Honest Game Trailers Season 4 Episode 80 LIFE IS STRANGE (Honest Game Trailers)
- January 19, 2016
In this episode of Honest Game Trailers, the focus turns to one of the most beloved interactive stories of the last decade - LIFE IS STRANGE. With its gripping narrative, memorable characters, and innovative time-manipulating mechanic, this episodic adventure game captured the hearts and minds of gamers around the world upon its initial release in 2015.
The video starts out by acknowledging the game's unique setting of Arcadia Bay, Oregon, where the serene coastal town is home to protagonist Max Caulfield - a shy and introverted student at Blackwell Academy. As the game's story progresses, Max discovers that she has the ability to rewind time, which sets off a chain of events that ultimately has her and her childhood friend Chloe Price trying to solve the mystery of a missing girl named Rachel Amber.
The game's story and characters receive high praise during the video, with special attention given to the game's take on teenage angst, which tackles topics like bullying, suicide, and drug abuse in a mature and empathetic way. Even the game's infamous "emo" references are acknowledged, with the narrator describing the game's use of mainstream indie rock as "the hipster playlist from your local coffee shop."
The video also highlights some of the game's pivotal moments, such as the decision to either let Chloe's father die in a car accident or rewrite history to save him - a choice that has long-lasting consequences on the game's story. Additionally, the video touches on the game's bittersweet ending, which brings the story full circle in a way that may not satisfy all players.
Of course, no Honest Game Trailer would be complete without a few jabs at the game's quirks and shortcomings. The video pokes fun at the game's sometimes awkward dialogue and lip syncing, as well as its tendency to rely on "convenient" plot devices to move the story along. The game's puzzles also come under scrutiny, with the narrator quipping that "some of the puzzles are so convoluted that you'll feel like you rewound time a thousand times just to figure them out."
All in all, this episode of Honest Game Trailers does an excellent job of summarizing what makes LIFE IS STRANGE such a memorable and emotionally affecting game. It lovingly pokes fun at the game's flaws while giving credit where credit is due to its expertly crafted story and characters. Whether you're a die-hard fan of the game or have yet to experience it for yourself, this video is definitely worth a view.