Which Life is Strange Should I Play First?
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The Life is Strange universe, with its captivating characters, poignant narratives, and choice-driven gameplay, can be a bit overwhelming for newcomers. A common question among those eager to dive in is: “Where do I even begin?” The short, direct, and most crucial answer is: Start with the original Life is Strange (2015). While the series boasts several titles, including prequels and sequels, beginning with the first game is vital for the best overall experience. Let’s explore why this is the recommended path and answer some frequently asked questions.
The Importance of Starting with Life is Strange (2015)
Narrative Foundation
Life is Strange (2015) lays the narrative foundation for the entire franchise. It introduces the core gameplay mechanics, the themes of choice and consequence, and the emotional weight that defines the series. Playing this game first allows you to fully appreciate the complexities of the characters, the town of Arcadia Bay, and the overall tone of the series. This is especially important, as many other games in the series will reference characters and events that take place here.
Understanding Character Relationships
The relationship between Max Caulfield and Chloe Price is central to the emotional core of the series. Playing the original game first allows you to fully grasp the depth of their friendship, their shared history, and the impact of their decisions. This is something that is alluded to but not fully fleshed out in other games within the franchise.
Experiencing Emotional Impact as Intended
The prequel, Life is Strange: Before the Storm, heavily relies on the emotional resonance established in the first game. Understanding the eventual fate of Rachel Amber, a key character in Before the Storm, is much more impactful when you’ve witnessed the consequences of the events in the first game. The emotional beats and plot twists have a much stronger punch when playing the series in the way it was intended.
The Risk of Spoilers
Playing the games out of order can lead to significant spoilers. While the individual stories are self-contained, knowledge of events from one title might diminish your enjoyment of another, particularly the original Life is Strange. Starting with the original ensures that each game is experienced as fresh and thrilling as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Should I Play Life is Strange: Before the Storm Before the Original?
No, it’s highly recommended to play the original Life is Strange first. The emotional impact of Before the Storm is significantly amplified when you know the context provided in the first game. This context will heavily alter the way players will feel while engaging with Before the Storm.
2. What About Life is Strange 2? Should I Play That First?
Absolutely not. While Life is Strange 2 tells a different story with new characters, it includes references and some connections to the first game that are best understood if you’ve played through the original. Although the stories themselves are not completely interlocked, the overall emotional impact of understanding how interconnected the world is may be lost if you do not experience the series in order.
3. Does Life is Strange 1 Affect Life is Strange 2?
Narratively, Life is Strange 2 does not directly connect to the first game’s story, however, the town of Arcadia Bay does make an appearance in the first episode of Life is Strange 2. The appearance of Arcadia Bay depends entirely on the player’s choice from the ending of the first game.
4. Is Life is Strange 1 and 3 (True Colors) Connected?
All the Life is Strange games are connected, but they do not share any consistent storylines. They are set in the same universe, each game is in some way connected through location and subtle character references, but they all tell their own unique stories. While Life is Strange: True Colors has some references to past games, playing them beforehand will help you understand these references a bit more clearly.
5. Can I Play Life is Strange: True Colors First?
While True Colors is more of a standalone story, it is best to experience the previous installments in the series beforehand. True Colors is more closely connected to Before the Storm, which makes experiencing the original Life is Strange before all other games still the recommended approach.
6. What’s the Difference Between Life is Strange 1 and 2?
The original Life is Strange follows Max Caulfield, a photography student with the power to rewind time. Life is Strange 2 follows Sean Diaz, who is on the run with his younger brother, Daniel, who possesses the power to move objects with his mind. Both are choice-based games, but feature very different characters, storylines, and themes.
7. Which Version of Life is Strange is the Best?
According to critics, Life is Strange: True Colors is the highest-rated in the series. But the original Life is Strange is still held in high regard for its characters and complex narrative. While critic scores are a good indication, all of the games in the franchise are worth experiencing.
8. What is the Difference Between Life is Strange Remastered and Original?
The remastered version of Life is Strange features updated 4K-ready character models, more detail on textures, improved facial expressions, and an overall more modern and polished look and feel. The story remains the same but the improvements to the visuals improve the impact that the story has on the player.
9. Should I Buy Life is Strange Remastered or Original?
If you have the option, the remastered version of Life is Strange is the recommended version to play. The improvements to the character models and animations, plus the visual upgrades, make for a more engaging experience. If you have a PC that can run it, this is definitely the way to go.
10. How Long Does it Take to Complete Life is Strange 1?
A standard playthrough of Life is Strange takes around 15 hours. For a 100% completionist run, players could take over 20 hours to fully explore the game and its world. The length of each game in the franchise may vary depending on your play style, but 15 hours is a good baseline.
11. Does Life is Strange Remastered Include “Farewell”?
Yes, Life is Strange: Before the Storm Remastered includes all the deluxe content including bonus outfits and the ‘Farewell’ bonus episode. So if you intend on experiencing all that this game has to offer, then this would be the definitive version to play.
12. How Many Endings Does Life is Strange 1 Have?
The original Life is Strange has two main endings. The player has to choose between two options with heavy emotional stakes that are built up throughout the entire game. This pivotal decision makes the story incredibly memorable and heart-wrenching.
13. Can You Play Life is Strange 2 Without Playing 1?
Technically, yes, you can play Life is Strange 2 without playing the first game, but the game will prompt you about the events from the first game in order to understand the references. This can spoil a lot of key story beats in the game, so playing through them in order is still the most recommended method of experiencing these titles.
14. Is Life is Strange a AAA Game?
No, Life is Strange games are considered AA (double-A) titles. They are developed by large groups, but they do not possess the same scale as AAA games. This does not diminish the quality of the games, which often provide emotionally rich experiences on a smaller, more focused scale.
15. Should I Play Life is Strange 1 and 2 Before True Colors?
While True Colors is largely a standalone story, playing through the first two games (and Before the Storm) will enrich your overall experience with the franchise. These previous games are regularly on sale for very low prices, making now the best time to go back and give them a try.
Conclusion
Starting with the original Life is Strange (2015) is the best way to experience this incredible franchise. It provides the necessary context, establishes emotional connections, and prevents spoilers. Following up with the prequel Before the Storm and then moving on to the other entries will create a rewarding, heartfelt experience that is sure to be memorable. Get ready to make tough choices and experience one of the most engaging choice-based video game series in recent memory.