RttP: Life is Strange - This Action Will Have Consequences (Open Spoilers)

Uzzy · Oct 7, 2019

Thread banner by u/Forrester96, avatar by Ilya Kuvshinov

Maybe I'm just a big softie at heart, but no game has struck me like Life is Strange. Others have come close for sure, but one of those is Before the Storm, so there's something this series is doing right. It even got me saying hella in real life, which is hella unforgivable. It's nostalgia for a place that you never were, a place that never existed, it's a mix of Donnie Darko and Twin Peaks, a coming of age drama all wrapped up in one.

Thread Theme

As the game canonically takes place Monday, October 7th to Friday, October 11th 2013, I felt it'd be a hella great time to replay it in 2019, to see if the game holds up. One episode a day, to follow Max's journey, nice and slow. Time to return to Blackwell and Max, Chloe, Kate, Victoria and even Warren.

I love this intro music, it really helps to set the scene of a idyllic little seaside town.

Rhaknar · Oct 7, 2019

Oh Uzzy :(

Herr Starr · Oct 7, 2019

Uzzy said:
Maybe I'm just a big softie at heart, but no game has struck me like Life is Strange.

This is true for me too. I just can't stop thinking about this game after all this time.

Deleted member 20471 · Oct 7, 2019

I feel the same op, LiS is a special game. I'll probably replay it at a slower pace, one episode a day is too much for me.

Uzzy · Oct 7, 2019

Wake up Miss Caulfield, wake up and smell the ashes.

Episode 1 starts off with a bang, showing our hero Max Caulfield up against quite the tornado that's about to take out the lovely town of Arcadia Bay. Thankfully it's just a dream, and we're actually in class, which surely can't be worse can it? That tornado must be a metaphor or symbolic or something.

Well, Max has some confidence issues for one, not helped by Queen Bitch Face Victoria Chase showing us up when we didn't know the answer to a question set by the dreamy teacher Mark Jefferson.

Anyway, we're saved by the bell from any further embarrassment, and after a quick stop to nerd out at the camera's (god Max you're such a nerd) and stare at Kate Marsh (so rude), we're into the corridor, music on, world cut away, and roll title card.

I love this intro. The classroom scene is great at establishing character archetypes really damn quickly and does it by showing you what Max thinks about each person, Victoria, Kate and Mr Jefferson. She really hates Victoria, is indifferent to Kate and admires Mr Jefferson, but has serious anxiety over presenting her work. And it even hints at a larger threat, but is it just symbolic of something? Sure, the American Highschool setting isn't the most original of one, and the characters are pretty broad archetypes right now, but this scene does the job very well. Sadly, I have to go to work now, so more after work! Can't wait. Also, I'm sure this won't mean anything.

Gamer17 · Oct 7, 2019

An amazing gem of a game .a shame the sequel was so bad .

D.Dragoon · Oct 7, 2019

Gamer17 said:
An amazing gem of a game .a shame the sequel was so bad .

Weird I think I love LiS2 more and thought that LiS1 was amazing.

Gamer17 · Oct 7, 2019

D.Dragoon said:
Weird I think I love LiS2 more and thought that LiS1 was amazing.

It had absolutely no gameplay . Talking down to someone isn't considered gameplay imo And had zero atmosphere compared to the amazing first one .

D.Dragoon · Oct 7, 2019

Gamer17 said:
It had absolutely no gameplay . Talking down to someone isn't considered gameplay imo And had zero atmosphere compared to the amazing first one .

Well hopefully you enjoy LiS3 if they do make one.

Gamer17 · Oct 7, 2019

D.Dragoon said:
Well hopefully you enjoy LiS3 if they do make one.

Thanks man . I really hope so . I hope they focus on game play loop like first one with time reversing and puzzle solving

Uzzy · Oct 7, 2019

This is the main menu music I was talking about earlier. What a track.

Hadok · Oct 7, 2019

Gamer17 said:
a shame the sequel was so bad .

What are you talking about?LiS 2 is not finished.

Gamer17 said:
It had absolutely no gameplay . Talking down to someone isn't considered gameplay imo

what? It has the same gameplay as those Telltale games.

Gamer17 said:
And had zero atmosphere compared to the amazing first one .

ah ah ah that's...not true at all.
Each episode has its own atmosphere and mood,and some amazing moments.And visually it's beautiful.

It's a totally different story with a different narrative form ,but it's great so far.Sure there are some flaws,but it was same with the first season.

Jimnymebob · Oct 7, 2019

Have you gone ape yet?

NIN90 · Oct 7, 2019

ugh now im falling down the rabbit hole of listening to the soundtrack again

jenya · Oct 7, 2019

Did you let

Chloe die

? because all my friends did

Openrob · Oct 7, 2019

Just posting the Dan Bull LiS track.

Great game, and a blast the first time playing it. Really enjoyed it.

I bought Before the Storm a while back but didn't really start it - is it worth a play through?

Aurc · Oct 7, 2019

Gamer17 said:
An amazing gem of a game .a shame the sequel was so bad .

I don't think the sequel is bad at all. Some things disappoint me a bit, like the fact that the cast of characters changes from episode to episode, but that just comes with the format they chose to use this time around. I like Sean and Daniel.

JustinBB7 · Oct 7, 2019

So many LiS threads lately lol. All sharing the same sentiment. I just beat it a few weeks ago so I won't replay it already. But I'll join you guys on October 7th next year.

Openrob said:
I bought Before the Storm a while back but didn't really start it - is it worth a play through?

Before The Storm is amazing, might even like it better than the first season.

Egida · Oct 7, 2019

Loved this game, waiting for a retail release to play LiS2, but I'm afraid it won't be as good, a big reason I liked LiS so much is the small town mystery setting.

Fiery Phoenix · Oct 7, 2019

Before the Storm's menu theme is something else:

Deleted member 20471 · Oct 7, 2019

jenya said:
Did you let

Chloe die

? because all my friends did

Imho, Bay is clearly the canon ending, the Bae one doesn't make sense.

Damn Silly · Oct 7, 2019

One game that I could never personally RTTP, it meant so much to me first time round that I could never re-do my own choices (kinda ironic come to think of it). Always excited to see/hear someone else's playthrough(s), so I'll be following along.

Openrob said:
I bought Before the Storm a while back but didn't really start it - is it worth a play through?

I'd definitely say so. I love the game anyway, but it's worth it alone for the soundtrack.

Gamer17 · Oct 7, 2019

Hadok said:
What are you talking about?LiS 2 is not finished.

what? It has the same gameplay as those Telltale games.

ah ah ah that's...not true at all.
Each episode has its own atmosphere and mood,and some amazing moments.And visually it's beautiful.

It's a totally different story with a different narrative form ,but it's great so far.Sure there are some flaws,but it was same with the first season.

i m talking about before the storm not LIS2 sorry. haven't played the sequal

Siggy-P · Oct 7, 2019

The first episode was something special at the time. Yes the dialogue was awkward but there was something genuine and entertaining about it. It also felt like a natural advancement of storytelling telltale style games and the time rewind mechanic was inspired.

Soneji · Oct 7, 2019

Had a lot of potential but started to falter in later episodes. Pretty special game still, but LiS2 is managing to pull off a lot of the concepts better.

Has one of the worst fandoms too which is severely disappointing.

Uzzy · Oct 7, 2019

Fiery Phoenix said:
Before the Storm's menu theme is something else:

Daughter did an incredible job with the soundtrack for Before the Storm. I regret not getting the vinyl release of the album, which was put out for Record Store Day last year. There's copies available on Amazon for £26, but I'm not sure how official they are. Of course my lack of a vinyl player also makes me wonder why I bother with them!

On the bright side I did order my copy of Welcome to Blackwell Academy today, which should arrive tomorrow, and I'm excited to have a look through that.

Uzzy · Oct 7, 2019

Jimnymebob said:
Have you gone ape yet?

There's a little Warren in all of us. Except Max.

NIN90 said:
ugh now im falling down the rabbit hole of listening to the soundtrack again

It's a good rabbit hole to fall down! The soundtrack is perfect for the game and style it's going for, that indie movie gem.

jenya said:
Did you let

Chloe die

? because all my friends did

Bae > Bay. Always save the girl. But we'll see what happens for this playthrough!

MilesQ · Oct 7, 2019

Gamer17 said:
i m talking about before the storm not LIS2 sorry. haven't played the sequal

BtS is better than the first game in my opinion. The plot is more engaging, the narrative beats are more impactful and memorable, the gameplay is more enjoyable and the characters are much more fleshed out.

LiS S1 is great, but BtS is the better of the two.

Uzzy · Oct 7, 2019

MilesQ said:
BtS is better than the first game in my opinion. The plot is more engaging, the narrative beats are more impactful and memorable, the gameplay is more enjoyable and the characters are much more fleshed out.

LiS S1 is great, but BtS is the better of the two.

I was honestly amazed at how good BtS was. I didn't really expect anything from it, but it more than delivered. Not sure I'd say it's better than the original, but it really compliments it no matter what.

Just a shame they use the same voice actors. Not that the new Chloe is bad or anything, but it's bullshit that corporate anti-union politics kept Ashly Burch out.

Fanto · Oct 7, 2019

Great thread! I wish I wasnt so busy or I would join in the replay, and if I was at my computer I would make a better response.

Definitely thinking of LiS this week though! :)

JustinBB7 · Oct 7, 2019

Uzzy said:
I was honestly amazed at how good BtS was. I didn't really expect anything from it, but it more than delivered. Not sure I'd say it's better than the original, but it really compliments it no matter what.

Just a shame they use the same voice actors. Not that the new Chloe is bad or anything, but it's bullshit that corporate anti-union politics kept Ashly Burch out.

I kinda prefer BtS Chloe's voice for some reason. Normally I hate (voice) actor changing a LOT. But maybe because Chloe is supposed to be younger anyway it kinda fits it's sligghhtlly different.

Hadok · Oct 7, 2019

MilesQ said:
BtS is better than the first game in my opinion. The plot is more engaging, the narrative beats are more impactful and memorable, the gameplay is more enjoyable and the characters are much more fleshed out.

What ? ah ah oh hell no.
BTS is a mixed bag,some parts are good,some are really not,but it's not even close to the first one.The plot is terrible.
Also some things works in BTS just because there is a first season.It's a fan service game.

The Farewell episode was cool.

Failburger · Oct 7, 2019

I wish LiS2 wasn't a babysitting on the run simulator. Then it asked me to play captain spirit and watch an adult attempt to simulate how children act and it just wanted me to get a vasectomy right then and there.

poutmeter · Oct 7, 2019

I want to replay the game, mainly because I honestly can't remember much other than key plot points.

Hadok said:
What are you talking about?LiS 2 is not finished.

I can't wait for the final episode to be released so I can play through it - I just can't stand the episodic nature of these games; have 0 patience :(

Hadok · Oct 7, 2019

poutmeter said:
I can't wait for the final episode to be released so I can play through it - I just can't stand the episodic nature of these games; have 0 patience :(

December ;)

Monstress · Oct 7, 2019

This game has a special place in my heart. I remember vividly that moment in episode 2 where I was like "Oh sh*t no, sweetie, don't do that, please", it was so intense and scary.
Btw, I got the first LiS comics volume (issues #1-4): it's pretty nice and intriguing.

BDS · Oct 7, 2019

LIS <3

Pricefield <3

SnatcherHunter · Oct 7, 2019

Uzzy said:
Thread banner by u/Forrester96, avatar by Ilya Kuvshinov

Maybe I'm just a big softie at heart, but no game has struck me like Life is Strange. Others have come close for sure, but one of those is Before the Storm, so there's something this series is doing right. It even got me saying hella in real life, which is hella unforgivable. It's nostalgia for a place that you never were, a place that never existed, it's a mix of Donnie Darko and Twin Peaks, a coming of age drama all wrapped up in one.

Thread Theme

As the game canonically takes place Monday, October 7th to Friday, October 11th 2013, I felt it'd be a hella great time to replay it in 2019, to see if the game holds up. One episode a day, to follow Max's journey, nice and slow. Time to return to Blackwell and Max, Chloe, Kate, Victoria and even Warren.

I love this intro music, it really helps to set the scene of a idyllic little seaside town.

Just replayed It the other day with my daughter. You should have seen her face when they reveal the real antagonist.

JustinBB7 · Oct 7, 2019

SnatcherHunter said:
Just replayed It the other day with my daughter. You should have seen her face when they reveal the real antagonist.

I watched a youtube compilation and everybody saying the name made me laugh every time.

Uzzy · Oct 7, 2019

SnatcherHunter said:
Just replayed It the other day with my daughter. You should have seen her face when they reveal the real antagonist.

I'd love to have seen that yeah, it's a great reveal.

SnatcherHunter · Oct 7, 2019

Uzzy said:
I'd love to have seen that yeah, it's a great reveal.

For sure... moments before the reveal, I think she was crushing on the character. Saying how nice he was, etc. LMAO

Silky · Oct 7, 2019

Try playing Life is Strange with the D4 Soundtrack

Deleted member 8860 · Oct 7, 2019

MilesQ said:
BtS is better than the first game in my opinion. The plot is more engaging, the narrative beats are more impactful and memorable, the gameplay is more enjoyable and the characters are much more fleshed out.

LiS S1 is great, but BtS is the better of the two.

I really liked LiS, but BtS seemed too try-hard edgy for me, at least in the first chapter (yes, I realize that's part of Chloe's character). Maybe I'll play through the rest someday.

Uzzy · Oct 7, 2019

So, a quick jaunt to the bathroom to calm down after the terrifying dream.

The corridor scene is great for establishing the setting, the hell that is an American high school. Sure, as a Brit I've never had that experience, and I doubt the French creators of the game have either, but we've experienced it vicariously through so many American high school dramas, everything from The Breakfast Club to Geeks and Freaks to Buffy to Community. Again it's the nostalgia for a place you've never been. I'm sure there's a word for that, and if not there should be one. It absolutely nails the broad archetypes at play here, the geeks and nerds vs the jocks and popular kids.

A lot of posters for this poor missing girl. I wonder what she was like? Doesn't seem to have been the most popular girl around.

Anyway, Max gets distracted in the bathroom by a butterfly (such a fucking nerd), and as her back is turned the rich prick Nathan Prescott walks in and starts ranting, only to be followed in by a blue haired girl we don't know who starts threatening him.

Hella Count: One

Nathan takes this exceedingly well.

The blue haired girl tries to reason with him (Hella Count: Two), but to no avail as Nathan shoots her right in the gut.

Max reaches out in desperation to try to stop it and then suddenly everything rewinds until....

Damn Silly · Oct 7, 2019

Silky said:
Try playing Life is Strange with the D4 Soundtrack

Oh dang, that sounds great.

Staf · Oct 7, 2019

Really love season 1, would have been my GOTY if it weren't for Witcher 3. The prequel was alright, not as good though. Have totally skipped season 2. Not interested in the characters or what little i've seen of the story on youtube.

Uzzy · Oct 7, 2019

So you can go back in time. And here we have the big 'Strange' part of the game, time reversal. How does it work? I believe the official answer is 'A big ball of wibbly wobbly, timey wimey stuff.' But it makes for some gameplay!

Anyway, before saving that blue haired girl we're gonna impress the dreamy Mark Jefferson by using our time powers to get the answers to the questions then rewinding to answer them ourselves. Take that Victoria, your swotting up is no match for our COMPLETE MASTERY OVER TIME AND SPACE! Just look at that smile from him.

And now a quick sprint to the bathroom, wait for Nathan and the blue haired girl to arrive, hit the fire alarm and we just saved a life. Already one up on other time travellers, good going Max!

Once outside the bathroom, we bump into Principal Wells, who's a tad suspicious about us exiting the bathroom just as the fire alarm's going on. Here we have our first decision of consequence, choose to tell Principal Wells what happened, or hide the truth. Sure, Nathan Prescott may be the scion of a wealthy family around here, but he brought a fucking gun onto campus, so no way am I not telling everyone and anyone. Will anything be done about it?

Vylash · Oct 7, 2019

Gamer17 said:
An amazing gem of a game .a shame the sequel was so bad .

Are you talking lis 2 or before the storm, I think the latter was really disappointing

Selphie · Oct 7, 2019

One of my favourite games of all time, absolutely love the location and the characters.

Uzzy · Oct 7, 2019

Hey maybe something's gonna happen to Nathan after all? Anyway, now that we're outside, our good classmate/friend/stalker Warren texts us, asking for his flash drive back. Which means a trip back to the dorm rooms. Unfortunately, Queen Victoria Chase is blocking our path with vicious put downs (Seriously, 'go fuck your selfie' is amazing.) But vicious put downs are no match for our COMPLETE MASTERY OF TIME AND SPACE, so after sabotaging a nearby paint can, we get Victoria covered, drop some sass of our own, and make our way into the dorm to find something truly remarkable.

Functioning mirrors! Life really is strange. We also get a text from mom about the whole Nathan situation, looks like that may not be working out in our favour. But given Max's taste in films, maybe she deserves it. That's Life is Strange, Published by Square Enix, for you.

Flash drive in hand, we head on off to the parking lot, where it turns out people really cannot park, and meet Warren, narrowly avoiding an awkward hug situation. I actually really like Warren, and identify with him way too much, which is probably a bad thing. The clumsy nerd type who's way too forward at best and creepy at worst? Yeah, I get that. Painfully so.

Our lovely chat about movies (Warren has decent taste) gets interrupted by Nathan, who somehow figured out it was us who reported him (ripping up one of our photos in the bathroom was probably not the smartest idea). But Max isn't gonna back down to a bully, even if he's rich and untouchable and comes to class with a gun. What could go wrong.

Warren jumps in and starts taking a beat down, while we're saved by that blue haired girl from the bathroom, who turns out to be...

Oh Chloe Price, you so wonderful. A complete disaster of a human being, sure, but still truly wonderful. She might be one of my favourite characters in video games, and is wonderfully played by Ashly Burch. That surprised me a lot, given that she had previously played Tiny Tina from Borderlands 2, which I hated. Turns out she's a little pissed about us not calling or texting or anything for five years, even being back in Blackwell Academy for a month. Great way to treat your old friend Max. But she's happy to let us use her stepdad's tools to fix our camera at least, broken in the scuffle with Nathan.

RttP: Life is Strange - This Action Will Have Consequences (Open Spoilers)

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