Life Is Strange: True Colors
The new game from Deck Nine is all about getting emotional
For a series renowned for bringing the feels, building an entire new adventure around emotions could be seen as a little on the nose. Yet Life Is Strange: True Colors looks like it could be even better than the tale of Max and Chloe. Yes, really.
Alex Chen is our new protagonist and her ‘Strange’ is the ability to read people’s emotions, consume them, and use that knowledge to uncover hidden truths. Backed by an interesting cast, a stonking soundtrack, and warm writing, True Colors feels justright.
01 LIFE IS STRANGE
Having spent years being bounced around the foster care system Alex Chen finally reunites with her brother Gabe. It’s a short-lived catchup as her big bro dies shortly after the pair hug it out. A mysterious death and an emotional rollercoaster… it is a new Life Is Strange.
02 NO, YOU’RE A CREEP
The series’ new emotional wreck is voiced by two people – Erika Mori plays Alex for the majority of the game, but when things get really serious musician Mxmtoon provides the vocals. Music underpins much of the game, including a delicate reworking of Radiohead’s Creep.
03 HAVEN HELP US
The town of Haven Springs forms the setting for Life Is Strange: True Colors. “It’s a setting that embodies the promise of every small town across America,” says Deck Nine’s Zak Garriss. But the beautiful mountain vistas and wide open lakes hide a darkness Alex will need to uncover.
04 TOWN CRIER
The town isn’t just a backdrop to the game’s mystery, it’s also your home. Because of that, Alex is able to explore the streets, stores, and parks freely. The town will change and evolve, day will turn to night, and as it does characters will go about their lives for you to interact with.
05 MENTAL STEALTH
As you poke around town you’ll meet people to help. This game’s ‘Strange’ is Alex’s heightened empathy, which allows her to read other people’s emotions. It’s not purely for kindness’ sake: you can use that knowledge to influence dialogue and the narrative outcome.
06 EMOTIONAL BAGGAGE
At the start of the game Alex views her powers as a curse, says Garriss, but as the story unfolds she’ll learn to use her gift to dig deeper into the cause of her brother’s death. Be careful, though: the team tease that Alex may not be in full control of her incredible gift…
07 MIND MATTERS
By preying on others’ emotions Alex can experience visions, but she will also be consumed by the feelings she’s absorbing. If Alex reads a character with deep sadness, the danger is she’ll act on that emotion. We can’t wait to see how Deck Nine uses this.
08 TEEN SPIRIT
To help her, Alex has her own Scooby Gang, one of whom may or may not be your love interest (your choice). Fans will recognise a returning face, as Steph from Life Is Strange: Before The Storm crops up in Haven Springs’ vinyl record store and is only too eager to get to know Alex.
09 BAND WIDTH
When not hunting for the truth and acting as an emotional vampire towards the residents of Haven Springs Alex can hang out with her gang, get close to them, and take to the stage. Between gigs, the record store, and Mxmtoon’s inclusion, True Colors is all in on the power of music.
10 STORM WARNING
The release of True Colors coincides with remasters of both Life Is Strange and Life Is Strange: Before The Storm, featuring new animation and enhanced visuals. Both can be bought separately or unlocked as part of the Life Is Strange: True Colors Ultimate Edition.