darthjaywa

Haven't cried this hard over a game in years

Absolutely worth the story, hits you harder in the face if you play this after a playthrough of the original Life Is Strange. I was scared it wouldn't hold up to the original but it absolutely does, in every way, even if you lack super powers.

SWEROCK
SWEROCK

This game is something truly special.
This is a must have experience!
It will make grown man cry.

I

bushido111
bushido111

Definitely should be played after the original game. Chloe's super power is easily my favorite, which is to talk shit. If you liked the first one then this one is exactly what you want.

Anonymous
Anonymous

I highly recommend this game. Chloe and Rachel's chronicles are very fun to play through, while experiencing the teen angst, rebellion and depression that come with being Chloe Price at sixteen years old. Like an "emo Chloe" care package, tied with a ribbon of dealing with Max's betrayal and William's death.

Chloe's "power" was a biiiiit of a letdown, however. I feel like there could have been something cooler there. Still, this game is up there in my favorites of the franchise.

0JMachine
0JMachine

you can really tell the original team didn't write the story with this one. so many plot holes and inconsistencies made purely to bring back characters from the first game. actual plot suffers the same issues. I looked up answers and some , like the students being there, were really just them making up reasons on the spot to make it work like it was an after thought.
The team can write a good story, the self contained side plots like playing D&D were super fun and engaging but anything that related to anything already established was a chore to immerse myself into. I'd avoid this one and quite frankly it makes me worried about true colors since it's the same team behind this one.

Baal
Baal

Complete garbage, obvious afterthought and riddled with cringe. That is the summary of LiS: BTS.

This prequel adds nothing to the original game, it barely expands the story and makes you hate some of the characters even more than before. It leaves lots of things between the end of BtS and start of LiS unexplained. Lots of plot holes, boring filler scenes and nonexistent character development. The writing is incredibly bad, characters have unrelatable behavior, there's insane liberal political agenda that doesn't do justice to anyone or anything and it gets only worse in later titles. Before the Storm is mediocre experience that can be hardly recommended to anyone, not just the original LiS fans. Unless you are cringy 14 years old teenager that finds these kind of things funny and does them irl.

The backtalk mechanic replaces reversing time. How it works is basically making childish remarks to win an argument. The cringier the answer, the closer you are to victory.

The soundtrack is pretty great though.

I wonder how old are the writers of this game, because I can hardly write anything positive about this game. I was seriously trying so hard to come up with professional review that will explain the game's pros and cons and help you decide with your purchase... But the truth is...
I can't.

Avoid this game.

Unless you are die hard LiS fan that thrives for more content, I guess then this would be just the right thing for you. But BtS takes huge dump on the original and completely misunderstands what made the first game great to begin with. It's disrespectful and wasted opportunity.

2/10

DoubleCheck
DoubleCheck

always have loved life is strange loved seeing how Chloe and Rachel met. How everything went. How it all turns out in the end. I decided to lie to Rachel so she could spend her last fews years happy without any issues. And I can't tell you how bittersweet the ending is. And how sad the see of chloe calling her is. I hope we get a chance to have a game that involves rachels pov.

Lucid
Lucid

Enjoyable journey as it should be, Let's say if you loved the orginal one, than you'd love this one too. Showing how things turned out to be for chloe price without changing specific things.
Story part's intense, gameplay have done a good job(except for the backtalk) soundtracks are lovable, though voice acting isn't as good as it should be.
So...
I'd recommend this thing.

Lonely british man
Lonely british man

the coldest line is when the main girl said "you know life is strange before the storm" coldest name drop ever my guy

retsmot
retsmot

with the stripping the supernatural and mystery elements from the overall theme, before the storm is just your average teenage drama series, with the 2 leads carrying it heavily.

at least, the bonus episode was endearing.

HelladonnaX
HelladonnaX

Very good game, I personally loved the story and playing through Chloe Price. As awkward some areas were they were still funny and added to the characters. If you're wanting to play this first like I did and then go into 'Life is Strange' please don't. Play it in order and then come back to this!

:(  #SaveTF2
:( #SaveTF2

If you loved Chloe in the first game, and crave more of the life is strange universe this is for you. Story is amazing, playing as chloe gives a great view of her character. Her voice lines seem weirdly out of touch sometimes, making it seem like deck nine made her character based off one personality trait. The voice actors are all different, Ashly Burch not returning as Chloe. But the voices of all other characters seem fine. Im also glad that we explore her and rachels relationship, even if I dont like rachel as a charcter. Solid game, Solid music, Solid Characters Totally worth for LIS fans. (9/10)

SoFresh
SoFresh

This is the first life is strange game I've ever played and I have thoroughly enjoyed it. A rich story line, characters with unique personality and immersive gameplay, I have throughly enjoyed every second of this game.

horrificals
horrificals

i am so absolutely in love with this game. The soundtrack, the characters , the scenery, the story, ALL of it. This game will never not be my favorite, it has to be the absolute best in this franchise. It will forever hold a super special place in my heart and i recommend it 1000x

Whizzy
Whizzy

Love the game, im playing on the macbook air m1 with a 16GB ram and i can run all settings on 'Hella High' with the vsync interval at 0 with the smoothest gameplay. The soundtrack is amazing and fits every scene perfectly. the voice acting is incredible as well as the story. overall this game is a 9.5/10 with my only problem being that in the deluxe edition the make your own mixtape thingy isn't that great.

Dumpster
Dumpster

This was a wild experience, I would recommend. It was a little painful to get through but I enjoyed being able to see the interactions between Chloe and Rachel. Way more emotional, for me, then the first game. Just because you know how the story ends. Rachel is an awesome character and so is Chloe. ALSO WHY THEY GOTTA HIT ME WITH THE LAST SCENE THOUGH

Setorrs The Lollygagger
Setorrs The Lo…

Took me almost an year to finish this game since i started playing it because after i finished the first game last year i knew where this game was going and i was not mentally prepared for the journey to end knowing where it will lead.

This game is a love letter to the first game that will make you cry and i loved every minute of it even tho i was feeling depressed.

The train scene where Through The Cellar Door by Lanterns On The Lake is played actually reawakened my long sleeping depression and that's why it took be almost an year to finish this game, haven't touched it since september 2021.

Playing through the prequel makes you want to tell Rachel how stuff will go down but sadly you can't. I guess this is the game's way to tell you what whatever happens in the past is the past for a reason and whatever actions we took molded us as the humans we are in the present be those actions good or bad they still represent us.

If you are feeling down after playing the first game or this one know that there is a happy ending for Max and Chloe in the comic books that are absolutely awesome, give them a try.

Dudley!
Dudley!

Not as good as the original, but still one of my favorite games :)
This is a must play if your into the life is strange series
Hella great

Axie Gaming
Axie Gaming

This game is probably the best way that we could've gotten to know Arcadia Bay before we play as Max in the predecessor. While this game stands great on its own, this isn't a game to play without the knowledge of the first. The game expects you to know just about every character, while it does throw in some new ones as well. While I do love this game and getting the opportunity to play as Chole, the first game was more thrilling and gripping. All in all, if you're not entirely ready to say goodbye to the people of Arcadia Bay, this game is a great way to experience it one last time

NOFE4R
NOFE4R

First off, the original Life is Strange is an absolutely great game and should be played. The same can't be said for Before The Storm.

It was nice to revisit Arcadia Bay, see familiar characters, locations and get a bit of backstory from the original game but there is just no fun to be had. It would be more accurate to call it a talking simulator because that's all you seem to do. Either that or "look" at objects which adds nothing to the game or plot. I almost quit when I spent 15 minutes laying a table just to move the story along.

The talk back mechanic is something but its just not enough. The story feels forced and badly written and some of the interactions just seem pointless with no consequence. I struggled to finish it, but since its not that long I forced my way through. The only saving grace is that it has a song from Wolf Alice as part of its soundtrack, the downside is that you have to finish the game to hear it.

I would save your time and money and avoid this one.

nomad976
nomad976

Maybe not as grand as the original LiS, but still it is a solid story and stays true to LiS's atmosphere

K H A N R Y S E
K H A N R Y S E

A game that will make you look into life at different perspective. Would not say I liked it more than the first one but it has its own base plot! SO GOOD!

oreoboiking2.0
oreoboiking2.0

very good game loved every second of playing it, loved the story and characters and i would 100% recommend you get this game if you loved life is strange.

Quack_Overflow 大黄鸭
Quack_Overflow 大黄鸭

Nice to know some backstory of Chloe and Rachel before playing Life is Strange .
Btw, Rachel looks fantastic on the show... Max looks nahhh...I don't know how I end up liking her after playing Life is Strange.

inpurpleshadows
inpurpleshadows

The original Life is Strange is in my opinion, a pretty good game with a good story, gorgeous graphics and beautiful music. While flawed in many aspects such as the terrible lip-sync and low-res textures it offered a great experience mostly through is beautifully told story and presentation. So when I found out there was a prequel to this game I knew I had to get it. So I played the entire game and honestly, I was kind of disappointed. Now this game is not bad by any means as there are a lot of people who absolutely adore this game and the original. But honestly, I found Life is Strange: Before the Storm to be an enjoyable but heavily flawed game. Why, you may ask. Well, lets review this game and find out.

Story: 6/10
Note: This part of the review contains major spoilers for this game. If you don't want to have this game spoiled for you, I would recommend skipping this part of the review.
One of the things that intrigued me about the original LiS was the mystery behind the disappearance of Rachel Amber. The original game gave out small hints about the relationship between Chloe and Rachel and I think it would be pretty cool for the prequel to explore more about Rachel. And in my opinion, LiS: Before the Storm does a... fine job at that. So at the beginning of the game Rachel saves Chloe from a bunch of skeevy dudes and they both develop a relationship. One day, Rachel encourages Chloe to skip school so they both get on a train and talk about each others lives. Rachel and Chloe arrive at the park and Rachel discovers that her father kissed another woman. Overwhelmed with anger and sadness Rachel breaks up with Chloe... only for both of them to get back together in the next scene. Rachel convinces Chloe to leave Arcadia Bay and start their own new life. Okay, I have many problems with the story. First off, the pacing in this game feels way too quick. In the very first episode Rachel and Chloe meet, hang out, break up and literally get back together. Another problem with the pacing is how each episode tries to cram in as much stuff in three episodes. Yeah, you heard that correctly, this game has three episodes instead of five which explains the awful pacing. What doesn't help is the plot inconsistencies between this and the first game. I know I've been mostly negative talking about the story but ignoring the terrible pacing and plot holes, the story is pretty decent and has a lot of memorable set-pieces but doesn't come close to the quality of the first game.

Characters: 5/10
One of my biggest complaints about the original Life is Strange was how bland the characters were. I though Max was pretty boring but she was a likable character and I had mixed feelings on Chloe. Despite my mixed feelings on both of the main characters, there are so many people who like both Max and Chloe and I could see the appeal as both characters are relatable to a lot of people and have a pretty interesting dynamic. However in LiS: Before the Storm we get to see Rachel for the very first time and my thoughts on her. If I have to be honest I dislike Rachel so much as she is manipulative towards Chloe, has a very short temper and she can be unreasonably mean to others. One of my problems with Chloe in both this and the original was that she would be pretty mean towards her family and Max but she did lose her father years ago and while inexcusable it is pretty understandable that she would act that way. Rachel, on the other hand is like the bad qualities of Chloe drugged up times infinity. There is even this one scene where she burns a photo of her dad, puts in in the trash can, kicks it and sets an entire forest on fire. The fire last for most of the other two episodes. I understand she was upset that her father cheated on her mother, but setting an entire forest on fire is inexcusable. The side characters on the other hand are actually likable such as Steph, Mikey, Skip, Drew, David and even Frank has a soft side to him shown in this game. Some other characters from the first game like Nathan and Victoria return, but we barely get to see them, it's almost like these characters were brought back just for nostalgia. Overall, the characters are a pretty mixed bag.

Graphics: 8/10
Honestly there's not much to say about the graphics other than they are just as gorgeous as they were in the first game. One thing I forgot to mention in my review of the first game was that the art style looked like a painting, a really beautiful painting. I really liked how unique the original games art style was but since LiS: Before the Storm was developed by a Deck Nine instead of DONTNOD I was afraid that the games graphics wouldn't translate well. Surprisingly, the at style carries well into LiS: Before the Storm and I would say it is a slight improvement. There were some minor improvements such as the textures being higher resolution, more realistic lighting and more expressive facial animations. The graphics aren't ultra-realistic but I would take a unique and colorful art style over ultra-realism.

Music: 9/10
The music of this game is fantastic, just like the original. The main composer of LiS: Before the Storm is an indie band named Daughter who made some of the best music I have ever heard in a video game. The original game had more licensed music than it did original but even then the music is still freaking good. This game on the other hand includes more original songs. Words cannot describe how much I love the music in this game, it's magical but at the same time depressing. My overall thoughts on the OST of the original LiS carries over to the prequel so I'm not gonna say much other than Daughter did an amazing job composing the games OST.

Gameplay: 7/10
The gameplay in LiS: Before the Storm is almost identical to the first game. However there are some minor changes. For one, instead of playing as Maxine Caulfield you instead play as Chloe Price. Also, instead of taking pictures of various objects and places you can instead tag things with graffiti. There is also a new feature where you can backtalk others to get your way. However, if you fail you suffer consequences that will impact you later in the game. I'm pretty mixed on this new addition as in some cases this feature is used, barely anything changes whether you fail or succeed. One thing I do like about the backtalk is how it adds some challenge to the game. Other than the new features I have the same feelings on the gameplay as I did in the first game.

Overall: 6/10
I'm pretty mixed on this game overall. This game does have some good aspects such as the slight changes to the gameplay, the improved graphics and stellar OST. However there are also some parts of this game that are very flawed such as the story, pacing and characters. I've seen many people praising this game and calling it a worthy prequel to the original game. But in my honest opinion, this game is nowhere near perfect so as the first game. I know I talked positively about the games graphics and OST but Life is Strange is a franchise that is heavily story-driven so I gotta take points off for its flawed story. Despite its flaws, I would say Life is Strange: Before the Storm is a decent and enjoyable game. I know I said this game was disappointing but I still enjoyed my time with it. If you liked the original Life is Strange, I would totally recommend this to you.

lord1cyrus
lord1cyrus

This game was fun. Nice prequel to Chloe and Rachel. Emotional hit me with its story and characters.
Story was the best part, and knowing it leads to Life is Strange. Worth a replay

some bits felt a bit slow but its ok. 10/10

Milo
Milo

This game is very above average and would highly recommend.

CakesInAPan
CakesInAPan

Before the Storm is an excellent (prequel) sequel to Life is Strange. I really loved seeing the connections between the two storylines, and though I knew I wouldn't impact them in this game I liked the thought of how my actions would tie into Max's tale.

The "backtalking" sequences were fun to riddle out, and a nice replacement of sorts for Max's abilties in Life is Strange 1, but it did seem like there were quite a lot of cut-scenes in Before the Storm, comparatively.

I'd highly recommend playing Life is Strange 1 before undertaking Life is Strange: Before the Storm solely because the connections are so much more intriguing knowing what the future holds. If you enjoy any story-based game then you'll love the Life is Strange series, no doubt!

incendito
incendito

Deck 9 puts up a strong contender. It's not up to the standard of the original LiS story by the Dontnod team but it's definitely top notch and a damn site better than Dontnod's LiS 2 effort which was just torture to get through.

Schexet
Schexet

Idno man, this is a very weak yes from me. Youknow that black mirror episode where you sometimes get to choose an action? Where you don't feel like the choices you make really matter? That is basically this game. The story is good and bring out some feels, but the story is also all it has.

nappingclowns
nappingclowns

this game was so good i am sobbing hysterically

Silver
Silver

Rachel Amber. Who is this mysterious girl? A show stealer, because this is the question that raced through my mind for most of the original game which wasn’t even about her, Life Is Strange, which I played six years ago. Life Is Strange was a game unlike any other I had ever played, a magical experience, a high school coming of age story, with a fitting soundtrack, and Stephen King-esque sci fi elements like rewinding time.

Building on this success and a large fanbase screaming for more, the developers decided to create this second Life is Strange game (not to be confused with Life is Strange 2) as a prequel to the first, hence a massive spoiler regarding the first game in its subtitle already: Before the Storm.

Life is Strange: Before the Storm is basically Chloe’s origin story (and that of her truck in LiS1). It details the major events that happened (aka “what chloe was up to”) in the time gap between the first game’s protagonist Max Caulfield leaving Arcadia Bay for Seattle and her returning to the town in Life is Strange 1. As mentioned before, a major teaser for this game was already in LiS1: Rachel Amber. In LiS you never get to see her proper, not even a flashback, just many missing person posters. But in LiS: BtS, you realize what major role she really did play in your best friend, Chloe Price’s life, after YOU had abandoned her and unfairly even broken off contact. Which also explains why Chloe was obsessing so much about her after her disappearance in LiS.

While LiS was mostly about a quiet and observant Max Caulfield with Chloe as her quirky and adventuring tomboy sidekick, in LiS: BtS you are Chloe. And get to explore her humble beginnings. Why she becomes the sort of character she is by the beginning of the events of LiS. The working class house she grew up in. The relation with her diner hostess mom, Joyce. And the flashback you see in LiS of her biological father, William, is further expanded upon, who now becomes a recurring character in Chloe’s dreams/nightmares, further underscoring how Chloe has immense trouble dealing with the loss. And how David “sgt shtdck” Madsen suddenly comes barging into her life as Joyce’s new boyfriend, who she sees as an intruder.

One big element this game lacks compared to LiS is Max’s time rewind powers. Without it, the game loses a lot of its uniqueness and charm. However, to (somewhat) make up for this, Chloe can choose one of several different outfits to wear for the duration of each episode, and is also equipped with a marker, which she uses to “tag” (graffiti) many locations in the game world with snappy words or witty doodles. The game usually gives you a choice between two kinds of messages you want to leave behind, and whichever you chose then becomes a memory in your scrapbook, like the one Max also has in LiS: a journal also filled with diary entries that are written as the game progresses.

Chloe is a substance abuser, just pot though, and loves skipping class and frequently eloping from home just to attend concerts, get a fix from her dealer Frank Bowers or hang out in solitude, especially at the town’s junkyard, and process the loss of her father, since she feels turned off by the thought of David Madsen now living in her home. In short: Chloe is a bad influence.

And that is exactly why she meets Rachel Amber. A beautiful, talented, popular girl from the same high school, Blackwell, who loves theater play but for some reason decides to bolt with Chloe for the day, not exactly revealing why. They get into trouble the next day, potentially being expelled from school and missing the play. However, when Rachel spies a strange woman kissing a man who she reveals is her father, she burns up a picture and tosses it into a can before kicking it, that then ignites a forest fire. You’d think this gigantic fire that looms over the game environment’s horizon for the rest of the game is a similar supernatural element like the Storm in LiS, but it turns out to be a red herring and the game’s main challenges are just people paying off a hierarchical order of other guys they owe money to.

While LiS1 was magical, LiS: BtS can simply be boiled down to “two girls trying to have fun as a form of escapism from their family troubles, while people keep getting in their way”. Rachel is brilliantly played in this game, a truly radiant presence and magnetic force of nature, and Chloe is more the one along for the ride.

Although LiS1 and LiS:BtS work on the same game mechanic, unlike in LiS1 where you were too captivated by the music and events to really notice, in LiS: BtS several times throughout the game you unfortunately are made aware of the limitations of the game design. You realize this game is nothing but a mix of cutscenes (where you have dialog choices) and sandbox areas where you get to click on objects to hear the protagonist’s thoughts and, occasionally, interact with them. Everything in the sandbox area is frozen in its spot. Including NPCs. They don’t react to you goofing around, and there is no flow of events which you have to rewind if you took too long, aka no timer. You can explore the sandbox while they just stand around in their idling animation. So in a sense, the game world feels static instead of real. Rinse and repeat, as you advance through the chapters.

Many environments from LiS1 are recycled in LiS: BtS, from Blackwell campus grounds over Chloe’s house to the Junkyard, and too few new locations introduced. Most of the fun actually happens in Episode 1, after that it just becomes a romance and family drama.

Another downside of this game is its shorter length. LiS1 had 5 chapters, LiS:BtS only has 3. And an additional prologue set even earlier in time as paid DLC. You’re looking at about 11 hours of gameplay compared to LiS1’s 16.

And finally, many loose ends remain untied at the conclusion of BtS. For example, the transformation of Blackwell from a high school to an academy. Or the introduction of Mark Jefferson to Blackwell, which isn’t shown. How he gets in contact with Rachel. And with the dealer for his…requirements. So overall, while BtS was a emotional experience that had me in tears several times, it still cannot fill the big shoes left behind by LiS1 and feels more like a direct-to-dvd release for fans of LiS1’s locations and characters rather than an improvement and real expansion of the game universe in any way. Still, a must have for Chloe fans and for people interested in the story of Rachel Amber.

Distant_Spirit
Distant_Spirit

"You could have a flamethrower, an army of robot ninjas, and a dragon on a leash in there, and I'd still kick your ass." -Chloe

ditzybunnii
ditzybunnii

this game is effing beautiful.

JcP1811
JcP1811

THIS IS SUCH A GOOD GAME!!!The story is amazingly good ,the twists and the character development is soo good!
:'D

WhY So SeRioUs?
WhY So SeRioUs?

make over the shoulder VR please!!

Venrar
Venrar

A great prequel to another great game. I wish I could play it for the first time all over again. Please play this game.

Arab Attack
Arab Attack

even more cringe than the first one

...8/10

Netheru
Netheru

First one was better, but still worth it!

DedVice
DedVice

A prequel rarely works this good. This game is also demanding, the musical score, the story, and the dynamic between the two main characters, plus the chemistry is fantastic. Very emotional and lifelike story. It is a must if you enjoyed LIS1. In conclusion, this game is wonderful, worth the play, but it could have been better.

rise and grind
rise and grind

The game has a good story, but this game disconnects itself from the main source material. Play this game if you want but do not expect that this "prequel" will connect to the main Life is Strange. How or Why? I'm lazy to answer, but if you know how both games progressed then I'm right, the point is, YOUR CHOICES IN THIS GAME DOESN'T MATTER. But for them to matter, you can look at it like this, in League of Legends, Vi and Jinx do not know that they are sisters but in Arcane they know and acknowledge that they are sisters, what happened, what in the hell am I saying: MULTIPLE TIMELINES YOU B*TCHES!!!

Габб
Габб

Looking for a visual & emotional rollercoaster? Then this game's for you :')

CrazedSorce
CrazedSorce

Not as good as the original, and definitely shorter, but I still had a decent time. Chloe makes for an okay protagonist, and is naturally less of a sad sack that Max was, but some of the turns in the story didn't really work as well as they probably should have.

So this gets a thumbs up, but not as enthusiastically as the original.

Lynnie
Lynnie

Even more intense than the first game in just the first episode alone! Loving the "backtalk challenges" as the gimmick for this game instead of the time control from the first game. Loving it so very much so far!

Falenone
Falenone

While the first game made me cry this one didn't feel as quality as the original. It's good, it gives you idea what happened before, music was cool and nice and everything but this one just wasn't as impactful as the original. Maybe because I knew the outcome as I played the original first? Maybe. Either way it's still awesome game with the known characters we've came to love.

Edit:
Never mind. The bonus episode hit. hard. Right in the.. sniff sniff feels

MLBlue
MLBlue

Wistful Musings The Prequel: Changing the past (even though you cant.)

I dont care about the bad writing, gimmie the popular cute fan favorites! This franchise loves drama, find out what makes fat white girls who like to cry are talking about!

SUCCYDUCCY™
SUCCYDUCCY™

PROS:
Better grounded for its lack of the supernatural
Fully nuanced characters that you’ll fall in love with all over again
About 100 times better than your average prequel
Music is continually impeccable

CONS:
Some story strands feel forced
Episode Three feels a little rushed

nikolausbears
nikolausbears

slayslays;au im a slally gay rights

WKOLOTR0N
WKOLOTR0N

This's one of that games where you start to live the life of your character. It's a melancholic daydream fantasy with some bitter moments that make you feel alive. Fantastic experience!

kervinchong
kervinchong

There are games that comes along once in a while which just takes you into a deeper state of mind and plays on your emotional heart strings as never before. Life is strange is one of those franchise that does so. The first game series which brought you the story of reunion between two long lost childhood friends, Max and Chloe, set in the town of Arcadia Bay, amidst a setting of small town daily life and its tragedies. The ordinary life soon changed when Max later found out that one could wield powers that may alter your life and others, ending with the most important of lesson of all, with great power comes great responsibilities.

The second sequel is actually a prequel, bringing a more intimate look at the relation of Chloe after Max left and she had to deal with the death of her father which she looked up to and her relationship with Rachel, a friend at school. As a sequel, it of course has to vie with the success of the first series and to me it was done well and provides a different, yet familiar experience of the first.

The game play narrative mechanics are well done and graphics are excellent. The story line and personal interactions among the various characters are its charm and makes you really invested in the outcomes from the game. And be prepared for tons of reading and dialogues as this is the crux of the game. All in all those playing the first game will love the second as it adds on to the overall story of the girls and for those who haven't played the first will give very deep in sight and push you to play the first series.

JoeJira
JoeJira

A must play masterpiece! This game is just as good as the original Life is Strange game. It made me laugh and cry. Deck Nine,Square Enix and Feral Interactive hit it out of the ball park again with this one. Life is Strange has an amazing story from head to toe and the art style is phenomenal. Its also an excellent tie into the original game providing more back story and lore. This game is an 11/10 I would highly recommend.

ryantuchow
ryantuchow

It's pretty good. Some nice voice acting, emotional moments and captures the teenage angst and loss well. It's a good short (about 10 hours) game with some very nice moments. The ending doesn't hit as hard as some of the other moments, but it's pretty good and powerful.

Aeryn
Aeryn

At first I was worried that this wouldn't add much to the original game, but it actually does. It starts a bit slow but picks up in Episodes 2 and 3. I loved getting to see more of Rachel and Chloe's backstories, and of course it is a total tearjerker as well. Overall a good way to kill a few hours if you liked Life Is Strange 1. There are multiple sides to each story, none of which are fully right or wrong as they each have some truth to them. Definitely play the bonus episode as well, it does actually add to the story and isn't too long.

Egg-Roll
Egg-Roll

I now hate you even more for killing Rachel in LiS. So much so I really wanted to hit No I don't recommend this game.
As good as LiS? No but it's still a better love story than what most movies have.

Raio
Raio

Ok.. Thank You devs. Applause.. again.

Casual
Casual

Beautifully executed prequel to the first game, especially not having played the first game in 7 years

Mableism
Mableism

Well I rewinded and bought this game again.

FrøzenShadøw
FrøzenShadøw

I love this. Makes me cry like a biatch every time.

pon
pon

i am in love with steph and rachel

Ariok^^
Ariok^^

You cant miss this if you have played the fist part! it completes the whole story. 10/10

michael.517
michael.517

Always enjoy spending time in Arcadia Bay!

Furriated
Furriated

im actually having so much fun here omg, ,life is strangeis amazing

Ryjin
Ryjin

If you were in your feelings playing the first game, you are guaranteed to be in your feeling again.
The games art is special and something you need to experience for yourself.
The game can get super cheesy, but that's the charm of the game.

This is still my favorite game franchise without a doubt.

"If your life sucks it means you're still alive." — Chloe Price

Achievement Guide

❀✿ nicole ✿❀
❀✿ nicole ✿❀

This is the much-needed sequel for fans and lovers of the first Life is Strange game. It explores deeply on the relationship between Chloe and Rachel and rounds out these characters so much more, so much so that replaying Life is Strange after finishing Before the Storm will give you a brand new experience and perspective on the story and the characters.

In short, I wholeheartedly recommend Life is Strange: Before the Storm to everyone who loves the original LiS game and wants to explore more on the story and/or relationships in them. As much as I know their story has ended, I really wish it didn't have to end though, and this is a testament to how excellent this game is, because it isn't just a game, it's an experience like no other!

MANTIS
MANTIS

Only get this game if you really liked the original Life is Strange, and you want to know more about Chloe Price. While I feel this game understands Chloe's character, I can't say the writers really understood Rachel Amber (which is the character most people wanted to know about since she was the original game's mystery character).

The narrative of this game completely glosses over Rachel's manipulation towards Chloe, and focuses more on Rachel's impulsive nature. It severely misunderstands Rachel Amber's character, and her relationship with Chloe. Rachel's two-faced nature from the first game (spending time with Chloe and then sleeping with other guys) is never shown or addressed here. It makes this Rachel Amber and the one from Life is Strange seem like two completely different characters. Besides Rachel, other characters like Nathan are also not used well here either. The narrative overall is very unsatisfying compared to the original game.

I replayed the original Life is Strange and I felt the story still held up, even now. I played Before The Storm when it released and I thought it was fine at the time, however, when I replayed it on PC I realized it's just not the same level of quality as the first game. If you had issues with the original game's story, I would say steer clear of this one. It's a downgrade in writing.

Strawberry
Strawberry

im gay so i love this game too much

「Kelsey」
「Kelsey」

Why prequels are bad and unnecessary: The game.

Dragon
Dragon

While certainly not upto the level of the original, the game certainly manages to get most things right and leave you with an emotional and sweet experience.

wizkid2004
wizkid2004

One of my all time favorite games that truly never ceases to amaze me in both story and character design.

deitzy
deitzy

This game was devastating, beautiful, and one of the most immersive games I've played. The writing and characters are developed so well and I appreciated and loved every hour of playing it.

John4n
John4n

Prequel To The Best Game Of All Time 10/10

decimals123
decimals123

This game is by FAR my most favorite game the story telling is fantastic, the sound track is amazing, the relationship you build with Rachael is something that feels amazing this an amazing feels good story with all the ups and downs you would expect it's real and it's amazing

sam.watson4
sam.watson4

Great game for tired eyes after a long day of spreadsheets and stress.

Slin
Slin

i wish i could run into a hot blonde popular girl at a party and then get into silly little scenarios with her where we almost die a few times. 10/10, realistic

iranarmy
iranarmy

from big fan of life is strange 1 i can not recommend.
and the important thing is:
DO NOT BUY THIS GAME IF YOU THINK THIS IS GOING TO TELL YOU STORY BEFORE THE STORM BECAUSE ITS NOT!
this is cheap story about a Chloe who already we know if you play life is strange 1 that is going to fall in love with Rachel.
i though it is going to be great because we can know now what happen to Rachel. how is max and Chloe friendship. and what happened before the story of life is strange 1 but nah. its going to tell you another story yes it is before event of life is strange 1 but the fact is its completely another story before that event and its not going to impact and see what did happened before life is strange 1 but its just telling you how chloe was (and let me tell you its not much different)
but this is just simple story about two girl that both have some problem and is going to be together and get in relationship (even if you dont want)
no matter how hard you try to be good with your parents. or how hard you try to care about your Rachel what suppose to be happen will go to be happen.
it has theater scene when you have no idea how to do it good expect you see the guides or stay for hours because your going to remember what you say in show and unlike max it doesnt have any ability so you must restart chapter over if you want to read the letter again.
you see the scene when you choice to you stay on school or Rachelle and it is going to one of the important choices but how it is important when we already know what will happen and she is still going to get fired?
no matter what you choice ending is very bad and simple i mean you play it for hours just to dont get any point and still everything is same like before you played the game.
The story goes same expect one secret cut scene at the end which is more like secret ending not something in story and its not what everyone want to see (because of story.)
anyway dont get me wrong the story is not bad its actually good with great scenes that i even cried or laugh or feel depress and i feel the same as char and etc... BUT! what i am saying is that its more like video then the choice base game and no matter what you choice you will see the same thing.
gameplay:
-no stealth
-no good puzzle
-no ability
graphic:
good but not diff from life is strange 1
music:
one of the best thing the game has :)
story in short:
great story with great romantic and drama and surprises that you cant guess and you want to play it more because you like to spend more time with Rachel and sit next to her and listen music in train :)
but dont expect great impact because the choice you made and great story
and just know what the story is about Chloe and how she was before the storm not the story that reveals the things that happend before the even of life is strange 1

Nismo
Nismo

When I first started playing Before the Storm, 3 years after I finished Life Is Strange 1, I must admit, I completely forgot everything about it. I came into this thinking I would be left traumatized and depressed after playing all 3 episodes. Except, half-way through, I ended up questioning if there really was going to be a traumatic twist that'd make me weep for some of the characters. It was only until I finished the game, disappointed, that the final cut-scene flooded my memories, forcing me to relive the inevitable tragedy that were to occur after these 3 episodes. I wished Deck Nine/Square Enix could pull a Max, and let it so it wouldn't have to be this way, but of course, it would only serve to devalue the story. One can only hope the developers could get off use this game as a template for story telling without the forced "movement" clauses they seek to impress now a days.

+ this game had one of the best soundtracks in all of video game history.

Anonymous
Anonymous

really interesting, first game can never be topped but this was very very close. well done!

wub7
wub7

Just like life is strange 1 and 2, this game was really well done as well. This game also has an added 'dialogue challenge' where you can alter people's choices based on your selection of words. Great graphics, soundtracks and story, what more can I say? Definitely recommended.

isabsandrade3
isabsandrade3

the most heartbreaking but amazing game ive played

DarkMantis
DarkMantis

Most heartbreaking game i've played

rowanoake21
rowanoake21

I absolutely love the direction and passion in this game. This entire series. But especially this one. My heart has been torn to pieces inside out. I feel like this game understands me on a level that I don't even understand. Talk about getting closure, healing, and validation from a game. Thank you to everyone who worked on it. I couldn't recommend it more! Please play the first one before this one though for the best experience!

LandonsBS
LandonsBS

I argued with the principal, step-douche, a bouncer, a drug dealer, and a jock twice my size, and after all that Mikey in DnD was the only one to have a chance in an argument.

I enjoyed it, but its writing is flawed heavily. Also the choices don't matter. don't fall for it

You'll have the best experience if you want gay fanservice over anything else

Plague Juice
Plague Juice

Honestly, my least favorite thing about this game series, is when the game ends.

Dog_Juice
Dog_Juice

‘Hello there, fellow kids!’ the game.

llaguna
llaguna

Well if you compare it with Life is Strange...
OK, it is still a great game, I recommend it.

vchen91745
vchen91745

Do you like playing as troubled girls making hard choices and being hella gay? Then this game is your jam! I loved the original Life is Strange and wanted more, this prequel game fulfilled my cravings perfectly. The story is well-written, pacing is good. If you liked Life is Strange then you know what kind of game you're getting into.

Raccoon
Raccoon

Amazing game! I bought the game on Steam to play it in VR! (Originally completed on Xbox)

Born from a wish
Born from a wish

Loved every second of it, even the cringiness

Anonymous
Anonymous

First game that has ever made me cry. Ugh. Beautiful. Rachel Amber 4ever.

Hayley
Hayley

I absolutely adore the life is strange series and have replayed this game many times! I fell in love with the characters and their stories and this franchise is just incredible! If you haven't heard of these games definitely give them a chance, you won't be disappointed!

poranisko
poranisko

i love chloe so much omg!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! lesbians.

Hexagon240
Hexagon240

Made me cry. Great story, as expected. I always explore the entirety of these games as I love all the details here and there. Even though Chloe cannot rewind time, I never felt like I needed to do so. The arguing thing is fun.

ShaleBark
ShaleBark

This is my least favorite Life is Strange game by far. I have replayed Life is Strange 1 and 2 multiple times and still love them. I honestly don't plan on replaying this one. It's not horrible, but if you buy it, only do so when it's on sale so that it's somewhat worth the price.

The story is interesting, but it's bogged down by poor voice acting, weird game play decisions, slow pacing, and the cringeworthy "talk-back" system. Play this if you want the full story behind Chloe and Rachel Amber, but the synopsis you get in LiS 1 is more than enough info.

Purplemeeks
Purplemeeks

gay, gay home of sexuals, gay, lesbians, gay

10/10