As a seasoned gamer and a long-time fan of the Life is Strange series, I must say that Double Exposure truly did not disappoint me. Having played through the original and several other games in this franchise, I was initially skeptical about Deck Nine’s ability to deliver a worthy sequel. But boy, was I wrong!
The Life is Strange series, renowned for its powerful narratives and memorable characters, has produced several standout episodes. However, if you ask a fan which one they prefer most, chances are they’ll choose the first one, developed by Dontnod Entertainment and Square Enix in 2015. Now, with Life is Strange: Double Exposure, developers Deck Nine are tasked with creating a sequel, bringing back popular character Max Caulfield to center stage once more.
The choice to revisit Max and produce a direct continuation of the initial game sparked some curiosity, as people pondered how the spin-off titled Double Exposure could both validate its own existence and faithfully continue the original story while providing a fresh narrative around Max that can match up with our past experiences. Although nothing will ever equal the influence of the original Life is Strange, which occurred almost a decade ago, I am convinced that Double Exposure deserves to be labeled as a worthy sequel. It’s a delightful comeback for Max, a significant extension of her initial tale, and an impressive new addition to the series, crafting what might be one of its most powerful stories yet.
Although nothing can match the influence that the initial “Life is Strange” had over a decade ago, I’m certain that “Double Exposure” lives up to being a fitting sequel. It’s a delightful reappearance for Max, a thoughtful continuation of her original tale, and an impressive addition to the series, presenting what could be one of its most compelling stories yet.
In Double Exposure, ten years after the initial events, Max resides at Caledon University in Vermont, now a resident photographer, having left behind her days of time manipulation abilities, though they remain vivid memories. The tranquility she’s cultivated is disrupted when she discovers her dear friend Safi deceased in the snow. This unfortunate event resurrects Max’s dormant powers, but with a twist: instead of rewinding time, she can now leap between two distinct timelines – one where Safi is alive and another where she isn’t. Determined to uncover her friend’s killer and prevent the tragedy in both worlds, Max treads cautiously, aware that over-reliance on her powers in the past led to unfavorable outcomes.
The scenario is engagingly set up, and the game skillfully builds tension by adding complexity upon complexity as it zeroes in on its core enigma. On numerous instances, it took me off guard with its unexpected turns and unmaskings. Equally integral to the game’s narrative prowess, however, are the characters in “Double Exposure.” Max remains an adorable character, much like she was in the series’ initial installment, and is supported by a richly developed ensemble of personalities. From charming companions to intricate individuals with complex histories to those you can’t help but despise, the characters in “Double Exposure” are filled with depth, well-crafted, and superbly performed. Each character leaves an impression and secures their role in the story.
Despite the fact that “Double Exposure” can be enjoyed independently without needing prior knowledge, it is indeed Max Caulfield’s second major adventure. The question then arises: how effectively does it function as a sequel? In my opinion, the game successfully strikes a balance between being a self-contained story and continuing the narrative of the first game. Without revealing spoilers for either installment, “Double Exposure” acknowledges both endings of the first “Life is Strange,” allowing you to choose which one to follow. From that point onward, Max’s history with Chloe, her time-rewind powers, and other background details are referenced throughout texts, journal entries, conversations, and so forth, while the game primarily focuses on its own distinct storyline.
The “Double Exposure” technique strikes a perfect balance, engaging both those who are encountering it for the first time with an intriguing tale of their own, and long-time enthusiasts with a narrative that offers enough depth to satisfy them.
Indeed, it’s less accurate in the latter part of the game as the narrative begins to introduce more pronounced and direct elements related to Max’s past in Arcadia Bay, revealing enough without diving into spoilers. Essentially, Double Exposure manages to strike a balance between being accessible for newcomers while still providing a satisfying experience for returning fans.
In the game, the impact of your decisions and their consequences are usually well-executed. Games like Life is Strange have consistently delivered in this aspect, and Double Exposure continues to follow suit. There were numerous instances where I had to carefully consider the choices presented, pondering over the potential outcomes of my actions, not just for major, impactful decisions, but also for more personal and seemingly minor ones as well.
The game isn’t without its storytelling flaws, as has been a pattern with this franchise. To be accurate, Double Exposure is not the most flawlessly written game within the series. However, it does stand out as one of the better-written installments, and like other games from Deck Nine, the dialogue generally feels quite natural and authentic. Nevertheless, there are instances where character interactions can seem a bit awkward or unnatural, while the game also tends to resort to slightly annoying plot devices at times to generate tension or drama that sometimes appears forced. This doesn’t occur frequently, but when it does, it’s hard to ignore, and it does have an impact on the overall believability of the narrative, even if the effect is minor.
There have been several instances when the game made me stop and consider carefully, as it offered challenging situations that required thoughtful decision-making, and I had to ponder over the possible outcomes of my actions.
In terms of gameplay, Double Exposure plays much like a typical Life is Strange game. The setting at Caledon University is well-developed, and exploring its snowy landscapes across two timelines is generally quite enjoyable. Whether you’re probing intriguing elements in your surroundings, engaging in dialogues with various characters, discovering optional items or collectibles, or just leisurely walking through pleasing environments, it’s all part of the experience.
In another twist, Max’s unique time-related skills significantly enhance the gaming experience in an intriguing manner. Max can leap between two different timelines, and she can perceive and listen to events happening in either timeline she isn’t currently in. These abilities are consistently employed to solve puzzles, although they never become overly complex. However, “engaging yet straightforward” aptly describes the overall gameplay experience, which aligns perfectly with what one would anticipate from a Life is Strange game.
As a fan, I’d say that visually, Double Exposure is quite striking. It may not leave you completely awestruck, but the overall look of the environments, characters, and their movements are generally sharp and well-done. There are some minor hiccups, like texture pop-in issues and occasional animation bugs, as well as some unsettling facial expressions during dialogues, but these flaws never reach a point where they disrupt the gameplay experience (at least in my playthrough).
In a more natural and easier-to-read manner, the sentence could be rephrased as follows: “The game ‘Life is Strange: Double Exposure’ represents a strong second appearance of the beloved character Max Caulfield.
In easy-to-understand language: Life is Strange: Double Exposure serves as an impressive follow-up for cherished character Max Caulfield. Given the reverence many still hold for the original, it was expected that some would be wary about whether Deck Nine could create a sequel that wasn’t just a money-grabbing tribute to nostalgia, but they definitely succeeded in doing so. Double Exposure establishes and legitimizes its existence from the very beginning, and spins an engaging story that will keep you captivated until the very end.
This game was reviewed on the Xbox Series X.
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2024-10-28 19:41