Image rights: Square Enix.Life Is Strange gave the adventure genre a
shot in the arm when it was released a couple
of years ago. What could have been a fairly
conventional point–and–click adventure was
enriched by a strong, involving story about
teenagers Max and Chloe as they search for
a missing friend — and Max’s discovery that
she has the ability to rewind time and change
the decisions that she makes along the way.
Rather than being a direct sequel, Life Is
Strange 2 introduces an entirely new story
that focuses on two young brothers, Sean
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that leaves their father dead, so they decide
to head south from Seattle to their father’s
old home in Mexico. Like its predecessor,
Life Is Strange 2 was released as a series of
episodes, each costing $7.99 (you can buy the
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although that doesn’t actually save you any
money, which is a little disappointing).
Sixteen-year-old Sean is the older brother,
and the game lets you play as Sean as youLife Is Strange 2
Protect your super–powered sibling on the long road home
$39.99 From Square Enix, lifeisstrange.com
Needs macOS Catalina 10.15LIFE IS STRANGE 2
Strong, dramatic
storytelling
Attractive graphics and
soundtrack
Uneven pace
Shame about the
M–rating
GOODtake care of the younger Daniel, with each
episode seeing the two brothers visiting new
locations on the road to Mexico. There are
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you beg, borrow or steal the things you need?
— and things get even more complicated
when Sean discovers Daniel has telekinetic
powers. The game’s “education” system
means Daniel learns from Sean’s choices and
behavior, so the way that you play as Sean
will ultimately decide how the game ends.
The storytelling can seem a little leisurely
at times and, like all adventure games, it
involves a lot of clicking on random objects
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it’s a well–written story, and there are
moments when Daniel’s super–powers take
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heroes on the run from evil grown-ups. It’s
a shame, though, that some (mostly
unnecessary) F–bombs help to earn the game
an M–rating, as the story would appeal to
many younger players. The game also
requires Catalina (10.15) and a fairly recent
Mac to run, so make sure to check the system
requirements before buying.
THE BOTTOM LINE. The game takes some
time to warm up, but there are plenty of
Ľuhzrunv#dorqj#wkh#zd|1#CLIFF JOSEPHYou play as big brother
Sean, protecting and
teaching the super–
powered Daniel.“You wouldn’t like me when I’m angry!” Daniel’s
telekinetic powers will affect the final outcome.
Reviews
48 APR 2020 maclife.com