The storytelling element of gaming has evolved by leaps and bounds so far in the mediums lifespan; yet, save for shinning examples the average story in a video game only adds up to a portion of that in say a film anthology or a lengthy novel. When adding the interactive nature to the equation, its easy to overlook what might come off as choppy delivery when not wrapped up in a well crafted world or momentum pushing you along with nicely designed mechanics. Square Enix's "Life is Strange" is a great example of storytelling in games slowly breaking out of those constraints and signifying what levels have yet to be plunged.
Its setting isn't necessarily unique. Telling the story a young college girl named Max who discovers she has time traveling powers. She' uses them to manipulate the world around her to her liking and to great entertainment. Especially after demonstrating those powers to her friend Chloe. The two use Max's power to their advantage, but soon realize the consequences of messing with basic laws of time. The story could fit well in the 90's era of teen dramas. The many troupes are here, the snotty prep, the teacher villain, the miss-understood parent, but all of the dialogue is very nicely thought out and the characters are so well realized its so easy to push forward in what on the surface seems like the gaming equivalent of the movie "The Butterfly Effect" (though far smarter).
The game plays like a typical adventure game, but with the added twist of time manipulation. When certain events happen in the game, Max has the ability to rewind time and make different choices to change the outcome for the better or worse depending on the situation. As the game progresses, it becomes apparent that you cannot abuse this power as it takes a toll on Max herself, but also becomes less of finite tool after many times of use eventually lock you into a decision whether you liked it or not. This keeps the player able tinker but also aware that their tinkering can only last for so long, and in that they have make a prompt decision. Its a good twist, and the game uses the mechanic very well to mask what is ultimately a very simple serious of puzzles. "Life is Strange" is among the easiest games in the genre in quite a while. These puzzles will definitely not rack ones brain, but that isn't necessarily a bad thing since the primary focus here is the story momentum and its easy to image overly complicated sections would turn one away from the driving focus and that the characters.
At the center of the story though, and the game in general, is the relationship between Max and her friend Chloe. "Life is Strange" does a terrific job crafting a believable portrait of a friendship that has a lengthy history prior to its beginning in this story. Both characters motivations, experiences, loves and losses make them who they are and they challenge each other. There are certain revelations in the nature of that relationship depending on what choices you make in the game as well, and those layers are treated with a very delicate level of respect and modesty that you feel something when these characters go through their trials and tribulations since you've gotten to know them so well. Its also aided by stellar voice acting from not just the the two leads, but the whole cast as a whole.
"Life is Strange", while episodic, is fully released so all five parts can be played today and that's probably the best way to experience it since each episode is somewhat brief with the fourth being the longest, but none lasting more than three hours and at its shorted less than two. It makes for a decent play through in the vain of a Netflix style binged release. That part actually works very well in its favor.
While not the best example of its genre, due to its general ease and brevity, what "Life is Strange" does offer in its storytelling and depiction of its two lead characters is very much more than the sum of its parts. It makes for a game that might stick with you long after its completed.