Summary
There seems to be no stopping Square Enix’sLife is Strangefranchise, as the publisher has recently revealedLife is Strange: Double Exposureat the latest Xbox Games Showcase. This game will once again bring players on a thrilling supernatural adventure that will surely pull at some heartstrings. But, unlike pastLife is Strangegames,Life is Strange: Double Exposureis actually going to be returning to the franchise’s roots by exploring Max Caulfield again. And while that may sound intriguing, it also puts the game in a bit of a tough spot.
TheLife is Strangeseriesis built around the idea that players impact the story based on the decisions that they make. This not only means that players will get different stories, but the games will also ultimately have different finales. Because of that, there really has not been a true canon ending, and instead, the franchise has explored different characters with each entry. However, withLife is Strange: Double Exposure, Deck Nine will finally have to commit, for better or worse.
Life is Strange Double Exposure’s Story Will Be Doing Something Unheard Of
Life is Strange’s Ending Was a True Standout
Back in 2015,Life is Strangeblew audiences awaywith its characters, themes, and fantastically written story. They got to watch as Max Caulfield grappled with her newfound time travel abilities alongside her childhood best friend Chloe Price. Together, they must unravel the mysteries behind the disappearance of Rachel Amber, discover the extent of Max’s powers, and prevent the possible destruction of Arcadia Bay.
Through the five episodes, players must make decisions that change the course of the entire story and are ultimately met with the biggest decision of all.DuringLife is Strange’s final episode, players must decide to either let Chloe die like she was supposed to or let the entire town be destroyed by a powerful storm. It is no easy choice, with many debating about which one is the right one to this day. And while there were comics that explored the destruction of Arcadia Bay’s ending, the franchise has yet to truly canonize one of them.
Double Exposure Needs to Choose a True Canon Ending
Instead of continuing the adventures of Max,Life is Strange 2andLife is Strange: True Colorsput brand-new characters and towns at the forefront. There were only slight references to the first game, with the sequels taking into account the decisions that the player made. So, neither game actually committed to a canon ending. Additionally, whileLife is Strange: Before the Stormfollowed some of the same characters, it took place before the events of that first game, so it also avoided picking a side.
Life is Strange: Double Exposuredoes not seem to be avoiding that as it will once again put players inthe shoes of Max Caulfield. Even though the trailer did not officially confirm which ending was canon, the story will have to if it wants to actually continue Max’s story. There will be no way to avoid it, yet making that decision may put some players off and ultimately hurtLife is Strangein the process.
The entire franchise is built on the idea that players have control over the story, but this new entry will likely strip that away as it must tell players what the true ending actually is. Based on the absence of Chloe in the trailer, it feels like Max may have chosen to let her die. That will likely prove extremely controversial with the fanbase, so hopefully, Deck Nine has something truly exciting in store.
Time will tell just what the studio has planned withLife is Strange: Double Exposure. There is a chance that Max’s new powers play intothe multiple endings ofLife is Strange, or maybe the studio just plans to forge ahead with making a true canon. Whatever choice it makes, it has shown it at least knows how to tell a good story, so players should be in for a treat, even if their chosen ending ends up on the cutting room floor.
Life Is Strange: True Colors
WHERE TO PLAY
A bold new era of the award-winning Life is Strange begins, with an all-new playable lead character and a thrilling mystery to solve!Alex Chen has long suppressed her ‘curse’: the supernatural ability to experience, absorb and manipulate the strong emotions of others, which she sees as blazing, colored auras.When her brother dies in a so-called accident, Alex must embrace her volatile power to find the truth – and uncover the dark secrets buried by a small town.THE TRUTH WILL HURT: Discover the shocking secrets behind your brother’s death in an emotional roller-coaster of an adventure.FEEL EVERYTHING: Change fate and change lives with the psychic power of Empathy.FORGE DEEP RELATIONSHIPS: Build trust with the townsfolk – and embrace friendship or romance with Ryan and Steph.A TRULY PERSONAL STORY: Make tough decisions and choose your own future. Freely roam the streets, stores, and hidden spaces of Haven Springs and meet unforgettable characters.FIND YOUR VOICE: And decide Alex’s style, with up to 24 outfits in your wardrobe.EXCLUSIVE SOUNDTRACK: New tracks by mxmtoon and Novo Amor, and extensive licensed songs including Radiohead, Phoebe Bridgers, Gabrielle Aplin, and more.
