Life Is Strange (video game)

File:Life Is Strange Gameplay.png

Life Is Strange is a graphic adventure played from a third-person view. The player takes control of Max Caulfield, whose time rewinding ability allows the player to redo almost any action that has been taken.{{cite web|url=http://www.polygon.com/2015/1/9/7522567/life-is-strange-release |title=It's time to pay attention to Life is Strange |first=Colin |last=Campbell |date=9 January 2015 |work=Polygon |access-date=21 July 2015 |archive-date=10 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150110023923/http://www.polygon.com/2015/1/9/7522567/life-is-strange-release |url-status=dead }} The player can examine and interact with objects, which enables puzzle solving in the form of fetch quests and making changes to the environment. Items that are collected before time travelling are kept in the inventory after the fact.{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/gaming/news/a623826/life-is-strange-developer-diary-explores-rewind-feature.html#~p2f4kmNfcbwQbB|title=Life Is Strange developer diary explores rewind feature|first=Liam|last=Martin|date=23 January 2015|work=Digital Spy|access-date=24 January 2015|archive-date=28 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150128133135/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/gaming/news/a623826/life-is-strange-developer-diary-explores-rewind-feature.html#~p77mxhIJlKUNKi|url-status=live}}

The player can explore various locations in the fictional setting of Arcadia Bay and communicate with non-playable characters.{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/xboxone/life-is-strange-episode-2--out-of-time |title=Life is Strange: Episode 2 – Out of Time Review |first=Peter |last=Paras |date=31 March 2015 |work=Game Revolution |access-date=11 November 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208050012/http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/xboxone/life-is-strange-episode-2--out-of-time |archive-date=8 December 2015 }}{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2015/05/19/life-is-strange-episode-3-review |title=Life Is Strange – Episode 3 Review |first=Mitch |last=Dyer |date=19 May 2015 |work=IGN |access-date=11 November 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151029063709/http://www.ign.com/articles/2015/05/19/life-is-strange-episode-3-review |archive-date=29 October 2015 }} Dialogue exchanges can be rewound while branching options are used for conversation.{{cite web|url=http://www.destructoid.com/life-is-strange-is-a-world-you-ll-want-to-lose-yourself-in-279555.phtml|title=Life is Strange is a world you'll want to lose yourself in|first=Brett|last=Makedonski|date=13 August 2014|work=Destructoid|access-date=11 November 2014|archive-date=12 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141112041142/http://www.destructoid.com/life-is-strange-is-a-world-you-ll-want-to-lose-yourself-in-279555.phtml|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.shacknews.com/article/86683/life-is-strange-impressions-stranger-by-the-minute|title=Life is Strange impressions: Stranger by the minute|first=Steven|last=Wong|date=14 October 2014|work=Shacknews|access-date=21 July 2015|archive-date=16 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141016063410/http://www.shacknews.com/article/86683/life-is-strange-impressions-stranger-by-the-minute|url-status=live}} Once an event is reset, the details provided earlier are permitted to avail themselves in the future.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/games/life_is_strange/b/pc/archive/2015/01/23/dontnod-details-the-rules-of-time-manipulation-in-life-is-strange.aspx|title=Life Is Strange Has Strict Time Travel Rules And A Unique Photography Aesthetic|first=Mike|last=Futter|date=23 January 2015|magazine=Game Informer|access-date=24 January 2015|archive-date=27 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150127152137/http://www.gameinformer.com/games/life_is_strange/b/pc/archive/2015/01/23/dontnod-details-the-rules-of-time-manipulation-in-life-is-strange.aspx|url-status=live}} In some instances, choices in dialogue alter and affect the story through short or long-term consequences.{{cite web|url=http://www.polygon.com/2014/10/10/6954961/life-is-strange-story-choices-matter-dontnod|title=Do your choices matter if you can just rewind time and redo them?|first=Samit|last=Sarkar|date=10 October 2014|work=Polygon|access-date=12 November 2014|archive-date=12 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141112030805/http://www.polygon.com/2014/10/10/6954961/life-is-strange-story-choices-matter-dontnod|url-status=live}} For each one of the choices, something good in the short term could turn out worse later.{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-09-10-life-is-strange-it-takes-time-to-be-different|title=Life is Strange: It takes time to be different|first=Robert|last=Purchese|date=12 September 2014|work=Eurogamer|access-date=11 November 2014|archive-date=6 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150206232913/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-09-10-life-is-strange-it-takes-time-to-be-different|url-status=live}}

In October 2013, 18-year-old Maxine "Max" Caulfield (Hannah Telle) returns to Arcadia Bay, Oregon to attend Blackwell Academy. During her class with photography teacher Mark Jefferson (Derek Phillips), Max experiences a catastrophic vision of a tornado destroying a lighthouse and approaching the town. Leaving for the restroom to regain her composure, she witnesses classmate Nathan Prescott (Nik Shriner) shoot and kill a young woman in a fit of rage. In a sudden effort, she develops the ability to rewind time and saves the woman, revealed to be her childhood friend Chloe Price (Ashly Burch). The two reunite and visit the lighthouse, where Max reveals to Chloe her powers. Strange weather and other anomalies begin to occur throughout Arcadia Bay.{{cite video game|title=Life Is Strange|developer=Dontnod Entertainment|publisher=Square Enix|date=30 January 2015|platform=Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, Xbox One, Xbox 360|level=Chrysalis}}

The next day, Max's class is halted when Kate Marsh (Dayeanne Hutton), a fellow student who is being bullied for a viral video depicting her kissing several students at a party, commits suicide by jumping off the roof of the girls' dorm. Max manages to rewind time and reaches the roof, giving her the opportunity to talk Kate down. Depending on the player's dialogue choices, Max can either save Kate, or fail to convince her to not jump. Ultimately, she resolves to uncover what happened to Kate and Chloe's missing friend Rachel Amber.{{cite video game|title=Life Is Strange|developer=Dontnod Entertainment|publisher=Square Enix|date=24 March 2015|platform=Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, Xbox One, Xbox 360|level=Out of Time}} Max and Chloe break into the principal's office that night, discovering multiple clues pointing to Nathan. The next morning, they sneak into the motorhome of drug dealer Frank Bowers (Daniel Bonjour), and learn that Rachel was in a relationship with Frank but kept it from Chloe. Max later examines a childhood photo of her and Chloe, but is suddenly transported to the day the picture was taken. She prevents Chloe's father William (Joe Ochman) from dying in a traffic collision, which inadvertently creates an alternative reality where William is alive but Chloe has been paralysed from the neck down as a result of her own accident.{{cite video game|title=Life Is Strange|developer=Dontnod Entertainment|publisher=Square Enix|date=19 May 2015|platform=Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, Xbox One, Xbox 360|level=Chaos Theory}} Heartbroken, Max uses the photo to undo her actions and return to the present day.{{cite video game|title=Life Is Strange|developer=Dontnod Entertainment|publisher=Square Enix|date=28 July 2015|platform=Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, Xbox One, Xbox 360|level=Dark Room}}

Continuing their investigation, Max and Chloe discover a bunker under a derelict barn owned by the Prescotts, where they find a collection of binders filled with pictures of girls tied up. They find photos of Kate, and, much to their horror, find photos of Rachel's corpse being buried. Panicked, Max and Chloe head to a scrapyard, where they discover Rachel's remains, much to Chloe's despair. The two head to a school party to confront Nathan, but instead receive a text from him threatening to destroy the evidence. They hurry back to the scrapyard but are ambushed by Jefferson, who anaesthetises Max and kills Chloe with a gunshot to the head. Max wakes up in the bunker, where Jefferson has been drugging and photographing young girls to "capture the moment when innocence turns into corruption." Jefferson reveals that he took Nathan under his wing but killed him before abducting Max, and that Nathan gave Rachel an overdose when he tried to mimic Jefferson's work. Jefferson intends to murder Max after he has the photos of her that he wants. Max escapes into a photograph and emerges back at the beginning in Jefferson's class. She alerts David Madsen (Don McManus), Chloe's stepfather and Blackwell head of security, saving herself and Chloe and leading to the arrest of Jefferson and Nathan.{{cite video game|title=Life Is Strange|developer=Dontnod Entertainment|publisher=Square Enix|date=20 October 2015|platform=Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, Xbox One, Xbox 360|level=Polarized}}

Max is given the opportunity to go to San Francisco, traveling with Principal Wells instead of Jefferson, and have one of her photos displayed in an art gallery. She calls Chloe from the event, realising that, for all her effort, the storm has reached Arcadia Bay. Max travels back to the time at which she took the gallery photo, which eventually leads her to sojourn alternative realities as they devolve into a dreamscape nightmare. She reunites with Chloe at the lighthouse, where they confront the possibility that Max brought the storm into existence by saving Chloe from being shot by Nathan earlier in the week. Max must make a choice: rewind time and sacrifice Chloe's life to save Arcadia Bay, or stay in the timeline and spare Chloe but sacrifice Arcadia Bay. If Max chooses the former, she tearfully allows Chloe to be shot. Nathan and Jefferson are arrested, the storm never appears, and Chloe's death is mourned. If Max chooses the latter, the storm hits Arcadia Bay before ceasing. The pair then depart from the now-devastated town.

File:Raoul Barbet & Michel Koch on Life Is Strange.webm

Development of Life Is Strange began in April 2013 with a team of 15, and more people were added when the collaboration with Square Enix began.{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/videos/life-is-strange-developer-diary-a-new-beginning/2300-6422919/ |title=Life is Strange – Developer Diary: A New Beginning |first=Gajan |last=Kulasingham |date=9 January 2015 |work=GameSpot |access-date=21 July 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150209052241/http://www.gamespot.com/videos/life-is-strange-developer-diary-a-new-beginning/2300-6422919/ |archive-date=9 February 2015 }}{{cite web|url=http://www.momenta.online/2016/02/edouard-caplain-on-the-art-behind-life-is-strange/|title=Edouard Caplain on the Art Behind Life Is Strange|date=9 February 2016|work=Momenta|access-date=18 February 2016|archive-date=27 July 2016|archive-url=https://archive.today/20160727023538/http://www.momenta.online/2016/02/edouard-caplain-on-the-art-behind-life-is-strange/|url-status=dead}} The episodes were originally aimed to release about 6 weeks apart. Dontnod co-founder Jean-Maxime Moris was originally the game's Creative Director.{{cite web |last1=Lien |first1=Tracey |title=Remember Me creator's next game looks like Gone Home with time travel |url=https://www.polygon.com/2014/8/14/6003109/remember-me-creators-next-game-looks-like-gone-home-with-time-travel |website=Polygon |language=en |date=14 August 2014 |access-date=29 May 2021 |archive-date=2 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602212626/https://www.polygon.com/2014/8/14/6003109/remember-me-creators-next-game-looks-like-gone-home-with-time-travel |url-status=live }} Dontnod told Square Enix London about Life Is Strange only after they had turned down a pitch for a larger game.{{cite web|url=http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/they-originally-pitched-a-different-game-how-square-enix-discovered-life-is-strange/0153982 |title='They originally pitched a different game': how Square Enix discovered Life Is Strange |first=Christopher |last=Dring |date=7 August 2015 |work=MCV |access-date=31 March 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160506210100/http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/they-originally-pitched-a-different-game-how-square-enix-discovered-life-is-strange/0153982 |archive-date=6 May 2016 }} Before signing with Square Enix, Life Is Strange was imagined as a full-length video game that Dontnod would self-publish. However, the publisher surmised that it would be more successful as an episodic title.{{cite magazine |last=Barnes |first=Ben |date=June 2016 |title=Edge #293 |magazine=Edge |pages=94–97 |publisher=Future plc}} The game was originally codenamed What If but the name was not used because of the film with the same name.{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/square-enix-s-life-is-strange-considered-100-diffe/1100-6425742/ |title=Square Enix's Life is Strange Considered 100 Different Names |first=Eddie |last=Makuch |date=6 March 2015 |work=GameSpot |access-date=7 March 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150307215843/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/square-enix-s-life-is-strange-considered-100-diffe/1100-6425742/ |archive-date=7 March 2015 }}

A developer diary was published before release that said most prospective publishers were unwilling to publish a game unless it had a male protagonist.{{cite web |last=Maiberg |first=Emanuel |date=10 January 2015 |title="Other Publishers Told Us to Make It a Male Lead Character," Life is Strange Dev Says |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/other-publishers-told-us-to-make-it-a-male-lead-ch/1100-6424577/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150719152644/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/other-publishers-told-us-to-make-it-a-male-lead-ch/1100-6424577/ |archive-date=19 July 2015 |access-date=21 July 2015 |work=GameSpot}}{{cite web |last=LeBoeuf |first=Sarah |date=11 January 2015 |title=Publishers Wanted Life is Strange Devs to Make Leads Male |url=https://www.escapistmagazine.com/v2/publishers-wanted-life-is-strange-devs-to-make-leads-male/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150206164909/http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/139401-Publishers-Disliked-Dontnods-Life-is-Strange-Having-Female-Leads |archive-date=6 February 2015 |access-date=12 January 2015 |work=The Escapist }} They said most publishers had the same objection to Dontnod's first project, Remember Me, which also had a female protagonist.{{cite web |last=Makuch |first=Eddie |date=19 March 2013 |title=Publishers said 'You can't have a female character,' says Remember Me dev |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/publishers-said-you-cant-have-a-female-character-says-remember-me-dev/1100-6405550/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131229210302/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/publishers-said-you-cant-have-a-female-character-says-remember-me-dev/1100-6405550/ |archive-date=29 December 2013 |access-date=12 November 2014 |work=GameSpot}} Dontnod CEO Oskar Guilbert also challenged the idea at the start. The developers said Square Enix was the only publisher with no intention of changing this.{{cite web |last=Rougeau |first=Mike |date=11 January 2015 |title=Publishers Wanted To Change Life Is Strange's Protagonists Into Men |url=http://kotaku.com/publishers-wanted-to-change-life-is-stranges-protagonis-1678811522 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117104746/http://kotaku.com/publishers-wanted-to-change-life-is-stranges-protagonis-1678811522 |archive-date=17 November 2015 |access-date=31 October 2015 |work=Kotaku}}

Life Is Strange was born from the rewind mechanic idea, which the developer had already experimented on with their last game Remember Me. The lead character Max was created with the ability to rewind time to supplement this mechanism.{{cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2015/5/19/8612335/life-is-strange-making-of |title=How adventure game Life is Strange blends time travel and teen drama |first=Andrew |last=Webster |date=19 May 2015 |work=The Verge |access-date=19 May 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150520104539/http://www.theverge.com/2015/5/19/8612335/life-is-strange-making-of |archive-date=20 May 2015 }} The episodic format was decided upon by the studio for creative reasons, financial restrictions{{cite web|url=http://www.usgamer.net/articles/life-is-stranges-triforce-of-influences|title=Life is Strange's "Triforce" of Influences|first=Kat|last=Bailey|date=31 January 2015|work=USgamer|access-date=1 February 2015|archive-date=2 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150202123538/http://www.usgamer.net/articles/life-is-stranges-triforce-of-influences|url-status=dead}} and marketing purposes, allowing them to tell the story in its preferred slow pace.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2015/apr/26/life-is-strange-episodic-video-game-dontnod |title=Life Is Strange: episodic video games prove as addictive as episodic TV |first=Calum |last=Marsh |date=26 April 2015 |work=The Guardian |access-date=26 April 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518090434/http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2015/apr/26/life-is-strange-episodic-video-game-dontnod |archive-date=18 May 2015 }} The Pacific Northwest was picked as the setting for the purpose of conveying a nostalgic and autumnal feel.{{cite web|url=http://gamerhub.tv/videos/life-is-strange-gameplay-preview-interview/2014/08/27/|title=Life Is Strange Gameplay Preview Interview|date=27 August 2014|work=GamerHub|access-date=11 November 2014|archive-date=12 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141112032016/http://gamerhub.tv/videos/life-is-strange-gameplay-preview-interview/2014/08/27/|url-status=dead}} The development team visited the region, took photographs, looked at local newspapers and used Google Street View to make sure the environment was accurately portrayed.{{cite web|url=http://www.vg247.com/2015/01/29/life-is-strange-pc-ps4-xbox-one-video/|title=Final Life is Strange developer diary focuses on music, voice actors|first=Stephany|last=Nunneley|date=29 January 2015|work=VG247|access-date=29 January 2015|archive-date=29 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150129233119/http://www.vg247.com/2015/01/29/life-is-strange-pc-ps4-xbox-one-video/|url-status=live}} It was decided early on that most of the budget be spent on the writing and voice actors.{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2015-03-18-publishers-wanted-life-is-stranges-main-character-to-be-a-guy-qtes-added|title=Life is Strange dev talks lip-syncing, release schedule and publisher demands|first=Tom|last=Phillips|date=18 March 2015|work=Eurogamer|access-date=18 March 2015|archive-date=18 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150318133732/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2015-03-18-publishers-wanted-life-is-stranges-main-character-to-be-a-guy-qtes-added|url-status=live}} The original story was written in French by Jean-Luc Cano, and converted into a game script by the co-directors and design team. It was subsequently handed over to Christian Divine and Cano to be fine tuned in English.{{cite web |url=http://www.redbull.com/en/games/stories/1331743857254/life-is-strange-interview |title=Be kind, rewind: The making of Life Is Strange |first=Damien |last=McFerran |date=28 August 2015 |work=Red Bull Games |access-date=30 August 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150831002923/http://www.redbull.com/en/games/stories/1331743857254/life-is-strange-interview |archive-date=31 August 2015 }}{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2016-04-09-life-is-strange |title=Life is Strange team talk fan theories, that season finale and more |first=Tom |last=Phillips |date=18 April 2016 |work=Eurogamer |access-date=20 April 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160420131057/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2016-04-09-life-is-strange |archive-date=20 April 2016 }} Story and character development were highlighted over point-and-click puzzles,{{cite web|url=http://www.vg247.com/2015/01/13/life-is-strange-is-for-telltale_heavy-rain-fans/|title=Life is Strange: "this is definitely a game for the Telltale and Heavy Rain fans"|first=Brenna|last=Hillier|date=13 January 2015|work=VG247|access-date=20 July 2015|archive-date=13 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150113184014/http://www.vg247.com/2015/01/13/life-is-strange-is-for-telltale_heavy-rain-fans/|url-status=live}} making choice and consequence integral to how the narrative unfolds.{{cite web|url=http://www.polygon.com/2014/8/11/5990851/life-is-strange-dontnod-entertainment-ps4-ps3-xbox-one-360-pc|title=Life is Strange, episodic adventure game, coming from Remember Me dev|first=Samit|last=Sarkar|date=11 August 2014|work=Polygon|access-date=11 November 2014|archive-date=6 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150206232452/http://www.polygon.com/2014/8/11/5990851/life-is-strange-dontnod-entertainment-ps4-ps3-xbox-one-360-pc|url-status=live}} Hannah Telle auditioned for Max Caulfield in July 2014 and was offered the part; Ashly Burch auditioned for both Max and her given role Chloe Price. The recording sessions were done in Los Angeles, California, with the French developer brought in via Skype.{{cite web|url=http://www.hardcoregamer.com/2015/09/12/hannah-telle-involvement-in-life-is-strange-is-the-greatest-honor-2/166374/ |title=Hannah Telle: Involvement in Life Is Strange is the 'Greatest Honor' |first=Adnan |last=Riaz |date=12 September 2015 |work=Hardcore Gamer |access-date=22 November 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151119063952/http://www.hardcoregamer.com/2015/09/12/hannah-telle-involvement-in-life-is-strange-is-the-greatest-honor-2/166374/ |archive-date=19 November 2015 }}{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/videos/life-is-strange-episodic-heartstrings-kinda-funny-/2300-6425679/ |title=Life Is Strange: Episodic Heartstrings – Kinda Funny at E3 2015 |first=Jeremy |last=Jayne |date=18 June 2015 |work=GameSpot |access-date=22 November 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151103172236/http://www.gamespot.com/videos/life-is-strange-episodic-heartstrings-kinda-funny-/2300-6425679/ |archive-date=3 November 2015}}

The game has been compared to Remember Me, which holds significant differences but addresses similar themes of memory and identity.{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2014/08/13/gamescom-2014-how-life-is-strange-gets-female-protagonists-right|title=Gamescom 2014: How 'Life is Strange' Gets Female Protagonists Right|first=Brian|last=Albert|date=13 August 2014|work=IGN|access-date=11 November 2014|archive-date=12 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141112052448/http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/08/13/gamescom-2014-how-life-is-strange-gets-female-protagonists-right|url-status=live}} Life Is Strange was specified as an analogue look at human identity in contrast to Remember Me, the digital view of the same theme.{{cite news|url=http://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-feature/2015/01/28/feature-life-is-strange-interview-and-hands-on-impressions|title=FEATURE: "Life is Strange" Interview and Hands-on Impressions|first=Nate|last=Ming|date=29 January 2015|newspaper=Crunchyroll|access-date=29 January 2015|archive-date=29 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150129193102/http://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-feature/2015/01/28/feature-life-is-strange-interview-and-hands-on-impressions|url-status=live}} Running on an improved version of Unreal Engine 3, it makes use of the tools and special effects like lighting and depth of field engineered for Remember Me as well as subsequent advances.{{cite web|url=http://thegamefanatics.com/2014/10/12/life-strange-brief-yet-delightful-look-next-game-behind-developers-remember|title=Life is Strange A Brief yet Delightful Look at the Next Game Behind the Developers of Remember Me|first=Carlos|last=Ovalle|date=12 October 2014|work=The Game Fanatics|access-date=12 November 2014|archive-date=12 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141112072937/http://thegamefanatics.com/2014/10/12/life-strange-brief-yet-delightful-look-next-game-behind-developers-remember|url-status=dead}} Visual effects like post-processes, double exposure and overlapping screen space particles were used as an artistic approach to be displayed while the lead character rewinds time.{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/watch-life-is-strange-dev-talks-time-travel-butter/1100-6424849/ |title=Watch: Life is Strange Dev Talks Time-Travel Butterfly Effect in New Video |first=Eddie |last=Makuch |date=23 January 2015 |work=GameSpot |access-date=24 January 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150125111127/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/watch-life-is-strange-dev-talks-time-travel-butter/1100-6424849/ |archive-date=25 January 2015 }} The textures seen in the game were entirely hand painted, adapted to achieve what art director Michel Koch called "impressionistic rendering".{{cite web|url=http://www.gamereactor.eu/previews/249994/Life+is+Strange/ |title=One of the oddest reveals of Gamescom also proved to be one of the most interesting. Here's what the Remember Me developers did next. |first=Christian |last=Gaca |date=22 August 2014 |work=Gamereactor |access-date=11 November 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141221190043/http://www.gamereactor.eu/previews/249994/Life%2Bis%2BStrange/ |archive-date=21 December 2014 }} Elements were adjusted based on player feedback, with influences like The Walking Dead, Gone Home{{efn|Dontnod started working on the game before Gone Home was released.{{cite web|url=http://blogs.indiewire.com/animationscoop/video-game-spotlight-life-is-strange-20141223|title=VIDEO GAME SPOTLIGHT: "Life Is Strange"|first=Cydney|last=Fisher|date=23 December 2014|work=Indiewire|access-date=29 January 2015|archive-date=27 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141227162853/http://blogs.indiewire.com/animationscoop/video-game-spotlight-life-is-strange-20141223|url-status=dead}}}} and Heavy Rain in mind.{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerevolution.com/manifesto/juno--donnie-darko--gone-home--life-is-strange-30843#/slide/8|title=Juno + Donnie Darko + Gone Home = Life is Strange|first=Blake|last=Peterson|date=26 January 2015|work=Game Revolution|access-date=29 January 2015|archive-date=29 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150129222908/http://www.gamerevolution.com/manifesto/juno--donnie-darko--gone-home--life-is-strange-30843#/slide/8|url-status=dead}} Additional sources of inspiration include the visual novel Danganronpa, in terms of balancing gameplay and story, and the novel The Catcher in the Rye, whose protagonist Holden Caulfield shares a surname with Max, the game's lead.{{cite web|url=http://www.siliconera.com/2015/02/05/life-strange-director-talks-theme-identity-visual-novels/|title=Life Is Strange Director Talks About The Theme Of "Identity" And Visual Novels|date=5 February 2015|work=Siliconera|access-date=6 February 2015|archive-date=10 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150210122205/http://www.siliconera.com/2015/02/05/life-strange-director-talks-theme-identity-visual-novels/|url-status=dead}} The characters were created using known archetypes, at first to establish an entry point for the player, and then to subvert them.{{cite web |url=http://www.idigitaltimes.com/life-strange-episode-2-dev-talks-us-about-whats-next-max-arcadia-bay-exclusive-424890 |title='Life is Strange Episode 2' Dev Talks To Us About What's Next For Max In Arcadia Bay [EXCLUSIVE] |first=Zulai |last=Serrano |date=23 March 2015 |work=iDigitalTimes |access-date=25 March 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150324104026/http://www.idigitaltimes.com/life-strange-episode-2-dev-talks-us-about-whats-next-max-arcadia-bay-exclusive-424890 |archive-date=24 March 2015 }} For the sake of serving the realism, the supernatural elements were designed as a metaphor for the characters' inner conflict,{{cite web |url=http://www.gamereactor.eu/news/288154/Life+is+Strange+-+%22Supernatural+things+merely+metaphors%22/ |title=Life is Strange – "Supernatural things merely metaphors" |first=Bengt |last=Lemne |date=26 January 2015 |work=Gamereactor |access-date=26 January 2015 |archive-date=6 February 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150206225023/http://www.gamereactor.eu/news/288154/Life%2Bis%2BStrange%2B-%2B%22Supernatural%2Bthings%2Bmerely%2Bmetaphors%22/ |url-status=dead }} and experts were consulted to tackle the subject of teen suicide.{{cite web|url=http://www.polygon.com/2016/3/15/11226888/life-is-strange-gdc-2016 |title=How Life is Strange just might save lives — in-game and in real life |first=Allegra |last=Frank |date=15 March 2016 |work=Polygon |access-date=24 March 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160318134333/http://www.polygon.com/2016/3/15/11226888/life-is-strange-gdc-2016 |archive-date=18 March 2016 }} The score was composed by Jonathan Morali of the band Syd Matters.{{cite web|url=http://www.vg247.com/2015/01/29/life-is-strange-pc-ps4-xbox-one-video/|title=Life is Strange launch trailer and final dev diary released|first=Stephany|last=Nunneley|date=29 January 2015|work=VG247|access-date=21 July 2015|archive-date=29 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150129233119/http://www.vg247.com/2015/01/29/life-is-strange-pc-ps4-xbox-one-video/|url-status=live}} Inspired by modern indie folk music, the soundtrack was intended to inform the mood. The music contains a blend of licensed tracks and composed pieces.{{cite web|url=http://www.dualshockers.com/2014/10/09/life-is-strange-creative-director-jean-maxime-moris-talks-atmosphere-choices-and-female-leads/|title=Life Is Strange Creative Director Jean-Maxime Moris Talks Atmosphere, Choices, and Female Leads|first=Joel|last=Taveras|date=9 October 2014|work=DualShockers|access-date=11 November 2014|archive-date=12 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141112040959/http://www.dualshockers.com/2014/10/09/life-is-strange-creative-director-jean-maxime-moris-talks-atmosphere-choices-and-female-leads/|url-status=dead}} Featured artists include José González, Mogwai, Breton, Amanda Palmer, Brian Viglione, Bright Eyes, Message to Bears, Local Natives, Syd Matters, Sparklehorse, Angus & Julia Stone, alt-J, Mud Flow{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/these-are-the-songs-in-life-is-strange/1100-6425751/ |title=These Are the Songs in Life is Strange |first=Alexa Ray |last=Corriea |date=7 March 2015 |work=GameSpot |access-date=7 March 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150309211114/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/these-are-the-songs-in-life-is-strange/1100-6425751/ |archive-date=9 March 2015 }} and Foals.

Square Enix announced Life Is Strange at Gamescom on 11 August 2014.{{Cite web|last=Conditt|first=J.|date=14 August 2014|title=Life is Strange: Ambiguous young love among leading ladies|url=https://www.engadget.com/2014-08-14-life-is-strange-ambiguous-young-love-among-leading-ladies.html|access-date=6 July 2021|website=Engadget|language=en-US|archive-date=9 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709184521/https://www.engadget.com/2014-08-14-life-is-strange-ambiguous-young-love-among-leading-ladies.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://eu.square-enix.com/en/blog/announcing-life-strange|title=Announcing Life is Strange!|first=Toby|last=Palm|date=11 August 2014|work=Square Enix|access-date=10 December 2014|archive-date=21 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141021194250/http://eu.square-enix.com/en/blog/announcing-life-strange|url-status=live}} The episodes were released digitally on PC via Steam, PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4 via PlayStation Network, and Xbox 360 and Xbox One via Xbox Live between 30 January 2015 and 20 October 2015.{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2014/12/17/life-is-strange-gets-a-release-date-and-pricing-info|title=Life is Strange Gets a Release Date and Pricing Info|first=Wesley|last=Copeland|date=17 December 2014|work=IGN|access-date=17 December 2014|archive-date=17 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150217003020/http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/12/17/life-is-strange-gets-a-release-date-and-pricing-info|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.gamezone.com/news/life-is-strange-episode-5-release-date-revealed-in-new-trailer-3426071 |title=Life is Strange Episode 5 release date revealed in new trailer |first=Mike |last=Boccher |date=7 October 2015 |work=GameZone |access-date=12 October 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151010095519/http://www.gamezone.com/news/life-is-strange-episode-5-release-date-revealed-in-new-trailer-3426071 |archive-date=10 October 2015 }} Two season pass options were available for reduced prices, one with episode 1-5 and one with episode 2-5. A demo of the first 20 minutes was released simultaneously with episode 1 for consoles and later for PC.{{cite web |last1=Ritter |first1=Tobias |title=Life Is Strange - Release-Plan und Demo-Download |url=https://www.gamestar.de/artikel/life-is-strange-release-plan-und-demo-download,3082412.html |website=GameStar |language=de-DE |date=28 January 2015 |access-date=15 October 2021 |archive-date=28 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211028173017/https://www.gamestar.de/artikel/life-is-strange-release-plan-und-demo-download,3082412.html |url-status=live }} In November 2014, the publisher said they were interested in releasing physical copies of the game, but said that at that time they were "100 per cent focused on the digital release".{{cite web|url=http://www.videogamer.com/ps4/life_is_strange/news/square_enix_considering_boxed_release_for_life_is_strange.html|title=Square Enix considering boxed release for Life is Strange|first=David|last=Scammell|date=19 November 2014|work=VideoGamer.com|access-date=6 December 2014|archive-date=8 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141208080118/http://www.videogamer.com/ps4/life_is_strange/news/square_enix_considering_boxed_release_for_life_is_strange.html|url-status=live}} One year later, the retail edition was set to be released for the PC, PS4 and Xbox One in North America on 19 January 2016 and in Europe on 22 January 2016; the limited edition had an artbook, the soundtrack, score, and a director's commentary.{{cite web|url=http://www.hardcoregamer.com/2015/11/23/life-is-strange-limited-edition-coming-to-north-america-for-pc/178900/ |title=Life Is Strange Limited Edition Coming to North America for PC |first=Adnan |last=Riaz |date=23 November 2015 |work=Hardcore Gamer |access-date=23 November 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151124115414/http://www.hardcoregamer.com/2015/11/23/life-is-strange-limited-edition-coming-to-north-america-for-pc/178900/ |archive-date=24 November 2015 }}{{cite web|url=http://www.hardcoregamer.com/2015/11/12/life-is-strange-limited-edition-announced/176838/ |title=Life is Strange Limited Edition Announced |first=Adam |last=Beck |date=12 November 2015 |work=Hardcore Gamer |access-date=12 November 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151115010710/http://www.hardcoregamer.com/2015/11/12/life-is-strange-limited-edition-announced/176838/ |archive-date=15 November 2015 }} The director's commentary was also released as a free DLC.{{cite web |last1=Good |first1=Owen S. |title=Life is Strange director's commentary is free DLC for digital versions |url=https://www.polygon.com/2016/1/20/10797522/life-is-strange-directors-commentary-is-free-dlc-for-digital-versions |website=Polygon |date=20 January 2016 |access-date=15 October 2021 |archive-date=29 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211029175143/https://www.polygon.com/2016/1/20/10797522/life-is-strange-directors-commentary-is-free-dlc-for-digital-versions |url-status=live }} A Japanese dubbed version was released for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4 on 3 March 2016.{{cite web|url=http://www.hardcoregamer.com/2015/12/10/life-is-stranges-japanese-version-receives-a-release-date/181870/ |title=Life Is Strange's Japanese Version Receives a Release Date |first=Adnan |last=Riaz |date=10 December 2015 |work=Hardcore Gamer |access-date=10 December 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151211050238/http://www.hardcoregamer.com/2015/12/10/life-is-stranges-japanese-version-receives-a-release-date/181870/ |archive-date=11 December 2015 }}{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=3 March 2016|title=時間を巻き戻し，人生の選択をやり直せるアドベンチャー「ライフ イズ ストレンジ」をプレイムービーで紹介|url=https://www.4gamer.net/games/269/G026996/20160226131/|access-date=6 July 2021|website=4gamer.net|language=ja|archive-date=9 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709184757/https://www.4gamer.net/games/269/G026996/20160226131/|url-status=live}} Feral Interactive ported Life Is Strange for OS X, released on 16 June 2016,{{cite web|url=http://www.gamasutra.com/view/pressreleases/275134/Life_is_Strange_ndash_out_now_on_the_Mac_App_Store_Thecritically_acclaimed_Life_is_Strangetrade_is_now_available_on_theMac_App_Store_Life_is_Strange_is_a_unique_fivepart_adventure_thatexplores_complex_issues_with_an_innovative_take_on_storybased.php |title=Life is Strange – out now on the Mac App Store The critically acclaimed Life is Strange is now available on the Mac App Store! Life is Strange is a unique five-part adventure that explores complex issues with an innovative take on story-based |date=16 June 2016 |work=Gamasutra |access-date=16 June 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160922213029/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/pressreleases/275134/Life_is_Strange_ndash_out_now_on_the_Mac_App_Store_Thecritically_acclaimed_Life_is_Strangetrade_is_now_available_on_theMac_App_Store_Life_is_Strange_is_a_unique_fivepart_adventure_thatexplores_complex_issues_with_an_innovative_take_on_storybased.php |archive-date=22 September 2016 }} and Linux,{{cite web|url=http://www.hardcoregamer.com/2016/06/01/feral-interactive-confirms-life-is-strange-is-coming-to-mac-linux/209664/ |title=Feral Interactive Confirms Life Is Strange is Coming to Mac, Linux |first=Adnan |last=Riaz |date=1 June 2016 |work=Hardcore Gamer |access-date=2 June 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160602111105/http://www.hardcoregamer.com/2016/06/01/feral-interactive-confirms-life-is-strange-is-coming-to-mac-linux/209664/ |archive-date=2 June 2016 }} released on 21 July 2016.{{cite web|url=http://www.gamasutra.com/view/pressreleases/277641/Life_Is_Strange_is_out_now_on_Steam_for_Mac_and_Linux_withthe_first_episode_available_for_free.php |title=Life Is Strange is out now on Steam for Mac and Linux, with the first episode available for free! |date=21 July 2016 |work=Gamasutra |access-date=22 July 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160725161020/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/pressreleases/277641/Life_Is_Strange_is_out_now_on_Steam_for_Mac_and_Linux_withthe_first_episode_available_for_free.php |archive-date=25 July 2016 }} That same day, the first episode was made indefinitely available for free on Linux, Windows, OS X, PS3, PS4, Xbox 360 and Xbox One.{{cite web|url=http://www.express.co.uk/entertainment/gaming/691827/Life-is-Strange-free-download-PS4-PS3-PlayStation-Plus-Xbox-One-Xbox-360-PC-Mac|title=Life is Strange free download confirmed for PS4 and PS3, regardless of PlayStation Plus|first=Liam|last=Martin|date=21 July 2016|work=Daily Express|access-date=21 July 2016|archive-date=29 July 2016|archive-url=https://archive.today/20160729212438/http://www.express.co.uk/entertainment/gaming/691827/Life-is-Strange-free-download-PS4-PS3-PlayStation-Plus-Xbox-One-Xbox-360-PC-Mac|url-status=live}} Life Is Strange was included on PlayStation Plus (for America and PAL regions) the month of June 2017.{{Cite web|last=Sarkar|first=Samit|date=31 May 2017|title=PlayStation Plus offers Life is Strange, Killing Floor 2 in June|url=https://www.polygon.com/2017/5/31/15719484/playstation-plus-free-games-june-2017|access-date=6 July 2021|website=Polygon|language=en|archive-date=9 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709184811/https://www.polygon.com/2017/5/31/15719484/playstation-plus-free-games-june-2017|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://blog.eu.playstation.com/2017/05/31/killing-floor-2-and-life-is-strange-are-your-playstation-plus-games-for-june/|title=Killing Floor 2 and Life is Strange are your PlayStation Plus games for June|first=Matthew|last=Groizard|date=31 May 2017|website=PlayStation Blog|publisher=Sony Interactive Entertainment|archive-date=31 May 2017|archive-url=https://archive.today/20170531172816/https://blog.eu.playstation.com/2017/05/31/killing-floor-2-and-life-is-strange-are-your-playstation-plus-games-for-june/|url-status=dead|access-date=31 May 2017}} It was released for iOS between 14 December 2017 and 29 March 2018, and launched on Android on 18 July 2018, both ported by Black Wing Foundation.{{cite web|url=https://venturebeat.com/2017/12/12/life-is-strange-will-launch-for-ios-on-december-14/|title=Life is Strange will launch for iOS on December 14|first=Mike|last=Minotti|date=12 December 2017|website=GamesBeat|access-date=12 December 2017|archive-date=12 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171212184910/https://venturebeat.com/2017/12/12/life-is-strange-will-launch-for-ios-on-december-14/|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=https://www.engadget.com/2017/12/12/life-is-strange-iphone-ipad-december-14th/|title='Life is Strange' comes to iPhone and iPad December 14th|first=Rob|last=LeFebvre|date=12 December 2017|website=Engadget|access-date=12 December 2017|archive-date=12 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171212214335/https://www.engadget.com/2017/12/12/life-is-strange-iphone-ipad-december-14th/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.hardcoregamer.com/2018/06/04/life-is-strange-arrives-next-month-for-android-exclusive-controller-support-confirmed/301109/|title=Life Is Strange Arrives Next Month for Android, Exclusive Controller Support Confirmed|first=Adnan|last=Riaz|date=4 June 2018|website=Hardcore Gamer|archive-date=4 June 2018|archive-url=https://archive.today/20180604155316/https://www.hardcoregamer.com/2018/06/04/life-is-strange-arrives-next-month-for-android-exclusive-controller-support-confirmed/301109/|url-status=live|access-date=4 June 2018}}

{{VG Series Reviews

| gr = no

| game1 = Complete Season

| mc1 = (PC) 83/100{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/life-is-strange/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |title=Life is Strange for PC Reviews |work=Metacritic |publisher=CBS Interactive |access-date=10 August 2018 |archive-date=30 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180830122518/http://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/life-is-strange |url-status=live }}
(PS4) 85/100{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/life-is-strange/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-4 |title=Life is Strange for PlayStation 4 Reviews |work=Metacritic |publisher=CBS Interactive |access-date=10 August 2018 |archive-date=27 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180727025150/http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-4/life-is-strange |url-status=live }}
(XONE) 85/100{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/life-is-strange/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-one |title=Life is Strange for Xbox One Reviews |work=Metacritic |publisher=CBS Interactive |access-date=10 August 2018 |archive-date=27 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180727232039/http://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-one/life-is-strange |url-status=live }}
(iOS) 83/100{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/life-is-strange/critic-reviews/?platform=ios-iphoneipad |title=Life is Strange for iPhone/iPad Reviews |work=Metacritic |publisher=CBS Interactive |access-date=8 September 2018 |archive-date=4 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180904093304/http://www.metacritic.com/game/ios/life-is-strange |url-status=live }}

| game2 = Episode 1: Chrysalis

| mc2 = (PC) 77/100{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/life-is-strange-episode-1/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |title=Life is Strange: Episode 1 - Chrysalis for PC Reviews |work=Metacritic |publisher=CBS Interactive |access-date=27 March 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150311204548/http://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/life-is-strange-episode-1---chrysalis |archive-date=11 March 2015}}
(PS4) 75/100{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/life-is-strange-episode-1/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-4 |title=Life is Strange: Episode 1 - Chrysalis for PlayStation 4 Reviews |work=Metacritic |publisher=CBS Interactive |access-date=12 March 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150310062453/http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-4/life-is-strange-episode-1---chrysalis |archive-date=10 March 2015}}
(XONE) 77/100{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/life-is-strange-episode-1/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-one |title=Life is Strange: Episode 1 - Chrysalis for Xbox One Reviews |work=Metacritic |publisher=CBS Interactive |access-date=14 April 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150226060810/http://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-one/life-is-strange-episode-1---chrysalis |archive-date=26 February 2015}}

| game3 = Episode 2: Out of Time

| mc3 = (PC) 77/100{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/life-is-strange-episode-2/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |title=Life is Strange: Episode 2 - Out of Time for PC Reviews |work=Metacritic |publisher=CBS Interactive |access-date=4 May 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150327021639/http://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/life-is-strange-episode-2---out-of-time |archive-date=27 March 2015}}
(PS4) 78/100{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/life-is-strange-episode-2/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-4 |title=Life is Strange: Episode 2 - Out of Time for PlayStation 4 Reviews |work=Metacritic |publisher=CBS Interactive |access-date=2 June 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150603014921/http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-4/life-is-strange-episode-2---out-of-time |archive-date=3 June 2015}}
(XONE) 73/100{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/life-is-strange-episode-2/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-one |title=Life is Strange: Episode 2 - Out of Time for Xbox One Reviews |work=Metacritic |publisher=CBS Interactive |access-date=16 May 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150327021950/http://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-one/life-is-strange-episode-2---out-of-time |archive-date=27 March 2015}}

| game4 = Episode 3: Chaos Theory

| mc4 = (PC) 80/100{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/life-is-strange-episode-3/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |title=Life is Strange: Episode 3 - Chaos Theory for PC Reviews |work=Metacritic |publisher=CBS Interactive |access-date=10 June 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150523023102/http://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/life-is-strange-episode-3---chaos-theory |archive-date=23 May 2015}}
(PS4) 81/100{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/life-is-strange-episode-3/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-4 |title=Life is Strange: Episode 3 - Chaos Theory for PlayStation 4 Reviews |work=Metacritic |publisher=CBS Interactive |access-date=11 October 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151008212638/http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-4/life-is-strange-episode-3---chaos-theory |archive-date=8 October 2015}}
(XONE) 80/100{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/life-is-strange-episode-3/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-one |title=Life is Strange: Episode 3 - Chaos Theory for Xbox One Reviews |work=Metacritic |publisher=CBS Interactive |access-date=29 May 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150525030237/http://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-one/life-is-strange-episode-3---chaos-theory |archive-date=25 May 2015}}

| game5 = Episode 4: Dark Room

| mc5 = (PC) 76/100{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/life-is-strange-episode-4/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |title=Life is Strange: Episode 4 - Dark Room for PC Reviews |work=Metacritic |publisher=CBS Interactive |access-date=1 October 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150730221222/http://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/life-is-strange-episode-4 |archive-date=30 July 2015}}
(PS4) 81/100{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/life-is-strange-episode-4/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-4 |title=Life is Strange: Episode 4 - Dark Room for PlayStation 4 Reviews |work=Metacritic |publisher=CBS Interactive |access-date=21 October 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151026081952/http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-4/life-is-strange-episode-4---dark-room |archive-date=26 October 2015}}
(XONE) 74/100{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/life-is-strange-episode-4/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-one |title=Life is Strange: Episode 4 - Dark Room for Xbox One Reviews |work=Metacritic |publisher=CBS Interactive |access-date=17 September 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151002183227/http://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-one/life-is-strange-episode-4---dark-room |archive-date=2 October 2015}}

| game6 = Episode 5: Polarized

| mc6 = (PC) 83/100{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/life-is-strange-episode-5/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |title=Life is Strange: Episode 5 - Polarized for PC Reviews |work=Metacritic |publisher=CBS Interactive |access-date=7 November 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151105030206/http://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/life-is-strange-episode-5---polarized |archive-date=5 November 2015}}
(PS4) 81/100{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/life-is-strange-episode-5/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-4 |title=Life is Strange: Episode 5 - Polarized for PlayStation 4 Reviews |work=Metacritic |publisher=CBS Interactive |access-date=3 January 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151119193922/http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-4/life-is-strange-episode-5---polarized |archive-date=19 November 2015}}
(XONE) 80/100{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/life-is-strange-episode-5/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-one |title=Life is Strange: Episode 5 - Polarized for Xbox One Reviews |work=Metacritic |publisher=CBS Interactive |access-date=31 October 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151023012359/http://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-one/life-is-strange-episode-5---polarized |archive-date=23 October 2015}}

}}

Life Is Strange received critical acclaim.{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:{{Cite web |last=Stone |first=Chris |date=7 January 2019 |title=The evolution of video games as a storytelling medium, and the role of narrative in modern games |url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/design/the-evolution-of-video-games-as-a-storytelling-medium-and-the-role-of-narrative-in-modern-games |access-date=13 November 2023 |website=Gamasutra |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Fogel |first=Stefanie |date=19 July 2018 |title='Life Is Strange' Is Now On Android With Full Controller Support |url=https://variety.com/2018/gaming/news/life-is-strange-now-on-android-1202878299/ |access-date=13 November 2023 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Farokhmanesh |first=Megan |date=12 December 2017 |title=Life is Strange's time-traveling teen drama arrives on iOS this week |url=https://www.theverge.com/2017/12/12/16766776/life-is-strange-game-ios |access-date=13 November 2023 |website=The Verge |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=20 December 2017 |title=Review: Life Is Strange Episodes 1-3 (iOS) |website=Hardcore Gamer |url=https://hardcoregamer.com/reviews/review-life-is-strange-episodes-1-3-ios/283960/ |access-date=13 November 2023 |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Henges |first=Elizabeth |title=Life is Strange 2 Episode 1: Roads Review |url=https://www.rpgsite.net/review/7827-life-is-strange-2-episode-1-roads-review |access-date=13 November 2023 |website=RPG Site |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Arrant |first=Chris |date=24 June 2021 |title=Life is Strange: Settling Dust comic will be a "heart-wrenching" goodbye to Max and Chloe |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/life-is-strange-settling-dust-comic-will-be-a-heart-wrenching-goodbye-to-max-and-chloe/ |access-date=13 November 2023 |website=GamesRadar+ |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2 June 2016 |title=9 brilliant PC games that can't save you from the vast and limitless abyss |url=https://www.pcgamesn.com/the-abyss-is-coming |access-date=13 November 2023 |website=PCGamesN |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Gilyadov |first=Alex |date=14 December 2017 |title=Life Is Strange Coming to iOS This Week |url=https://za.ign.com/life-is-strange/114066/news/life-is-strange-coming-to-ios-this-week |access-date=13 November 2023 |website=IGN Africa |language=en-za}}}} Metacritic reported that critical reception consisted of "generally favorable reviews".{{cite web|url=http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/life-is-good-dontnod-on-the-success-of-life-is-strange-and-what-comes-next/0164045 |title=Life is good: Dontnod on the success of Life is Strange and what comes next |first=Alex |last=Calvin |date=15 March 2016 |work=MCV |access-date=16 March 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160317064842/http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/life-is-good-dontnod-on-the-success-of-life-is-strange-and-what-comes-next/0164045 |archive-date=17 March 2016 }} While some reviewers criticised the games's lip-syncing{{cite web|url=http://www.usgamer.net/articles/life-is-strange-episode-1-ps4-review-be-kind-rewind|title=Life is Strange, Episode 1 PS4 Review: Be Kind, Rewind|first=Mike|last=Williams|date=2 February 2015|work=USgamer|access-date=21 July 2015|archive-date=11 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150211212247/http://www.usgamer.net/articles/life-is-strange-episode-1-ps4-review-be-kind-rewind|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.gamezone.com/videos/life-is-strange-episode-1-chrysalis-video-review-44v |title=Life is Strange Episode 1: Chrysalis Video Review |work=GameZone |date=29 January 2015 |access-date=22 October 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150906190802/http://www.gamezone.com/videos/life-is-strange-episode-1-chrysalis-video-review-44v |archive-date=6 September 2015 }} and use of dated slang,{{cite web|url=http://www.polygon.com/2015/1/29/7945795/life-is-strange-review-xbox-one-ps4-360-ps3-PC-episode-one|title=Life is Strange: Episode One – Chrysalis review: so-called life|first1=Megan|last1=Farokhmanesh|first2=Colin|last2=Campbell|date=29 January 2015|work=Polygon|access-date=10 March 2015|archive-date=30 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150130172551/http://www.polygon.com/2015/1/29/7945795/life-is-strange-review-xbox-one-ps4-360-ps3-PC-episode-one|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.pcgamer.com/life-is-strange-episode-one-review/ |title=Life Is Strange |first=Cassandra |last=Khaw |date=10 February 2015 |work=PC Gamer |access-date=24 October 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151009220905/http://www.pcgamer.com/life-is-strange-episode-one-review/ |archive-date=9 October 2015 }} they lauded the character development{{cite magazine|url=https://www.ew.com/article/2015/01/29/life-strange-episode-1-review-chrysalis|title='Life Is Strange' Episode 1 review: 'Chrysalis'|first=Jonathon|last=Dornbush|date=29 January 2015|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|access-date=10 March 2015|archive-date=2 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150202002140/http://www.ew.com/article/2015/01/29/life-strange-episode-1-review-chrysalis|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.pcgamer.com/life-is-strange-review/ |title=Life Is Strange |first=Phil |last=Savage |date=22 October 2015 |work=PC Gamer |access-date=22 October 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151023185424/http://www.pcgamer.com/life-is-strange-review/ |archive-date=23 October 2015 }} and time travel component,{{cite web|url=http://www.hardcoregamer.com/2015/01/29/review-life-is-strange-episode-1-chrysalis/132228/|title=Review: Life is Strange Episode 1: Chrysalis|first=Geoff|last=Thew|date=29 January 2015|work=Hardcore Gamer|access-date=10 March 2015|archive-date=31 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150131002234/http://www.hardcoregamer.com/2015/01/29/review-life-is-strange-episode-1-chrysalis/132228/|url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=http://www.shacknews.com/article/91829/life-is-strange-review-selfie-destruction |title=Life is Strange review: 'Selfie'-destruction |first=Ozzie |last=Mejia |date=21 October 2015 |work=Shacknews |access-date=21 October 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151023164732/http://www.shacknews.com/article/91829/life-is-strange-review-selfie-destruction |archive-date=23 October 2015 }} suggesting that there should be more games like it.{{cite web|url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2015/01/life-is-strange-episode-one-review-trying-and-retrying-new-things/ |title=Life is Strange Episode One review: Trying and retrying new things |first=Steven |last=Strom |date=30 January 2015 |work=Ars Technica |access-date=22 October 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151022231404/http://arstechnica.com/gaming/2015/01/life-is-strange-episode-one-review-trying-and-retrying-new-things/ |archive-date=22 October 2015 }}{{cite web|url=http://www.hardcoregamer.com/2015/01/29/review-life-is-strange-episode-1-chrysalis/132228/|title=Review: Life is Strange Episode 1: Chrysalis|first=Geoff|last=Thew|date=29 January 2015|work=Hardcore Gamer|access-date=21 July 2015|archive-date=31 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150131002234/http://www.hardcoregamer.com/2015/01/29/review-life-is-strange-episode-1-chrysalis/132228/|url-status=live}} Eurogamer said it was "one of the best interactive story games of this generation"{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2015-10-22-life-is-strange |title=Life is Strange review |first=Aoife |last=Wilson |date=22 October 2015 |work=Eurogamer |access-date=22 October 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151022200126/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2015-10-22-life-is-strange |archive-date=22 October 2015 }} and Hardcore Gamer said it was the sleeper hit of 2015.{{cite web|url=http://www.hardcoregamer.com/2015/11/07/review-life-is-strange/175508/|title=Review: Life Is Strange|last=Riaz|first=Adnan|date=7 November 2015|work=Hardcore Gamer|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151108212519/http://www.hardcoregamer.com/2015/11/07/review-life-is-strange/175508/|archive-date=8 November 2015|url-status=live|access-date=7 November 2015}} Legendary Entertainment stated it received over 75 Game of the Year awards and listings. In April 2017, Xbox One UK ranked it first in its list of Xbox One games priced under £20.{{cite web|url=http://www.xboxoneuk.com/xbox-one/xbouks-top-20-games-for-under-20|title=XBOUK's Top 20 Games For Under £20|first=Stephen|last=Loftus|date=25 April 2017|website=Xbox One UK|archive-date=1 June 2017|archive-url=https://archive.today/20170601063704/http://www.xboxoneuk.com/xbox-one/best-20-xbox-one-games-for-under-20/|url-status=dead}} Game director Yoko Taro listed it as one of his favourite PlayStation 4 games.{{cite web|url=https://blog.us.playstation.com/2017/07/11/discover-the-creators-yoko-taros-favorite-ps4-games/|title=Discover the Creators: Yoko Taro's Favorite PS4 Games|author=Taro, Yoko|date=11 July 2017|website=PlayStation Blog|archive-date=11 July 2017|archive-url=https://archive.today/20170711163205/https://blog.us.playstation.com/2017/07/11/discover-the-creators-yoko-taros-favorite-ps4-games/|url-status=live}}

Kevin VanOrd of GameSpot said Episode 1: Chrysalis{{efn|The subtitle Chrysalis alludes to the transitional stage of butterflies as pupae, before they emerge into adulthood.{{cite web|url=http://www.ibtimes.com/life-strange-episode-one-review-square-enix-gambles-female-protagonists-1801178|title='Life Is Strange' Episode One Review: Square Enix Gambles With Female Protagonists|first=Vincent|last=Balestriere|date=31 January 2015|work=International Business Times|access-date=31 January 2015|archive-date=3 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150203032128/http://www.ibtimes.com/life-strange-episode-one-review-square-enix-gambles-female-protagonists-1801178|url-status=live}}}} is "an involving slice of life that works because its situations eloquently capture a peculiar early-college state of mind",{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/life-is-strange-episode-one-review/1900-6416015/ |title=Life is Strange, Episode One Review |first=Kevin |last=VanOrd |date=29 January 2015 |work=GameSpot |access-date=30 October 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151024065018/http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/life-is-strange-episode-one-review/1900-6416015/ |archive-date=24 October 2015 }} while Game Informer{{'}}s Kimberley Wallace said the game's tackling of "subjects that are usually taboo for video games" was impressive.{{cite magazine |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/games/life_is_strange/b/pc/archive/2015/01/29/life-is-strange-episode-one-chrysalis-review-game-informer.aspx |title=A Promising And Exciting Debut |first=Kimberley |last=Wallace |date=29 January 2015 |magazine=Game Informer |access-date=30 October 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151020151045/http://www.gameinformer.com/games/life_is_strange/b/pc/archive/2015/01/29/life-is-strange-episode-one-chrysalis-review-game-informer.aspx |archive-date=20 October 2015 }} Destructoid{{'}}s Brett Makedonski said the episode's strongest characteristic was exploration—both "self- and worldly".{{cite web|url=http://www.destructoid.com/review-life-is-strange-chrysalis-286926.phtml |title=Review: Life is Strange: Chrysalis |first=Brett |last=Makedonski |date=29 January 2015 |work=Destructoid |access-date=30 October 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151108031815/http://www.destructoid.com/review-life-is-strange-chrysalis-286926.phtml |archive-date=8 November 2015 }} Mitch Dyer of IGN said the story was ultimately obstructed by its "laughable" script and "worse performances".{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2015/02/02/life-is-strange-episode-1-review |title=Life is Strange: Episode 1 Review |first=Mitch |last=Dyer |date=2 February 2015 |work=IGN |access-date=30 October 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151025110238/http://www.ign.com/articles/2015/02/02/life-is-strange-episode-1-review |archive-date=25 October 2015 }} In response to Episode 2: Out of Time, Polygon{{'}}s Megan Farokhmanesh also said that the emphasis on self-exploration had considerable impact on the enjoyment of the game.{{cite web|url=http://www.polygon.com/2015/3/25/8291203/life-is-strange-episode-two-review |title=Life is Strange: Episode Two – Out of Time review: stand by me |first1=Megan |last1=Farokhmanesh |first2=Colin |last2=Campbell |date=25 March 2015 |work=Polygon |access-date=30 October 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151226163422/http://www.polygon.com/2015/3/25/8291203/life-is-strange-episode-two-review |archive-date=26 December 2015 }} Other critics said the ending was an "emotional high point" and that it brought meaning to the choices from both the first and second episodes.{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/life-is-strange-episode-two-review/1900-6416079/ |title=Life is Strange, Episode Two Review |first=Alexa Ray |last=Corriea |date=26 March 2015 |work=GameSpot |access-date=30 October 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151016054649/http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/life-is-strange-episode-two-review/1900-6416079/ |archive-date=16 October 2015 }}{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2015/03/24/life-is-strange-episode-2-review |title=Life is Strange: Episode 2 Review |first=Mitch |last=Dyer |date=24 March 2015 |work=IGN |access-date=30 October 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151030235124/http://www.ign.com/articles/2015/03/24/life-is-strange-episode-2-review |archive-date=30 October 2015 }} Mike Williams said in USgamer that the pacing of Episode 2: Out of Time was "slower and less exciting" than that of episode one.{{cite web |url=http://www.usgamer.net/articles/life-is-strange-episode-2-ps4-review |title=Life is Strange, Episode 2 PS4 Review: The Magical and The Mundane |first=Mike |last=Williams |date=27 March 2015 |work=USgamer |access-date=30 October 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117155701/http://www.usgamer.net/articles/life-is-strange-episode-2-ps4-review |archive-date=17 November 2015 }} PopMatters' Eric Swain described the episode as generally sincere but containing moments that strained credibility.{{cite web |last1=Swain |first1=Eric |title=Life Is Strange, Episode 2: Out of Time |url=https://www.popmatters.com/192950-life-is-strange-episode-2-out-of-time-2495535716.html |publisher=PopMatters |date=5 May 2015 |access-date=23 May 2021 |archive-date=23 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210523103404/https://www.popmatters.com/192950-life-is-strange-episode-2-out-of-time-2495535716.html |url-status=live }}

Adnan Riaz of Hardcore Gamer said Episode 3: Chaos Theory was a dramatic improvement that presented a "thrilling, poignant, fascinating and ... enticing" narrative whose outcome from past decisions also added a sense of realism.{{cite web|url=http://www.hardcoregamer.com/2015/05/22/review-life-is-strange-episode-3-chaos-theory/149654/ |title=Review: Life Is Strange Episode 3: Chaos Theory |first=Adnan |last=Riaz |date=22 May 2015 |work=Hardcore Gamer |access-date=30 October 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117031924/http://www.hardcoregamer.com/2015/05/22/review-life-is-strange-episode-3-chaos-theory/149654/ |archive-date=17 November 2015 }} Peter Paras of Game Revolution complimented the character beats, particularly the development of Chloe Price, who he said "really comes into her own as [a] fully-formed character".{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/life-is-strange-episode-3-chaos-theory |title=Life Is Strange: Episode 3 – Chaos Theory Review |first=Peter |last=Paras |date=19 May 2015 |work=Game Revolution |access-date=30 October 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151012041001/http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/life-is-strange-episode-3-chaos-theory |archive-date=12 October 2015 }} Though GameSpot{{'}}s Alexa Ray Corriea said that the fetch quests interfered with its emotional quality,{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/life-is-strange-episode-three-review/1900-6416147/ |title=Life is Strange, Episode Three Review |first=Alexa Ray |last=Corriea |date=20 May 2015 |work=GameSpot |access-date=31 October 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151102040010/http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/life-is-strange-episode-three-review/1900-6416147/ |archive-date=2 November 2015 }} the episode built up to a "killer cliffhanger" according to Farokhmanesh.{{cite web|url=http://www.polygon.com/2015/6/1/8688317/life-is-strange-episode-3-chaos-theory-review |title=Life is Strange: Episode Three – Chaos Theory review: echo chamber |first1=Megan |last1=Farokhmanesh |first2=Colin |last2=Campbell |date=1 June 2015 |work=Polygon |access-date=31 October 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151018115049/http://www.polygon.com/2015/6/1/8688317/life-is-strange-episode-3-chaos-theory-review |archive-date=18 October 2015 }} GameZone{{'}}s Matt Liebl said Episode 4: Dark Room was "easily the most emotional episode" and that the mystery of Rachel Amber had done a "tremendous job in keeping us hooked".{{cite web|url=http://www.gamezone.com/reviews/life-is-strange-episode-4-dark-room-review-jv9v |title=Life is Strange Episode 4: Dark Room Review |first=Matt |last=Liebl |date=30 July 2015 |work=GameZone |access-date=31 October 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151023163037/http://www.gamezone.com/reviews/life-is-strange-episode-4-dark-room-review-jv9v |archive-date=23 October 2015 }} Tom Hoggins of The Telegraph said the developer's venture into subjects like social division, online bullying, parental conflict and suicide were "bold".{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/gaming/what-to-play/life-is-strange-episode-4-review/ |title=Life is Strange, Episode 4, The Dark Room: 'Precariously balanced' |first=Tom |last=Hoggins |date=11 August 2015 |newspaper=The Telegraph |access-date=31 October 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151015013926/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/gaming/what-to-play/life-is-strange-episode-4-review/ |archive-date=15 October 2015 }} Critics said there were tonal problems, caused by the game's "cheap ways" of progressing the plot, such as character inconsistency and superfluous shock value.{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2015/07/30/life-is-strange-episode-4-dark-room-review |title=Life Is Strange – Episode 4: Dark Room Review |first=Mitch |last=Dyer |date=30 July 2015 |work=IGN |access-date=31 October 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151102014136/http://www.ign.com/articles/2015/07/30/life-is-strange-episode-4-dark-room-review |archive-date=2 November 2015 }}{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/life-is-strange-episode-four-review/1900-6416204/ |title=Life is Strange, Episode Four Review |first=Alexa Ray |last=Corriea |date=28 July 2015 |work=GameSpot |access-date=31 October 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151028230540/http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/life-is-strange-episode-four-review/1900-6416204/ |archive-date=28 October 2015 }} Critics were more favourable towards the episode's puzzles and relationships.{{cite web|url=http://www.polygon.com/2015/8/13/9130223/life-is-strange-episode-4-review-dark-room |title=Life is Strange: Episode Four – Dark Room review: low road |first1=Megan |last1=Farokhmanesh |first2=Colin |last2=Campbell |date=13 August 2015 |work=Polygon |access-date=31 October 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151024070210/http://www.polygon.com/2015/8/13/9130223/life-is-strange-episode-4-review-dark-room |archive-date=24 October 2015 }}{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/life-is-strange--episode-4-the-dark-room |title=Life Is Strange – Episode 4: The Dark Room Review |first=Peter |last=Paras |date=6 August 2015 |work=Game Revolution |access-date=31 October 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117020622/http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/life-is-strange--episode-4-the-dark-room |archive-date=17 November 2015 }} They said the final episode, Polarized, had a "fitting conclusion" to the coming of age story of Max Caulfield and the relationship between the two leads was carried out successfully.{{cite web|url=http://www.hardcoregamer.com/2015/10/26/review-life-is-strange-episode-5-polarized/173583/ |title=Review: Life Is Strange Episode 5: Polarized |first=Adnan |last=Riaz |date=26 October 2015 |work=Hardcore Gamer |access-date=31 October 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151028195126/http://www.hardcoregamer.com/2015/10/26/review-life-is-strange-episode-5-polarized/173583/ |archive-date=28 October 2015 }}{{cite magazine |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/games/life_is_strange_episode_5_-_polarized/b/playstation4/archive/2015/10/21/life-is-strange-episode-5-polarized-review-game-informer.aspx |title=Life is Strange: Episode 5 – Polarized |first=Kimberley |last=Wallace |date=21 October 2015 |magazine=Game Informer |access-date=31 October 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151030031739/http://www.gameinformer.com/games/life_is_strange_episode_5_-_polarized/b/playstation4/archive/2015/10/21/life-is-strange-episode-5-polarized-review-game-informer.aspx |archive-date=30 October 2015 }} One stealth sequence was described as "tedious" and "out-of-place" while other aspects inhabiting the same course of events were favoured.{{cite web |url=http://www.themarysue.com/life-really-is-strange/ |title=Review: Life Is Strange Episode 5: "Polarized" AKA Let's Have a Feels Trip |first=Jessica |last=Lachenal |date=21 October 2015 |work=The Mary Sue |access-date=31 October 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151024003355/http://www.themarysue.com/life-really-is-strange/ |archive-date=24 October 2015 }}{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2015/10/22/life-is-strange-episode-5-polarized-review |title=Life Is Strange – Episode 5: Polarized Review |first=Mitch |last=Dyer |date=21 October 2015 |work=IGN |access-date=31 October 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151104092509/http://www.ign.com/articles/2015/10/22/life-is-strange-episode-5-polarized-review |archive-date=4 November 2015 }} Reviewers were divided on the ending.{{cite web |url=http://www.usgamer.net/articles/life-is-strange-episode-5-review |title=Life is Strange Episode 5 PS4 Review: Time to Let Things Go |first=Mike |last=Williams |date=23 October 2015 |work=USgamer |access-date=31 October 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151027235637/http://www.usgamer.net/articles/life-is-strange-episode-5-review |archive-date=27 October 2015 }}{{cite web|url=http://www.polygon.com/2015/10/21/9589174/life-is-strange-episode-5-review-polarized |title=Life is Strange: Episode Five – Polarized review |first1=Megan |last1=Farokhmanesh |first2=Colin |last2=Campbell |date=21 October 2015 |work=Polygon |access-date=31 October 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151029223907/http://www.polygon.com/2015/10/21/9589174/life-is-strange-episode-5-review-polarized |archive-date=29 October 2015 }}{{cite web|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/life-strange-review/ |title=Life is Strange review |first=Ashley |last=Reed |date=22 October 2015 |work=GamesRadar |access-date=31 October 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151018033822/http://www.gamesradar.com/life-strange-review/ |archive-date=18 October 2015 }}{{cite web|url=http://kotaku.com/life-is-stranges-ending-is-a-hot-mess-1738291856 |title=Life is Strange's Ending Is A Hot Mess |first=Patricia |last=Hernandez |date=23 October 2015 |work=Kotaku |access-date=31 October 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151030015945/http://kotaku.com/life-is-stranges-ending-is-a-hot-mess-1738291856 |archive-date=30 October 2015 }}

Life Is Strange reached one million sales in July 2015,{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2015/07/23/life-is-strange-hits-1-million-sales-episode-4-release-date-announced |title=Life is Strange Hits 1 Million Sales, Episode 4 Release Date Announced |first=Luke |last=Karmali |date=23 July 2015 |work=IGN |access-date=23 July 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150725000242/http://www.ign.com/articles/2015/07/23/life-is-strange-hits-1-million-sales-episode-4-release-date-announced |archive-date=25 July 2015 }} having accumulated over 1.2 million unique players worldwide; the attach rate to units between the complete season and season pass proved to be "extremely strong", divulged Square Enix.{{cite web|url=http://www.polygon.com/2015/7/23/9022561/life-is-strange-episode-4-release-date-trailer |title=Life is Strange hits 1M copies sold, fourth episode coming next week |first=Samit |last=Sarkar |date=23 July 2015 |work=Polygon |access-date=24 July 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150725015350/http://www.polygon.com/2015/7/23/9022561/life-is-strange-episode-4-release-date-trailer |archive-date=25 July 2015 }} The retail edition made seventh place in the top ten UK game sales chart for the week ending 23 January 2016.{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/call-of-duty-black-ops-3-camps-at-top-of-uk-chart/1100-6434106/ |title=Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 Camps at Top of UK Chart |first=Tamoor |last=Hussain |date=25 January 2016 |work=GameSpot |access-date=26 January 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160128033016/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/call-of-duty-black-ops-3-camps-at-top-of-uk-chart/1100-6434106/ |archive-date=28 January 2016 }} As of May 2017, it was purchased by 3 million unique players.{{Cite web |last=Handrahan |first=Matthew |date=19 May 2017 |title=Life is Strange was bought by 3 million people |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2017-05-19-life-is-strange-was-bought-by-3-million-people |access-date=31 March 2022 |website=GamesIndustry.biz |language=en |archive-date=31 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220331171500/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2017-05-19-life-is-strange-was-bought-by-3-million-people |url-status=live }} By November 2023, the game had garnered "20 million total players".{{Cite web |last=Wood |first=Anthony |date=24 November 2023 |title=The Original Life is Strange Game Had Over 20 Million Players |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/the-original-life-is-strange-game-had-over-20-million-players |access-date=17 February 2024 |website=IGN |language=en}}

File:GDC 2016 awards 16-20 52 32-01-7D1 0959 (25731583212).jpg.]]

In 2015, PlayStation Official Magazine recognized Life Is Strange in its Best Episodic Adventure category and Episode 2's conclusion in the Best Moment category.{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/LifeIsStrange/status/674539558772469760 |title=Life Is Strange on Twitter |date=9 December 2015 |publisher=Life is Strange |via=Twitter |access-date=9 December 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160224185740/https://twitter.com/LifeIsStrange/status/674539558772469760 |archive-date=24 February 2016 }} The end of Episode 2 was also runner-up for Best Moment or Sequence in Giant Bomb's 2015 Game of the Year Awards.{{cite web|url=http://www.giantbomb.com/articles/giant-bombs-2015-game-of-the-year-awards-day-three/1100-5318/ |title=Giant Bomb's 2015 Game of the Year Awards: Day Three Text Recap |date=30 December 2015 |work=Giant Bomb |access-date=16 January 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20151230170643/http://www.giantbomb.com/articles/giant-bombs-2015-game-of-the-year-awards-day-three/1100-5318/ |archive-date=30 December 2015 }} The game ranked first on Vulture{{'}}s Top 10 video games of 2015,{{cite web|url=https://www.vulture.com/2015/12/10-best-video-games-of-2015.html?mid=twitter_vulture |title=The 10 Best Video Games of 2015 |first=Joshua |last=Rivera |date=10 December 2015 |work=Vulture |access-date=10 December 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151211100353/http://www.vulture.com/2015/12/10-best-video-games-of-2015.html?mid=twitter_vulture |archive-date=11 December 2015 }} second on Red Bull Games' Top 10 video games of 2015,{{cite web|url=http://www.redbull.com/en/games/stories/1331765684784/game-of-the-year-2015-the-top-10 |title=The best games of 2015: Your top 10 |work=Red Bull Games |access-date=17 December 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151219230302/http://www.redbull.com/en/games/stories/1331765684784/game-of-the-year-2015-the-top-10 |archive-date=19 December 2015 }} fourth on Vice Canada{{'}}s Top 20 video games of 2015,{{cite web|url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/the-top-20-video-games-of-2015-according-to-vice-999/ |title=The Best 20 Video Games of 2015 |first=Mike |last=Diver |date=4 December 2015 |work=Vice Canada |access-date=10 December 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151211141310/http://www.vice.com/en_ca/read/the-top-20-video-games-of-2015-according-to-vice-999 |archive-date=11 December 2015 }} seventh on Polygon's Games of the Year 2015,{{cite web|url=http://www.polygon.com/a/game-of-the-year-2015/life-is-strange-game-of-the-year-2015-polygon |title=Polygon's 2015 Games of the Year #7: Life is Strange |first=Allegra |last=Frank |work=Polygon |access-date=23 December 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222215459/http://www.polygon.com/a/game-of-the-year-2015/life-is-strange-game-of-the-year-2015-polygon |archive-date=22 December 2015 }} eighth on Ars Technica's best video games of 2015,{{cite web |url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2015/12/the-best-video-games-of-2015-as-picked-by-the-ars-editors/4/ |title=The best video games of 2015, as picked by the Ars editors |first=Kyle |last=Orland |date=27 December 2015 |work=Ars Technica |access-date=28 December 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20160105125458/http://arstechnica.com/gaming/2015/12/the-best-video-games-of-2015-as-picked-by-the-ars-editors/4/ |archive-date=5 January 2016 }} and tenth on Eurogamer's Top 10 video games of 2015 lists.{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2015-12-23-games-of-2015-life-is-strange |title=Games of 2015 no. 10: Life is Strange |first=Tom |last=Phillips |date=23 December 2015 |work=Eurogamer |access-date=24 December 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151224105140/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2015-12-23-games-of-2015-life-is-strange |archive-date=24 December 2015 }} New Statesman also named it Best Game on their Top 10 video games of 2015 list,{{cite web|url=http://www.newstatesman.com/culture/games/2015/12/top-ten-best-videogames-2015 |title=The top ten best videogames of 2015 |first=Emad |last=Ahmed |date=31 December 2015 |work=New Statesman |access-date=2 January 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160101162218/http://www.newstatesman.com/culture/games/2015/12/top-ten-best-videogames-2015 |archive-date=1 January 2016 }} while Apple labeled it Game of the Year at its Best of 2016 awards.{{cite web |url=http://www.develop-online.net/press-releases/life-is-strange-trade-wins-game-of-the-year-in-apple-rsquo-s-best-of-2016/0227552 |title=Life Is Strange wins Game of the Year in Apple's Best of 2016 |first=Rajitha |last=Ratnam |date=8 December 2016 |website=Develop |publisher=NewBay Media |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220103340/http://www.develop-online.net/press-releases/life-is-strange-trade-wins-game-of-the-year-in-apple-rsquo-s-best-of-2016/0227552 |archive-date=20 December 2016 |access-date=12 December 2016 }} At Destructoid's Best of 2015 Awards, Life Is Strange was nominated for Best Xbox One Game.{{cite web|url=http://www.destructoid.com/nominees-for-destructoid-s-best-xbox-one-game-of-2015-325531.phtml |title=Nominees for Destructoid's Best Xbox One Game of 2015 |first=Brett |last=Makedonski |date=10 December 2015 |work=Destructoid |access-date=10 December 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222150128/http://www.destructoid.com/nominees-for-destructoid-s-best-xbox-one-game-of-2015-325531.phtml |archive-date=22 December 2015 }}{{cite web|url=http://www.destructoid.com/destructoid-s-award-for-best-xbox-game-of-2015-goes-to--328540.phtml |title=Destructoid's award for Best Xbox Game of 2015 goes to... |first=Brett |last=Makedonski |date=23 December 2015 |work=Destructoid |access-date=24 December 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151223183038/http://www.destructoid.com/destructoid-s-award-for-best-xbox-game-of-2015-goes-to--328540.phtml |archive-date=23 December 2015 }} It was runner-up for Best Adventure Game at Hardcore Gamer{{'}}s Best of 2015 Awards.{{cite web|url=http://www.hardcoregamer.com/2016/01/04/best-of-2015-day-four-adventure-platformer-dlcexpansion-mobile/185014/ |title=Best of 2015 – Day Four: Adventure, Platformer, DLC/Expansion, Mobile |date=4 January 2016 |work=Hardcore Gamer |access-date=5 January 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160106004616/http://www.hardcoregamer.com/2016/01/04/best-of-2015-day-four-adventure-platformer-dlcexpansion-mobile/185014/ |archive-date=6 January 2016 }} PlayStation Blog's Best of 2015 nominated the game for Best PS4 Game, and chose it as runner-up in the Best Story, Best Soundtrack, and Best Digital-Only Release classifications.{{cite web|url=http://blog.us.playstation.com/2015/12/18/vote-now-ps-blog-game-of-the-year-2015-awards/ |title=Vote Now: PS.Blog Game of the Year 2015 Awards |first=Justin |last=Massongill |date=18 December 2015 |work=PlayStation Blog |access-date=19 December 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222082910/http://blog.us.playstation.com/2015/12/18/vote-now-ps-blog-game-of-the-year-2015-awards/ |archive-date=22 December 2015 }}{{cite web|url=http://blog.us.playstation.com/2016/01/12/winners-ps-blog-2015-game-of-the-year-awards/ |title=Winners: PlayStation.Blog 2015 Game of the Year Awards |first=Justin |last=Massongill |date=12 January 2016 |work=PlayStation Blog |access-date=13 January 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160118134622/http://blog.us.playstation.com/2016/01/12/winners-ps-blog-2015-game-of-the-year-awards/ |archive-date=18 January 2016 }} It won New Games IP – PC/console and Use of Narrative at the Develop Industry Excellence Awards in 2015.{{cite web |last=Batchelor |first=James |date=15 July 2015 |title=Develop Awards 2015: The winners revealed |url=http://www.develop-online.net/news/develop-awards-2015-the-winners-revealed/0208946 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150716164603/http://www.develop-online.net/news/develop-awards-2015-the-winners-revealed/0208946 |archive-date=16 July 2015 |access-date=16 July 2015 |work=Develop}} At the Global Game Awards, Episode 1 won Best Adventure and Best Original Game, and came in second place for Best Story and Game of the Year.{{Cite web |last=Boccher |first=Michael |date=27 November 2015 |title=Life is Strange takes home Best Original Game and Best Adventure at Global Game Awards |url=https://www.gamezone.com/news/life-is-strange-takes-home-best-original-game-and-best-adventure-at-global-game-awards-3430323/ |access-date=6 July 2022 |website=GameZone |language=en-US |archive-date=6 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220706114336/https://www.gamezone.com/news/life-is-strange-takes-home-best-original-game-and-best-adventure-at-global-game-awards-3430323/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web|url=http://www.game-debate.com/awards/2015/nominee/life-is-strange-episode-1 |title=Life Is Strange – Episode 1 |work=Game Debate |access-date=26 November 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151127004643/http://www.game-debate.com/awards/2015/nominee/life-is-strange-episode-1 |archive-date=27 November 2015}}

{{Main|Life Is Strange}}

After Life Is Strange achieved financial and commercial success, Dontnod Entertainment started to become more prominent in the video game industry; publishers pursued the studio for the first time, whereas they previously had to pursue publishers themselves. CEO Oskar Guilbert said that the game saved his company financially after the mediocre sales of Remember Me.{{cite web|url=http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/how-life-is-strange-changed-dontnod/0174354 |title=How Life is Strange changed Dontnod |first=Christopher |last=Dring |date=25 October 2016 |website=MCV |access-date=25 October 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161026080029/http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/how-life-is-strange-changed-dontnod/0174354 |archive-date=26 October 2016 }} The Washington Post noted it as passing the "Steven Spielberg test" for video games as an art form{{snd}}that "video games will prove their worth as a potent storytelling art form 'when somebody confesses that they cried at level 17.{{'"}}{{snd}}in their review.{{cite web|last1=Byrd|first1=Christopher|date=8 January 2016|title='Life is Strange' passes the Spielberg test for video game as artform|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/comic-riffs/wp/2016/01/08/life-is-strange-passes-the-spielberg-test-for-video-game-as-artform/|newspaper=Washington Post|access-date=23 May 2021|archive-date=23 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210923072216/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/comic-riffs/wp/2016/01/08/life-is-strange-passes-the-spielberg-test-for-video-game-as-artform/|url-status=live}} Fans speculated and made theories about the plot, as well as predicting part of a possible ending.{{Cite web|last=Klepek|first=Patrick|title=I Hope This Theory About Life Is Strange's Last Episode Is Wrong|url=https://kotaku.com/i-hope-this-theory-about-life-is-stranges-last-episode-1737361284|access-date=|website=Kotaku|date=19 October 2015|language=en-us|archive-date=24 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624203733/https://kotaku.com/i-hope-this-theory-about-life-is-stranges-last-episode-1737361284|url-status=live}}

In 2016, Square Enix sponsored its own "Everyday Heroes" photography contest, inspired by the game, offering a {{USD|10,000}} scholarship for the winning entry.{{Cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/2016/1/26/10834900/life-is-strange-everyday-heroes-scholarship-fund-contest | title = Life is Strange sponsors actual Everyday Heroes photo contest | first = Allegra | last = Frank | date = 26 January 2016 | access-date = 1 October 2018 | work = Polygon | archive-date = 2 October 2018 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181002023138/https://www.polygon.com/2016/1/26/10834900/life-is-strange-everyday-heroes-scholarship-fund-contest | url-status = live }} Square Enix also coordinated with Parent Advocacy Coalition for Educational Rights (PACER) to support an anti-bullying initiative based on themes within the game{{cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/2016/1/13/10763900/life-is-strange-everyday-heroes-pacer-national-bullying-prevention | title = Life is Strange charity challenge asks 'everyday heroes' to prevent bullying | first = Allegra | last = Frank | date = 13 January 2016 | access-date = 1 October 2018 | work = Polygon | archive-date = 2 October 2018 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181002021631/https://www.polygon.com/2016/1/13/10763900/life-is-strange-everyday-heroes-pacer-national-bullying-prevention | url-status = live }} and donated a total amount of $25,000.{{Cite tweet|number=691672571826298880|user=LifeIsStrange|title=Thanks to all your #everydayheroes stories we will be donating $25,000 to @PACER_NBPC to help their cause.|author=Life is Strange|date=25 January 2016}}

In July 2016, Legendary Digital Studios and Square Enix announced that they would be adapting Life Is Strange as a digital series.{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/legendary-tackling-adaptation-life-is-914899 |title=Legendary Tackling Adaptation of 'Life Is Strange' Video Game (Exclusive) |first=Borys |last=Kit |date=27 July 2016 |work=The Hollywood Reporter |access-date=27 July 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160728134633/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/legendary-tackling-adaptation-life-is-914899 |archive-date=28 July 2016 }} At the time of the announcement, they were meeting with potential writers for the series adaptation, which would be set in Arcadia Bay.{{cite web|url=https://www.legendary.com/legendary-digital-studios-partners-with-square-enix-and-dj2-to-adapt-award-winning-episodic-videogame-life-is-strange-into-digital-series/|title=Legendary Digital Studios Partners with Square Enix and dj2 to Adapt Award Winning Episodic Videogame Life Is Strange into Digital Series|date=27 July 2016|work=Legendary Entertainment|access-date=30 July 2016|archive-date=1 June 2017|archive-url=https://archive.today/20170601063430/https://www.legendary.com/legendary-digital-studios-partners-with-square-enix-and-dj2-to-adapt-award-winning-episodic-videogame-life-is-strange-into-digital-series/|url-status=live}} In 2017, dj2 Entertainment sold the rights to the series to streaming service Hulu.{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2017/12/europacorp-tv-studios-option-ruiner-video-game-dj2-1202223370/|title=Europacorp TV Studios Options 'Ruiner' Video Game; DJ2 To Produce|first=Erik|last=Pedersen|date=11 December 2017|website=Deadline Hollywood|archive-date=12 December 2017|archive-url=https://archive.today/20171212174622/http://deadline.com/2017/12/europacorp-tv-studios-option-ruiner-video-game-dj2-1202223370/|url-status=live}}

Life Is Strange: Before the Storm, a prequel developed by Deck Nine, launched on 31 August 2017.{{cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/e3/2017/6/11/15779506/life-is-strange-prequel-before-the-storm-release-date|title=Life is Strange prequel Before the Storm debuts this summer (update)|first=Samit|last=Sarkar|date=11 June 2017|website=Polygon|publisher=Vox Media|archive-date=12 June 2017|archive-url=https://archive.today/20170612033310/https://www.polygon.com/e3/2017/6/11/15779506/life-is-strange-prequel-before-the-storm-release-date|url-status=live}} Other games in the series featuring new locations and characters include Life Is Strange 2, released in September 2018, three months after the launch of its free spin-off The Awesome Adventures of Captain Spirit,{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:{{cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/2015/6/24/8838761/life-is-strange-season-2-new-cast |title=Life is Strange's second season would star a new cast (if it happened) |first=Megan |last=Farokhmanesh |date=24 June 2015 |website=Polygon |publisher=Vox Media |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161201154029/http://www.polygon.com/2015/6/24/8838761/life-is-strange-season-2-new-cast |archive-date=1 December 2016}}{{cite web|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2018-06-22-life-is-strange-2s-first-episode-has-a-release-date|title=Life is Strange 2's first episode has a release date|first=Tom|last=Phillips|date=22 June 2018|website=Eurogamer|access-date=23 June 2018|archive-date=22 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180622172231/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2018-06-22-life-is-strange-2s-first-episode-has-a-release-date|url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=https://www.theverge.com/2018/6/10/17446874/the-awesome-adventures-of-captain-spirit-release-date-life-is-strange |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180610210842/https://www.theverge.com/2018/6/10/17446874/the-awesome-adventures-of-captain-spirit-release-date-life-is-strange |title=New Life is Strange game, The Awesome Adventures of Captain Spirit, coming June 26th |last=Farokhmanesh |first=Megan |website=The Verge |date=10 June 2018 |access-date=10 June 2018 |archive-date=10 June 2018 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=https://www.engadget.com/2018/06/10/life-is-strange-awesome-adventures-captain-spirit |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180610211011/https://www.engadget.com/2018/06/10/life-is-strange-awesome-adventures-captain-spirit/ |title='Life is Strange' returns with 'The Awesome Adventures of Captain Spirit' |last=Summers |first=Nick |website=Engadget |date=10 June 2018 |access-date=10 June 2018 |archive-date=10 June 2018 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=https://www.polygon.com/e3/2018/6/10/17446838/the-awesome-adventures-of-captain-spirit-microsoft-e3-2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180610211015/https://www.polygon.com/e3/2018/6/10/17446838/the-awesome-adventures-of-captain-spirit-microsoft-e3-2018 |title=The Awesome Adventures of Captain Spirit is a '100 percent free' game in the Life is Strange universe |last=Kuchera |first=Ben |website=Polygon |date=10 June 2018 |access-date=10 June 2018 |archive-date=10 June 2018 |url-status=live}}}} and Life Is Strange: True Colors, released in September 2021.{{Cite web |title=Life is Strange: True Colors stars an Asian American lead in an all-new adventure |website=Polygon |date=18 March 2021 |url=https://www.polygon.com/2021/3/18/22334256/life-is-strange-true-colors-release-date-mxmtoon |access-date=23 April 2023 |language=en-US |archive-date=3 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210603183532/https://www.polygon.com/2021/3/18/22334256/life-is-strange-true-colors-release-date-mxmtoon |url-status=live }}

A comic book series of the same name, set after the "Sacrifice Arcadia Bay" ending of the game, was released by Titan Comics beginning November 2018.{{cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/life-is-strange-comic-series-announced/1100-6457809/|title=Life Is Strange Comic Series Announced|first=Kevin|last=Knezevic|date=29 March 2018|website=GameSpot|archive-date=30 March 2018|archive-url=https://archive.today/20180330030815/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/life-is-strange-comic-series-announced/1100-6457809/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2018-05-03-life-is-strange-official-comic-continues-one-of-the-games-endings|title=Life is Strange official comic continues one of the game's endings|first=Tom|last=Phillips|date=3 May 2018|website=Eurogamer|archive-date=3 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180503165127/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2018-05-03-life-is-strange-official-comic-continues-one-of-the-games-endings|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.comicsbeat.com/sdcc18-titan-finally-gives-more-life-is-strange-details/|title=SDCC'18: Titan Finally Announces LIFE IS STRANGE Creative Team Details|first=Davey|last=Nieves|date=21 July 2018|website=Comics Beat|archive-date=21 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180721181157/http://www.comicsbeat.com/sdcc18-titan-finally-gives-more-life-is-strange-details/|url-status=dead|access-date=23 July 2018}} The comic is written by Emma Vieceli, with interior and cover art by Claudia Leonardi and colours by Andrea Izzo. Square Enix also partnered with Titan Comics to produce Life Is Strange: Welcome to Blackwell Academy, a tie-in book about Blackwell Academy and the town of Arcadia Bay, written by Matt Forbeck.{{cite web|url=https://www.hardcoregamer.com/2018/09/03/return-to-arcadia-bay-in-upcoming-life-is-strange-welcome-to-blackwell-academy/311036/|title=Return to Arcadia Bay in Upcoming Life Is Strange: Welcome to Blackwell Academy|first=Adnan|last=Riaz|date=3 September 2018|website=Hardcore Gamer|archive-date=4 September 2018|archive-url=https://archive.today/20180904110407/https://www.hardcoregamer.com/2018/09/03/return-to-arcadia-bay-in-upcoming-life-is-strange-welcome-to-blackwell-academy/311036/|url-status=live|access-date=4 September 2018}}

Remastered versions of Life Is Strange and Before the Storm were released in February 2022 as Life Is Strange Remastered Collection on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, Google Stadia and at a later date on Nintendo Switch.{{cite news |last= Lyles |first= Taylor |date= 24 September 2021 |title= Life Is Strange Remastered Collection Arrives This February |url= https://www.ign.com/articles/life-is-strange-remastered-collection-release-date-february-2022 |work= IGN |access-date= 13 November 2021 |archive-date= 13 November 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20211113073042/https://www.ign.com/articles/life-is-strange-remastered-collection-release-date-february-2022 |url-status= live }}{{cite web |last1=Carpenter |first1=Nicole |title=Life is Strange: True Colors, remastered collection coming to Nintendo Switch |url=https://www.polygon.com/22535139/life-is-strange-collection-nintendo-e3-switch |website=Polygon |language=en |date=15 June 2021 |access-date=15 June 2021 |archive-date=15 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210615162541/https://www.polygon.com/22535139/life-is-strange-collection-nintendo-e3-switch |url-status=live }} The remaster includes previously released content with updated visuals and gameplay puzzles, improved character animation, engine and lighting upgrades, and full facial motion capture.{{cite news |last= Williams |first= Demi |date= 18 March 2021 |title= 'Life Is Strange' Remastered Collection has been announced |url= https://www.nme.com/news/gaming-news/life-is-strange-remastered-collection-has-been-announced-2903439 |work= NME |access-date= 18 March 2021 |archive-date= 18 March 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210318191528/https://www.nme.com/news/gaming-news/life-is-strange-remastered-collection-has-been-announced-2903439 |url-status= live }}

Developed by Deck Nine, Life Is Strange: Double Exposure features an older Max Caulfield who discovers the ability to experience two parallel timelines simultaneously as she tries to prevent the murder of her friend Safi. It was released on 29 October 2024, for Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC.{{Cite web |last=Valentine |first=Rebekah |date=2024-06-09 |title=Life Is Strange: Double Exposure Revealed, Features Return of Max Caulfield |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/life-is-strange-double-exposure-revealed-features-return-of-max-caulfield |access-date=2024-06-10 |website=IGN |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Koselke |first=Anna |date=2024-06-09 |title=Life is Strange: Double Exposure is bringing the series' first protagonist, Max Caulfield, back for a new adventure in October |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/games/adventure/life-is-strange-double-exposure-is-bringing-the-series-first-protagonist-max-caulfield-back-for-a-new-adventure-in-october/ |access-date=2024-06-10 |website=GamesRadar+ |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2024-06-09 |title=We're officially getting another Life is Strange game this fall |url=https://www.engadget.com/were-officially-getting-another-life-is-strange-game-this-fall-193230167.html |access-date=2024-06-10 |website=Engadget |language=en-US}}

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