While other franchises had used the increasingly popular episodic structure before, Don’t Nod and Deck Nine’sLife is Strangecontained a special mix of compelling characters, interesting temporal powers, and arresting visuals. These were all combined in a beautifully bittersweet coming-of-age story that madeLife is Strangestand out from its competitors. Players can now experience the first two remastered games in theLife is Strange: Arcadia Bay Collection, which lets them fall in love with Max, Chloe, and the cast of characters all over again.
The first game may not be perfect, but by hanging its narrative onMax and Chloe’s close bondas they work together to uncover the secrets behind Rachel Amber’s mysterious disappearance,Life is Strangeremains rooted in a strong foundation. Max’s rewind ability was a fun and unique mechanic, and the nuanced exploration of small-town life was just the right background for the two friends to rekindle their relationship. The otherLife is Strangegames have found their own success, but none have really come close to replicating what Max and Chloe were able to introduce.
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Chloe And Max’s Unique Bond In Life Is Strange
At first,Max Caulfield may have seemed like a run-of-the-mill character, but her creativity, determination, and undeniably cool rewind powers made her a force to be reckoned with. She was the anchor for the emotional story of the first game, and seeing the relationship develop once more between her and her old childhood friend Chloe was a beautiful journey, even among the darker elements to the narrative. The decision that gamers were faced with at the end of the last episode was masterfully complex, with either option leading to a massive sacrifice centered on Max’s love for Chloe.
Max and Chloe’s friendship was key to the success of the first game, and helped to set a precedent for theLife is Strangeseries and all the games that have come after it so far. The prequelLife Is Strange: Before the Stormmay have also featured Chloeand focused on her relationship with another girl, but Rachel and Chloe’s bond didn’t quite seem as magical as the one in the first game. Other games have improved on certain elements and evolved theLife is Strangeformula, but the Max and Chloe dynamic hasn’t yet been improved upon.
Why The Life Is Strange Series Has Struggled To Repeat It
TheLife is Strangeseries has explored some deep, emotional, and diverse narratives. It’s highlighted both troubled relationships and blessed ones and has presented players with plenty of special moments. Shifting from Oregon’s seemingly picturesque Arcadia Bay to a road trip down to Mexico, and finally to mountainous Colorado,theLife is Strangeserieshas shown a selection of varied settings and characters from all walks of life while still maintaining its core charm. Subsequent titles have done well critically and commercially, in particular the affectingLife Is Strange: True Colors,but none have quite managed to top the first.
There have been other memorable pairs that players have come to love, like Alex and her brother Gabe, or Sean and his younger brother Daniel, but these haven’t proven to be quite as strong a central duo as Chloe and Max. After some tragic events,Life Is Strange: True Colorsmainly revolved around Alex, Ryan, and Steph, which definitely worked well. However, the three characters didn’t quite capture the same success as Chloe and Max’s original pairing, and couldn’t emulate the sweet yet heartbreaking tale they presented.
Life Is Strange: Arcadia Bay Collectionis currently available on Nintendo Switch.
