A few years back, Dontnod Entertainment presented us with this little gem called Life Is Strange that turned out to be a massive world unto itself. By that I mean, the world is not one filled with miles and miles of cities, villages, dungeon's and caves, instead it is one filled with immense human depth of character, experience and connection. Developed by a French team, the game actually takes place in the Pacific Northwest and is fairly spot on when it comes to it's portrayal of modern American culture. It's not a combat based game by any means with the focus being on exploration, puzzle solving and the consequence of choices and path's taken.
This style of game is some time's called "walking simulator" by critics, but there is just so much to discover and delve into. The story of the game revolves around photography student Max and her relationship with her estranged friend Chloe set in the atmospheric back drop of their small town and private school. Gameplay involves utilizing Max's superpower of being able to rewind time and make different choices for a different outcomes. The plot is extremely well written and it's characters exquisitely developed and detailed. There is no shortage of memorable scenes, lines and shocking twist. The game forces you to truly care about the characters, even the supporting ones. You may despise the apparent villains, but even they too are likeable or at least believable.
The experience compels you to realize the impact your actions and decisions have on the one's around you, the ones you care about most. The fragility of life and well being is passionately highlighted here. You are sent on a roller coaster of possibilities filled with dramatic turns and emotional plunges. You are left in some pretty surreal places to contemplate the loss and sadness. The game gives you more than an amazing story, it gives you a renewed appreciation for the people in your life and how easily that can be taken away. The bonds between family, friends and lovers can be strong, but the circumstances around them can be delicately frail. There is something to be said about vulnerability here.
Life Is Strange thrust you deep into the dual realities of relationships: from the abusive, toxic hurt-filled ones to the supportive, tender and loving ones. There are even a few moments of beautifully sweet physical affection here and there. Common topics of the cuddle community are within this game: consent, love, compassion, interpersonal relationships as well broader social problems such as suicide, the affects of violence, drug abuse, distrust between genders and bullying along with some sci-fi themes (and clever references) as well. I won't spoil the story for you, but if you love video games, if you love mystery, if you love cuddling, if you love human connection then you need to play this game. Even with enormous open-ended worlds, the biggest, most challenging adventure is with AND within each other. How wonderfully strange life is.
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