Since the first game was released in episodic form in 2017, theLife is Strangefranchise has been celebrated for its narrative-focused gameplay that takes player choices into account and deals with sensitive social issues. The franchise has branched out to include a prequel centered on Chloe Price, and several sequels.
Not all titles in theLife is Strangeseries receive the same amount of praise, but there is a game that seems to have not gotten the attention it deserves:The Awesome Adventures of Captain Spirit. It’s shorter than the averageLife is Strangegame, but it still manages to pack an emotional punch. For players who are seeking moreLife is Strangegameplay, this is a title that can’t be missed.
Captain Spirit and His Awesome Adventures
Captain Spiritstars a kid named Chriswho is growing up in a home that isn’t quite stable. His father is an alcoholic, leaving Chris to do most of the chores in the house, and both of the Eriksens are struggling to cope with the recent death of Chris' mother. The bruises on Chris' arm suggest there may be abuse in the household as well.
To cope with the negative situation he finds himself in, Chris takes on a persona called Captain Spirit. When he’s a superhero, there’s no chore he can’t conquer and the monsters he fears can be faced and defeated. The alter ego is hard not to fall in love with, especially when Chris puts so much imagination into it.Unlike otherLife is Strangegames,Captain Spiritisn’t episodic.
Why Does Chris Imagine Himself as a Superhero?
It is evident that the alter ego is a form of dissociation. By taking on the persona,Chris Eriksen can imagine his father isn’t abusiveand the negative things in his house are something completely different. It’s a coping strategy that works for the time being, but unless he develops real superpowers, he still needs help with his home situation.
How Does Captain Spirit Tie into Life is Strange 2?
For the bulk of the game, players are led to believe that Chris has no superpowers outside of his imagination. This is brought into question when he climbs into a tree house. He is close to suffering a calamitous fall when he hovers over the ground and has a gentle landing. This brings into question what was imaginary and what was real concerning the Captain Spirit persona. As this occurs,he sees Sean and Daniel Diazwho are the protagonists of the second game.
What Role Does Chris Play in Life is Strange 2?
Chris appears several times inLife is Strange 2. Players discover that Chris was saved by Daniel’s telekinesis powers, though Chris doesn’t know this. It is up to the player to decide whether they should tell Chris the truth or allow him to continue believing he has powers.
Life is Strangehas a unique way of dealing with social issues by making player choices matter significantly. This is also the case withThe Awesome Adventures of Captain Spiritwhich packs the franchise formula in a smaller package. To miss it is to miss an important piece of the series.
The Awesome Adventures of Captain Spirit
Have you ever dreamt of being a superhero? Meet Chris, a creative and imaginative 9-year-old boy who escapes reality with fantastical adventures as his alter ego, the Awesome Captain Spirit! Return to your childhood and play a touching and heart-warming one-of-a-kind narrative experience from the directors and development team behind the BAFTA award-winning game Life is Strange.Captain Spirit is a free demo set in the Life is Strange Universe that contains links to the brand-new story & characters of Life is Strange 2 from developer DONTNOD Entertainment and publisher Square Enix.Enjoy an original narrative experience set in the Life is Strange universe. Play as Chris and his super-hero alter-ego, Captain Spirit Complete a series of missions as Captain Spirit and discover secret unlockable content. Some choices and actions will link to your Life is Strange 2 experience.The Awesome Adventures of Captain Spirit contains mature language and themes.
