I do agree that there was a little bit of a political agenda and that in places it's a little bit too obvious or exaggerated - but this game was absolutely magnificent. It's been a while since I've felt such emotion and connection to fictional characters and I seriously put that next to Red Dead 2 in terms of heart-strings.
I loved the other Life is Strange games, but I think this one will resonate with me for a while. Damn!
39 Reviews
Still good
Andy64312 September 2020
This one will break your heart
hector_civic18 August 2020
Criminally underrated game
dplowsav20 September 2021
7.2?!? I normally don't give games a perfect 10, cause there's always something to take away from a game. In this case though, LiS2 deserves a far better spot than 7.2.
It is easily the better title with a greater focus on character development between the protagonist and his brother. Not to mention, it serves as a good roadtrip movie which for me, is a far more interesting environment than the school.
Naturally the first one was a murder mystery. Here, it's more about hard choices while trying to hold onto your morality.
I feel the low ratings come from those who not only wanted a similar game to LiS1 but those who were also trapped in its nostalgia.
It is easily the better title with a greater focus on character development between the protagonist and his brother. Not to mention, it serves as a good roadtrip movie which for me, is a far more interesting environment than the school.
Naturally the first one was a murder mystery. Here, it's more about hard choices while trying to hold onto your morality.
I feel the low ratings come from those who not only wanted a similar game to LiS1 but those who were also trapped in its nostalgia.
Best game I have played in 30 years of my life
pcgamesreviewer17 December 2019
Life Is Strange 2 is more than a game. It is a piece of art.
There are no dragons to slay or spaceships to maneuver. It is just about two boys from Seattle learning to survive in post-Trump USA.
Teenager Sean Diaz and his little brother Daniel flee their home into the forests of Washington state after a brutal accident that leaves their single father dead. Through their long journey south, the two of them navigate homelessness, police brutality, racism, grief, death, loss, family, friendship, the kindness of strangers, and the intense natural beauty of the American wilderness.
Playing as Sean, the de facto guardian of Daniel, you learn the gentle art of parenting. You learn to play with your little brother, even when fed up and starving. You learn to bear with temper tantrums, because you know he is just a little kid. You learn to shield someone from the brutalities of the real world by taking on burdens of your own.
What really sets the game apart from watching a movie is the fact that you as player are responsible for its characters. In movies, you know from the outset, the main characters will live to experience a happy ending, because producers have paid millions for a top-notch actor to show their face and every minute counts. In LIS2, the main characters can screw up and never recover. Because the consequences of player choice only materialise hours or days after they are made, you cannot simply reload and watch a different ending.
In my whole life, I have never played a game like this. Even a person like me who works with issues of poverty, health, and inequality found dormant emotions inside me of compassion, sorrow, and love that had been numbed out by the daily grind. It made me smile, laugh, stare in shock, howl, and cry. It made me question my life, my place in the world, and my relationship with the many vulnerable people that inhabit it.
I cannot recommend playing this game highly enough to seasoned gamers and newcomers alike. Trust me, it will transform you.
There are no dragons to slay or spaceships to maneuver. It is just about two boys from Seattle learning to survive in post-Trump USA.
Teenager Sean Diaz and his little brother Daniel flee their home into the forests of Washington state after a brutal accident that leaves their single father dead. Through their long journey south, the two of them navigate homelessness, police brutality, racism, grief, death, loss, family, friendship, the kindness of strangers, and the intense natural beauty of the American wilderness.
Playing as Sean, the de facto guardian of Daniel, you learn the gentle art of parenting. You learn to play with your little brother, even when fed up and starving. You learn to bear with temper tantrums, because you know he is just a little kid. You learn to shield someone from the brutalities of the real world by taking on burdens of your own.
What really sets the game apart from watching a movie is the fact that you as player are responsible for its characters. In movies, you know from the outset, the main characters will live to experience a happy ending, because producers have paid millions for a top-notch actor to show their face and every minute counts. In LIS2, the main characters can screw up and never recover. Because the consequences of player choice only materialise hours or days after they are made, you cannot simply reload and watch a different ending.
In my whole life, I have never played a game like this. Even a person like me who works with issues of poverty, health, and inequality found dormant emotions inside me of compassion, sorrow, and love that had been numbed out by the daily grind. It made me smile, laugh, stare in shock, howl, and cry. It made me question my life, my place in the world, and my relationship with the many vulnerable people that inhabit it.
I cannot recommend playing this game highly enough to seasoned gamers and newcomers alike. Trust me, it will transform you.
Just WOW!
alameda_neo200012 May 2020
This is truly an emotional masterpiece,odyssey of feelings and pure art.
The blend of storytelling,character development,locations and of course that soundtrack that tunes in at the perfect moment will undoubtedly make you realise that you have a soul, that you care.
Whilst few positives, it's ultimately disappointing.
SamJamie27 March 2021
The story of Life is Strange 2 follows the two Diaz brothers, Sean and Daniel, ages 16 and 9, respectively, on their journey from Seattle, the USA to their father's home town of Puerto Lobos, Mexico.
Whilst I was a massive fan of both LIS1 and LISBTS, I found this game to be rather lacking in comparison. It's a game with noble intent without the skills to fulfil its potential, showing that sometimes life isn't strange, but disappointing. I found the two leads unlikable, whilst the brotherly bond between them had nice moments, the characters' motivations were questionable. Due to the road movie approach, the secondary characters also lack depth. The attitude of the protagonists is not credible and you do not empathize with them most of the time. The game is rather heavy-handed at times with its religious and political messages too. Also, winks to pop culture, hallmarks of the entire saga, almost disappear. The music is not remarkable. Because of these issues, I found the game felt long and rather boring, even though it's a relatively short game. Only some surprising moments save it from being completely unlikable. Hopefully LIS: True Colours can be the saving grace for the series.
Whilst I was a massive fan of both LIS1 and LISBTS, I found this game to be rather lacking in comparison. It's a game with noble intent without the skills to fulfil its potential, showing that sometimes life isn't strange, but disappointing. I found the two leads unlikable, whilst the brotherly bond between them had nice moments, the characters' motivations were questionable. Due to the road movie approach, the secondary characters also lack depth. The attitude of the protagonists is not credible and you do not empathize with them most of the time. The game is rather heavy-handed at times with its religious and political messages too. Also, winks to pop culture, hallmarks of the entire saga, almost disappear. The music is not remarkable. Because of these issues, I found the game felt long and rather boring, even though it's a relatively short game. Only some surprising moments save it from being completely unlikable. Hopefully LIS: True Colours can be the saving grace for the series.
Very Emotional!
eskimosound24 January 2020
Stunning game, very, very, very, very sad...
I played this solidly for 5 days and got very emotionally involved.
The pace, the story telling and the choices all add up to make a stunning game...the sad songs have you humming along as you journey to Mexico.
You really root for the characters.
Loved it and wish it had carried on for a lot longer.
Life Is Strange is much better than this
m7212 January 2020
Warning: Spoilers
I'm not gonna say much, just that this is not anywhere near as good as the first game which is a masterpiece and probably the most enjoyable story I've ever played. Pretty much everything is worse. The characters, the voice acting, the gameplay is very dull and almost completely nonexistent, the plot and powers is not nearly as interesting and intriguing, the music, the overall execution of the story and some of the choices. The further and increasing pushing of pro homosexuality agenda in optional choice and right in the story. That said, the story is generally pretty good and characters and acting aren't that bad or anything. Just not nearly as well done or interesting to me as the first game.
A bad version of Life is Strange
tweekzter20 December 2018
This review is about Episode 1.
Life is Strange Season 1(!) is a unique and one of the best games out there. If you remotely like adventure games, scifi or drama, you will love LiS. So of course every fan impatiently waited for Season 2 to arrive.
Some were a bit disappointed by the decision not to continue with Max & Chloe, but the devs opinion, the story was told and it was time for something new.
While this game still feels like Life is Strange on the first look, I can't help but say that there is still something essential missing. Season 1 was taking a mature stance on things, challenging our views and decisions, having an impactful storyline and drawing characters in different shades. Season 2 falls completely flat on that part (for now).
You got a well working moral "caring-system" for your brother, which will influence his fate, but that's about it. The story makes no sense at best. i do not want to spoiler, but one question sums it up: "Why are they doing this?" The lead characters are sympathic, but not more than the side characters on Season 1. And the worst: all the other characters come along as stereotypical as it gets. Everyone on the country is a racist. Police is trigger happy and racist. Neighbours are... racist. The only good guy is a poor version of Michael Moore. So in the end, there might be an answer to the "why" - but it does not get any better as it is: "because everybody is racist". Point.
This is just so not Life is Strange. Life is Strange is known for elaborating on characters and why they act the way they do. Instead, LiS must have a Trump-Trauma and uses Season 2 as SJW-lecture.
So sad. :)
Life is Strange Season 1(!) is a unique and one of the best games out there. If you remotely like adventure games, scifi or drama, you will love LiS. So of course every fan impatiently waited for Season 2 to arrive.
Some were a bit disappointed by the decision not to continue with Max & Chloe, but the devs opinion, the story was told and it was time for something new.
While this game still feels like Life is Strange on the first look, I can't help but say that there is still something essential missing. Season 1 was taking a mature stance on things, challenging our views and decisions, having an impactful storyline and drawing characters in different shades. Season 2 falls completely flat on that part (for now).
You got a well working moral "caring-system" for your brother, which will influence his fate, but that's about it. The story makes no sense at best. i do not want to spoiler, but one question sums it up: "Why are they doing this?" The lead characters are sympathic, but not more than the side characters on Season 1. And the worst: all the other characters come along as stereotypical as it gets. Everyone on the country is a racist. Police is trigger happy and racist. Neighbours are... racist. The only good guy is a poor version of Michael Moore. So in the end, there might be an answer to the "why" - but it does not get any better as it is: "because everybody is racist". Point.
This is just so not Life is Strange. Life is Strange is known for elaborating on characters and why they act the way they do. Instead, LiS must have a Trump-Trauma and uses Season 2 as SJW-lecture.
So sad. :)
Amazing Graphic Designs and Imaginative Soundtrack but Average Characters and Predictable Plot
kluseba21 March 2022
Life Is Strange 2 is the third entry in the episodic graphic adventure video games where the players' decisions determine the twists and turns in the story. This video game consists of five episodes of roughly four hours each that have been released between September 2018 and December 2019. The physical release also includes The Awesome Adventures of Captain Spirit based upon a side character of the main game. It's the same game genre but should rather be seen as a side quest that takes not more than two hours to complete.
The main story revolves around teenage brothers Sean and Daniel Diaz. A terrible series of misunderstandings leading to a deadly accident force the two brothers to run away from their home in Seattle right from the start. The older brother tries to guide his younger brother Daniel as the latter discovers that he has telekinetic powers. Throughout the story, the brothers will have the choice to use or not to use these powers which may lead to very different outcomes. This coming-of-age tale about family, forgiveness, friendship, hatred and love leads the duo through numerous challenges across the United States of America from Washington over Oregon, California and Nevada to Arizona.
This game convinces on a few levels. The story certainly has some philosophical depth as it's interesting to see the two lead characters grow through their challenges. The settings are particularly interesting from lush wildlife in Cascadia to the desert wasteland in Nevada and Arizona. The game's appeasing alternative pop and rock soundtrack is enchanting as usual. The game's finale certainly leaves an impression as well.
However, this game is not without its flaws. Due to the changing settings, the game doesn't have the same enigmatic atmosphere as its predecessors. The story line also offers few surprises and especially only plods along in the second, third and fourth episodes. Several episodes have unnecessary lengths that don't add anything to the characters or story. The repetitive wolf tales that the older brother tells the younger one are rather childish. Speaking of the two lead characters, I couldn't empathize as much with them as with the female characters from the two preceding games. Their actions, choices and motivations were at times very strange throughout the game to say the least.
This game could probably please empathic teenage boys more than anyone else. To be honest, this game offers more of the same to the franchise without leaving a significant mark. Unconditional fans can play this game without any regrets but occasional fans or newcomers can skip this release and should focus on the first release in the franchise instead.
The main story revolves around teenage brothers Sean and Daniel Diaz. A terrible series of misunderstandings leading to a deadly accident force the two brothers to run away from their home in Seattle right from the start. The older brother tries to guide his younger brother Daniel as the latter discovers that he has telekinetic powers. Throughout the story, the brothers will have the choice to use or not to use these powers which may lead to very different outcomes. This coming-of-age tale about family, forgiveness, friendship, hatred and love leads the duo through numerous challenges across the United States of America from Washington over Oregon, California and Nevada to Arizona.
This game convinces on a few levels. The story certainly has some philosophical depth as it's interesting to see the two lead characters grow through their challenges. The settings are particularly interesting from lush wildlife in Cascadia to the desert wasteland in Nevada and Arizona. The game's appeasing alternative pop and rock soundtrack is enchanting as usual. The game's finale certainly leaves an impression as well.
However, this game is not without its flaws. Due to the changing settings, the game doesn't have the same enigmatic atmosphere as its predecessors. The story line also offers few surprises and especially only plods along in the second, third and fourth episodes. Several episodes have unnecessary lengths that don't add anything to the characters or story. The repetitive wolf tales that the older brother tells the younger one are rather childish. Speaking of the two lead characters, I couldn't empathize as much with them as with the female characters from the two preceding games. Their actions, choices and motivations were at times very strange throughout the game to say the least.
This game could probably please empathic teenage boys more than anyone else. To be honest, this game offers more of the same to the franchise without leaving a significant mark. Unconditional fans can play this game without any regrets but occasional fans or newcomers can skip this release and should focus on the first release in the franchise instead.
Life is Boring
Lefteris-Anagnostopoulos28 February 2021
This game has all the negatives of the original Life is Strange and none of its qualities. The story is unoriginal and its meaning forced. The characters are one-dimensional, annoying and badly written and there's no mystery to uncover, it's just boring. PLUS the game crashed three times and gave me the "fatal error" message -besides the countless bugs like character models teleporting, missing shadows- on episode 4.
Honestly, after that and counting the fact that I didn't had the greatest of times I just watched the rest on YouTube and saved another six hours of my time. Whatever, I 'm not gonna replay it.
5/10
PS. F@K DANIEL!
Honestly, after that and counting the fact that I didn't had the greatest of times I just watched the rest on YouTube and saved another six hours of my time. Whatever, I 'm not gonna replay it.
5/10
PS. F@K DANIEL!
Not as good as the first but massively underrated
P9722 November 2018
One of the main reasons why most fans didn't like this it's because this is not a follow up to max and chloe's story which is unfair and yeah the voice acting and dialogue is kinda weak specially the main protagonist (sean) it's not flawless but even so, the story and characters are really good, it's much more longer and bigger than the original life is strange and it's very grounded, this game also started out a lot more emotional than the first episode of season 1 which is fitting since this game is goes for a darker and more miserable story.
One of the main flaws of season 1 was the fact that the final episode was really rushed and disjointed (lis bts suffers even more from this issue) but not this game since it has several endings and surprisingly this is the only lis game that have your choices actually impact the ending you get, that's a huge improvement for the series.
Now of course nothing is perfect and this game has some pacing and story issues, for example i wanted more out of chris (captain spirit) since he had his own little game, another thing is that the cast and the setting constantly change in the game and while that makes things fresh it makes it hard to get into the side characters since they won't stay for long but other than that the relationship between the two brothers is the heart and soul of this game and that never change.
Overall this is a great game that if you go with the right expectations it can bring out a lot of feelings out of you, definitely a lot better than the scores would tell you.
One of the main flaws of season 1 was the fact that the final episode was really rushed and disjointed (lis bts suffers even more from this issue) but not this game since it has several endings and surprisingly this is the only lis game that have your choices actually impact the ending you get, that's a huge improvement for the series.
Now of course nothing is perfect and this game has some pacing and story issues, for example i wanted more out of chris (captain spirit) since he had his own little game, another thing is that the cast and the setting constantly change in the game and while that makes things fresh it makes it hard to get into the side characters since they won't stay for long but other than that the relationship between the two brothers is the heart and soul of this game and that never change.
Overall this is a great game that if you go with the right expectations it can bring out a lot of feelings out of you, definitely a lot better than the scores would tell you.
Wonderfully immersive.....
eskimosound28 January 2020
Wonderfully immersive and unbearably sad...
This game gets you...it's more like watching an animated movie and you control the outcome by your actions...in fact that's it exactly!
It draws you in from the start and gets unbearably desperate and upsetting.
It's brilliant!!
Please don't hate on it just because it doesn't have max or chloe
coolprinceofbaroda24 May 2019
People have to understand that the devs were done with Max and Chloe's story. It was a complete story with a satisfying end. They even gave a comic book series to calm the fans bashing Lis2 for not having M&C. This game is different and equally well written as its predecessor. Even better IMO. Also, the longer wait between episodes is due to the longer gameplay, improvered graphics , different locations with different episodes , demanding budget etc. I was immediately connected to the Diaz brothers and their journey for survival. I like seeing new characters and their interaction with Daniel. It is a wonderful game and I look forward to further episodes. I just request everyone to play the game first instead if hating on it automatically. I am sure you will change your mind :)
A pleasant story
AvionPrince1610 December 2021
The story is good but nothing else. I enjoyed the symbol of the two wolf as a reference to the two brothers but the story is pleasant to follow but nothing more. There is also a final choice but i found it pretty classic really. Some impact in the choices are there but the line story its pretty the same. Pretty disappointed really. I expected way more of this video game and i coulnt have the same satisfaction at the first life is strange and i was pretty disappointed even if the game is good and have some themes interesting to follow but nothing more.
One of my favorite games of all-time
PaulaFromTwoson18 December 2019
I'm very surprised by the overall rating of this game (6.7/10) I loved Life is strange 1 as much as I'm sure a lot of other people playing this game do, too. But, in my opinion, this one blows the first one out of the water. I loved this game since the very first episode (and not to mention Caption Spirit was a great 'teaser') I loved how they tied into each other. This isn't really a spoiler, but LIS1 had just 2 endings (which, depending on what ending you chose, everything else didn't REALLY matter), but in this one, you have 7 endings. Yes, SEVEN. I was shocked by all the different endings and to be honest, it's still effecting me. The complex relationship of these two brothers was just incredible. All the trials and issues they have to face on a daily basis. I hear people saying that everyone is in this game are are overly 'evil' but, I mean, they are Hispanic kids. Unless you are Hispanic living in today's United States, you have no room to talk. This game perfectly captures what it's like to do something on accident and kill someone, and then be immediately guilty because of their ethnicity. I digress. If you liked the first game, play this one. You will not be disappointed, as long as you can have an open mind.
More options required
iamkeiran-381-35045424 July 2023
Warning: Spoilers
This game has some massive highs and rock bottom moments. For the most part, the responses are appropriate to what I would normally choose all but one thing. There needs to be an option to just smack Daniel in the head. If this were an option I would be using it 90% of the time!
The character of the younger brother is so annoying at times that I almost had to stop playing. I found myself telling at the tv at the character. I wanted to have an option so badly to just beat the crap out of him as that is what I would have actually done if it were my bro in the same situations they were put in.
One of the most frustratingly annoying characters I've ever experienced in any game and I am not sure who on earth thought a game surrounding a precocious annoying little kid would be a good idea, without the option to punch him in the face.
The character of the younger brother is so annoying at times that I almost had to stop playing. I found myself telling at the tv at the character. I wanted to have an option so badly to just beat the crap out of him as that is what I would have actually done if it were my bro in the same situations they were put in.
One of the most frustratingly annoying characters I've ever experienced in any game and I am not sure who on earth thought a game surrounding a precocious annoying little kid would be a good idea, without the option to punch him in the face.
Episode 1: expected more from Dontnod 4.5/10
matthiasmc0030 October 2018
Warning: Spoilers
I loved season 1 and before the storm and loved the stories they told and the characters they set up. I even somewhat enjoyed the awesome adventures of Captain spirit. I knew going into season 2 it would be different because it is a different setting and different characters. However, saying that, so far I have been extremely dissapointed in season 2 and expected much more from Dontnod.
First of all, even at the start, the voice acting is very poor and the writing is a bit off and there are awkward pauses in the dialogue. I wanted to like the characters but the poor acting and writing made it hard to, especially when I'm accustomed to better writing by Dontnod in season 1.
The story itself also feels a bit rushed, they don't give much time to introduce the characters, especially the dad, before killing him and ushering into the action. I did feel a bit for the characters just cause they were children who had lost their father and I was somewhat starting to like the father but there just wasn't enough there for me to feel in full for him cause we had literally just been introduced.
Throughout the story, Daniel's voice actor actually does a decent job but Sean's absolutely sucks, especially when he tries to be emotional. In scenes where he's supposed to be sad and show emotion he sounds like he's trying so hard and sucking to sound sad whereas the actor for Daniel does it easily. Even the few voice actors in Captain Spirit, which probably had much less production put into it, were all better than Sean. Lyla isn't much better than him either and their scenes together strive to be like max and Chloe's interactions but they fall so short because of the poor acting/writing.
I'm also not sure how this traveling dynamic is going to add to the story because, especially in season 1, more than half of the appeal was the characters and the location it spent so much time developing, not just the main ones, and I don't see how they can do that with this one if they're constantly traveling and changing scenery and meeting different characters.
Episode 1 did show some potential in the story that hopefully episode 2 will improve on and it at least got me intrigued to see where the story will go but overall I was dissapointed in episode 1 and expected more from Dontnod.
First of all, even at the start, the voice acting is very poor and the writing is a bit off and there are awkward pauses in the dialogue. I wanted to like the characters but the poor acting and writing made it hard to, especially when I'm accustomed to better writing by Dontnod in season 1.
The story itself also feels a bit rushed, they don't give much time to introduce the characters, especially the dad, before killing him and ushering into the action. I did feel a bit for the characters just cause they were children who had lost their father and I was somewhat starting to like the father but there just wasn't enough there for me to feel in full for him cause we had literally just been introduced.
Throughout the story, Daniel's voice actor actually does a decent job but Sean's absolutely sucks, especially when he tries to be emotional. In scenes where he's supposed to be sad and show emotion he sounds like he's trying so hard and sucking to sound sad whereas the actor for Daniel does it easily. Even the few voice actors in Captain Spirit, which probably had much less production put into it, were all better than Sean. Lyla isn't much better than him either and their scenes together strive to be like max and Chloe's interactions but they fall so short because of the poor acting/writing.
I'm also not sure how this traveling dynamic is going to add to the story because, especially in season 1, more than half of the appeal was the characters and the location it spent so much time developing, not just the main ones, and I don't see how they can do that with this one if they're constantly traveling and changing scenery and meeting different characters.
Episode 1 did show some potential in the story that hopefully episode 2 will improve on and it at least got me intrigued to see where the story will go but overall I was dissapointed in episode 1 and expected more from Dontnod.
We'll always have Arcadia
jessejlaw13 August 2019
Not engaging
mmhasmadskill18 August 2019
I played this because it's on XBOX GamePass and it's dull, the first season is amazing, the pacing story and characters make a insane combination. With this story the characters are lame, your options don't make sense and the pacing is just plain stupid. The Devs obviously want me to care about the characters but without a consistent cast of characters I don't really care what happens to them, I don't know who they are or why I should care about them. Overall disappointing!!
Great game
8512228 November 2020
Greetings from Lithuania.
If you liked first two games in the series, i'm sure you will like this one as well. It has terrific writing, amazing music, great story and terrific pacing. I have not expected this game to be this good to be honest - but it hooked me pretty soon and did not let go trough all 5 episodes until credits - it was that good.
Overall, "Life Is Strange 2" is a great game for those who loved first two. This is an ambitious, epic and powerful story about brotherhood, friendship and simply life, no matter how strange it can be. Great game overall.
If you liked first two games in the series, i'm sure you will like this one as well. It has terrific writing, amazing music, great story and terrific pacing. I have not expected this game to be this good to be honest - but it hooked me pretty soon and did not let go trough all 5 episodes until credits - it was that good.
Overall, "Life Is Strange 2" is a great game for those who loved first two. This is an ambitious, epic and powerful story about brotherhood, friendship and simply life, no matter how strange it can be. Great game overall.
Very underrated!
ostborgdaniel13 June 2020
Why does this only have a 7.1?! It deserves so much more! This game was great. I almost prefer it to the first game!
The relationship between the two brothers is so beautiful, And it is one of the things that makes this game so great. For me, this game was much more emotional than the first game. So yeah, if you like choice based games, you need to play this.
9/10!
*Side note* Gave it a 10 just to boost the rating :)
The relationship between the two brothers is so beautiful, And it is one of the things that makes this game so great. For me, this game was much more emotional than the first game. So yeah, if you like choice based games, you need to play this.
9/10!
*Side note* Gave it a 10 just to boost the rating :)
Pretty good
starwarsgrm23 August 2019
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
