Life Is Strange, as a series, has introduced us to a number of memorable characters over the years, each with their own unique experiences that have tugged on our heartstrings. Fair to say though, perhaps none stand out more so than Max Caulfield.
It is with Max’s tale that Life Is Strange began. It’s Max who drew us into the world of Arcadia Bay and all of its triumphs and pitfalls. We sympathised with Max, feared for her, laughed with her, and perhaps depending on the choices you made, even mourned with her. For me personally, it’s important that narrative games include a well-rounded character. Without somebody I can invest in, I can’t emotionally attach myself to the story.
WithLife Is Strange, that was never an issue. I felt a kinship with Max. Her story may be a little heightened in places compared to our own lives - I’m thinking of Mr Jefferson - but so too does it touch on so many universal themes and experiences. It’s with Max that this acclaimed franchise began, and that is why I am so glad that almost a decade later, we’re reuniting with the one who started it all.
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Take a look atLife Is Strange: Double Exposurein action below.
Life Is Strange: Double Exposureis shaping up to be the experience that many of us have been waiting for for a very long time. It’s a heart-warming homecoming that feels oh so very familiar and yet wholly new. Here, we’re introduced to an older Max Caulfield, now a photographer-in-residence at Caledon University.
Unfortunately, life is still a tad, well, strange for Max. In the beginning of the story, Max’s friend Safi is found dead in the snow on campus. In her grief, Max tears open a pathway to a parallel timeline in which Safi is alive and yet, still in danger. Players will shift between the two timelines, attempting to both solve Safi’s murder and prevent it from happening at the same time.
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I had the opportunity to go hands-on with the game for around 30 minutes, experiencing a segment ofDouble Exposure’s second chapter in which Moses, a friend of Max’s and the partner of Safi, finds himself to be the focus of the police’s investigation. In the segment, I, as Max, had to jump between the two timeline’s to sneak into Moses’ office to find and remove a camera before the police detective was able to find it himself.
Square Enix
At the beginning of the chapter, I sat outside Moses’ office alongside Moses himself as the police detective demanded entry. It quickly became apparent that I’d have to sneak off to find a way in first. I’m hesitant to reveal too much, as I don’t want to spoil the experience for future players so I’ll keep things vague.
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In another instance, I was able to grab an object from one timeline to use as a distraction in the other. I can only presume that the rest of the game will prompt a whole other array of reasons as to why the reality-hopping mechanic will be utilised. As an added tidbit, the segment also included a stealthy-sneaking section which also harkened back to Max and Chloe’s sneaking in the first game.
Square Enix
The puzzle-solving had, in my opinion, the perfect level of difficulty. I’d have to search and survey my surroundings before it became clear as to what I had to do but once I had done so, I instantly knew the path forward. That’s what you want. Some time for pondering before you reach a solution. In one instance where I perhaps did take longer to reach the location or object needed, Max was able to offer a helpful thought so you needn’t worry about getting ‘stuck’ at any time.
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Caledon University, from what I’ve seen, is visually arresting and I look forward to exploring more.Life Is Strange: Double Exposurecentres around the idea of time which is funny because I lost all sense of it whilst I was playing. This could be the most exciting instalment in the franchise to date.
Life Is Strange: Double Exposure is set to launch on 29 October on Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC via Windows Store and Steam.
Topics:Life Is Strange,Square Enix,Preview
