Life is Strange 2

An engaging road-trip to moral enlightenment

STARTING OFF AS A PEEK INTO the life of a typical 16-year-old boy ripped on hormones (parties, girls, weed), events soon veer violently towards disaster for Sean Diaz and he is forced to flee a humdrum existence in suburbia USA for a life on the run with his younger brother in Mexico.

Although played at a pedestrian pace (you watch long cinematic sequences and explore areas in a point-and-click fashion), LIS2 throws up plenty of decisions for you to ponder and the choices you make will have far-reaching consequences in the progression and eventual outcome of the game. As sole custodian of your brother, Daniel, your actions play a significant role in shaping the person he becomes. As well as influencing him with your actions, even seemingly minor dialogue decisions can have a lasting impact; but don’t wear a halo when playing it – just do as you would and see what happens. It’s all part of the experience.

The game is emotionally resonating and much of the dialogue between the main characters feels organic and natural. A wonderfully understated score also enhances the narrative, really bringing home the tinge of tragedy as Sean’s average life spirals out of control. It’s not a game to get your heart pumping, but it’s certainly captivating as you gently usher the story along through each gripping chapter.

Verdict

Though it never once gets your heart racing, this game will get under your skin and stay in your head for weeks.